Test

Tips for test taking

Prepare -

Study! Some say they have test anxiety, when in reality they are excusing their lack of preparation.

Know that waiting until the last minute can increase the stress hormone cortisol in your system. This hormone has been shown to reduce memory.

Organize your time as you prepare for the test. When you are studying, study. Make your study area uncluttered and conducive for concentration. At times when, don't let it dwell on your mind. Relax.

Act as though you are going to cheat, but don't (this suggestion came from a University of Texas biology professor). Pretend that you can sneak in a 3X5 card and then write down all the information in that space that would help you pass the test. Review it until you have memorized it.

Have all the test-taking materials together and ready the night before the test (pencils, pens, calculator, scantron, etc).

Avoid frightened, negative and anxious people or you'll catch what they have.

Get to the test site early. Go to the restroom, get a drink of water. Choose a seat where you will be least distracted.

Take care of yourself -

Stay away from drugs and alcohol (some give false confidence, while others will rob you of your motivation to study).

Eat three healthy meals a day.

Get plenty of sleep. Don't stay up all night before a test: it will hurt you more than help you.

Exercise - to get rid of tension and help in thinking more clearly. Put study material on cards and walk and study at the same time. Listen to exam reviews on a CD or tape as you run.

Keep yourself relaxed and confident -

Remind yourself that you have done a great job in your preparation.

Visualize success.

Stop negative thoughts and worry. Literally put your hand out in front of you like a traffic cop and say, "Stop! You are going to do fine." to interrupt a cycle of anxiousness.

Stay relaxed and comfortable, but maintain alertness. Remember that being too laid-back or too anxious can negatively affect your test outcome. If you feel yourself getting too nervous, take some deep breaths and smile as you breathe out. If you are feeling too calm or getting a "who cares" attitude, give yourself a pep talk, sit up straight and regain your determination.

Back to Test stress

	Study! Some say they have test anxiety, when in reality they are excusing their lack of preparation.
	Know that waiting until the last minute can increase the stress hormone cortisol in your system. This hormone has been shown to reduce memory.
	Organize your time as you prepare for the test. When you are studying, study. Make your study area uncluttered and conducive for concentration. At times when, don't let it dwell on your mind. Relax.
	Act as though you are going to cheat, but don't (this suggestion came from a University of Texas biology professor). Pretend that you can sneak in a 3X5 card and then write down all the information in that space that would help you pass the test. Review it until you have memorized it.
	Have all the test-taking materials together and ready the night before the test (pencils, pens, calculator, scantron, etc).
	Avoid frightened, negative and anxious people or you'll catch what they have.
	Get to the test site early. Go to the restroom, get a drink of water. Choose a seat where you will be least distracted.

	Stay away from drugs and alcohol (some give false confidence, while others will rob you of your motivation to study).
	Eat three healthy meals a day.
	Get plenty of sleep. Don't stay up all night before a test: it will hurt you more than help you.
	Exercise - to get rid of tension and help in thinking more clearly. Put study material on cards and walk and study at the same time. Listen to exam reviews on a CD or tape as you run.

	Remind yourself that you have done a great job in your preparation.
	Visualize success.
	Stop negative thoughts and worry. Literally put your hand out in front of you like a traffic cop and say, "Stop! You are going to do fine." to interrupt a cycle of anxiousness.
	Stay relaxed and comfortable, but maintain alertness. Remember that being too laid-back or too anxious can negatively affect your test outcome. If you feel yourself getting too nervous, take some deep breaths and smile as you breathe out. If you are feeling too calm or getting a "who cares" attitude, give yourself a pep talk, sit up straight and regain your determination.