<p>I was a non-beleiver in test anxiety until I saw it up close and personal (sleepless the night before, vomiting on test day…). The bigger the test (SAT/ACT), the worse that it becomes… </p>
<p>While there is a lot of info on the web, I thought I’d reach out to the cc community and inquire if anyone knew of any high(er) quality web sites/self-help suggestions/references? Or, is therapy/counseling the recommended action?</p>
<p>bluebayou-I have seen it first hand. My D worked with with a therapist and also with her test prep tutor. Things that helped. Getting to the test site early. Sit in the car and write down all your fears (strangely this did help). The suggestion of finding a smaller test site. D’s tutor suggested a small private boarding school about 20 minutes away. My D found the smaller test site to be less anxiety producing. Breathing. Also letting her know that each time she took the test it would get better as she became familiar with the location and material.</p>
<p>Musicians and other performers often take a small dose of a beta blocker (Inderal) to overcome debilitating stage fright. I googled “Inderal test anxiety” and came up with this OLD article from the LA Times indicating that it does indeed help with test anxiety. However the Dr. quoted has a very important caution, that it may not be a good idea to teach kids that drugs are the answer to all problems. Still, sometimes I think there is an important role for medications in helping people deal with unique situations. </p>
<p>[Propranolol</a> For Test Anxiety | Drug Overcomes Test Anxiety, Study Concludes - Los Angeles Times](<a href=“Drug Overcomes Test Anxiety, Study Concludes”>Drug Overcomes Test Anxiety, Study Concludes)</p>
<p>To me, the best remedy for test anxiety is taking a lot of practice tests, and taking the test itself several times. In other words, familiarity. This is a practical solution for the SAT and ACT, maybe not if you are talking about other tests.</p>
<p>It may be of some use to take your notes & construct a series of questions in the structure of the teat in question (if you know it) out of them, or have a friend write them for you. Tell yourself at X o’clock you’re going to take your mock test & try to simulate the test environment with similar time-limits, not using notes, etc. That’s why you take so many practice SATs & AP exams. The exercise also helps you study!</p>