<p>Jmmom–I’m cutting and pasting the worksheet I use in workshops for students in my program. The formatting is a little off, so I hope it’s readable.</p>
<p>I’m following it with the test taking pages at some of my favorite study skills sites online.</p>
<p>Hope this is helpful–you’re doing such important work!!!</p>
<p>Be Prepared
If your anxiety is a direct result of lack of preparation, consider it a normal, rational reaction. However, if you are adequately prepared but still panic, “blank out”, and/or overreact, your reaction is not rational.
Avoid “cramming” for a test. Trying to master a semester’s worth of material the day before the test is a poor way to learn and can easily produce anxiety. This is not the time to try to learn a great deal of material.
Combine all the information you have been presented throughout the semester and work on mastering the main concepts of the course.
When studying for the test, ask yourself what questions may be asked and try to answer them from lectures, notes, texts, and supplementary readings.
If you are unable to cover all the material given throughout the semester, select important portions that you can cover well.
Take Control of Your Thoughts
Remind yourself that a test is only a test — there will be others.
Avoid thinking of yourself in irrational, all-or-nothing terms.<br>
Reward yourself after the test — see a movie, go out to eat, visit with friends.
Replace negative self-talk with positive. When you’re telling yourself you can’t do it, immediately remind yourself of a time you had success.
Learn relaxation techniques—visit the Relaxation Station at the Wellness Center.
Take Care of Yourself
Don’t forget to eat!
Follow a moderate pace when studying; vary your work when possible and take breaks when needed.
Get plenty of sleep the night before the test.
Once you feel you are adequately prepared for the test, do something relaxing.
The Day of the Test
Begin your day with a moderate breakfast and avoid coffee if you are prone to "caffeine jitters.”
Try to do something relaxing the hour before the test — last minute cramming will cloud your mastering of the overall concepts of the course.
Plan to arrive at the test location early.
Avoid people who generate anxiety and upset your stability.
During the Test: Basic Strategies</p>
<p> First review the entire test; then read the directions twice. Work on the easiest portions of the test first.
For essay questions, start by making a short outline for yourself. For short-answer questions, answer only what is asked — short and to the point
For multiple choice questions, read all the options first, then eliminate the most obvious. Unsure of the correct response? Rely on your first impression, then move on quickly. Beware of tricky qualifying words such as “only,” “always,” or “most.”
Do not rush through the test. Wear a watch and check it frequently as you pace yourself. If it appears you will be unable to finish the entire test, concentrate on those parts that you can answer well. Try to leave time to check over your answers.
During the Test: Anxiety Control
Tell yourself “I can be anxious later, now is the time to take the exam.”
Focus on answering the question, not on your grade or others’ performances.
Counter negative thoughts with other, more valid thoughts like, “I don’t have to be perfect.”
Tense and relax muscles throughout your body; take a couple of slow deep breaths and try to maintain a positive attitude.
If allowed, get a drink or go to the bathroom.
Think for a moment about the post-exam reward you promised yourself. (But only for a moment—don’t lose yourself daydreaming!)
After the Test
Afterward, be sure to follow through on the reward you promised yourself — and enjoy it! Try not to dwell on all the mistakes you might have made; always focus on the positive!</p>
<p>For the Future</p>
<p>After you have had a chance to relax, think back about what worked for you and what didn’t. Did you put into practice positive self-talk? Did you feel you were adequately prepared? Did you get enough sleep? Did you remember to eat something? </p>
<p><a href=“Home | Academic Skills Center”>Home | Academic Skills Center;
<p><a href=“http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html[/url]”>http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://education.boisestate.edu/ssp/anxiety.html[/url]”>http://education.boisestate.edu/ssp/anxiety.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/general/testtaking.html[/url]”>http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/general/testtaking.html</a></p>