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Overcoming Test Anxiety

Most students experience some level of anxiety during an exam.

However, when anxiety negatively affects exam performance it has become a problem.


Build confidence.

  • Be persistent and keep up with course material. Complete homework the day it is covered.
  • Ask questions along the way!
  • Get to know your professor. Go to office hours.
  • Consistently come to the MLC.

Prepare for the test.

  • Personalize Success. Visualize yourself doing well on the test.
  • Be prepared! Master the class notes. Review homework problems. Examine past errors.
  • A program of exercise is said to sharpen the mind.
  • Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam.
  • Don't go to the exam with an empty stomach.
    Fresh fruits and vegetables reduce stress. Processed foods, sugars tend to increase stress.
  • Take a small healthy snack to help take your mind off of your anxiety. Drink water to stay hydrated.
  • Allow yourself plenty of time and arrive a little early.
  • Choose a comfortable location for taking the test with good lighting and minimal distractions.
  • Strive for a relaxed state of concentration. Avoid thinking you need to cram just before the test.
  • Avoid speaking with fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity, who distract you.

Complete the test with confidence.

  • Write yourself a positive note on your test paper. “I can do this!”
  • Write down any formulas you have memorized.
  • Read the directions carefully.
  • Budget your test taking time.
  • Change positions to help you relax.
  • If you go blank, skip the question and go on.
  • Don't panic when students start handing in their papers. There's no reward for finishing first.
  • Relax. You are in control. Take slow, deep breaths.
  • Don’t think about the fear. Pause: think about the next step and keep on task, step by step.
  • Use positive reinforcement for yourself. Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing, your best
  • Some anxiety is actually good! You need a certain level of anxiety to focus and perform your best.

Review how you did on the test

  • List what worked and hold onto these strategies.
  • List what did not work and put those strategies aside.
  • Celebrate that you are on the road to overcoming this obstacle.
  • Overcoming anxiety is a process. Take one step at a time.

Use Available Resources

  • For more help with test anxiety, set up an individual counseling appointment at the Cowell Center
    (408) 554-4501.
  • If eligible for academic accommodations, have them in place and use them. Contact the Office of Accessible Education at (408) 554-4109 or oae@scu.edu  and discuss the accommodations with your instructor ahead of time.