Most test-taking anxieties can be resolved with the confidence that comes with being prepared. However, extreme cases can be helped with professional intervention. Your school counseling center or medical group can help you overcome anxiety disorders. Learning challenges, such as dyslexia or processing disorders can cause an intelligent student to perform poorly on tests. Interventions such as allowing extra time, providing oral tests or alternate assignments are available in many situations. Make your instructor aware of any special conditions, and involve the counseling center if necessary. Tests should not be monsters in the closet; they are learning experiences.
Take good notes and make notecards. Read the notes out loud to yourself or to another person. Teach another person something about each topic in your notes. Repetition will help you retain information, and teaching will help you understand the details. Use study-group review sessions to practice problem-solving and quiz each other. Use your previous work as study aids and pay special attention to problems previously missed or reasons for losing points on assignments.
Having studied for a big test, pay attention to details that affect test-taking. Make sure you have the necessary tools, No. 2 pencils, pens, calculator, graph paper, protractor, erasers, scantrons, etc. Don't sleep in; set several alarm clocks if necessary. Eat before a test, but avoid heavy foods that could make you sleepy. Arrive at class early and remove distractions from your workspace. Review your notes and notecards, pay special attention to formulas and key terms. Remember, your most important tool is a good attitude. Think positive and relax.
Once the test begins, stay focused, but don't rush. On your first time through the test, answer the questions you know, and skip the ones you don't. Go back to the questions you skipped after you have answered all the easy questions. If a question asks you to analyze passages, start by reading the questions first, then read the passage and fill in the answer when you find it. Be sure to keep a clock in view, and know when half the time is up, when three-quarters of the time is up and when only five minutes remain. Be sure to mark your answer sheet correctly: Fill in bubbles fully and write neatly.
Don't wait until the end of the semester to prepare for tests. Begin on the first day of class. From the syllabus, make a personal calendar of all assignments and tests. Also stake out study-group candidates and organize weekly meetings. The key to building confidence for the inevitable test is to keep on top of readings and never miss class. Students must be very organized from the beginning, especially when juggling jobs, sports and other school activities with their studies.