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Test Day Jitters? Try These Tips
Courtesy of FastWeb, a Monster.com property
Q: “I get so nervous before a test. What can I do?”
A: “The first time I took my EMT test, I was so nervous, I couldn’t even remember what year it was,” says Lindy Robinson, who graduated in 2005 from the Detroit Country Day School in Michigan. “I’m not kidding! My hands began to shake right before time was called, and it was harder for me to write.”
Test jitters affect almost every student at some point. Here’s what some students do to overcome those butterflies.
Learn the test
“Start early. And take as many practice tests as you can,” advises Kelsey Daily, a 2005 grad of Columbus East High in Columbus, Indiana.
“Knowing the format for the test makes the experience much less nerve-wracking because you are comfortable with the setup of the test,” acknowledges Robinson.
Relax before the test
“One thing I learned early is that you have to calm down and relax before a big test or else you will make stupid mistakes. If I just relax, I can focus, and I find that is when I do my best,” says Larry Choate III, a recent grad from Auburn Riverside High in Washington.
Kaleigh Duffy from Deering High in Portland, Maine, adds, “The night before I take the test, I just stay in, relax, watch a movie, and try not to think about why I am getting up at 7 a.m. on a perfectly good Saturday morning. Find something to keep yourself entertained that is completely unrelated to the upcoming test.”
mtrakos
2 months ago
2 comments
i don't study at all the day of the test. I hang out in forrest preserves. no phone no music. i just try to relax. its worked thus far.
MrsBigF
2 months ago
2 comments
your so stressed and then you finally take it your fine
station52mom
5 months ago
106 comments
I've tried evertything for test anxiety, & I still get very nervous, so I drink a Dr. Pepper, & pray a lot to just make it through one more test. HA!
cbe415
6 months ago
30 comments
We all have test anxiety.. The article has some good advice in it.
weber2992
6 months ago
38 comments
As a student, that advice helps a lot, thank you very much!
manassaslady08
7 months ago
438 comments
Pity to everyone take test... :)
Froogsey
7 months ago
1486 comments
I have test anxiety really bad. In the field I just do what I am supposed to do. When I went to do my Medic praticals I froze. It bothers me to have some one looking at me like that. I haven't quite figure out how to do practicals in front of someone. Its funny though, when I am teaching a 1st aid/CPR class or intubating etc, I have no problem explaining and showing someone how to do it. It doesn't seem like there should that much difference in the two.
michelle36
8 months ago
1704 comments
I agree with exposing yourself to as many practice materials you can for the test. I was never a big test taker and always faced anxiety when a test booklet or standardized test period began. It has take me almost 37 years to finally apply strategies towards finding the answer. Additional helpful hints include: Look for key words that apply to a particular question. Underline those words and reread if needed. Always study in advance and do not set the time limits to periods where you lose focus. I spent approximately a half hour nightly a month prior to my leadership exam for all three sections. We also had an essay/ written portion that freaked me out because the 6 pages were front and back. I took a couple of deep breaths and kept giving myself "pep talks" that "You can do it......You've made it this far." Then I went back and read the two selections. In the end, when the results were sent out, I passed all three sections. Also have co-workers and/ or family quiz you on materials before the test date arrives.
Account Removed
8 months ago
No matter how I am prepared and think I am reading to take the test, my mouth gets dry and I just know all my answers will be wrong
Truckie11
8 months ago
16 comments
Very good statement