Test Taking: Finals (Part 3)

Many of us share an experience: we prepared well for an exam but when it came time to take the test, we went blank or panicked or confused information. Sometimes when we walk out of tests, we suddenly remember what we forgot just minutes before. A lot of these issues have to do with heightened anxiety. Here are a few strategies for reducing anxiety so you can better recall and communicate information on an exam.

• First, try the Data Dump. Click here to learn about the technique that works well for a lot of students. 
• Breathe. And, breathe again.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Read all of the question before answering. If it is a multiple choice question, read all of the options before selecting your response. Remember, you are looking for the best answer.
• Don't spend too much time on one problem or question. Answer everything you know first and come back to the more challenging questions. Figure out about how much time you can spend on each problem and move on if you are getting close and can't think of an answer.
• For essay questions, make a short outline or rough draft first. That way, if you need to change or add something, you won't feel like you have to start over.
• For multiple choice questions, trust your first response. Don't change it unless you are very sure your first answer was wrong.
• Think positively. If you start to feel panicked, write STOP on your scratch paper and tell yourself, "I can come back to this later. I am going to answer questions I know first." Refer to your Data Dump.

Plan to reward yourself when you are done with the exam. Get a cookie or donut from your favorite bakery. Go out with friends from class. Go for a hike. Go home and read a book you want to read. Celebrate your accomplishment - not after you get the grade, but right after you complete the test. You have done something difficult and stressful and quite impressive, something that makes people fear going back to school. Great work!