* 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 by integrating ideas from lectures, notes, texts, and supplementary readings.
* If you are unable to cover all the material given throughout the semester, select a portion that you can cover well. Set a goal of presenting your knowledge of this information on the test.
* Remind yourself that a test is only a test -- there will be others.
* Reward yourself afte
* Avoid thinking of yourself in a negative sense.
* Plan ways to improve your work next semester.
* Remember that the most reasonab
* Follow a moderate pace when studying; vary your work when possible and takle breaks when needed.
* Get plenty of sleep the night before the test -- when you are overly tired you will not function at your absolute best
* Once you feel you are adequately prepared for the test, do something relaxing
.
* Try to do something relaxing the hour before the test -- last minute cramming will cloud your mastery of the oveerall concepts of the course.
* Plan to arrive at the test location early -- this will allow you to relax and to select a seat located away from doors, windows, and other distractions.
* Avoid classmates who generate anxiety and tend to upset your stability.
* If waiting for the test to begin causes anxiety, distract yourself by reading a magazine or newspaper.
* First review the entire test; then read the directions TWICE. Try to think of the test as an opportunity to show the professor what you know; then begin to organize your
* For essay questions, construct a short outline for yourself -- then begin your answer with a summary sentence. This will help you avoid the rambling and repetition which can irritate the person grading the test. For short-answer questions, answer only what is asked -- short and to the point. If you have difficulty with an item involving a written response, show what knowledge you can. If proper terminology evades you, show what you know with your own words.
* 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 portions which you can answer well. Recheck your answers only if you have extra time -- and only if you are not anxious.
* Ask the instructor a question.
* If allowed, get a drink or go to the bathroom.
* Eat something
* Break your pencil lead -- then go sharpen it.
* Think for a moment about the post-exam reward you promised yourself.
* Tell yourself "I can be anxious later, now is the time to take the exam."
* Tense and relax muscles throughout your body; take a couple of slow deep breaths and try to maintain a positive attitude.
Whether you did well or not, 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. Do not immediately begin studying for
the next test...indulge in something relaxing for a little while.
This information was taken from the Counseling Center Web page of the Universilty of Illinois at Urbana.
If these suggestions don't help you overcome your anxiety problem --
you may be experiencing the irrational variety. In this case, you may
want to consider further help in dealing with the problem.
The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling, and
psychotherapy to students experiencing difficulty in adjusting to
college life. Among the most common concerns students bring to the
Center are: low self-confidence; finding, enhancing, or ending a
relationship; getting along with others; puzzling or distressing
emotional states; family problems; self-defeating behaviors;
controlling use of alcohol and drugs; life purpose and direction.
The Counseling Center consists of qualified, trained mental health
professionals and advanced graduate-student interns with backgrounds in
counseling. There is no fee. Student's contacts are private and confidential. No
information of any kind is given to anyone else unless the student
specifically requests it in writing.
Any interested student can arrange to see a counselor by visiting
the Counseling Center located in Walker Infirmary or calling at 4416.
We are open from 9a.m. to 5 a.m. The receptionist will arrange for
the student to meetwith a staff member--sometimes the same day,
usually within a week.
Consultation with a counselor is an opportunity for the student to
describe personal concerns and what he or she hopes to gain from
counseling. If the Counseling Center, itself seems to offer the most
appropriate services, the student may decide to continue counseling and
meet regularly to work on his or her concerns. Counseling may be
conducted either individually or in a group with other students
expressing similar concerns. If appropriate, the student will be
introduced to other resources, on or off campus, which can offer
different services from those available at the Counseling Center.
In addition to Counseling, the Counseling Center offers a variety of
workshops on topics such as procrastination, assertiveness, and stress
management ect. Such workshops, scheduled throughout the entire academic
year, provide a structured presentation of information and skills
practice appropriate to the student's personal development and academic
success.