- Check in advance for the exam format and the time allotment.
- Be well prepared for the exam; don’t “cram” for it.
- Get several practice or sample exams, and time yourself while taking them. Complete difficult examples, gaining confidence as you do so. Analyze your errors.
- One hour before the exam, have a low protein meal (yogurt) drink orange juice and avoid caffine. Get enough rest one to two days before the exam.
- Arrive early, but avoid talking to people who are anxious.
- Practice relaxation exercises and positively visualize the exam going well for you.
Sample Exercise:
• Turn the paper over and close your eyes.
• Breathe slowly and count to seven, then exhale to the count of seven.
• Continue slow breathing until you feel more relaxed.
• Open up your eyes, turn your paper over.
• Say something positive to yourself! (I am calm and confident. I will pass the exam.) - Create a mental tape of completing the test successfully. Play the tape throughout the pre-test and testing period. Focus on past successes.
- Throughout the exam, focus on remaining calm, relaxed and positive.
- Take an overview of the exam, then read the directions twice.
• Do not spend too much time on any one question.
• Skip the harder ones and go back to them later as your confidence builds.
• For essay questions, construct a short outline, then begin the essay.
• If it is a math test and calculators are permitted, learn how to use them well ahead of time. - After finishing the test, check your answers and proofread the exam. Check for reasonableness, omissions and your typical, careless errors.
- Allow yourself the entire testing period to finish the exam. Monitor the time, but don’t obsess about it.
- When completed, reward yourself for a job well done!
