5 Tips to Overcome Test Anxiety
It’s the beginning of the school year and your student might be feeling overwhelmed with their workload as they get back into the flow of classes and studying. Not long after classes begin, tests and quizzes will be scheduled which can often bring stress about performance and grades. It is no secret that everyone does better on exams when they are relaxed and prepared! Here are five tips to pass along to your student to help reduce test anxiety. If you feel like they need a little more hands-on support, click here to get in touch with our team of college coaches. We are available to support you and your student every step of the way.
Start Early
Encourage your student to create a calendar and outline test dates for the semester. Having a proactive awareness of their exam schedule will help create time management skills and ease any nerves about feeling unprepared. Some professors may even note on the syllabus what topics or chapters the test will cover, which allows the students to plan before the material has been discussed during a lecture. Simply creating a timeline and getting ahead is a great way to reduce anxiety and help your student feel self-assured.
Learn Your Study Style
By college, many students have a sense of what techniques work for them when it comes time to study, but perhaps they haven’t really capitalized on the benefit of studying for their specific learning style. Whether it’s auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, there are ways that your student can engage with course material to maximize their time spent studying and improve their grades.
If your student learns well by listening, encourage them to record a lecture, asking the professor first for permission. They can also record themselves reading and listen to it while taking a walk or during a meal. Many virtual textbooks also have audio versions which can come in handy for this particular learning style!
Visual learners do well when reading or having images that correlate to the info. Creating a physical study guide that is color-coded can really help this type of student when trying to remember information.
Kinesthetic learners find it helpful to be moving while they learn. Encourage this student to take walks while discussing topics with a friend, write on large whiteboards, or use a stationary bike or treadmill while reading. Moving while studying can work in many forms!
Find A Spot
Encourage your student to find a study spot or two that works for them. A local library, coffee shop, or park can help separate from on-campus distractions, especially right before midterms when everyone seems to be studying in the library. An open and empty classroom or study lounge with big whiteboards is great for studying in groups. A personal desk in a dorm room with no distractions is another great option. It is all about what works for your student and eases their anxiety about test taking.
Talk with Students/Professors
Some students thrive when working in a group to prepare for an exam. This allows multiple skill sets to combine and often helps reduce nerves. Students are able to ask each other questions and build friendships while studying. Encouraging your student to ask their classmates when they are studying can open the door to this opportunity. A more introverted student who prefers working alone may enjoy the opportunity to talk with a professor during office hours. Asking questions is a great way to prepare for a test and your student may end up getting helpful study tips directly from the professor who wrote the exam. Office hours and study groups are excellent resources for your student. Encourage them to take advantage of the tools available to them during the semester.
Overcoming Pre-Test Jitters
Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep before an exam. Always encourage your student to get at least six to seven hours of sleep before the exam. Our brain needs sleep to retain information and pulling an all nighter is never an anxiety reducing solution. On the morning of the exam, have a good breakfast, and don’t forget to hydrate! Encourage your student to take their time when performing the actual exam. Slowing down is the best way to stay relaxed and rule out any silly mistakes. A few deep breaths also work wonders!
If your student feels that they are consistently running out of time during test taking, encourage them to speak to their professors or reach out to the university’s disability services office. They are often willing to provide accommodations to students like additional time spent during an exam or taking the exam in a distraction-free environment.
If you find that your student is continuing to struggle with their courses, do not hesitate to schedule a call with our experienced team at College Success Plan. We can work with your student to help them maximize their potential and set them up for success.