Study Tips: Surviving the Tests

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Surviving the Tests

Testing, Testing, oh God, Please no More Testing

testing For a lot of people, “test” is the nastiest of four letter words. If you are one of the many students who feel nervous about taking a test, here are a few things to try that just might help you relax and perform better:

Drink water before the test even if it is only a few sips from the water fountain. Your brain works better when you are hydrated.
Breathe! When people get stressed they do not take deep and calm breaths. (Try the relaxation breathing techniques described on this site.) Controlling your breathing can help you relax and perform your best.
Don’t psych yourself out. Telling yourself that you can’t do well on tests only makes it harder. Try writing a little note to yourself on the top of your test; something like, yes I can do this or I know this stuff. Look back at this note frequently.
If you memorized formulas or certain facts for a test, (see the information on acronyms and acrostics in our study tips) write them on top of the test as soon as you get the test. You might want to tell your teacher before the exam that you will be doing this so he or she will know you are not trying to cheat.
Some people can sit still and do well on a test. Others need to fidget, or chew on something to stay focused. If you are one of these students, bring gum to chew on or hard candy. If your teacher will not allow that, try wearing a soft cord or rawhide necklace that you can subtly chew on. A rubber band on the wrist to pull on, or a stress ball to squeeze, may also help you focus.
Eat right. The right foods can help you perform. (See Eating before a Test for more information.)

Remember, these tips are not a substitute for taking good notes and studying.

Coming soon: An activity page to go with these tips.

Eating before a test.

How to engage your brain.

Problems with Perfectionism.

Relaxation techniques.

Stories about pressures and responsibilities.

Resources dealing with pressures and responsibilities.

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