Tests are a necessary part of the educational system. As a student, there are so many tests that you need to go through in a single academic year. Whether it is a pop quiz, a finals exam, or even a non-graded diagnostic assessment, there’s something about taking a test that makes the experience so overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, you can easily overcome your nerves and be able to deliver your best performance. Before we get to these strategies, let us first talk about why staying calm is crucial. 

Why Is It Important to Stay Calm During a Test?

Knowing the answers and having adequate exam preparation would definitely help you get top marks. However, the level of calmness you maintain during the examination also contributes to how well or how poorly you perform. 

For starters, staying calm allows you to focus on the questions better, allowing you to recall answers more easily. When test anxiety sinks in, it’s very easy to draw a blank, even if you do actually know all the answers. Calmness also improves your ability to process information and solve problems. You will be able to think things through, rather than make rushed decisions that will ultimately result in a lower score.

A calm demeanor during test day will also help with time management, ensuring you can allocate the appropriate time to each question. Tests usually come with strict time constraints. If you spend too much time on certain questions, you might not be able to finish on time. On the other hand, if you panic and rush through the test, you might make a lot of careless mistakes, and this is no good either.

10 Tips on How to Overcome Test Anxiety

As you can see, it is really very important to learn how to overcome test anxiety so that you can get the best results in every test you take. It’s really not as difficult as it first seems. Here are some very simple but highly effective tips you can try for your upcoming tests.

1. Prepare thoroughly ahead of time

One of the biggest reasons why students get failing marks on tests is poor preparation. Some might be over-confident that they will pass so they don’t bother studying properly. Others might not manage their time well and find themselves still unprepared so close to test day. In any case, it is strongly advised to include adequate preparation in one’s study habits. In addition to studying for the coverage of the test, this also includes getting your test materials ready, knowing your schedule, and so on. With all these preparations out of the way, you can eliminate a big source of test anxiety. 

2. Sleep early the night before the test

Getting some last-minute studying done late into the night before test day might seem like a good idea, but it really is not. The mind needs at least 7 hours of quality sleep in order to function at its best. Cramming might add a few teensy bits of information to your arsenal, but the pay-off is massive. You would likely experience mental fatigue and heightened anxiety during the test, and you probably won't recall anything from the rushed review that you did. 

3. Eat a good breakfast on test day

A balanced meal to start the day can do wonders for bringing down anxiety levels. No matter how early your test schedule might be, or how little appetite you have, never leave the house without having a good breakfast. In addition to stabilizing your energy levels, nutritious food will also fuel your brain and boost mental function while you take the test.

4. Take deep breaths before starting the exam

In many cases, conquering test anxiety is as simple as taking a few deep breaths before you begin the exam. Breathing exercises have been known to ease symptoms of anxiety in many situations, which includes taking tests. There are a few different procedures you can follow but the most basic one is to inhale slowly through the nose, hold it for a couple of seconds, and release slowly through the mouth. Repeat a few times until you feel the tension melt away.

5. Think positive thoughts

Envisioning a perfect score on your test does not guarantee that you will get it, but it will surely boost your confidence and bring down anxiety levels. It doesn’t even have to be a perfect score. Just picture yourself taking the test without any worries, being able to answer all the questions on time, and getting your desired score.

6. Get to the test venue early

It's easy to imagine how anxiety will shoot up if you arrive at the test venue late or with just a few minutes to spare. Save yourself from this needless stress by arriving early, with enough time allowance to settle in and find your assigned room and seat. If you get there too early, spend the time on relaxation techniques like the deep breathing we mentioned above.

7. Get to the test venue early

It's easy to imagine how anxiety will shoot up if you arrive at the test venue late or with just a few minutes to spare. Save yourself from this needless stress by arriving early, with enough time allowance to settle in and find your assigned room and seat. If you get there too early, spend the time on relaxation techniques like the deep breathing we mentioned above.

8. Suppress negative thoughts

It is quite normal for negative thoughts to make their way into your mind when you are about to take a test, especially if it is a particularly difficult one. If you entertain these thoughts, it can quickly spiral into full-blown test anxiety. On the other hand, you can get rid of these thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you have prepared sufficiently for the test and that you are fully capable of getting a high score. 

9. Take short breaks

Some of the most important tests that you have to take as a student can extend for hours at a time. Needless to say, this can cause tiredness or mental fatigue. For this reason, test facilitators would usually allow students to take short breaks if only to stretch a bit or rest their eyes for a while. Grab this opportunity as this will refresh your mind and keep stress from building up.

10. Accept imperfection

A lot of times, test anxiety stems from high expectations. Of course, it’s advisable to aim high but at the same time, you must also consider the possibility of making mistakes. Ironically, the fear of making mistakes actually increases the chances of making mistakes. So instead of putting unrealistic pressure on yourself and aiming for perfection, just relax and focus on doing your best. 

In conclusion, staying calm on test day is crucial for achieving your best performance. By preparing thoroughly, maintaining a positive mindset, and practicing relaxation techniques, you can effectively manage test anxiety. Remember, it’s okay not to be perfect—focus on doing your best. With these strategies, you'll be better equipped to face any test with confidence and composure.