In my opinion, tests are arguably the most stressful part of school. The anticipation leading up to and anxiety during them leave me upset and worried even after the test is done. But what can help ease the stress of tests and make them maybe a little less demanding?
In terms of preparation, you need to find an environment and plan that works for you individually. For some people in test preparations, using apps such as Quizlet helps to memorize and understand the material. They have mini quizzes and what some may consider games to help your brain learn. You can further make the sets yourself or find ones that others have made depending on the content. Other similar sources are sites like Kahoot. Personally, I believe these online sources only help me part of the way, and I require a deeper understanding of the material.
What helps me study and understand is physically writing things down or rewriting things that I hear. Last year, when I took AP US History, I struggled. But, as the year went on, I began to develop a technique of note-taking in class. I would have my computer out and open to a document that I titled with the date and the general information we were discussing that day, and I would type almost everything my teacher said. This, although extensive and probably inefficient for most, helped me. Instead of simply listening and letting the information go in one ear and out of the other, I was comprehending what I was hearing or seeing and thinking about it as I wrote it down. You can do this in most classes, but, more efficiently, by having a piece of paper or computer out to jot out important information throughout the class. Even if you throw away the paper at the end of the class, it still brings a new point of understanding and focusing on the subject. Also, I find when learning straightforward facts or quotes that physically writing them down helps me remember better.
When studying, it is sometimes helpful to place yourself in an alternate environment away from distractions that may be found at home or school. Going to places like a coffee shop or a library can help you get more done in the studying process. Finding the environment that helps you focus most will be integral for formulating techniques to study.
Also, when studying, make sure you make use of all the resources that are provided by teachers, friends, etc. If there is a textbook, read it. A review guide? Do it. Find review videos on the subject and ask questions when you’re confused or don’t understand. From experience, I have always been a person to try and figure everything out on my own, but it benefits me the most when I ask for help from my teachers, even though it is sometimes hard for me. Usually, they are some of the most helpful sources you can find.
Beyond actual academic things, what helps me feel better when taking a test is simple, brain-twisting techniques to almost fake myself into confidence. The first thing is wearing something comfortable. If I’m taking a test wearing a dress, for example, I won’t be able to focus as much as leggings and a sweatshirt. Also, having something to drink helps me focus more when I am in a stressful situation. I without a doubt would choose to have a drink from Starbucks or a Cherry Coke over food any day, but when I am taking a test, having something to drink partially motivates me in some way.
The overall point is to make yourself relaxed. Studies from places such as the National Institutes of Health show that the higher the stress a person has, the lower the final scores on tests. Finding the aspects like what to wear, what to bring with you, and how to prepare for a test that makes you relax can help you focus and score better. An easy thing to eliminate stress is to make sure you have any basic items like a good pencil, computer, calculator, note card, or whatever you are permitted to use on a test that will aid in the taking of it. With that and proper preparation—and whatever else you decide may help—you can set yourself up for making tests a little less stressful.
