By Victoria Patrick -
eLearners.com A final examination can bring up feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry; all are perfectly normal. Timely preparation can make all the difference. The list below provides advice about how to master your emotions before test time.
1. Give yourself at least a week in advance to prepare. Though this sounds like obvious advice, students rarely practice this tip. Sort out your notes, review your reading, and written assignments.
2. Consider the impact of the test on your final grade. If the test counts for fifteen percent or less of your final grade, then put your fears at ease. If the test is worth fifty percent of your final grade, then be sure to put your best effort into your study efforts.
3. Your grades are not a reflection of your self-worth. It is also important to remind yourself that your test grade is not a reflection of how your instructor views you as a person. The test is simply an examination of your knowledge over specific course material and nothing more.
4. Make time for a sufficient amount of sleep. Staying up late the night before an important test will make it more difficult for you to do your best work. Budget your time so that you can get a good night’s rest one or two nights beforehand.
5. Avoid studying immediately before the test. Last-minute studying is counterproductive to your efforts and contribute to feelings of worry or anxiety.
6. Enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal beforehand. Prepare a chef’s salad with an apple or nectarine, or order a three to six inch turkey club on whole wheat bread. Loading up on heavy starches, pastas, or meats will contribute to drowsiness.
7. Locate your testing site and know where you are going. Give yourself time to drive to your testing location, find parking, and settling into your seat. Avoid the risk of getting lost on the road or not finding the correct building or room. By knowing your final destination, you will be far more comfortable during the test.
8. Know the rules. Be prepared in the event that your TI-85 is not allowed, or that only number two pencils can be used for the test. Did you turn off your mobile phone?
9. Pack additional materials such as pencils, paper, pens, and erasers. Be prepared with two additional pencils, one additional black or blue ink pen, etc. If you are required to have a calculator, have additional batteries or an extra calculator.
10. Bring tools to aid your concentration. Bring earplugs to help keep unwanted noises out. Pack a bottle of water to quench your potential thirst during the test. Are you fidgety? Add a stress ball to release extra energy and calm the nerves.
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