Overcome test stress—Discover tips and tricks to help you during exam season

Before the test starts, you can set yourself up for success by preparing. The tips and the video below provide some strategies you can use to improve your pre-test habits.

Test prep tips:

• Get enough sleep and eat well. You will be better able to answer questions if you are rested and alert. If you typically have a hard time getting enough sleep, check out the Sleep module in the Essential Study Skills guide for help.
• Plan to arrive early. You don’t want to be rushed and worried about getting there at the last minute. Arrive early so that you can focus on the test. If you know there are things that might make you late (like public transportation issues), plan around them.
• Bring everything that you need. Make sure you have pencils or pens (including a backup), a calculator, or anything else you need for the exam.

When the test starts, you can use these techniques to help make the best use of the time. You can also watch the video below for more information about these tips.

Test-taking strategies:

• Create a knowledge dump/mental “memory sheet.” On the back of your test, write down things you’re afraid you will forget or any mnemonics (such as BEDMAS).
• Preview the test. Look at each page and see what is covered.
• Read questions carefully.
• Answer the questions to which you know the answer and go back to the other questions afterwards.
• Go back and make an “educated guess” on skipped questions.
• Spend more time on questions that are worth more. For example, an essay question worth 40% should occupy more of your time than a short answer question that is worth only 10%.
• Review the whole test once you’ve completed it.

A lot of people get nervous before big tests. Test anxiety can make it hard to think or remember information. Try these strategies for help avoiding and managing test anxiety.

Before the exam:

• Get a good night’s sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety. Getting enough rest can improve memory, recall, and concentration.
• Monitor your substances: Too much caffeine can increase agitation. Over-the-counter drugs can make you feel drowsy, etc. Harder drugs can impact your ability to function, both when you are studying and during the test.
• Speak positively to yourself: Visualize doing well on the exam. Tell yourself, “I feel confident, and I will do well.” Remind yourself of past accomplishments and successes.
• Arrive early and relax before the exam: Arrive 15 minutes early before the exam and take some time to relax. Avoid “fear-mongers”—people who are chatting and worrying about the exam.

During the Exam:

• Focus on your breathing: Take slow, deep breaths. Visualize something comforting (e.g. a favourite place or person)
• Focus on your own test: Don’t look around to see what other people are doing or pay attention to when other people finish. Take a quick break if needed (go to the bathroom or take some deep breaths at your desk)
• Put things into perspective: Your test grade is a small part of your education and your life. Your grade doesn’t reflect who you are or your ability to succeed in life.