There are few people who enjoy the thought of taking an exam. We see exams as a form of judgment, a test where we must prove ourselves worthy or suffer the consequences; like in Monty Python and the Holy Grail! A little stress may be motivational, and you do indeed have a vested interest in your exam(s). Were you aware that there is logic behind the types of questions exam developers devise, especially if the test is multiple choice? Therefore, don’t get paranoid that the test was designed to get you! You are probably thinking, “It is fine for others to give me advice, bottom line is I have to take the damn exam and yes, it does mean a great deal to me!” So, let’s look at some strategies to keep you in a state of less stress.
Organization is the secret of success
Have you organized the information you need to know for this exam? In short, what’s the exam about? If it is a class test or semester exam, you should have knowledge of how the professor tests and for what things s/he will be looking. If it is a standardized test there are numerous guides to help you prep for them. If you can take practice tests do so. The more practice means the better prepared you are for the exam. Coach Lombardi once told his team after a grueling practice session that they had finally run the play perfectly. Then he told them to run it again. Never get taken by surprise; know the format, timing, expectations, etc., of whatever exam you are taking.
Knowledge is power
The best way to minimize your stress level is to be prepared. Don’t wait until the night before to study! Again, organize yourself. Set specific times well in advance of the exam where you will be reviewing notes, taking practice tests or a review course, going over test-taking strategies, and placing an emphasis on exam areas where you may not feel as strong as other areas. No advice can really help you if you do not know the material; so take the time to learn it. Read the exam questions and try to figure out exactly what is being asked, and be sure to formulate an answer that addressed the question directly. When you know the material you will be more confident and less stressed. As Pasteur said, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.”
Deal with anxiety
You are saying, “I have studied, I know his stuff, but it’s a big test in a couple of days and I’m really anxious.” Actually, you have a right to be. Anxiety is a true fear, and it requires true effort to deal with it. Notice I didn’t say overcome it. Acknowledge that this exam is important to you, and try to find strategies that work for you. There are numerous articles and videos on Google and YouTube on managing exam anxiety and it is fine for you to check them out. Some of the advice may sound somewhat absurd (and a lot is) or just not for you. That’s fine, see if you can find what speaks to you. You will hear all the old adages about getting plenty of sleep, eat properly, exercise, meditate/pray, and more. That’s all good advice; which you are probably too nervous to do! Try talk therapy. Talk with friends who are taking the same exam, talk with family members who may have had similar experiences, talk with yourself… yes, that is OK. Do you have a pet? They are the best listeners; especially dogs, they have understanding eyes.
Be prepared… then let it go
An exam may be like a sporting event, or even combat, you just want to get to it and get it finished. Be sure you have everything ready before the day of the exam. Where is your entrance ticket and ID, car keys, lucky soccer jersey, and set your alarm? Don’t let stuff like that cause a panic the morning of the exam. Do whatever you need to do to stroke your confidence and go do it. And when it is over, it is over. Do not perseverate over what might have been; nothing is getting changed now, and you need to be in anxiety reduction mode. In closing, I wish you not luck, but the best for you. Have confidence.
