The word “test” seems to send a streak of fear through students — regardless of their grade level or level of preparedness on any given subject. However, testing is just a regular part of school and shouldn’t cause students any unnecessary stress. Apex Leadership Company shares some easy, no-stress test tips so students can relax, do their best and showcase all they’ve learned!
Be Prepared
The best way to quell nerves before a test is to be prepared! Sometimes what causes stress before a test is not feeling “ready.” Getting a good night’s rest before the big day, eating a healthy breakfast (such as a banana, a slice of whole grain toast and a glass of milk or orange juice) and bringing any needed test materials (such as a No. 2 pencil, and perhaps a back-up, in case one breaks!) can help students feel more prepared for the test, and therefore more at ease to simply be able to focus on the task (ahem, test) at hand!
Be Confident
When students have studied the materials, they shouldn’t worry but rather feel confident that they know the answers. The more students study, practice and prepare, the more confident they can feel walking into a test — and knowing they are ready to do their best!
Take it One Question at a Time
Once it’s testing time, students may be apt to want to just “get it over with.” It’s important not to rush through a test; instead take the time to read through each question thoroughly and answer thoughtfully. If students have extra time at the end of the test, they should go back through and double-check their answers.
Keep Calm and Test On
Getting worked up, nervous or stressed out won’t help students. In fact, being overstressed can hinder test performance. It’s important for students to relax and take a few deep breaths if they are feeling overwhelmed to refocus their minds and just calm down a bit.
Stay Strong
During test time, students should access all the studying they did, combined with the test-taking skills they have learned to stay strong during times of stress with difficult test questions. However, they shouldn’t let those tough or even trick questions get the best of them and instead stay strong and confident through the entire test.
Trust One’s Instincts
The studying has been done, the students have prepared — now it’s go time! Students need not be afraid; they just need to give it their all, use their knowledge and strategies learned to give each test question the best answer they can and trust that they know the material. Students should remind themselves “they’ve got this!” and continue to challenge themselves while also recognizing how far they’ve come. It’s important for students to remember — even during challenging tests — that trying hard, giving it one’s best and continuing to grow and learn are just as important in the test-taking process as that final test score.
