Study Smart:Ace Your Tests!

Dealing With Test Stress

Before the Test

• Find out where the test is going to be and what time it starts.
  
  
• Get everything you need together in your bookbag the night before.
  
  
• Make sure you have two sharp pencils, erasers, a pen that works and paper. Scrap paper is good too.
  
  
• Study, but don't go all out right before a test.
  
  
• You really don't remember anything you cram.
  
  
• Get lots of sleep the night before a test.
  
  

The Morning of the Test

• Get mental. Decide you're going to do a great job. Don't think it's going to be bad, think it's going to be good.
  
  
• Have a good breakfast, but don't pig out or eat food that will make you sleepy.
  
  
• Review your notes that morning.
  
  
• Take time before the test to stretch and relax.
  
  
• Find a way to get calm. Try taking deep breaths. Or take a little walk. Or do some stretching exercises.
  
  
• Don't be late to the test. That adds stress.
  
  
• Don't be running into the test room.
  
  
• Don't be talking about the test right before. That can make you really nervous.
  
  

During the Test

• When you get the test read it before you start marking on it.
  
  
• If somebody panics when they see the test, or laughs a lot, or clowns around, don't pay attention to them.
  
  
• Then ask your teacher any questions about how the test works.
  
  
• Ask how the test is graded. Is one part of the test worth more points?
  
  
• If the test has more than one section, figure out how long you'll spend on each one.
  
  
• Don't spend time being mad at yourself because you don't know everything.
  
  
• If your mind goes totally blank, doodle on a piece of scratch paper for a second or two.
  
  
• Write down anything you can remember. Hey, it can't hurt!
  
  
• Pace yourself. Don't try to do all the questions in two seconds.
  
  
• If you feel tense, stop and take some deep breaths.
  
  
• Don't worry if other kids finish first. Just you think about what you are doing.
  
  
• If you finish early, go over your answers to check them.
  
  

Tips, thoughts and ideas in this section were sent in by Christine.l, Marie.a, Erica.p, Breanna.c, Sarah.s, Shanah.a, Angelina.r and Rachele.c

More Stress Busting Ideas

Right before a big test I always eat a TON of candy or things with lots of sugar. This give you a natural sugar high right before so you're not sleepy and it semi-fills your tummy so you're not too hungry during the test. If you're diabetic then just eat something. Munch on pretzels or rice cakes. --Liz.r

Another View:
This only works for very short tests that are right after you munch out.
Sugar highs burn off quick and you'll feel worse than you did before.

from "a voice of sad experience"