SUCCESS ON YOUR TESTS
FGCU—COUNSELING AND
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Effects of Stress on TestTaking

Cognitive
 Emotional
 Behavioral
 Biological
Cognitive

Problems with:
 Attention
 Concentration
 Memory while studying—drawing a blank
Emotional

Noticeably anxious
 Irritable
 Frustrated
 Depressed feeling may develop
Behavioral

May tend towards withdrawal or avoidance
 Lashing out
 Procrastinating
Biological

Muscle aches
 Tension
 Fatigue
 Gastrointestinal
 Sleep patterns disturbed
 Appetite changes
Coping with test anxiety

Be aware of and challenge any distorted
situational or self-appraisals.
 Calm down, relax, take a deep breath and
focus.
 Use some relaxation techniques if necessary
to calm yourself: e.g. picture a mountain
meadow with pretty flowers.
Coping with test anxiety
(cont.)

Prior to exams:
1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Enjoy a healthy diet.
3. Take time for both exercise and relaxation.
4. Participate in a study skills technique and
time management sessions.
Effective Test-Taking:
before the exam

1.
2.
3.

Divide the review material into logical
sections:
Theories
Terms
General trends
Know in advance what your professor
expects and allows during the test!
Effective Test-Taking:
before the exam

Find out what the exam will cover!
 Find out what kind of exam it will be!
 Review methodically!
 Separate review time from daily study time!
 Review in shorter periods of time!
 Review worst subjects first!
Effective Test-Taking:
during the exam

Take a look at the entire exam.
 Be aware of the point value of each
questions assigned.
 Underline significant words e.g. compare.
 Don’t assume, ask the professor.
 Answer the questions you feel most
comfortable with first.
Effective Test-Taking:
during the exam

Keep point value and time allotted in mind,
but don’t dwell on it.
 Pace yourself as you work.
 Check over your paper when you’re done:
catch careless errors.
Effective Test-Taking:
after the exam

1.
2.
3.
4.
Analyze not only what you did wrong, but
why you did it incorrectly!
Did I read too fast?
Did I misuse my time?
Did I not study enough for a particular
portion?
Did I assume and not ask?