You think you are ready to take the SAT/ACT and then you are hit with a wave of test anxiety. According to studies, between 40-60% of students deal with some form of test anxiety. Understanding and managing test anxiety is the first step to a more successful test-taking experience.
Test Anxiety can often be triggered by:
- Feeling like you are unprepared
- Worrying you won’t pass
- Setting impossibly high expectations for yourself
- Perfectionism
- Pressure from others or even yourself
What can students do to manage their anxiety?
- Be prepared
- Feel confident
- Stay focused
- Practice for the test
- Have an understanding of the test content
- Be well rested
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of ways to manage test anxiety:
Preparation is Key:
- Get to Know the Test: Familiarize yourself with the test format, what kind of questions will be asked, what material will be covered, and how much time is allotted.
- Practice: Begin your SAT/ACT prep in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Consistent practice with official SAT/ACT materials helps build familiarity and confidence.
- Simulate Test Conditions-Practice under timed conditions to mimic the real exam environment.
- Create a Study Schedule: Establish specific times weekly to practice for each section of the test and incorporate regular breaks.
- Utilize Official Resources: There are test prep resources that offer free ACT and SAT practice tests online.
Establish a Positive Mindset:
- Deep breathing & Meditation: Try these mindful exercises to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Visualizations: Build confidence and reduce stress with visualizations . Imagine entering the classroom feeling confident and ready, calmly reading each question and completing each answer, and finishing with time remaining, then carefully checking your work until time is called.
- Relaxation Techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or even gentle stretching can alleviate physical symptoms of stress.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations to build confidence.
- Seek Support: Talk to teachers, tutors, or friends about your fears and anxieties.
- Get Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress and improving cognitive function.
On Test Day:
- Eat a Balanced Breakfast: Fuel your body and brain with a nutritious meal.
- Test Day Details: Confirm the test date, location and time.
- Arrive Early to the Test Center: Get to the testing location with time to spare to avoid rushing and anxiety.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Use deep breathing and positive self-talk to manage anxiety during the test.
- Don’t Panic: If you get stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later.
Stay Positive:
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress and build confidence.
- Remember You’re Not Alone: Many students experience test anxiety, so don’t feel isolated.
- View the Test as a Learning Opportunity: Even if you don’t get your desired score on the first try, you’ll learn from the experience.
Put the Test in Perspective
A person’s test anxiety is sometimes relative to how important one believes a test is. Remember that one test score isn’t everything. When selecting students to attend, colleges consider a variety of factors aside from test scores. Also, retaking the ACT and SAT is always an option if you want to achieve a better score.
Team Tutor offers a full range of academic tutoring, test prep, and study skills services, including executive functioning support, for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Call us today at 215-657-1981 or visit www.teamtutor.com.
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