It's natural to feel a bit of pressure before college exams, but too much anxiety can impede your performance. If you're feeling overwhelmed, there are steps you can take to reduce your test anxiety and increase your chances of success. To begin, get ready for the exam. Make sure you get a good night's sleep and arrive early to the test site.
Have a positive mindset and read the questions thoroughly. Don't pay attention to what other people are doing and just start the exam. If you have six weeks or more before the exam, use that time to review the material. Take enough time to do yourself justice and remember that the review is about refreshing your knowledge, not learning something new.
If you have less than six weeks left, be realistic about what you can review and ask your tutors for guidance. If your anxiety levels are only increasing as the exam approaches, seek help from Student Services. They can provide relaxation techniques and talk to you about your feelings. It's essential to control your stress levels so that they don't interfere with your ability to demonstrate what you have learned. Finally, remember that some stress is normal before an exam.
Stress can motivate you to study and review, generate adrenaline that helps sharpen reflexes and concentration while taking the exam, and even help you remember some of the material you need. By following these tips, you can reduce test anxiety and maximize your chances of success on college exams.