If you aren’t clear on anything, ask your teacher. Teachers would much rather answer questions than have their students proceed without understanding what’s expected. Make sure you have read your syllabus and any information your teacher has given you before asking the question. Your teacher won’t be pleased if you send her an email asking when the test is if it’s specified on page 1 of the syllabus.
If you will be in a quiet room during your exam, try to simulate those conditions while you prepare. This is using context-dependent memory to your advantage. As an example of state-dependent memory, if you prepare for your exam using caffeine, your memory on test day may be better if you have a similar amount of caffeine then, too. [4] X Research source Use this knowledge and know that you are taking evidence-backed steps to maximize your exam score; keep that in mind if you are feeling stressed about your upcoming exam.
When taking notes, focus on jotting down keywords and key ideas, rather than trying to take dictation. Copying out the exact sentences is not as important as getting down the main ideas. [5] X Research source Review your notes weekly. This will help you learn the material and transfer it to long-term memory. When it comes time for the exam, you’ll feel much better prepared.
If possible, because of state-dependent memory, try to study at around the same time of day as you will be taking the test. This way you will be similarly tired/awake when you study and when you take your test. You will be used to how you feel when dealing with your course material on test day.
Track the level of light in the room. Some people study better with light, others study better in dimmer light. Examine your work space. Decide whether you work better with a bit of clutter or if a clean, fresh work space is what you prefer. Pay attention to background noise. Does music help you concentrate or do you need a quiet environment in which to study? Find an alternate place to study such as a library or coffee shop. A change of scenery can give you a fresh look at the material and also provide additional resources. [6] X Research source
Caffeine can make you feel anxious, which can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Have a cup of coffee or a cola if you like, but don’t go overboard. [10] X Research source Experts recommend getting no more than 400mg of caffeine per day for adults. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Kids and teens should limit themselves to about 100mg per day (one cup of coffee or 3 colas). [12] X Research source A cup of herbal tea can help you feel more relaxed and stay hydrated. Peppermint, chamomile, and passionflower are good choices.
For example, after studying hard for an hour, take a break and play on the internet for 20 minutes or watch an episode of a TV show that you enjoy. This will help you get your mind off the exam while acting as a motivational carrot that may help you pick up studying again after your break.
When you work out, listen to upbeat music that keeps you motivated throughout your workout. For other ways to beat stress, see this handy wikiHow: Relax Before a Final Exam in College. Meditate or do yoga after your upbeat excercise. This lets the mind focus and calm down
Try eating lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. [18] X Research source Avoid too much sugar or heavily processed food. Part of eating healthy involves having a balanced diet. Try not to eat too much of only one food source. You can usually get variety in your diet by changing up the type of cuisine you eat every couple of nights. Try having a bit of time to do yoga or meditation after other excercise to calm your brain down. Remember to breath in through your nose and out through your mouth heavily.
If you have trouble sleeping, try making your bedroom pitch black. Block out sounds by changing your environment and/or wearing earplugs. Get into a routine and follow it every night. Take note of how many hours a night of sleep you need in order to feel refreshed in the morning; get that many hours of sleep every night. For example, if you tend to be in bed by 10:30 PM then read for 30 minutes before falling asleep, stick to that schedule as often as possible. In this way you will train your body for sleep. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source See this helpful wikiHow, Sleep Before Final Exams, for more advice.
If this is a concern for you, be sure to reach out to a school counselor or teacher for how to proceed in getting help.
If you’re allowed to, bring a water bottle with you to your exam. Thinking is thirsty work! Just don’t be surprised if your teacher asks to examine the bottle, as some students have tried to cheat by writing answers on bottle labels. [27] X Research source (Don’t do that – cheating is never worth it, and if you get caught, you’ll be in way more trouble than you would if you’d just done poorly.
That said, do not drastically change your typical caffeine intake on exam day. This can cause withdrawal symptoms that may interact with your stress to make you feel especially negative. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Caffeine in limited quantities may have a positive effect on your memory, so if you usually have a cup of coffee with breakfast, go ahead. [30] X Research source
Keep an eye on the clock and give yourself five to ten minutes to go over your answers to check for any mistakes or to guess on any questions that you initially skipped.
Cramps Dry mouth Nausea Headache Rapid heartbeat Restless thoughts Mental blackouts Trouble concentrating
Inhale through your nose for a count of 4. Try to hold your breath for a count of 2, then slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 4.
If you catch yourself stuck in a negative thought loop, try to detach from it. Ask yourself: what’s the worst that can really happen if I don’t do well on this test? Try to remain logical about it. Can you really handle the worst that could happen? Chances are, the answer is yes. [38] X Research source You can also think of alternatives if you find yourself stuck worrying over how important this exam is. You may be able to retake it. You may be able to make up your grade with extra credit. You can hire a tutor or study with friends for the next exam. This isn’t the end of the world.
Let go of the things you can’t control. Ask yourself, “what about my exam can I change at this point?” If it is nothing, do your best to let it go. [40] X Research source View your mistakes as opportunities to learn. From this perspective, getting a exam question wrong isn’t something to be worried about. Try scheduling a worry break. Set aside 30 minutes and let all your worries out during that time. Think hard about the things you are stressed about. Then, once that 30 minutes is up, let it go. Exercise can also help you to get your mind off of your exam after it is done. Consult the wikiHow article Calm Post Exam Nerves for some more tips.
For example, if you get absorbed when you watch a movie or read a book, do that. If you get really into sports when you play them, get outside and play some sports!
Instead of being stressed about this information, try to view it as an opportunity for an accurate assessment of your knowledge, which you can then use to improve yourself. Remember that your performance on an exam is not indicative of your worth as a person. You can do poorly on an exam and still be a good student.
