Improve Your Test Results

Test Taking

Has the following ever happened to you?

• You attended class, completed your assignments, and read the assigned textbook.
• A test is coming up, so you spend time studying and reviewing what you’ve learned in the class.
• You feel you have a good understanding of the material; however, as the test date comes closer you become more stressed.
• Soon you begin dreading the test.
• When you actually sit down to write the test you feel as if your mind has gone blank.
• What happened?!

This can be a very frustrating experience referred to as test anxiety. A small amount of anxiety about a test can be helpful:

• It can push you to study
• It can push you to focus your energy on doing well

However, experiencing too much anxiety can be very detrimental. Such test anxiety can manifest itself in various ways:

• physically
• mentally
• and emotionally.

The key to managing your test anxiety is to practice anxiety-reducing techniques before test season is upon you. We encourage you to use the resources in this guide to help you manage your test anxiety and to discover the techniques that work best for you.

Explore the links in this guide to help you manage your test anxiety. For further help, contact your Student Success Advisor.

When you haven't sufficiently prepared for your tests

The Learning Curve staff can help you learn effective test preparation skills. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to try out the strategies we discuss! You can also visit the Studying Techniques section of this guide for study tips.

Test Anxiety: Crash Course Study Skills

Managing Test Anxiety

Are you talking yourself down?

Negative self-talk can slow or even stop your study process. They are distracting and can contribute to the experience of “freezing” during a test. Find ways to “talk back” to those negative thoughts.

Physical reaction to test anxiety

Is most of your test anxiety expressed physically?

Take care of yourself physically. Remember you are a whole person – you need to take care of your mind, body, spirit and emotions. 

• Reduce caffeine intake and don’t ingest any caffeine in the afternoon, to help you sleep better at night.
• Incorporate physical activity into your study routine – even taking a 20-minute walk between study sessions will get your blood flowing and help reduce physical tension.
• Yoga and/or meditation can help you remain calm.
• Eat healthy foods and try to avoid late-night junk-food snacking.

Practice Tests & Exams

Trades Exam Preparation

Are you an apprenticeship student preparing for a final exam?

Use the sample tests at the Trades Exam Bank to help you study and prepare!