Test anxiety is the number one barrier to doing well on tests. Test anxiety is defined as that anxious feeling you get when your instructor announces that there will be a test or when you sit down to take a test and your mind goes blank. Symptoms of test anxiety include:

• nervousness
• upset stomach
• sweaty palms
• forgetfulness

Test anxiety is a learned response to stress. Because exams, test, quizzes, tryouts, presentations, interviews, and performance reviews are all evaluations and part of life, it is worth your time to learn to overcome test anxiety.

First look at your attitude. The attitude you bring with you to a test has a lot to do with your performance. Replace neagtive self-talk with affirmations, such as "I am well prepared and will do well on this test." Approach tests with a positive attitude.

Here are a few more suggestions that might help:

• Be prepared. The best way to control test anxiety is to be well prepared. Start studying from the first day of class.
• Go to class. If you have gone to every class, previewed chapters, reviewed your notes, and written out, summarized, and studied the material in small chunks of time each day, you will be prepared. Prepare for exams by keeping up and reviewing regularly.
• Practice taking a sample test. Athletes, actors, musicians, and dancers practice and rehearse for hours. When performers are on stage, their anxiety is channeled into focused energy. Practice taking sample tests with your study team, and you should be more confident during the actual test.
• Exercise. Go for a walk, starting several days before a test. Exercise is great for reducing stress.
• Stay calm. Keep a relaxed pace on the day of the test.
• Go to class early. Use the few minutes before the test to take a few deep breaths. Relax your shoulders. Review your note cards.
• Listen carefully to instructions. Read all the instructions on the test.
• Jot down notes. Turn your test over or in the margins write down formulas, dates, or important information that you want to remember. Having this information may help you be more confident.
• Preview the whole test. Do the easiest problems first to build your confidence. Don't feel rushed. If you don't know the answer to a problem, don't panic. Move on and come back to it later.
• Get involved. Focus on the subject. Get really involved with answering the questions and be fully in the present.
• Get help. If you are experiencing severe anxiety, seek professional help from a counselor at your school.