Test Anxiety Troubles
I’ve always been a strong student. I grasp concepts well, put in the necessary work, and reach out to teachers and classmates for help when needed. This shows in my grades. However, I have one major issue: I absolutely freeze during tests. A few days ago, I took a math test and just blanked out. When I got my results back, I scored ‘approaching,’ which is nearly a ‘below’ (the grading system is pretty rough: a C is considered ‘at standard,’ a B is ‘above,’ an A is ‘well above,’ while ‘approaching’ is a D and ‘below’ is an E. Some subjects even have ‘at standard’ as the highest grade).
I don’t know how to improve my test performance. I reviewed the test afterward and found that I could solve everything in seconds—it felt so easy! I even got two of the toughest questions right. So here’s where I need guidance. I’m somewhat shaky during oral presentations, but I manage, yet when I turn to friends, teachers, or even my parents for advice, I feel stuck. Many of my teachers seem as puzzled as I am, and while my parents just urge me to keep studying, some friends tease me instead of helping when I ask.
What can I do? How can I improve my test-taking skills? I’ll try to gather some of the questions I struggled with and my answers from the recent test to see if that provides any insights.
First off, I want to acknowledge how frustrating it must be to feel fully prepared yet freeze during a test. You’re clearly doing a lot of things right in your studies, and it’s great that you understand the concepts. Test anxiety is an issue that many students face, and you’re definitely not alone in this.
Here are some strategies to help you improve your test-taking experience:
Practice Under Test Conditions: Simulate test conditions at home. Time yourself while practicing past papers or sample questions in a quiet space. This can help make the actual test feel more familiar and less intimidating.
Learn Relaxation Techniques: Before and during the test, practice techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or positive affirmations. These can help keep your anxiety in check and focus your mind.
Develop a Test-Taking Strategy: Familiarize yourself with the test format and plan how you will approach the questions (e.g., answering the ones you know first and coming back to the more difficult ones later). This can help manage your time and reduce stress.
Talk to a Counselor or School Psychologist: They can provide coping strategies and techniques to manage anxiety. Sometimes, simply expressing your feelings and concerns can help.
Reflect on Past Tests: Review your performance and analyze any patterns in what types of questions you struggle with, or what caused you to freeze. Understanding where the issue lies can be a key part of addressing it.
Use Resources: Look for online resources or books focused on test-taking skills. There are often tips specifically for overcoming anxiety that could be beneficial.
Communicate with Your Teachers: If you haven’t already, consider speaking with a teacher you trust about your struggles. They might offer additional resources or even allow for some accommodations.
Stay Positive: Remember that one test does not define your abilities or intelligence. Each test is an opportunity to learn and grow.
It’s great that you’re willing to reach out for help, and I hope these strategies make a difference for you. Good luck, and know that improvement often takes time and practice!