Just as physical preparation is important, so is preparing your attitude and your emotions. You’ll benefit by paying attention to these ideas.
Discuss
Do you sometimes predict that you’ll do poorly on a test or exam, even when you’ve studied a lot? Discuss with your classmates why some people are hard on themselves and how a positive attitude can affect the grades you earn.
Know Your Material. If you have given yourself adequate time to review, you will enter the classroom confident that you are in control. Study by testing yourself or quizzing others in a study group or learning community so that you will be sure to really know the material.
Practice Relaxing. Some students experience upset stomachs, sweaty palms, racing hearts, or other unpleasant physical symptoms of test anxiety. Consult your counseling center about relaxation techniques. Some campus learning assistance centers also provide workshops on reducing test anxiety. If you experience this problem, read the section on test anxiety later in this chapter and take the test anxiety quiz.
Use Positive Self-Talk. Instead of telling yourself that “I never do well on math tests” or “I’ll never be able to learn all the information for my history essay exam,” make positive statements such as “I have attended all the lectures, done my homework, and passed the quizzes. Now I’m ready to do well on the test!”