Test anxiety can manifest itself in many ways. Some students feel it on the very first day of class. Other students begin showing symptoms of test anxiety when it’s time to start studying for a test. Others do not get nervous until the night before the test or the morning of an exam day. And some students experience symptoms only while they are actually taking a test.

Symptoms of test anxiety can include:

Test anxiety can undermine the success of any college student, no matter how intelligent, motivated, and prepared. That is why it is important to seek help from your college’s counseling service or another professional if you think that you have severe test anxiety. If you are not sure where to go for help, ask your adviser or counselor, but seek help promptly! If your symptoms are so severe that you become physically ill (with headaches, hyperventilation, or vomiting), you should also consult your physician or campus health center.