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Prepare Emotionally

Just as physical preparation is important, so is preparing your attitude and your emotions. You’ll benefit by paying attention to the following ideas:

Know the material. If you have given yourself enough 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 so that you will be sure you really know the information.
Practice relaxing. Some students experience test anxiety, which can lead to upset stomachs, sweaty palms, racing hearts, and other unpleasant physical symptoms. The section on test anxiety later in this chapter includes an anxiety quiz; if that quiz reveals that test anxiety is a problem for you, consult your counseling center about relaxation techniques. Some campus learning centers also provide workshops on reducing test anxiety.
Use positive self-talk. Instead of telling yourself, “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 always attended class, done my homework, and passed the quizzes. Now I’m ready to do well on the test!”

Stay Motivated

Avoid Becoming Discouraged

Are you sometimes down on yourself when you’ve performed poorly on a test or exam? Does your disappointment negatively affect your motivation to do well in a particular course or in college? Remember that a positive attitude, plus a clear plan for improvement, will both help you stay motivated to do your best and make you more resilient. Believe in your ability to overcome the temporary stumbling blocks that are part of everyone’s college experience.