Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–1 The solution to test anxiety is simple: Preparation Academic preparation Mental preparation
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–2 How to prepare academically Start early Stay on top of your coursework Get organized If you have to cram, cram systematically
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–3 Ways to start early Pick up your textbooks as early as you can Read your syllabus Find help if you think you’re going to need it
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–4 How to stay on top of your coursework Take notes Master your material
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–5 How to get organized Organize your time with time schedules Organize your notes with summary sheets
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–6 Time schedules for exam preparation The “homestretch” schedule: Ties off any end-of-semester loose ends so you can focus on your exams. The exam week schedule: Gives you a big picture view of exam week and encourages you to schedule enough time for sleep, meals, recreation, and study.
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–7 How to prepare mentally Find out what you can about the exams Get acquainted with the test site Maintain a positive attitude
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–8 Ways to learn about an upcoming exam Check with the instructor. They won’t tell you everything, but instructors will often answer many of your questions about an upcoming exam. Use past exams: Instructors frequently take the same approach to their exams from one semester to the next.
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–9 Ways to get acquainted with the test site Spend some time studying at the actual test site Study in quiet Practice at a chairdesk Impose a time limit
Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12–10 How to maintain a positive attitude Learn to relax: Do breathing exercises Use self-talk: Change any negative internal conversations to positive ones Visualize success: Envision yourself doing well on your exam.