2. SUCCESS ON YOUR TESTS FGCU—COUNSELING AND STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

3. Effects of Stress on Test- Taking Cognitive Emotional Behavioral Biological

4. Cognitive Problems with: Attention Concentration Memory while studying—drawing a blank

5. Emotional Noticeably anxious Irritable Frustrated Depressed feeling may develop

6. Behavioral May tend towards withdrawal or avoidance Lashing out Procrastinating

7. Biological Muscle aches Tension Fatigue Gastrointestinal Sleep patterns disturbed Appetite changes

8. Coping with test anxiety Be aware of and challenge any distorted situational or self-appraisals. Calm down, relax, take a deep breath and focus. Use some relaxation techniques if necessary to calm yourself: e.g. picture a mountain meadow with pretty flowers.

9. Coping with test anxiety (cont.) Prior to exams: 1. Get plenty of rest. 2. Enjoy a healthy diet. 3. Take time for both exercise and relaxation. 4. Participate in a study skills technique and time management sessions.

10. Effective Test-Taking: before the exam Divide the review material into logical sections: 1. Theories 2. Terms 3. General trends Know in advance what your professor expects and allows during the test!

11. Effective Test-Taking: before the exam Find out what the exam will cover! Find out what kind of exam it will be! Review methodically! Separate review time from daily study time! Review in shorter periods of time! Review worst subjects first!

12. Effective Test-Taking: during the exam Take a look at the entire exam. Be aware of the point value of each questions assigned. Underline significant words e.g. compare. Don’t assume, ask the professor. Answer the questions you feel most comfortable with first.

13. Effective Test-Taking: during the exam Keep point value and time allotted in mind, but don’t dwell on it. Pace yourself as you work. Check over your paper when you’re done: catch careless errors.

14. Effective Test-Taking: after the exam Analyze not only what you did wrong, but why you did it incorrectly! 1. Did I read too fast? 2. Did I misuse my time? 3. Did I not study enough for a particular portion? 4. Did I assume and not ask?