Managing Testing Anxiety

How do LSC tutors manage their test anxiety?

Before the exam LSC tutors:

  • Prepare! Feeling well-prepared helps them feel less anxious about the exam.
  • Do practice tests so they get a sense of what the test will be like. Pro tip: if you can take practice tests under testing conditions (don’t refer to your notes unless you’re allowed to on the test, set a timer, sit for the practice test at the same time of day as your real test, take your practice test in the actual test room if possible) you familiarize your whole self with what the test will be like; this can help reduce worry during the real test.

During the exam LSC tutors:

  • Use good time management and awareness.
  • Quickly review the entire test and make a rough plan for how to allocate their time.
  • Calmly and quickly develop a strategy. Usually they answer the easiest questions first. Why?
    • They know their brains will be working in the background on challenging questions while they’re getting the easier questions taken care of.
    • Sometimes they can tell they will not have time to complete the entire test, so why not leave blank they questions they are less sure of?
  • Are mindful to engage in self-talk that:
    • Promotes a growth mindset. (One of our favorite explanations about the growth mindset is in this Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/pN34FNbOKXc)
    • Gives them a sense of perspective about this exam in the big picture.

Would you like to learn more?

Check out the LSC’s pages on managing time and stress

Also, take a look at this study on anxiety and academic performance

 

 

Upcoming Study Skills Workshops

Spring 2024 LSC Study Skills Workshops

LSC study skills workshops are open to all students: all are welcome, just show up, no need to pre-register.

You can find more details here.

Study Skills Drop-In Consults Thursdays (while classes are in session) 6:00-8:00 pm | RPCC 101

Gear Up for Finals, Monday April 8, 6:30-7:30 pm | RPCC 101

Finish Strong Thursday May 2, 6:30-7:30 pm | RPCC 101