2. Keep it in perspective: Set a realistic goal for what you want to achieve on your exam and then work towards it. Remember your entire future doesn’t hinge on this exam, so don’t let fears about your performance overwhelm you. Also, try not to devote and excessive amount of time studying for an exam that’s only worth 10% of your mark, especially when those extra hours can be used to prepare for an exam that’s worth much more.
3. Avoid cramming: By spreading out your studying over the entire term, you’ll avoid having to cram mere hours before the exam. Cramming usually involves memorizing material, and in many cases exam pressures will limit your ability to recall memorized information. Taking the time to reflect on your course material and to work on understanding, rather than repeating, important concepts will improve your chances of being able to use what you’ve learned when you need it most.
4. Relax: Is your stomach doing somersaults as you enter the exam room? Don’t worry about it. Anxiety is a natural response that most people experience when confronted with a stressful situation. If you begin to feel overly anxious before or during the exam, use deep breathing relaxation techniques to calm yourself.
5. Eliminate negative thoughts: You can minimize exam stress by monitoring your thoughts and by using reinforcing self-statements. Focus on what you do know, rather than on what you don’t. Build confidence through rational thinking. If you feel you aren’t meeting the goals you set out for yourself, make a note of the progress you’re making and take measures to improve your performance the next time.
6. Focus on the present, not the future: Thinking about how you could’ve studied more, how the exam is going to be the hardest one yet, or how a poor performance may affect you negatively can all equally distract you from the task at hand. Instead of worrying about future consequences, pay attention to present details and focus your energy on managing things you can currently control, like relaxing and thinking positively.
7. Know what to expect: Uncertainty breeds stress. When studying, devote time to generating a list of questions from your lecture and reading notes that you believe will appear on the exam. Pay special attention to hints that were dropped by your instructor. Coming across questions that you’re familiar with will reinforce the fact that you’re well-prepared.
8. Arrive early: Eliminate the stress of being late for an exam and plan to arrive early. While waiting for the exam to begin, avoid over analyzing the situation by engaging in a relaxing activity, like reading a magazine or taking a walk. Stress is contagious, so try to steer clear of other students who seem to be giving in to their nervousness.
9. Stay alert: When focusing on mental activities, it’s easy to neglect your physical health. Remember that if your body is worn down, your brain won’t be able to function at the level you need it to. Make a concerted effort to eat and sleep properly before you write your exam. Also, do your best to moderate your caffeine and sugar intake, as both can increase your stress levels.
10. Stick with your routine: Changing your sleep patterns or diet in the days leading up to your exam will take you out of your comfort zone. Even though it’s harder to manage your time during an exam period, try to maintain a productive