Test anxiety is real. It’s not something that is imagined or a sign of cracking under pressure. More importantly, feeling anxious before a test is not your fault – it is completely normal and some people are simply better at dealing with it than others.
Equally real is the effect anxiety can have on your SAT or ACT scores. There are many reasons why you could feel anxious before a test, but no matter what the cause, there are a few helpful steps you can take to manage, and even halt, test anxiety.
Here are some of the anxiety-countering habits that have worked for the CollegEnroll team in the past:
Before the Day of the Test
1. Familiarize yourself with the test
If you have been taking practice tests, then this step should not be too difficult. Get to know each section of the test, how many questions each section has, as well as which sections prove to be a hurdle. This will greatly help with time management too – a major cause of test anxiety.
2. Scout the test location
If you get the opportunity to check out the test location in advance, please do so. That way, on the day of the test, you’re not panicking while trying to find the test center. It’ll also help you plan your route to the test center better.
3. Organize all required items the night before
Pencils, calculators, IDs, pencil sharpeners, an analog wristwatch – all these are things you will need on your person when giving the test. Instead of scrambling to find them hours before the test, collect them all and place them together on the night before.
4. Cut back screen-time
A fatigued mind is more likely to get anxious about taking a test. On the day before you take the SATs / ACTs, try to cut back on your screen time. And get plenty of sleep. Your brain and your eyes will thank you for it.
On the Day of the Test
1. Eat a Familiar, Comforting Breakfast
Having butterflies in your stomach on test day is nothing out of the ordinary. However, what’s in your stomach could have an impact on just how hard those butterflies flutter. Don’t take any chances with your breakfast, and stick to something familiar you like.
2. Exercise to Distract Your Mind
You don’t want to excuse yourself physically before a test, but a little bit of exercise can help massively. Mentally, it helps distract you from creeping thoughts of anxiety. Physically, it helps you loosen up from any stress you might be feeling.
3. Focus on your breathing
Staying calm is key to crushing the SAT / ACT. If you are feeling stressed or anxious just before the exam, just take the time to step back a little and focus on your breathing.
It is a proven technique that relaxes the muscles and energizes the brain. Inhale, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and exhale. Works very well if you’re in the middle of a particularly difficult section and need a mini-break to reset.
4. Talk to a friend
Your friends can be your biggest cheerleaders, and spending some time talking to them before the test can do wonders to calm your nerves. If you have a friend taking the SAT / ACT as well, then even better – you can be each other’s pillar through it all.
For many students, anxiety can come out of the blue and dent their confidence. The best way to combat test anxiety is to be as well prepared for the test as possible. And the tips above should help you do exactly that!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Students experience test anxiety when preparing for the SAT/ACT due to the high stakes involved. These exams significantly impact college admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities, creating immense pressure to perform well. The fear of failure or not meeting expectations from parents, teachers, or peers also contributes to anxiety. Additionally, the extensive content and time constraints of the tests can be overwhelming. Lack of confidence in one’s abilities and insufficient preparation further exacerbate the stress. This combination of high expectations, fear of failure, and challenging content leads to test anxiety, making it crucial for students to find effective coping strategies.
Test-related anxiety can be dealt with easily, simply by implementing a few key strategies. Start by preparing well in advance, breaking study sessions into manageable chunks to avoid last-minute cramming. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to stay calm. Ensure you get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet, as both significantly impact your stress levels. During the test, focus on one question at a time and use positive self-talk to boost your confidence. If anxiety feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a counselor or joining a support group. Balancing preparation with self-care can help you manage anxiety effectively.
Yes, it’s normal to have test-related anxiety when preparing for the SAT or ACT. These exams play a significant role in college admissions, adding pressure to perform well. Many students experience anxiety due to the high stakes and the extensive preparation required. A certain level of anxiety can be motivating, but too much can hinder performance. To manage it, create a structured study plan, practice regularly with sample tests, and focus on improving gradually. Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can also help. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling anxious, and there are resources and strategies available to help you succeed.
