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When taking a test, do you ever?

Here are some strategies to help you before, during, and after tests so that you can reduce your anxiety level and make that A.

Before the Test

• Learn the material-be prepared.

• Practice taking the same type of test so that you can concentrate on the questions instead of the test form.

• Get a good night's sleep the night before.

• Don't go into the test on an empty stomach

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, chocolate, snack foods, sugar, and caffinenated beverages. These foods often intensify stress.

• Arrive to the test early so that you aren't creating a stressful situation because you're rushing.

• Avoid people who are nervous and might cause you to become even more so.

• Don't try to do last minute review.

• Decide on a treat that you are going to reward yourself with-a movie, a swim, a walk in the park, coffee with a friend.

During the Test

• Stay positive and confident. Remind yourself that you are well prepared and are going to do well. Remember that you don't have to be perfect.

• Get comfortable. Choose a good spot to take the test with plenty of room to work.

• Preview the test. Spend a few minutes looking over the test, marking key terms and deciding how to budget your time.

• Answer the questions in strategic order. Answer the easy questions first, leaving more time for the more difficult ones. Next, answer those with the highest point value.

• Know when to guess when taking a multiple choice or matching test. Eliminate answers you know are wrong leaving fewer "right" choices.

• Don't change your answer unless you are sure of the correction since your first choice is usually correct.

• Save some time to review. Make sure you have answered all the questions-look on the backs of the pages. Check over the directions to make sure you have followed them.

• Don't try to be the first finished.

• Think about the post-exam treat that you have promised yourself.

• If you find yourself panicking try one of these quick exercises.

• Close your eyes and deep breathe for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Tense and then relax your back and neck muscles.

• Imagine a peaceful place.

• Engage in positive self-talk.

After the Test

• Remember that treat that you promised yourself? Go for it!

• Relax, you have earned it!

• Think back to the test and its organization and questions so that you can prepare for the next one.

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