Now that the semester is coming to an end, it’s time to sit down and hit the books. Your final exams are coming up and there is a lot to study for. Multiple classes mean multiple finals and long evenings of judging. Having jitters before these tests is typical for many students, so you don’t feel alone. Although these nerves can be overwhelming, there are methods to overcome them. Here are five tips to overcome your exam anxiety for this year’s finals.
1. Prioritize your sleep
One of the best pre-test strategies is to get enough sleep the night before. While it’s tempting to pile on the material, prioritize sleep the night before. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’re compromising your memory and critical thinking skills – two essentials when taking tests.
A 2021 PLOS One study examines the relationship between student test performance and sleep behavior and concludes that sleep duration correlates positively with test scores. Start studying as far in advance as possible to ensure you get a good night’s sleep before your final exams.
2. Study wisely in advance
Studying before the exams is imperative, but you need to focus on your assessment methods. Sometimes simply looking at your notes and memorizing the presentation slides isn’t enough. Try different approaches and find the one that works best for you.
For example, some people study the material and teach it to someone else in their dorm or household. If you can explain a concept to someone who is unfamiliar with the subject, you will have more confidence in your ability to take a test.
You may study best in a quiet environment, so find an isolated room or library where everyone else is quiet. If you’re studying alone, look for ways to shake up your review. Read your notes in reverse order or create flashcards to remember important concepts. Practice potential essay questions to improve your understanding and make you feel better prepared.
3. Find college friends
When you prepare for exams, you may put a lot of pressure on yourself to perform well. However, you don’t have to approach your final alone. There are others in your class who feel the same fear as you. Find a trusted colleague in the program and ask if they would like to study together. Finding study partners is helpful because you can exchange ideas with each other and make your perspectives more complete.
Another option for test preparation is to find a mentor. This person could be a faculty member, a professional in your desired field, or someone who has taken the course previously. Your mentor does making you more productive and engaged by improving your study habits and imparting wisdom when taking tests. Even if they can’t help you, mentors are useful in pointing you in the right direction.
4. Start your day early
When test days arrive, start your day early so you have enough time for each final. The last thing you want is to rush into the classroom before the test starts. Consider getting up a little earlier than usual and going to the exam room early. You will feel more at ease knowing that you have adequately prepared and demonstrated your responsibility.
If you arrive at the exam room early, you can use this time to catch up on your notes. Give yourself a final quiz on the material so that the content is fresh in your mind. If there is a friend in the room, test each other on concepts to boost your confidence and gain additional perspectives.
5. Eat a balanced meal before the test
Pre-test jitters may cause you to lose your appetite in the morning. Stress and anxiety cause your body to do this undergo emotional and psychological changesand not being hungry is one of the main symptoms.
Although you may not be hungry, it is best to eat something before your exams to improve your test scores. Research has shown the benefits of nourishing your body and brain. A 2020 Behavioral Science Survey finds a significant positive relationship between students’ dietary habits, family wealth, and test scores.
So, what counts as a hearty breakfast before the test? Balance your breakfast with simple carbohydrates and proteins to energize your body. If you don’t have much time, make your pre-exam meal easier with overnight oats. This sweet treat is nutritious with proteins, fiber, magnesium, potassium and other essential nutrients. Moreover, they are customizable and easy to customize to your liking.
Do your best during the tests
The end of the semester is a light at the end of the tunnel. However, you must first pass the final exams. Although these tests bring stress and anxiety, you have the tools to overcome these jitters and do your best. Use these five tips to feel better prepared and reduce exam anxiety.
