Tips on avoiding stress on Exams

Before the test

bulletBegin studying early, review starting as soon as possible after the first lecture. Never cram the night before. Light review of already learned material. Lack of preparation is the cause of most exam stress. Once you have done all you can to prepare and understand the material then the goal is to relax.  Recall improves as stress decreases however some stress is good.
bulletArrive on time

During the Exam

bulletManage your time wisely, preview the test and plan your attack.
bulletDon't worry about what the other students are doing. This is not a race, you do not get extra points for turning your test in first. use the time allotted to be careful. I see so many careless mistakes that would have been avoided had the student took the time to carefully read the question. Quality is the goal.
bulletIf you find your self losing concentration.      Stop working    take a deep breath    use muscle relaxation  stretch     after a minute return to work.

People usually think of the answer to a question after they turn in the test.  This is because as soon as they turn in the test the stress level drops and the recall ability increases.  The best way to get better at taking exams is to take them often and take lots of them.

If I could pass on one piece of advice to students, it would be to enjoy school more and learn to embrace all aspects including exams, not fear them.  I regret not mastering this sooner. I enjoyed my education process and I see now how much more fun I would have had if I had not wasted so much energy and effort on exam stress.