TeenHelp - Surviving Tests and Exams

Surviving Tests and Exams

By Hyper Sonic

This is written as a guide for how to cope when you're actually doing a test or exam, rather than when you're preparing for it. For a more detailed guide on coping with exam stress and preparation, please see Shaz's article. (Article found here.)

Before the Test or Exam

Ensure you get a good night's sleep. It is counter-productive to spend this night revising/studying – a good night's sleep will enable you to concentrate better. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, will make you tired, affecting your memory and concentration (source).
Get a good breakfast – whole grains full of energy, such as porridge or wholegrain cereals, are best.
Arrive in plenty of time! You don't want feel rushed to be on time.

Immediately Before the Test or Exam

Waiting for the test to start is typically the most stressful part. Be sure that you have everything you need including:

Basic stationary such as pens and pencils. Bring a few extras just in case!
Extra materials like a calculator or anthology (if applicable).
A drink of water and some mints/sweets. (Depending on the policies of your school/college/university.)

After the Test or Exam Starts

Do:

Quickly look through the exam paper all the way through and allocate a time to spend on each question based upon how many marks each question is worth. For example, spend longer on questions that count for more points.
Get questions you're comfortable with out of the way so you can spend the remaining time on more difficult questions.
If you don't know an answer, skip the question and come back to it after. Spending too much time on questions may take time away from time set for other questions, which may result in your answers being rushed and not fully explained.
Set aside some space in case you remember something relevant to the exam.
Take a small drink of water every now and then. Staying hydrated will keep you fresh and alert, it will also give you a small break from staring at the paper.
Set aside time to check your existing answers – ten minutes should suffice.

Don't:

Panic! Take your time and think things through.
Get disheartened if your neighbours appear to be working faster – this is generally not the case, they could be looking through or answering questions they know, or taking notes.
Look at your paper the whole time. Take a look at the clock or pause for a small sip of water if you need a distraction.

After the Test or Exam is Done

Congratulations, you're finished! There is no point in worrying about your results. Give yourself a treat of some kind – you deserve it.