Student Counseling Center
Test Anxiety
Most students get apprehensive before taking an exam. The fear of failing creates a level of anxiety that may actually be good for us. A certain level of anxiety may motivate us to study and prepare for different situations so that we can be successful. If we had no fear or concern over passing a test, we might not bother to study at all.
But what happens if the level of anxiety increases beyond a "useful level" and creates stress that interferes with our ability to perform up to our capabilities? That is what happens when people experience "Test anxiety." 
Students may become so anxious that they often report such things as:
- “I knew the material but my mind went blank”
- “I froze on the test and couldn’t remember anything”
- “I knew all the answers before and after I took the test”
- “My heart started racing, and I began sweating”
- “I worried after I saw other students finishing the test”
- “I felt like the room was closing in on me”
- "I got sick to my stomach because I was so anxious"
- "I changed my answers frequently from "correct" answers to "wrong" answers on test"
- "I tell myself that I can't pass the test and that I will fail the course"
Strategies for Dealing with Test Anxiety
- Be prepared: study for recall, not just recognition (see Learning Strategies Program)
- Be realistic: A test measures your performance on a given day about specific information. It does not measure your intelligence, your future abilities, or your worth.
- Get adequate nutrition, sleep, and exercise: "cramming" can cause fatigue, loss of concentration, and anxiety. Exercise can counteract feelings of anxiety.
- Use positive self-talk
- Learn to use relaxation exercises: Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
- Answer easier questions first
- Avoid forced recall: If you don't know the answer, skip the question and come back to it later.
Appointments for help with Test Anxiety may be made by contacting:
Student Counseling Center
University Center, Room 3170
Phone: 903.566.7254
Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Every effort will be made to schedule an appointment at the earliest time available and at the student's convenience. Students may visit the counseling center with our without an appointment, but an appointment is recommended. Clients are asked to call 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time if they are unable to keep their appointment.