According to the ADAA about sixteen percent of college students experience test anxiety. Test anxiety is defined as a type of performance anxiety, and can affect students at all levels of education from kindergarten to PhD candidates.

“Test anxiety can stem from worry about performance,” says Carol Kaufman-Scarborough, a professor at Rutgers School of Business-Camden. “This can result from a fear of a particular subject, a fear of failing, a fear of a larger impact such as not graduating and simply a fear of testing formats.”

The symptoms of test anxiety range from rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, feeling faint or stomach pain. The onset of these symptoms can be immediately before the test or in the days leading up to an exam.

But, don’t worry! There are proven ways to combat test anxiety and help you perform as best as possible on any type of exam!

Take a Deep Breath

Remember that it is only a test and that life will go on, no matter the outcome. So, take a deep breath and face that exam with confidence!

Simply Start

A blank answer sheet can be intimidating, but the key is to start with one question and go from there.

Be Positive!

Make sure that you start the test with a positive mindset. You are smart, accomplished, and studied hard for this exam, so just keep that in mind as you begin.

Be On Time

Rushing to not be late for an exam is only going to increase your anxiety, so do yourself a favor and be prepared so you can get to the test in plenty of time.

Read Carefully

The last thing you want is to make a careless mistake, so be sure to slow down and read each question clearly. Feel confident about each question so you can feel confident about each answer.