Tackle Test Anxiety With These Tips!

It's exam time again! So we're sharing some tips for tackling text anxiety. The key is to be prepared.

Here are a few tips that can help to alleviate some of the "butterflies" before an exam.



Use the acronym P-R-E-P-A-R-E!

P - Positive self-talk: In the moments before an exam, it is important to reassure yourself and to focus on positive thoughts. Here are some examples to help you get started: "I am prepared to the best of my ability" or "I am ready for this exam" or "I am capable of doing well."

R - Relax: Relax your body and clear your mind by breathing in deeply over several seconds and then slowly releasing your breath. Repeat this technique at least three times.

E - Exam day: Before exam day picture the physical space of the exam room in your head. Create an image of yourself at a desk, methodically going through the exam. 

P - Plan ahead: Before you enter the classroom, organize yourself by turning off your cell phone, putting away notes, and bring anything you need for the exam (e.g. #2 pencil).

A - Arrive early: Give yourself extra travel time on the day of exam. Anticipate traffic or delays on the subway.

R - Remember to focus: If your mind goes blank on a question and you feel a sense of panic coming over you, take a deep breath, focus, employ positive self-talk for a moment and then refocus your attention back to the exam.

E - Evaluate: In instances where your time may be limited, evaluate the questions and answer what you are confident in first, and then spend any remaining time on re-examining the more challenging questions. 

If you feel as though test anxiety is affecting your academic performance, contact your academic advisor. We are here to help and support you!

Lastly, whatever your level of anxiety, take advantage of the counseling services and stress-relief workshops offered by NYU's Student Health & Wellness Center.

Good luck!
The NYUCN Advising Team

Time Flies By....

When you're a nursing student! 

Does the day seem to fly by and you still have plenty to do? Can't find enough time to study, spend time with friends, read for class, prepare for the next exam, or even cook dinner? Try some of these time management tips and be sure to attend one of our workshops for more information:

1) Write down where you are spending your time. For example, on average how many hours per week do you sleep (including naps)? Commute? Spend with friends, going out, watching tv? Getting ready? Add up the total hours. There are 168 hours in a week, subtract your total from 168. How many hours are remaining? This is how much time you have left to study. Do you need to make any adjustments to your schedule? 

2) Use a time management tool such as your NYU google calendar. You week should look something like this: 

Notice all the different color blocks? Each color represents an activity. For example: Yellow - Breaks/out with friends, Green - Extra curricular activities, Red - class. This way you have a visual of how much time you are spending. The calendar is an excellent tool to organize your time and it sends you reminders!

3) Use SMART goal setting to manage your time too. For example: S for SPECIFIC: "Read for Actute Psychology for two hours" This is NOT a specific goal because it does not tell you what you are going to read and how much. A more SPECIFIC goal would be: "Read and take notes on chapter's 7&8 in 60 minutes. Complete 5 NCLEX questions in 10 minutes." Refer to our previous post about SMART goal setting for more information. 

These are just a few suggestions. Contact our office at nursingadvising@nyu.edu if you would like to set up an appointment with a professional academic advisor to chat one on one about time management.