Managing Test Anxiety

Do you experience nervousness and anxiety before taking an exam? Do you worry that you might not be able to recall the correct answer in a test environment? If so, you are not alone. Feelings of nervousness and self-doubt are extremely common.

Here are a few tips that can help to alleviate some of the "butterflies" experienced in the run-up to an exam.

Prior to the Exam
1) Visualize yourself taking the exam. Picture the physical space of the exam room in your head. Create an image of yourself at a desk, methodically going through the exam. If possible, determine the test format and the total number of questions prior to the exam day.

2) Give yourself extra travel time on the day of exam. Anticipate traffic or delays in the subway.

3) Arrive to the exam 15 minutes early. Before you enter the classroom, organize yourself by turning off your cell phone, putting away test prep. materials, and readying anything you need for the exam (e.g. #2 pencil).

4) Utilize 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 prepared to the best of my ability," "I am ready for this exam," "I believe in myself," "I am capable of doing well," and "I am proud of myself for taking on this challenge."

5) 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.

During the Exam
6) As soon as you receive your exam, scan it to get a sense for the types of questions and the total number of questions. Read all instructions.

7) Methodically go through the exam. If your mind goes blank on a question and you feel a sense of panic coming over you, take a deep breath, employ positive self-talk for a moment and then refocus your attention back to the exam.

8) If you cannot recall or identify the answer to a question, make a notation by the question and move on to the next question. In instances were your time may be limited, answer what you are confident in first, and then spend any remaining time on re-examining the more challenging questions.

The best way to build confidence in test taking is to be fully prepared for the exam, which requires significant and effective studying throughout the semester. That said, severe anxiety can still impact a fully-prepared student's performance.

If you feel like anxiety is affecting your academic performance, contact your academic advisor and the Office of Academic Advising & Learning Development immediately. 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.

S-M-A-R-T Goals for the New Year

Winter break is a great time to think about setting goals for the new year and semester. As the semester approaches, the Office of Academic Advising would like to remind you of a strategy that we strongly support. Often, we encourage students to make use of S.M.A.R.T. goal setting! Not sure where to begin? Think of the acronym:

S-Specific
Being specific is helpful because it forces you to clearly define what is you want to do, why you want to do it, and how you are going to get it done. Specificity focuses your efforts, which is essential in the NYUCN program because there is a lot to do and not much time to get it all done. 


M-Measurable
Setting measurable goals is tied closely to your goal being specific. You want to ensure that you can have a means to measure progress and watch the change happen. Then, you can determine if the goal you set needs to be adjusted or if you were able to successfully complete it. For instance, when studying, you could include the chapter numbers as well as the number of pages you want to complete within a given time (ex. I will read pages 127-145 of chapter 7 in one hour).


A-Attainable
When setting goals you want to make sure that you are able to keep yourself motivated to continuously achieve. Setting goals that stretch you slightly is the best way to do it. If you set a goal that you know is unattainable you won't be motivated to achieve it--your commitment to the goal will be hard to maintain. In contrast, setting attainable goals helps you develop a skill set to make the impossible possible by way of small, measurable steps!

R-Realistic This is not to say that the goals you set should be easy . Much like setting attainable goals, your goals should also be realistic. You want to ensure that you are challenging yourself enough but that you also have the support in place, currently, to be able to meet the challenge/goal you set for yourself. Set goals for where you are and as you meet them, adjust them and set new goals.

T-Timely
Be sure that you set a clear time frame with an endpoint to work toward. Based on the goal, give yourself a period, one week, two weeks, etc. Make sure the time frame you choose is measurable, attainable, and realistic!


As you can see, many of the steps in this method are interrelated. They all work together to assist you in setting excellent goals so that you can  meet your mark and excel in school and in nursing.

If you have any questions about how to set your goals or develop study strategies to implement these steps, make an appointment with a member of the Administrative Advising Team! We are here to help.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting!

As the semester approaches, the Office of Academic Advising would like to remind you of a strategy that we strongly support. Often, we encourage students to make use of S.M.A.R.T. goal setting! We want you to not only plan to set goals, but to apply this strategy to your study habits as well as you are managing your time this semester. Not sure where to begin? Think of the acronym.

S-Specific
Being specific is helpful because it forces you to clearly define what is you want to do, why you want to do it, and how you are going to get it done. Specificity focuses your efforts, which is essential in the NYUCN program because there is a lot to do and not much time to get it all done.


M-Measurable
Setting measurable goals is tied closely to your goal being specific. You want to ensure that you can have a means to measure progress and watch the change happen. Then, you can determine if the goal you set needs to be adjusted or if you were able to successfully complete it. For instance, when studying, you could include the chapter numbers as well as the number of pages you want to complete within a given time (ex. I will read pages 127-145 of chapter 7 in one hour).


A-Attainable
When setting goals you want to make sure that you are able to keep yourself motivated to continuously achieve. Setting goals that stretch you slightly is the best way to do it. If you set a goal that you know is unachievable you won't be motivated to achieve it--your commitment to the goal will be hard to maintain. In contrast, setting attainable goals helps you develop a skill set to make the impossible possible by way of small, measurable steps!

R-Realistic This is not to say that the goals you set should be easy . Much like setting attainable goals, your goals should also be realistic. You want to ensure that you are challenging yourself enough but that you also have the support in place, currently, to be able to meet the challenge/goal you set for yourself. Set goals for where you are and as you meet them, adjust them and set new goals.

T-Timely
 Be sure that you set a clear time frame with an endpoint to work toward. Based on the goal, give yourself a period, one week, two weeks, etc. Make sure the time frame you choose is measurable, attainable, and realistic!

 
As you can see, many of the steps in this method are interrelated. They all work together to assist you in setting excellent goals so that you can  meet your mark and excel in school and in nursing.

If you have any questions about how to re-work you goals or your study strategies to implement these steps, make an appointment with a member of the Administrative Advising Team! We are here to help.

Study Strategies: NYUCN OAALD Endorses the 5 Day Test Prep!

The Stanford University Center for Teaching and Learning offers a review of what students should be doing to prepare when they are a week away from their exams. This strategy should be used in conjunction with sustained, structured study time, and offers a set system that you can use to keep your self on the right track until exam time comes.

5 Day Test Prep

Five days before: Organize

Organize and review your class notes and text notes carefully. Prepare a list of all topics that will be on the exam. List them in order of importance so you can focus your attention accordingly.

Four days before: Review and Recall

Review your notes thoroughly, but don’t just look at them. Explain them to yourself. Don’t mistake familiarity for comprehension. Concentrate on the topics that are more difficult for you to understand. Use mnemonic devices or visualization to organize the material as a “breadcrumb trail” back to the big ideas.

Three days before: Rewrite

Briefly rewrite all important information. Review these notes repeatedly. Trying to recall your own explanations will be more effective than trying to recall what the text and your professors have said.

Two days before: Question

Make a list of questions that might be on the exam and answer them in as much detail as possible.

One day before: Prepare
Review your notes and rewritten notes a few hours before the exam. Take time to relax before the exam. If you are afraid you will forget information or "blank out" when you receive the exam, write reminders on the back that you can come back to during the exam.

A handout with this information is available for pick up in the Office of Academic Advising, it is also available here: Stanford 5 Day Test Prep

The Office of Academic Advising & Learning Development is here to support you! If you want to discuss more study strategies or have a question about the 5 Day test prep method, feel free to reach out. You can make an appointment with a member of the advising staff as well as speak to your assigned academic advisor.

Test-Taking Strategies Review

If you were unable to make it to the workshop last week we certainly hope you will plan to attend in the future. Many students found the session to be very helpful and they plan to implement the strategies discussed with Professor Brody.

The workshop reviewed strategies and concepts discussed in Dr. Ea's workshop held during the spring semester. For a brief review refer to our blog post from February detailing some Effective Strategies for Test-Taking. Additionally, stop by the Office of Academic Advising & Learning Development to pick up a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.

As an NYU Nursing student, you are always able to meet with a member of the administrative advising team to discuss strategies for test-taking as well as time management and study skills. Feel free to email nursingadvising@nyu.edu to set up an appointment today!

Upcoming Test-Taking Strategies Workshop!!

Dr.Ab Brody, Assistant Professor, will present a test-taking strategies workshop for NYUCN students. As the first round of exams comes to a close for undergraduates, this workshop will allow you to reflect on your current strategies and introduce you to helpful tips that you can implement as you begin to prepare for future exams this term. Additionally, this workshop will address best practices for NCLEX-type and certification exam questions.

This session will cover relevant information for graduate students as well. The strategies discussed are applicable to any certification and/or graduate level exam. The Office of Academic Advising strongly encourages you to attend this session for a thorough review of test-taking strategies and tips for reducing test anxiety. Specific information regarding this event is below:

Test-Taking Strategies Workshop
Presented by Professor Ab Brody
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
5:30pm
Atrium Conference Room (Room 1031)
Please RSVP to nursingadvising@nyu.edu by 5pm on June 26, 2012

The Atrium Conference Room is located on the 10th Floor of 726 Broadway in the College of Nursing. As the Broadway elevators are currently being renovated, please enter the building through the entrance at 418 Lafayette Street. You are then able to take the elevators to the College of Nursing on the 10th Floor.

Effective Test Taking Strategies

If you weren't able to make it to Professor Ea's test taking workshop this week keep reading for a summary of what was discussed. The Office of Academic Advising will plan to offer another test taking session in April; but, until then, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind moving forward this semester!

Self-Assessment Questions: A Few Things to Consider

• How do you study best? Alone or in groups? Answering this question can be essential to your success in studying for an exam. If you know that you need alone time and complete quiet to retain information then it may be best to study alone.
• Where do you study best? Similar to the first question, if you have a special place that you like to study then be sure to secure that space during your study time. Studying can be similar to real estate in that location is key. Find a place where you, and/or your group, is most comfortable.
• Are you maintaining a positive attitude? Relaxation is another key to being a successful test taker. Think positive thoughts and affirm yourself and your abilities. Anxiety is contagious so try to remain positive and distance yourself from people or things that will make you nervous about upcoming tests.

Preparing for the Test

• Plan Ahead. Keep up with reading and know exactly what you will be tested on. Check learning and lecture outcomes before and after exams to help you "focus read."
• Develop study habits and skills. Being a good listener, an effective note-taker, and an effective reader will assist you in being as prepared as possible for your upcoming exam. If you have questions about how to do this for your course, ask your instructor.
• Validate Your Knowledge. Utilize study guides associated with your course material. Use resources such as Kaplan, review questions, and attend tutoring to confirm what you know to be correct.

Taking the Test

• Identify the topic and focus of each question. If you need to, rephrase the question in a way that makes sense to you. If you are unable to identify the focus of the question THEN read the answer choices. Look for emerging patterns.
• Select answers by elimination. Don't look for the correct answer right away. Be sure to read ALL the choices before settling on the answer you think is correct.
• Don't read too far into the questions. As you are taking the exam, don't make up circumstances to justify each of the choices. Avoid saying "what if" and answer the question that is in front of you.

The tips above and many more were covered by Professor Ea in the Test Taking Workshop on February 8th. Hopefully this summary can be of assistance in your study time and preparation. Feel free to reach out to the Office of Academic Advising with any questions related to this workshop or assistance with study skills. We wish you the best and look forward to seeing you at our future events!

Upcoming Support Workshop: Test-Taking Strategies!!

We are excited to announce this upcoming academic workshop, which will be presented by Dr Emerson Ea. This session will address effective strategies and tips for answering question-types commonly seen on the NCLEX and other licensing exams.

Test-Taking Strategies
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Atrium Conference Room
726 Broadway, 10th Floor
1:00pm-2:30pm

This workshop is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Nursing. All are encouraged to attend! If you are interested in attending this session, please RSVP to nursingadvising@nyu.edu by no later than February 7, 2012. We look forward to seeing you there!