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.

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!