Question

I have a problem with anxiety before taking math tests. My scores rarely display my abilities because I'm too nervous to concentrate. I forget how to do problems that normally I could handle. How can I not be as nervous (especially this Sunday, I have a State Governor's Cup test)

Answer 1

It is normal to get nervous before tests.

Answer 2

practice, practice, practice

Answer 3

I think my case is a bit more severe. I start shivering before the tests.

Answer 4

Just relax, and don't study anything new on the day before test.

Answer 5

Try having a Gatorade. ;)

Answer 6

Study the material thoroughly. It would boost your confidence about the matter a bit more than it would if you never did. Think of it as one single test, of a lifetime. Write it not labeling as a test, but a simple assignment.

Answer 7

Why not anything new?

Answer 8

Review is key before a test.

Answer 9

There can't be anything new since people have tried to find all the ways out/.

Answer 10

Okay, I think I can look at it as an assignment, thanks.

Answer 11

Um this is because you are giving it too importance. Mathematics is just a part of life and test come and test go so relax and enjoy the ride :)

Answer 12

One single test bro, nothing to worry about. Give it your best try. Haven't seen hardwork not pay off. :-)

Answer 13

Is there anything I should do before the test?

Answer 14

Breathe; No pressure, take it lightly.

Answer 15

Just relax and save your energy for the test day.

Answer 16

okay

Answer 17

sometimes i wish i could play basketball before a test, because i relax and i dont have to think i can just do

Answer 18

Whatever you do, never think of a test as a matter of life or death, test is a test that's it.

Answer 19

Lol Test is an assingment^ Not a life and death situation

Answer 20

okay, so it doesn't matter as long as I've tried

Answer 21

Hard work earns your results :-)

Answer 22

Kat, here people consider JEE, CAT, etc as tests of life or death so much frustration around lol

Answer 23

That's the spirit, we can only work hard and give the exam the rest is not our business.

Answer 24

My take on this is not to cram, also learn the concepts of the problems you are solving. Do not just copy off the textbook or what your teacher says. Beleive in yourself. Lastly this might sound crazy but avoid studying like 1 to 2 hours before exam. Reason being that if you know the concept of the problems you will be able to figure out a solution even if you forget the formular.

Answer 25

Lol The same frustration lingers in every testing atmosphere. It is whether we choose to ignore it, or take the test in fear of it.

Answer 26

students these days :P :P @kat

Answer 27

Lol I am aware they die for their results of 90%+ marks.

Answer 28

Yeah students like you! hehe

Answer 29

Live for the buck, kill for the rank :P J.k.

Answer 30

ROFL! :D

Answer 31

^Credits to A.R. Rahaman :P

Answer 32

Thanks for the update :P

Answer 33

Lol its no update. Millionaire hosted that song. Your quite late actually, :P

Answer 34

what do you mean by Millionaire?

Answer 35

Lol Slumdog Millionaire :P

Answer 36

Teenagers these days :P

Answer 37

Grandpa's these days.

Answer 38

LOL I am a MAN!

Answer 39

Lol That's all Grandpa's wish, that they were still in their youth :P Quit dreaming and Live reality :D

Answer 40

LOL :D

Answer 41

I say to do all the homework, go to the math lab or somewhere for reinforcement exercises, and do not wait until the last minute. Cramming doesn't work in mathematics because of the structure of the discipline. Daily practice ups performance.

On the heebie-jeebies, I say go for a run a while before the test to release the freeze on your brain. Then, eat a light meal of one of your "comfort foods" but not too much. When you are thinking, blood goes to the brain. If you are tanked up on food, you'll get a bad stomach when the blood flow is diverted to your brain. But do eat something. Carbs are brain food.

Oh, and if you mess up on a test, ask your prof if you can retake a similar but different test outside classroom hours on your own time to prove to yourself that you can do the work. You might want to ask if you can have this extra test to count as an additional test to go with the other one. Not a good idea to ask for extra credit.

Also, see if you can find a study buddy who knows something. Stressful times are better with a buddy. (I'm not talking cheating - just confidence.) Plus, you can vocalize your fears to your buddy. So, get a buddy who will not go bonkers.

And, as said above. It is natural to feel some anxiety and self-doubt.

Let us know how it goes.

Answer 42

Guys it went great! I went into the huge testing room with everyone else and I kept telling myself that I could do it. I ended up getting 17th place with a 38 outta 50.