Science & Outdoors
Final exam anxiety can be kept under control
Science and Outdoors Reporter
The last month of the semester has arrived and finals week begins on Dec. 15, anxiety can be seen in almost every building on campus.
Students often have multiple finals a day. Preparing for numerous exams can be a tiring experience as most students pull “all-nighters”,which leaves the feeling of being run-down. There is, however, a possible solution to the problem of multiple tests. Many professors are willing to let a student take a test early if they can prove they have three or more exams on the same day.
“I can study for hours and still not feel prepared for the test,” said University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student, Ashley Jankiewicz. “Sometimes I think I study too much and it becomes an overload which eventually makes me forget things.”
Exam anxiety is a recurring problem for many, if not most, students. There are many techniques used by students to reduce their anxiety. Often, techniques such as rereading and rewriting notes, creating note cards, teaching others the material, studying in class sections and studying with others in the class, result in better exam scores. Students who have sought help from other students have found the results on their tests were better than when they studied alone.
It is important to note that feeling some anxiety before an exam is considered to be normal and is actually a good thing; according to the Yerkes-Dodson Law dictionary of psychology.
A moderate level of anxiety or arousal is often best for helping one to reach their optimal level of performance. A person who is under aroused likely does not care about the test and, therefore, will probably not do very well, just as a person who is over-aroused may not do well.
“Students who know the material well, but then put so much pressure on themselves to do well or to be perfect that they end up getting to the test site and being so distracted by their anxiety that they cannot recall the information they have learned,” said Jeana Magyar-Moe, associate professor of psychology.
All professors on campus have some form of office hours during which students can show up and ask questions.
“I think professors are very good about office hours or setting up another time to meet. But really it’s the students’ choice,” said UW-SP student, Kimberly Rosenthal.
There are many options students can choose from for study help. The Tutoring-Learning Center and the Counsel Center are two options provided by the university. The Counseling Center’s services are free of charge to students and staffed by professional psychologists who are more than willing to listen. At the TLC, students can team up with peer tutors in a variety of programs tailored to fit the individual seeking help.
Important things to remember to remember concerning exams:
-Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep the night before exams.
-Eat something before you go into the test.
-As you are taking the test, make sure to read the directions and answer the questions asked.
-Watch the time.
-Skip over difficult areas and go back to them.
-If you go blank on an essay or short answer test, start writing something on another sheet of paper, it may trigger your mind.
-While taking the test, stay relaxed. Don’t tense up! Take deep breaths and expect to be a little anxious, but don’t let it control you.
