The Times

Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: News

Media Credit: SACHA RYDER

As students enter the classroom; they sit down at the desk, with clammy hands. The sweat on their faces is easily noticeable. Their hearts start pounding inside their chests. Their eyes get all fuzzy and the words on the paper start to mesh together and they think they are just seeing things, the teacher stands at the front of the class "Ok, now remember this is only half of your grade, good luck everyone." But what they heard was nothing but slow motion. They take one look at the test and are about to pass out. Things start going through their minds, "No worries, and its only half my grade. I know I studied really well for this." Their hearts begin to race faster as they pick up the pencil to begin.

It is that time again. Finals are on the way and students are scrambling for all their past notes so they can go over them. Students study real hard in order to pass their classes, but they worry just a little too much.

Some college students have test of anxiety; they can't focus on what needs to be done because they are afraid that if they fail this is it. While that may be true, this is not something that needs to be going through the mind of someone taking a test.

Finals are important; they are the last test you will ever take in the class that you are in. That last test can be stressful. Psychology 101 says that many students experience some nervousness or apprehension before, during, or after an exam. This kind of state anxiety can be a powerful motivator. However, some students experience test-related anxiety to such a degree that it can lead to poor performance and interfere with their learning. These students suffer from test anxiety also called examination anxiety.

Morgan Thomas, a sophomore at San Jac South said "It freaks me out, my heart races, my body goes hot. It makes me want to cry." Another student Samar Halabia said "I get stomach aches and head aches, during a test." These students and more have stress from tests.

This type of stress or anxiety is common in most college students. There are ways to help beat the Stress of the Final Test. Here are some helpful hints. The first is to get a good night's sleep, don't cram the night before. Most students who cram stay up all night, they are more likely to lose the information when they stay awake. Secondly, eat a good breakfast. Get those brain cells working with a nice healthy breakfast. Eating breakfast will not only help you focus but will help you wake up as well. Get help if you need to, get some tutoring a week or two before the test. In fact Finals Frenzy at San Jac, inthe Student Success Center, is the perfect way to get help before finals. The frenzy will happen during the week before finals.

Other things to do during the test are ignore the negatives. Negatives feelings form a bad test-taking environment.

Take your time; while the test may need to be done by a certain time that is no excuse for you to rush.

After the test, it is best to once again ignore negative thoughts. Positive thoughts may bring a better outcome. Words like "I know I studied my hardest and I felt really good about it.

With these simple tips, you too can beat the Stress Test.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools