Math and science tests are frequently known to be the hardest, requiring extra study and attention before the exam. Test-taking is known to be a skill in itself. Here are some tips that can help clear away the butterflies and help you get your best score.
1. Study ahead of time in short 30 minute spurts with 5-minute breaks.
The main idea is that you don’t want to trick yourself into believing that you studied the material, even though your brain stopped absorbing the information. By taking a break, you can file away and organize the information so that you can remember it. If you feel like 5 minutes is too short, you can alternate for a 45-10 system, to give yourself more time to make a snack or something.
2. Have a stress ball for the test.
If you can take a stress ball into class, having something to focus on can help alleviate the stress, and may calm you down while you complete the test.
3. Use breathing techniques
If you can’t take a stress ball into class, use breathing techniques. Count to ten slowly in your mind as you breathe in and then count to ten slowly in your mind as you breathe out. Do it twice. Try to extend out your breathing in and breathing out. While you may feel that it takes time away from your test, this will only take 1 minute to do at the most, and you will be more relaxed and focused when you get back to your test. Focus on your breathing.
4. Brain dump formulas at the beginning of the test.
Before the test starts, if I feel like the formula sheet is not sufficient, I dump all of the formulas I can remember onto the sheet, so I don’t have to recall them later. If a formula pops into my head while I am taking the test, I don’t bother to write it down until I need to use it (typically on the problem itself). For tests with a complete formula sheet, I take my time to write on it, and note what each one is used for.
4. Get plenty of rest/eat well
Avoid using too much caffeine before a test. While you may move faster through the exam, doing so can cause you to miss important details or second-guess your answers. Not eating enough can lead to fatigue, especially in high-stress situations. Eat well before your exam, though I would recommend not too much sugar, or the crash can be quite awful as well.
5. Don’t study right before the test.
Don’t study at the last minute. The key is not to study, but a light review is fine. Doing too much study right before the test can add extra stress. I usually have some small ritual, involving getting all of my things out before a test, my gum, my calculator. I have one of my favorite songs I listen to (Telepopmusik – Breathe), and then when start is called, I pull my headphones off and stuff them into my backpack.
Whatever your ritual is, don’t think about the test at least an hour before the test, just kick back and relax, before the test. Read a book, listen to music, draw. Do something relaxing.
6. Think positive thoughts.
You’ve done your best to prepare for the test. Including reading this article. You’ve taken notes, studied them, looked at your formulas, and worked out practice questions. You are going to get the best test score you can possibly get.
Tell yourself that you can do it. That you put in the work and that you are going to get the best score possible and then just do it!
You can do it! We believe you can.
