Finals are considered the most stressful series of tests to take for school. They are the tests that out of all of the others you've had to be bothered with for the school year, matters the most. It determines where you're going to be for next year so understandably, it can be a very nerve wrecking thing. Here are my top 5 tips that have helped me and my friends not look at test taking so intimidatingly and actually pass.
1. Don't Stress
Most people already have the thought in their heads "Omg im gonna fail!" or "Omg what if I fail?! My parents are going to KILL me!!!" etc etc. Those thoughts are just something I call "Doubt Bullies". Doubt Bullies fill your head with things that aren't true. Everyone has the potential to get a good grade on their final! Your thoughts create your world so if you start thinking you're going to fail, chances are, you will. That being said, it is important that you go into your test with a positive, optimistic attitude about passing. You have to believe in yourself and know that you are smart enough to succeed.
2. Don't Overload Studying
Most people think that if they run through flashcards over and over and over they're going to have EVERYTHING down and memorized and get a guaranteed A. Wrong!! Actually, this goes in line with the first tip because when you study and study and study, you're basically telling yourself "I'm not ready." You have to be so confident in yourself that you won't feel the need to study a bajillion times. Yes, studying is good and important but when you're stressed out while studying, it has absolutely no affect on your brain at all. Even though you'll think you have it all down, because you put so much negative energy into studying, you're going to forget more than half of what you worked so hard on.
Most people think that studying is the one and only key to passing; This is the first mistake. When it comes to studying, don't look at studying as your only key to passing. Look at it as "I know this stuff, I just want to refresh my brain a little." The key to passing a test isn't about how hard you study, it's about paying enough attention to your classes, that you know (and understand) what you need to know to pass.
If you need to, get a study partner (preferably one who is known for taking notes) to help you review. Another thing that could help you not overload on studying is to set up a study schedule. Set certain days, times and how long you'll be studying during those times, to help you balance out your mind.
3. Eat and Sleep
Do not skip breakfast, do not stay up late. You need to feel as rejuvenized as possible for test day. If you're tired, you can't focus. If you're hungry, you cant focus! Its a lose, lose situation! Sleeping enough will help you feel more optimistic in the morning because when you do, you wake up bright, happy and ready to take on the day. Whereas when you're tired, you don't want to see anyone, you don't want to talk to anyone and you're just grumpy! That kind of attitude isn't going to help you pass your test because at every question, you're just going to be all "Whatever." and not even care if you get something wrong when you had the potential to actually get it right.
You can't test on an empty stomach because the only thing that'll be playing on a loop in the back of your mind is: "I'm hungry I'm hungry I'm hungry" which will cause frustration because you can't focus on questions.
So do yourself a favor, and allow yourself to eat and sleep.
4. Don't Obsess Over It
After you're done with your studying sessions, get the test out of your mind. Dont think about it, Dont talk about how worried you are about it, leave it alone until it's time for you to review again. The more you obsess over it, the more stressed out you're going to be over it.
5. Just Breathe
When test day comes, just breathe. You know you can do it, you know you're going to pass and that's it. If you go in with a optimistic attitude and you've studied your best, all you have to do now is know you've got this thing covered. Know that you have nothing to worry about.
If you get freaked out by questions and freeze, just remind yourself that you know the answer and just breathe. If it helps, keep summer on your mind! Think about tanning, being with your best friends, think about the beach. Dab some sunscreen on your wrists so that smelling it calms you down. Think about road trips and taking tons of pictures. Know that at the end of all of this testing, it will all be worth it!
I hope this helped you! You can do it!!
Love,
Flair <3
