How to Tame the Testing Tiger

It’s that time of year! When families explore applying to independent schools, one of the first questions we hear is how can their student best prepare for the standardardized entrance testing requirements. Generally speaking, we don’t suggest our students “go crazy” on test prep, for so many reasons! Most importantly, we strive to create a calm and low-stress approach for the students we work with, which includes reducing anxiety about testing requirements. 

There are many private schools that care about SSAT or ISEE test scores, so it’s important to understand how to support students who are anxious test takers. Often, the first step towards helping them feel more comfortable with testing is to practice feeling calm and in control of their tests during their school day. 

Test anxiety isn’t anything new, and is shown in a variety of forms. Most commonly, test anxiety presents itself as the uneasy, fearful, and worried feeling students get when they are about to hunker down for a test or exam. 

It’s important to note that this anxiety isn’t unique to large final exams, but can also appear during low-point tests. Before we discuss how parents can support students when they are experiencing test-induced anxiety, it’s important to understand what this stress is and where it comes from. 

What is test anxiety and what causes it?

Test anxiety typically begins with students worrying about what might happen either during their upcoming exam or as a result of the exam. Test anxiety is a slippery slope once it begins, as it can spiral into feelings of uneasiness, fear, and endless worry. 

Before test anxiety becomes paralyzing, here are some helpful tips for parents on how they can support their students as they experience this type of stress. 

Make a Plan

If your student knows when they will have their next exam, encourage them to plan ahead by reviewing their materials well in advance. If this is a course your student may be struggling in, it might be helpful to advise them to talk with their teacher to work through the material. 

It’s also important to keep in mind how your student learns best. If it would be most effective for them to study with a group, encourage them to set up a study session with their peers, or if they learn best in a one-on-one environment, advise that they meet with a tutor for extra guidance. 

Take Regular Breaks

Preparing for tests is rarely not stressful. Especially when students know they have one on their radar, it’s easy to spiral into anxiousness. That’s why it’s important to remind your student to take regular breaks throughout the day. Although it might be counter-intuitive when a deadline is approaching, remind your student that breaks are an essential element of the study process. 

Learn from Habits

Similar to taking breaks, another effective way to help your student perform their best on test-taking day is to encourage them to understand what parts of the day they learn best. If they do their best work in the morning, then it’s probably not effective for them to stay up late studying. 

Avoid Stimulants on Test Day

It’s common for students to cram the caffeine in during long hours of studying, but doing this on test day will only cause more problems. Remind your student that although they may think caffeine will help them power through their exam, in reality, it will only cause their anxiety to skyrocket. 

Rest is Required

As students get deep into their studies, it’s easy for them to consider sleep as something that they can put off until later. However, it’s important to check in with your student on their sleep habits and remind them that sleep is crucial to not only learning but retaining information. 

Arrive Early

Once test day has arrived, your student’s anxiousness is most likely at an all-time high. 

To help your student perform well during the test, remind them that one of the best things they can do is arrive early. When students get to class well before the exam, they give themselves enough time to set up their space and get comfortable. That way, once the exam period begins, they will be ready to get to work. 

Test anxiety is a part of being human. Don’t forget to remind your students that they are not alone in these feelings, and even small changes to their pre-test routines can go a long way. There isn’t a way to rid test anxiety for good, but managing this stress can help make their overall test-taking experiences more positive. 

What’s one test-taking tip or tactic that you know of?