Online Testing Tips and Tricks

Stay Focused on Test Day. Get Psyched Up ... Not Psyched Out!

Your test scores depend on how much you know, but they also depend upon how well you can apply what you know. If you're nervous, distracted, or in a bad mood on test day, you may have a hard time concentrating and bringing the full force of your smarts to bear. And that can have a negative impact on your scores. Here are some basic tips to help you control of your nerves on test day:

Think Positively

Getting down on yourself during the test does more than make you feel bad. It can rob you of the confidence you need to solve problems. If you're busy worrying about how well you're doing, then you aren't busy thinking about the question in front of you. Remember, you're ready for this. All those years of school have prepared you to do a great job. Just concentrate and keep moving. You'll do fine.

Keep Yourself Focused

Try not to think about anything except the question in front of you. If you catch yourself thinking about something else, take a deep breath and bring your focus back to the test. And give yourself a pat on the back -- you've just demonstrated that you are in control.

Concentrate on Your Own Work

The first thing some students do when they get stuck on a question or find themselves running into a batch of tough questions is to look around to see how everyone else is doing. And what they usually see is discouraging: other students filling in their answer sheets.

You may think to yourself, "Look at how well everyone else is doing. What's wrong with me?" If you do start thinking this way, try to remember:

• Everyone works at a different pace. Your neighbors may not be working on the same question that has puzzled you. (Who knows, they may get stuck on it too when they get to that question!)
• Thinking about what someone else is doing doesn't help you answer even a single question. In fact, it takes away time you should be using on the test. Don't get concerned about what other people are doing. Just concentrate on doing the best job you can do.

Put the Test in Perspective

All of your test scores are important; and how you do on one test will not make or break you in your career. Keep trying to do your best and focus on the test at hand.

Remember, You're in Control

Developing a plan for tackling any test will help you feel more in control during the test itself. Even if test day is tomorrow, there's still time to familiarize yourself with the test directions and to review the different question types so you won't have to spend time doing so during the test. If you're planning ahead, then there are many resources you can use to prepare. If you're in control, you'll have the best chance of getting all the points you deserve.