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How does everyone deal with test anxiety (assuming, it's common)?

When I'm too relaxed, I don't finish all of the questions....Yet, when I'm being paranoid and anxiety-ridden I rush, have plenty of time left, yet miss so many questions. I'm having such a hard time finding my balance...and the exam is so close

Keep taking sections until you get your pacing right.

Does any one recommend doing a full section before the actual exam to get warmed up?

i don't know about a whole section, but i usually do a game and some lr questions before i even take a pt.

I can't believe I missed -13 today on RC. That has NEVER happened...Is this normal for someone's score to fluctuate so intensely? I got -3 on yesterday's PT :/

Maryam19 wrote:I can't believe I missed -13 today on RC. That has NEVER happened...Is this normal for someone's score to fluctuate so intensely? I got -3 on yesterday's PT :/

It's just a fluke. Learn from your mistakes, forget about it and move on.

I'm the same way, and I'm starting to see that it all has to do with the amount of energy you put towards worrying about doing well on a test versus actually focusing on doing well on the test, i.e. worrying "is that the right answer?" instead of actually verifying your answer via evidence in the problem and/or using logic. If you aren't aware of it, it will seem like these two things serve the same function in your mind, however one is a waste of time and one is actually useful. When you are taking a test, if you find yourself rushing or agonizing and deliberating, stop and focus on actually proving to yourself what you know about the problem and prove to yourself that your answer is correct. Also, effectively eliminating wrong answers can be just as important as choosing the right ones. When I find myself at a loss with a question, I eliminate what I know can't be the answer and then try to convince myself that the answer I want to select is wrong. If I cannot prove that it's wrong, I select it and move on then maybe come back to it later.

Getting your pace down is important, which only taking timed sections can produce. Try to develop a strategy for attacking sections that works for you. A lot of people try to answer the first ten questions in ten minutes giving them more time for the difficult questions down the line. I personally do this, and then I try to go for the next ten easiest in the next ten minutes if possible, often skipping long questions on sight.

Hope this helps.

I had ridiculous text anxiety for this exam in my prior administration. Luckily my Dr. hooked me up with propranolol. It helps thus far, and hopefully will for the real test. Basically it just blocks the physical transmission of anxiety.

Does propranolol slow down your critical thinking/cognitive abilities? If it's anything like Xanax, it probably does...I need something that will help me stay alert. Last administration, my palms got so sweaty, it was hard for me to hold the pencil :/ Other than this major problem, I'm ready for this test....