I studied for the ACT really hard and consistently got 34’s on practice tests, but I just took the real one and started stressing myself out and panicking during it. I know I made dumb mistakes and did not score as well as I could have. What should I do to calm myself down on test day? Any tips from other anxious students??
Taking more tests. That’s the biggest factor. I took many standardized tests from a young age, so when it came time for the ACT, I understood how to work the test. If a testing environment throws you off, learn to adapt. Select a test center you’re familiar with (nothing beats testing in your own school, but I’ve also found that testing at my town’s local university isn’t too bad either, since I’ve spent a fair amount of time in that area). If you can’t do that, try to visit the testing center you’re going to before test day to familiarize yourself. That way, the environment isn’t so daunting. See if you can get a friend to test at the same location. When taking practice tests at home, make the environment as close to a real testing environment as you can. I’ve heard that chewing gum during the test could help (something about how your body feels less fear while eating) but I don’t think I’ve tried it. Talk to people during breaks about something other than the test, joke around, and just try to keep the mood light. Also, while studying, make sure you focus on strategy. When you say that you “studied really hard”, was that content like grammar and math concepts, or strategy? You scored quite well, so I’d say that you should now focus on how the test works and how to think like the people who write the test. Basically, just learn how the test works, and you’ll be fine. Good luck!