<p>I usually get very nervous before standardized tests. Sometimes, my nervousness prevents me from performing to the best of my ability. Do you guys have any suggestions as to how I can reduce my nervousness before the SAT?</p>
<p>same problem, i always get stuck sitting in the middle of the class too, which for some reason gets me more nervous…lol. Hopefully I’m in the back for this test on Saturday.</p>
<p>But for me, what i try to do is just think about performing well. Tell yourself that you will do good. Be confident… not diffident :)</p>
<p>I just tell myself if I don’t do my best I can always retake it. This idea usually calms myself down, and thus allows me to perform better.</p>
<p>The day before/morning of the test, don’t drink energy drinks or anything with caffeine - it’ll make you antsy. If you’re worried about trying to stay alert for the whole test, then chew a piece of mint gum. It worked for me.</p>
<p>Here are a few tips:</p>
<p>1) There are some reasons for nervousness that can easily be avoided.
For example, reducing the number of questions that you expect
yourself to answer can go a long way in making you less nervous.</p>
<p>2)When you come to a problem that is giving you a lot of trouble simply
move on to the next one. You don’t need to answer all of them.</p>
<p>3)Another way to battle nervousness is through confidence. Spend at
least 3 months before the exam preparing about 10 to 20 minutes
each day. Learn all of the basic strategies and make sure
to practice some problems that are right at your ability level. Although
getting answers correct does not improve your score (only learning
from your mistakes improves your score), getting some answers
correct will instill confidence. This will ensure that you don’t decrease
your score.</p>
<p>4) Do a few warm-up questions the morning of the test. These should be questions that are easy for you. The purpose of this is not to study, but to get your mind in the right state. When you’re in the correct state it’s more difficult to become nervous.</p>
<p>5) Practice becoming present using basic meditation techniques. Read some Eckhert Tolle.</p>
<p>A study came out a few months ago that showed you can improve your performance on tests by spending just a few minutes before the test journaling about your anxieties:</p>
<p>[Journaling</a> Before Exam Can Relieve Test Anxiety | Psych Central News](<a href=“http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/01/14/journaling-before-exam-can-relieve-test-anxiety/22665.html]Journaling”>http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/01/14/journaling-before-exam-can-relieve-test-anxiety/22665.html)</p>
<p>For example, in one experiment a high-anxiety group of students that wrote for 10 minutes averaged a B+ on a biology exam; the group of high-anxiety students that didn’t write averaged a B-.</p>
<p>Note: The link above is not to the original article, which appeared in the 1/14/11 issue of Science. You need a membership to see the original, I think, which is why I linked to the secondary source.</p>
<p>use a finger labyrinth</p>
<p>I’ve found that a large ego definitely helps. Belittling the test in your mind (as silly as it sounds) is good. Being convinced that you got everything right after each section (with anything you didn’t get being “stupid”) also helps.</p>
<p>In essence, an over-confident mindset is a must.</p>
<p>I have to second pi’s mentality… I walked in knowing that I knew exactly how to write an essay, that I was wide awake, and that I was as prepared as possible, and that I knew the answer to every question on the test. There was no uncertainty whatsoever. I was so incredibly arrogant and cocky, but I walked out with a 2350. Worth it. Moral of the story is that excessive confidence is likely good for taking the SAT.</p>
<p>Like everyone else said just make sure you remember that the answer is already on the test you just have to find it. Don’t worry about getting a perfect or anything set a minimum goal for yourself and think that you’ll be retaking it anyway and build on that low score. And a cocky attitude helps to. Oh and imagine the test is for 1st graders and that this is no big deal for you. Basicly just don’t make such a big deal out of it. I always find that the tests I go into not expecting much I get way higher than I would have ever dream of. But don’t over do it or you will be too relaxed and your mind won’t work.</p>
<p>Deep breaths. Always works before an exam 
</p>
<p>Sent from my iPhone using CC</p>
<p>Make sure you pay a visit to the toilet.</p>
<p>^I second that</p>