<p>I have test anxiety and I've been dealing with this for the last 17 years, aka my whole life. But recently, it's become very bad. My GPA is ok, a 3.8 unweighted, and I take a lot of APs. I did great all year on the AP exams, then I had a panic attack on the day of the exams. I had a 95 in AP chem all year, then got a 1 on the AP (what?!). Then I had above 90s in AP psych, US and language and only got 3s. But I didn't do this bad on all of the practice tests! Same thing happened with my ACTs: I practiced really hard, did pretty good on the practices, then only got a 26 on the test. I have one more chance to take the ACT (this September) and I need to know how to beat test anxiety! Just to let you know, this didn't just start with APs. I always got lower scores on exams then during the year. Like my middle school math teacher always said, there is no such thing as a bad test taker. I used to believe that until I noticed that the more important the test is, the more panic attacks I get, and the worse I do. So pleas help me! Thank you so much!!</p>
<p>I’ve had test anxiety my entire life as well and I’m a rising college sophomore. Last year, in my first year of college, my test anxiety was peaking. I placed more importance on those tests than I did even on the SAT and ACT because I was trying to transfer. I had to take calculus and it was honestly the hardest class I’ve ever taken and the tests were miserable. I would get test anxiety, forget everything, panic, and cry… Which was humiliating. I was trying to stay on top of it by being prepared. That’s what everyone always tells you, be prepared and the anxiety will go away. Well, like you, I WAS preparing but I would still freeze on tests. However, during my intense preparation for yet another exam, I was at one of my biweekly calc tutoring session and the anxiety started again when I couldn’t figure out some of the problems and, embarrassingly enough, I started tearing up. My tutor saw this and, honestly, she gave me the best advice I have ever had on the subject. Once I calmed down, she told me to take out a fresh sheet of paper and draw a box. I did. She then told me to divide that box into 4 sections like a window. I did this too. Then she told me to look at the box because that is how many things my brain could focus on at a time. Right now, I had all 4 powerhouses working for me, all 4 sections of the box and my brain well prepared. Then, when I get to a problem I can’t solve or a concept I don’t remember, I panic. I worrying about failing the test or not getting into college. She crosses off a box. Then I start to cry, and I’m embarrassed and I’m worried that other people are seeing me cry. She crosses off another box. Then I worry about disappointing my parents or not being able to pass the class. She crosses off another box. She tells me that I have 4 powerhouses working for me and when I worry and freak out, I’m only letting one of those work to my benefit. When you notice the anxiety coming on, and that first box starting to falter, you put down your pen. You close your eyes. And you breathe. Remember that you control your mind more than it controls you and wait until you’re calm again to resume. That way, all the preparation CAN come in handy and you can do well. Even on timed tests like the ACT, it takes less time to calm yourself down and recharge your brain than it does to spend time freaking out about the problems. I used this advice and my anxiety dramatically decreased… And I ended Calculus with an A. You can do it too. Good luck :)</p>
<p>Words cannot even express my gratitude towards you taking the time to answer my question. You get it, finally someone who understands! I prepare so long for these exams, focus on me trying to get a good grade and pass, and forget about the actual exam and material. I tear up all the time while taking exams… I just picture the rejection letter Columbia will be sending me. Thank you so much for your advice! Now, instead of seeing a rejection letter, I will take a deep breath and focus on the exam, not on myself. Thank you so so much!</p>
<p>Trust me, I get it! I hope it works as well for you as it has for me. Good luck on Columbia! :)</p>
<p>Anxiety is about fear. A good therapist will be able to drill drown as to why you’re afraid, and more importantly how to change your pattern of thinking. BTW, the first person who needs to cut you a break is yourself. Stop allowing people to pile on the pressure.</p>