The testing room will always be daunting. Sometimes, waking up on the wrong side of the bed that morning is enough to bring a student to their knees, feeling hopeless about the coming situation that is out of their control with such little time left. Should we review and practice quickly the night before? Is it better to sleep early the night before and be well-rested? Is the big, hearty breakfast the answer? A student’s fear of standardized testing comes from the impact of it all, the indecisiveness and anxiety of the worst-case scenario coming true. The standardized test was first seen in Ancient China during the Han dynasty. Knowing how long ago the idea of standardized testing first came about, we know that there must be a solution to deal with these problems that plague us, mostly psychologically, and make us have self-doubt, inefficiency in decision-making, and all around less sharp than we could be otherwise. In my experience, self-doubt and my distracted nature always got in the way. The brain is an interesting organ that drifts hitherto when we need it to concentrate. There are many steps to take to control it.
One must first understand that to perform well on a standardized test last-minute preparation is not the step to take. Rather, one should focus on ensuring they can stay in the “now” and not think about the outcome. The key to standardized testing is to focus on the present moment. That means on test day, breathe deeply and focus on having inner balance. Central to my approach is the practice of mindfulness, particularly during the moments leading up to and throughout the exam. The testing room can easily catalyze feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. This rush of emotions is natural and many of us will continue to struggle with it. It isn’t easy and a great effort must be made. By grounding myself in the present moment, I can tame the restless thoughts that threaten to derail my performance.
Drawing inspiration from ancient practices like meditation, I’ve learned to quiet the illusory doubts of my mind and redirect my focus to the task in front of me. Deep, intentional breaths serve as anchors, anchoring me to the present and softening the grasp of those feelings of doubt. The best thing to do is take a deep breath. Let more oxygen into your system. Doing so will ensure your mind is not wasting energy thinking of something that isn’t important.
I’ve understood that last-minute cramming is not the way. Rather than frantically flipping through study guides or attempting to memorize formulas in a frenzy, I prefer relaxation and mental preparedness in the final hours before the exam. This may involve engaging in light review or engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as taking a stroll or keeping oneself occupied. By allowing myself to work on something else, I arrive at the testing center with a clear mind and renewed focus. During the exam, I have strategies to maintain my composure and optimize my performance. If I’m stuck on a question, I skip it. I’ve had to embrace the power of positive affirmations, using them to bolster my confidence and remove my self-doubt.
My approach to taking standardized exams revolves around the principles of mindfulness, mental preparedness, and self-affirmation. By grounding myself in the present moment, prioritizing relaxation over worrying, and thinking positively, I can navigate through the challenges of standardized testing with confidence and clarity. Taking all these steps will help your body and mind work for you, not against you.