The December test dates for the SAT and ACT are coming up and many students have anxiety around these tests. It is normal for students to feel nervous because of a significant exam! These tests are marathons and cover a lot of content.  At Vela Education, we want you to have the best possible testing experience. There are many ways to deal with this anxiety and you can even learn how to use it to your advantage. Below are our top tips.

Make A Plan

When studying, it can be overwhelming to know that you have so much to learn but no clear way to learn it. To-do lists and schedules can really help. Sit down and create a timeline for yourself. When are you taking the test? How many weeks do you have? How many hours a week can you devote to test prep? Once you have these answers, you can divide up the amount of work you need to cover and make it more manageable.

Create A Method

The SAT and ACT are called standardised tests for a reason. Questions are formatted in the same way and the content stays the same. Therefore, it is possible to develop a strict methodical approach to each question. Doing this frees up brain space and means that when you get those on-the-day exam nerves, you can default to your method. As you approach each question, make sure you are underlining the key words, annotating as much as you can, and using elimination for the answer choices.

Prepare for Test Day

This means doing timed practice tests, but it also means knowing how you are going to approach the morning of the test. The fewer unknown variables, the better you will feel. Make sure you know what you will be having for breakfast (something satisfying and protein heavy), know what you need for the test (pencils, ID, exam number etc.), have plenty of snacks packed in your bag and a bottle of water, and don’t forget to rest and sleep the week before the exam.

Treat Yourself

Exams are stressful enough without you berating yourself as well. Practice talking out loud about what makes you nervous and address these concerns with compassion. Everyone gets nervous for tests and exams and that means you care! This is a good thing.

Tutoring can help with creating a plan for learning but also with confidence and testing anxiety. Vela Education works with experienced tutors, and we are happy to recommend a course of study. If you have any questions, please get in touch.