Creating your physical exam space:
Don’t wait until the day of your exam to set up your space. These tips can (and should) be applied when setting up your study space:
- Set up a location that minimizes both visual and auditory distractions. Try to find a location that you cannot see others moving around and is located in a quiet space.
- Use noise cancelling headphones or earplugs to reduce auditory distractions.
- Place a note on a door to let others know that you are testing, including a time that you will be done.
- Remove unnecessary items from your exam space.
- Turn off your phone and put it where you cannot see the screen. Turn off notifications on your laptop.
Preparing your technology for exams:
Each class may have a different exam set-up and requirements, Avoid the stress of the unknown by reviewing test parameters well before starting your exam:
Check the tech requirements:
- Do you have a link to the testing platform?
- Will there be a password?
- Check that you can get to the test site and know how to log on well before the test.
Check the test parameters, be sure to know:
- When is the exam? Consider time zones if you are out of state
- How long is the test?
- Can you log out and log in again?
- Can you go back to a previous test question or do you have to submit an answer before proceeding?
- How can you contact your professor with questions or technology concerns?
During the exam:
- Focus on what you can control.
- Reduce internal recurring thoughts. Keep a post-it note or piece of paper to write down your thoughts so you don’t forget them.
- Chewing gum is sometimes helpful for focus.
- Have a stress ball or other fidget to help when you start to feel restless.
- Be sure to step away and take a deep breath after long questions (or if you get stuck). Remembering to breathe is important to your testing performance.