PREPARE WELL IN ADVANCE. There is no substitute for good study habits, but don't beat up on yourself if you didn't keep up. Avoid last-minute cramming. Going without sleep the night before does NOT improve performance. Allow yourself time before your test to relax and compose yourself rather than trying to cram more information into your head.

KNOW THE TIME AND PLACE of the test and what you need to bring. Be on time, neither too early nor too late, with the supplies you need. Don't rush.

DON'T TALK ABOUT THE TEST with classmates immediately beforehand if you know it raises your anxiety level. This may just nourish your fears. Sit apart from the crowd and practice some relaxed breathing instead.

PLAN YOUR APPROACH. Notice point values per part, time limits for each section, which question you'll start with, etc.

ASK FOR CLARIFICATION from the professor, teaching assistant, or proctor if you have questions about directions, procedure, etc. Don't let anxiety build up because you aren't sure about what you are expected to do.

DEVELOP AN AGGRESSIVE, YET REALISTIC ATTITUDE. Approach the test vigorously, determined that you will do your best given what you know at the moment. Do everything you can to do well, but don't blame yourself for what you don't know.

RELAX YOURSELF PHYSICALLY during the test if you notice that you are not thinking well or are tight. Pause and take a few slow, deep breaths. Do this if you notice that you are worrying excessively about one problem, not reading carefully, or forgetting information you know.

ACTIVITY REDUCES ANXIETY. If you go blank and can't think of anything to write, go on to another question or another part of the test. On an essay, jot down anything you can recall on scratch paper to stimulate your memory and get your mind working.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE TEST, not to others. Don't waste time worrying, doubting yourself, wondering how other people are doing, etc. You have no basis to know what or how others are really doing anyway, so it is wasted effort.

REMIND YOURSELF WHAT YOU DO KNOW rather than what you don't know or didn't do to prepare for the test. Even if you didn't prepare well, this is NOT the time to remind yourself about what you should have done. Pay attention to what you can do now.