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Doing well on a test is an ability needed far beyond college. Many careers require special exams. Tests are a fact of life in government, insurance, medicine, and other fields. And stress is a fact of tests!

But there are things you can do to get the upper hand on your anxiety. Here are some helpful hints that you will find useful now and in the future. Give them a try on your next exam.

Before the exam

1. Manage your time. Effective management will help you find the time to study before the test. Plan to study beginning a week before your test (longer if a career exam). The more advance studying, the less anxiety you will feel. Do not wait to study until the night before the test. The final night should be limited to review. Arrive at the test a half hour early for a final run-through.

You will find that this will ease your anxiety and increase your confidence.

2. Build your test-taking self-esteem. Try two things. First, take a three-by-five-inch card and write down the three reasons you will pass the exam. Carry the card with you and look at it whenever you study. Second, when you get the test, write your three reasons on the test or on a piece of scrap paper. Positive affirmations such as this will help you succeed.

3. Get adequate sleep. You need to be alert, so try to get a little extra sleep for a few nights before your exam.

4. Eat well before the exam. Sugar doesn't give you energy. In fact, it tires you. Avoid all sugary foods the day before the test and also those foods that might upset your stomach. You want to be feeling your best.

5. Take caffeine about an hour before the test. Research shows that caffeine promotes alertness, motor performance, and the capacity for work, as well as a decrease in fatigue. A cup or two of coffee, tea, or a cola drink is sufficient. Some people shouldn't use caffeine. Avoid it if you are one of the small percentage that it leaves feeling shaky and on edge for hours or if you regularly do not use caffeinated products. Test day is not the day to find out how your body reacts to caffeine.

During the test

1. Use time management during the test. If you have 60 minutes to answer 30 multiple choice questions, you might decide to spend the first 45 minutes taking the test (1 1/2 minutes per question) and 15 minutes reviewing your answers (30 seconds per question). Hold yourself to this schedule. After 15 minutes, you should have completed the first 10 questions. If you don't know an answer, or the question is taking too long, skip it and move on. Since you allotted yourself time at the end to review, you will have the time to go back.

Test-makers usually allow sufficient time to complete and review a test. However, if you feel that you are a slow reader and may need more time, talk to your teacher or the test administrator before the exam.

2. Slow down. When you open your test book, always write RTFQ (Read the Full Question) at the top. Make sure you understand the question.

3. Stay on track. If you begin to get anxious, reread your three reasons for success.

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