Test-Taking Anxiety Test anxiety is the number one barrier to doing well on tests. Test anxiety is defined as that anxious feeling you get when your instructor announces that there will be a test or when you sit down to take a test and your mind goes blank. Symptoms of test anxiety include nervousness, upset stomach, sweaty palms, and forgetfulness.
Test anxiety is a learned response to stress.
Since exams, tests, quizzes, tryouts, presentations, interviews, and performance reviews are all evaluations and part of life, it is worth your time to learn to overcome test anxiety. First look at your attitude. The attitude you bring with you to a test has a lot to do with your performance. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations. Approach tests with a positive attitude.