While the teacher's back is turned, you try filling in random letters in hope that by some crazy chance some might be right. As you look around you, you see almost everyone was reading a book or sleeping as if they've been done a while. You smile, sinking down in your chair with relief. After all, you never really took the PSATs. If that sounds like you, then you might have a condition called test anxiety.
Test anxiety is the result of the fear of negative evaluation.
Elaine Reichart, one of Highland High School's counselors, talks about her experiences with kids who have test anxiety. Well, when they first come in I ask why they are so worried, if it's because of a grade or to get into college, or whatever. Once I find out what they need help on, it's all a matter then of relaxing. Fewer than five percent of students who come to Reichart for test anxiety are seriously be impaired by the tension. If these things don't help, try having a rubber band around your wrist and when you start to worry, or become distracted, snap the band to bring your mind back to the test.