Make an appointment during office hours to get tips and guidance from your professors. You can also ask your professor what material will be on the test so you can get an idea of what the test will be about.
Give yourself a pep-talk: reframe your anxiety into excitement. Telling yourself you are excited can help you see the exam more positively.
During the Exam
Calm your body: Take deep breaths, stretch, tighten your muscles and then relax them, close your eyes and count to ten.
Sit comfortably and have a good posture: Sitting up, relaxing your shoulders, and being mindful of your posture can help you feel more powerful, confident, and assertive. It makes you less stressed, sluggish, and anxious..
Calm your emotions and thoughts:
Focus on the present moment with reminders to yourself:
For example: “It is 9am on Tuesday. I am sitting at a desk to take my exam.”
Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts:
For example: “It’s okay if I can’t answer this question—I can answer another question instead.”
Avoid thoughts about the past and future:
Examples
“I should have done more practice problems.”
“I need an A on this test in order to improve my GPA”
Focus on yourself and completing the test
Ignore what other people are doing, do not compare yourself to others, and do not panic when you see others finishing.
Study strategies and tips for each Learning style:
Visual Learner:
Take notes & write out instructions.
Use outlines, graphs, videos, powerpoint slides.
Color code notes using highlighters and post-its.
Find a quiet space to study (no distractions).
Auditory Learner:
Record lectures.
Participate in group/class discussions.
Talk-out your answers.
Use Word association – mnemonic devices (singing, rhyming).
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-on) Learner:
Create flow charts.
Combine an activity with studying – going on a walk while listening. to audio recording of notes, memorizing notes
Keep fingers busy – tracing words and re-writing sentences.
Take frequent breaks.
Disability Related Resources for Students
D.R.E.A.M : (Disability Rights, Education Activism, and Mentoring) is a national organization for and by college students with disabilities, that advocates for student rights, social and policy change for increased accessibility, and provides support and mentorship.
Disability Scholarships: Students can search disability-specific scholarships to help fund college education.
Getting Hired: A national employment and networking portal that connects those with disabilities with inclusive employers.
AccessCollege: The Student Lounge: For high school and college students who want access to resources to help prepare for postsecondary education and careers.
DO-IT Scholarships: Upcoming scholarships for high school and college students with disabilities.
Office for Civil Rights: part of the U.S. Department of Education that ensures equal access to education and protecting the rights of students with disabilities.
National Federation of the Blind: Programs and services for individuals who are part of the blind community and resources that can support them.
This link was created as part of a senior project for HONR 499 by Kira Degelsmith, Briana Kiphen, Regina Gonzales, and Sean Costello under the faculty advisor Dr. Allyson Brantley. The website contains information and resources relevant to the ULV community regarding physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and neurodivergence.