At Eleanor Roosevelt High School, testing seasons is coming up. AP testing, state testing, and more usually fall around the months of March and April. So it’s easy to get overwhelmed, stressed, or feel burned out when the time arrives. So what can you do to prepare so this doesn’t happen to you?
“Lot’s of studying,” says Amira Lacy, a junior at ERHS. “I’ll study after school, during free period, and use materials my teachers provide for me.”
Studying is probably the main factor for acing your exams. Many teachers provide study guides for their course test, but for AP testing or state testing it’s a little harder. But luckily, you can find materials online or worksheets for whatever your taking the test for.
You also need to plan out your study time and availability. You don’t want to waste time that could be used for studying, but you don’t want to spend every waking moment studying either. It’s good to set aside time for it, but don’t make it your whole day or you’ll feel exhausted, tired, and won’t even retain the information.
You can review notes taken in class as well. Look them over and memorize what’s on them, or try writing your own questions to help retain the information better.
“Lots of sleep. I need to be awake to take the test.” says Michon Bush, a junior at ERHS.
Sleep is very important and vital for testing season. You can’t show up to your testing time half asleep, you won’t even make it through the test. It’s important to go to bed early at night, so you’ll have the energy required and feel refresh. Many student’s worry and spend lots of time studying late at night, so it’s easy to miss out on sleep.
Eating is also important, because it helps provide fuel just like sleep. Make sure you eat three healthy meals, and a light snack. You want a good, balanced meal that can give your brain power to think and comprehend the information you’re taking in. When you go in to test, make sure you had something to help your brain focus. Choose healthy options like granola bars for a snack, some eggs or pancakes in the morning. Something to energize you.
It’s also important to not worry, or doubt what you know. You may panic and forget everything you know, or worry so much you make yourself feel sick. If you studied, and you’ve been preparing, then there shouldn’t be too much worry as you’ve been on top of it. Try breathing exercises, or reminding yourself that you got this and you’ve been preparing for this.
Good luck Mustangs!
