Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center states, “Test anxiety is defined as a state of uneasiness and distress before and during a test that often lowers performance.”

Test anxiety can occur regardless of preparation and studying. Severe test anxiety affects approximately 20% of students and an additional 18% of students are affected by moderate test anxiety, according to the American Test Anxiety Association.

Some students are more prone to test anxiety, according to the College Foundation of West Virginia. Those more prone are often those who already suffer from stress as well as perfectionists who are focused on the final outcome being exemplary.

Asking questions, such as “What if I fail?” will only prolong stress. Sophomore Kailee Adams says the worry of failing significantly affects her stress level and leads to a poor grades.

American School Counselor Association claims being stressed out about anything can reduce the ability to recollect information. Negative thoughts can further present anxiety, creating a vicious and self destructive cycle. It may even result in a grade that possibly does not display the given effort.

Julia Shepard, an Arrowhead sophomore, says, “For some tests, I get overwhelmed by the amount of information I need to know and then it makes it hard for me to focus.”

According to State University of New York at Buffalo, one effective way to cope with test anxiety is to not think of the fear, but to instead think about what has to be completed.

Another coping mechanism includes asking yourself positive questions like “What if I recall more information than expected?”

Shepard says she finds it helpful and calming to rewrite things out and go through flash cards to further prepare.

Remaining positive is the main aspect of all test anxiety coping mechanisms.

Adams says, “I just take the test and hope for the best.”

Healthy habits like more sleep can also be beneficial, according to the College Foundation of West Virginia.

Shepard also says, “I don’t feel like going to sleep until I feel confident with the material so I end up not getting a good amount of rest the night before big tests.”