Rahul, a class XII student, is feeling pressure due to the high expectations set by his parents. This situation is not unique to him but is common among many other students. The term ‘exam stress’ refers to the anxiety students feel about their performance in exams, the repercussions from their parents and friends, and the overall pressure they face. Students often find it difficult to make their parents understand the challenges they face during exams. Instead of providing support, parents tend to stress them out further, regardless of their efforts.
College students, including freshmen who may initially struggle and give up on classes, are often burdened with stress. However, it is crucial to note that stress should not define our college experience. Despite facing numerous final exams, we can surprisingly perform well without feeling overwhelmed.
According to the study, students getting ready for Class 10 and 12 board exams experience significant pressure to achieve scores above 80 percent or else they worry about being branded as failures. In college, encountering frequent tests is unavoidable and numerous students find it difficult to cope with them. If you are anxious about taking exams in college, there are coping mechanisms that can be beneficial. It is crucial to acknowledge that not all stress is detrimental; rather, what matters is how you handle it.
Converting exam stress into productive energy can be advantageous, while struggling to cope with it can hinder college attendance. To effectively manage this stress, the initial step is acknowledging its presence. Are you experiencing stress due to inadequate study and fear of failure? Or do you consistently feel stressed during exams? If your issue stems from lack of preparation, taking extra time to study for upcoming exams is a viable solution.
If you are constantly stressed about exams, it may be beneficial to seek assistance from your guidance counselor or a qualified professional. It is important to learn how to decline requests when necessary. For example, if you have an upcoming exam and a friend invites you to go out, politely decline. Prioritizing your education means you will have to face exams, so you should carefully consider what is most important to you – going out or achieving academic success. If you choose the latter, you know that dedicating yourself to studying will lead to the desired outcomes. Additionally, students can manage exam stress by taking control of the situation.
Instead of letting stress control you, take charge and reclaim your control. Evaluate your class schedule and consider dropping challenging courses if you don’t have enough time for each. If you have a job while in school, think about temporarily modifying your work schedule during exams. College towns often have employers who are more empathetic and willing to grant time off, but it’s crucial to openly communicate your requirements with them.
Preventing stress caused by others’ expectations is crucial. If you’re the first in your family to attend college, you might feel that your family’s happiness relies on your achievements. However, it’s important to remember that all you can do is give it your best shot. Make sure you prepare adequately by studying and setting aside enough time for the exam. Being well-prepared increases the likelihood of performing well. Prior to the test, seek inner peace. Take deep breaths and imagine yourself achieving a favorable score on the examination.
Engaging in physical activity before an exam can alleviate stress. Make sure to get enough sleep the night prior to the test. While some individuals can perform well with little sleep, it is not preferable. Carefully read the question before attempting to answer it. If you remain uncertain, request clarification from the teacher. Numerous students experience exam stress, with some even choosing to withdraw from school due to its severity. However, if you can develop effective coping mechanisms for exam stress and overcome it, you can achieve success and even excel.
