Test Anxiety: Is it worth the A?

          In high school, there is a large focus on getting ready for tests. Whether it’s preparing for a chapter review quiz or the high school exit exam, any kind of assessment can bring out one quality: test anxiety. Test anxiety has both positive and negative effects. Is getting A’s worth the effects of test anxiety?
          Most people loathe those before-the-test butterflies, but they also push you to study harder for the next exam. Math teacher Mr. Sellstrum reminisces back to when he was in college and having test anxiety. “It just motivated me to try harder,” he commented. “It’s a reality, but it’s also a fear that has to be overcome.” Test anxiety promotes students to study harder, but is it worth the cramming? Matt Tick, a freshman at San Pasqual stated, “Yes, it’s worth anything to get a good grade.”
          However, test anxiety is a big problem with some students. When a person is under stress, their body releases adrenaline, which causes both physical and mental symptoms. Some results of text anxiety are headaches, light-headedness, disappointment, anger, depression, fidgeting, and 'going blank', along with many other common symptoms. “If I have test anxiety, I tend to make silly mistakes,” confessed Lee Barendse, a senior. In 2006, approximately 49% of high school students were reportedly experiencing test anxiety. Test anxiety is a real fear that affects students.
          “Every time I took a test I would over study,” Mr. Sellstrum admitted. “I hated to get things wrong; I was too hard on myself.” These sort of emotions are common for students with high self-standards, who are often the ones most likely to get test anxiety.
          Even though test anxiety is a common fear, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse. There are many ways to help eliminate apprehension, such as different types of preparation techniques and confidence builders. “Make sure you’re ready a long time in advance, and brush up on the material before the test,’ Lee Barendse advised. Just exercising, eating healthy, and getting a good eight hours sleep can immensely affect your grade. Overcoming anxiety takes time and effort, so stay patient when facing a difficult test. Dealing with test anxiety helps build stress management skills, and will be of assistance for many other real life situations. Do your best, and keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes.