Q: I have a test coming up in my math class and I am stressed about it. I studied almost all night last night and I have a lot of pressure from my parents to do well on my test. My parents want me to come home with 90s and I feel alot of pressure to do good and it’s hard to focus. What are some good test taking strategies? Please help me. -Stressed with Tests

A: Dear Stressed with Tests, it’s completely normal to be stressed when you are taking a test. But the trick is to relax. I understand that your parents want you to come home with 90s, but when you are taking the test, you can’t worry about it. I’ve been where you are and it’s not fun when you have alot of pressure from your parents. But you just have to focus on doing your best and your parents should understand that you did your best. Here are some test taking strategies that should help you:

• Getting plenty of sleep the night before is very important so that you won’t be tired while taking the test.
• Make sure you study, but take a short five minute break in between studying so that you give your brain a chance to relax before you hit the books again.
• Make sure you understand the material that you are studying. It won’t help much if you can’t understand your notes when you are trying to absorb the material.
• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do good. Putting too much pressure on yourself will not help you while taking the test.
• Just do your best! As long as you try your best and relax then you should do fine (if you’ve studied).

Good luck on your test!

-Danielle