Time for Midterms: Providing Help with Exam Stress

Students entering college know there will be many differences to adjust to from their high school days. Workloads, class schedules, and their own independence are all changes they are prepared to face. But many students don't realize there are also many differences in the way tests are scheduled and administered at the college level. So when that first exam period rolls around, it can be an extremely stressful time.

Research has found that more than 85 percent of college students feel increased stress and anxiety at exam time, and that number is likely even higher during their first time around. This article provides helpful information o that you can help your student through the stress of exams.

Exams are a time when stress levels are higher than usual. Many students feel stressed at exam time - having to revise a lot of information in a short amount of time and add to that not understanding course material can be a huge stress. Some stress can be positive; helping your child to stay motivated and focused. However, too much stress can be hurtful and unhealthy, making your child feel overwhelmed, confused, exhausted and edgy. There are many ways parents can help their students manage exam stress, including those that not only improve their ability to perform on the tests, but also help them stay healthy in the process.

One of the first things parents can do to help their students through their exams is to make sure they don't wait until the last minute to prepare.Click here to read more about student procrastination. Exam dates are typically set in the class syllabus and provided on the first day of class. Parents can help their student organize a schedule to stay on top of their work, and provide reminders throughout the semester to make sure they don't procrastinate. Help Solve Procrastination

When exam time finally arrives, shift your focus to helping your student manage the accompanying crunch-time stress. Help them avoid the typical exam-time habit of too much junk food or caffeine with a package of things they would enjoy – and would be healthy.

Manage Exam Expectations

External pressures around exams can be huge – and it can be hard to deal with. Things that might help your child manage expectations:

• Have them base expectations on past performances and doing the best they can do.
• Put the exam in context.  In the scheme of their life, how important is it?  If they don't do as well as they'd hoped there are always other alternatives.  It's not going to dictate whether they are a good or a bad person, or whether they are a success or failure.
• Ask your student about how they are feeling, see if they need any advice or help that you might be able to offer.

There's always a light at the end of the tunnel.  Exams have a beginning and an end, and the stress that goes along with them should end with the exam.  Once the exam, paper or project is turned in, there's nothing more they can do to influence the outcome - which means it's time to relax.

Sources:
www.collegeview.com/articles/CV/campuslife/college-exam-stress.html
www.reachout.com