You take a seat as everybody accommodates themselves. This is it; you think. There is a delay as people settle in, so you use this time to recite some topics in your head. Suddenly, the worst possible thing happens. You can’t. Okay, don’t panic. I’ve studied as much as possible; I’ll be fine. You try to believe this but, how come that right before the exam all you remember is…nothing.
This is not an uncommon phenomenon. Even the most prepared test-takers can be overcome with anxiety and convince themselves that they know absolutely nothing right before an exam.
In fact, the principal way in which anxiety contributes to a student’s state is before the actual exam. Even if one has studied enough, they can still feel insecure about their abilities, which often translates into anticipatory anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America lists many causes of this common type of anxiety. The explanation that is most associated with test taking is that “anticipatory anxiety […] can find its origins in beliefs about one’s own inability to cope with novelty or challenge.” Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee confidence. No matter how prepared one is, doubts and worries inevitably distort one’s self-awareness of their preparation. A study conducted by Dr. Kavitha Subramaniam of Penang Medical College showed that this effect is at its peak before the examination. From a sample of university students, Dr. Subramaniam concluded that “students mostly experienced the height of anxiety symptoms during the ten minutes before the exam, which suggested that most were having anticipatory anxiety.” Dr. Subramaniam’s findings highlight that once a student begins an exam, their anxiety decreases. Given that most of the anxiety associated with test taking is a consequence of negative “beliefs about one’s own inability,” these beliefs are not rational. Once a student begins the exam and knows what exactly their task is, they realize they are more able than they led themselves to believe. With practice and self-reflection, one can use this knowledge to minimize anticipatory anxiety before an exam. They can eliminate the illusion that their brain has suddenly gone blank by reminding themselves that this is an exaggeration that has occurred before, and, once the exam is in front of them, they will be able to complete it successfully.
It is easier to remain calm if one can distinguish that anticipatory anxiety does not affect performance as general anxiety traits do. When it comes to students with general anxiety traits in their life, the previously mentioned study found that “students with high-test anxiety trait scores had significantly more anxiety symptoms during the exams in comparison to those with low scores.” as one would expect. If you struggle with anxiety, this may harm your performance during the exam. However, the study goes on to reveal that “Anticipatory anxiety did not show any association with anxiety traits.” The panic shortly before an exam is not something experienced only by naturally anxious people and does not mean that one is unable to perform their best. Anticipatory anxiety is a common moment of panic and blankness that usually lasts up to the moment that one focuses on the exam in front of them. Anxiety traits are a part of a person’s personality that can negatively affect them during stressful situations. Both qualities are manageable but knowing their distinction (specifically that the former is much less likely to affect your performance) is important because it can reduce the insecurity and unpreparedness that one inevitably feels before an exam.
The butterflies, the regretting that you didn’t study an extra hour last night, the doubts, the fear, are all natural reactions of the mind but are no indication of actual lack of ability. These last moments of panic can be crucial if you let them get to you. Next time your mind goes blank, remind yourself that it will pass, and it is only a matter of getting over this feeling so that you can focus on the task at hand.
I am a first-year BIEM student with a multicultural background. I enjoy expressing my critiques, insights, knowledge, and feelings through writing. Most of all I try to form a connection with the reader by including universal themes that everyone can relate to. I enjoy meeting new people and understanding different perspectives.
