When calm, one can concentrate. And, when concentrated, one knows instantaneously how to react appropriately in any situation, including during a standardized test like the SAT or ACT. Upon examination, what many students term “test anxiety” is a lack of concentration, which is more complicated to address than a 6-8 week cram course called, “Test Preparation.”
Thus, many students default to drilling concepts and reviewing endless Khan Academy videos as the way to score “higher” on the SAT or ACT, a seeming hedge towards realizing a desired college acceptance letter.
However, without consideration for the complexity of taking a three hour and fifteen minute test, starting early on a Saturday morning, after a long week of school and extracurricular commitments, as well as a the subtle psychology of a lifetime of expectation that a college degree is the most efficient means to prosperity, drilling alone may not merit the desired results.
Thus, every year, I spend much of my test prep tutoring sessions, teaching students techniques to remain calm. Then, they can unleash their knowledge, filed somewhere in their minds, answering the most number of questions correctly.
Many students already have complex systems to regain focus. For example, when a student “spaces out” in class, once that thought pattern passes, they naturally regain focus. Asking questions so students to reflect on their natural ability, they add another “test-taking skill” to their SAT or ACT test day strategy.
Beyond technique, students can reflect on the concerns underlying the anxiety, so each thought can be analyzed factually, dispelling any misconceptions or at the least, providing antidotes should the anxiety arise again.
A University of California San Diego and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill Yoshikawa, EdM advises clients about all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. Contact her at jill@creativemarbles.com.
