Exam Anxiety
*Content contributed by Joanne Mills, Student Health and Wellness
Many students experience anxiety leading up to and throughout the process of writing exams. This is a normal response and while some anxiety can help to keep us motivated and focused, too much may interfere with exam performance.
Some things that can contribute to exam anxiety are poor study and exam-taking strategies, time-management difficulties, and psychological factors such as negative thinking and self-criticism.
Lifestyle choices can also increase anxiety. Not getting enough rest or proper nutrition prior to an exam may impact your ability to focus and concentrate.
Is accommodation possible?
Exam anxiety may interfere with your ability to demonstrate your knowledge, but it’s not by itself a condition that would lead to accommodation. Exam anxiety can often be experienced by people who have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, however, not in every case.
Exams are part of university, and often part of professional licensing, so it’s important to develop strategies to prepare for exams and manage anxiety.