Test-taking workshop helps give stress a failing grade

College and tests go hand-in-hand, but for many students, test taking is often accompanied by anxiety and stress.

Sacramento State can’t make tests go away, but it has a program that can help reduce stress and help students build their confidence and skill in taking exams.

Psychological Counseling Services offers two 90-minute test anxiety workshops before finals in May. Workshops are 3:30 to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 9 and noon-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 6. Both are in the second floor conference room of the Student Health Center.

“It’s normal and good to be slightly anxious before taking a test. It’s a motivator,” says Susan Ko, a clinical psychologist with Psychological Counseling Services. But, she says, when a student’s anxiety is overwhelming, taking a test can then be debilitating.

During the workshops, students will learn about different test-taking strategies, along with deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Ko says almost anyone can benefit from the workshop, “to improve their test taking and to focus better.”   

She says there are things students can do to help them succeed before taking a test, including not talking to other students about a test right before it happens. “If you do you’ll start panicking about your preparation and doubting yourself.” 

The workshops are free to Sacramento State students, and pre-registration is not required. For more information, contact Psychological Counseling Services at 278-6416.