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Take a few minutes to think about what your sources of test-related stress are. The idea is to pin down any sources of anxiety so you can deal with them one by one. Here are some common examples\u2014 feel free to use them and any others you think of. <\/span><\/p>\n\n- I always freeze up on tests.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I\u2019m nervous about the DBQ.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I need a good\/great score to get into my first-choice college.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- My older brother\/sister\/best friend\/girlfriend\/boyfriend did really well. I must match their scores or do better.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- My parents, who are paying for school, will be quite disappointed if I don\u2019t do well.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I\u2019m afraid of losing my focus and concentration.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m not spending enough time preparing.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I study like crazy, but nothing seems to stick in my mind.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I always run out of time and get panicky.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- The simple act of thinking, for me, is like wading through refrigerated honey.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n- I have too many AP exams in one week.
\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nChances are, the top of the list is a fairly accurate description of exactly how you react to test anxiety, both physically and mentally. The later items usually describe your fears (disappointing mom and dad, looking bad, etc.). Taking care of the major items from the top of the list should go a long way toward relieving overall test anxiety. <\/span><\/p>\nStrengths and Weaknesses<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
Take 60 seconds to list the areas of U.S. history that you are good at. They can be general, such as \u201ccolonialism,\u201d or specific, such as \u201cforeign policy in the 1930s.\u201d Put down as many as you can think of and, if possible, time yourself. Write for the entire time; don\u2019t stop writing until you\u2019ve reached the one-minute stopping point.<\/span><\/p>\nAfter you think about all your strengths, take 60 seconds to write down the areas of U.S. history that you struggle with or do not understand.<\/p>\n
Taking stock of your assets and liabilities lets you know the areas you don\u2019t have to worry about and the ones that will demand extra attention and effort. It helps a lot to find out where you need to spend extra effort. We mostly fear what we don\u2019t know and are probably afraid to face. You can\u2019t help feeling more confident when you know you\u2019re actively strengthening your chances of earning a higher overall score. <\/span><\/p>\nNow, go back to the \u201cgood\u201d list and expand on it for two minutes. Take the general items on that first list and make them more specific; take the specific items and expand them into more general conclusions. Naturally, if anything new comes to mind, jot it down. Focus all of your attention and effort on your strengths. Don\u2019t underestimate yourself or your abilities. Give yourself full credit. At the same time, don\u2019t list strengths you don\u2019t really have. <\/span><\/p>\nExpanding from general to specific might go as follows: if you listed \u201cpolitics\u201d as a broad topic you feel strong in, you would then narrow your focus to include areas of this subject about which you are particularly knowledgeable. Your areas of strength might include specific presidencies, legislative acts, Supreme Court decisions, etc. Whatever you know well goes on your \u201cgood\u201d list.<\/span><\/p>\nDid you find yourself going beyond the two minutes allotted? Did you write down more things than you thought you knew? Is it possible you know more than you\u2019ve given yourself credit for? Could that mean you\u2019ve found a number of areas in which you feel strong? <\/span><\/p>\nYou just took an active step toward helping yourself. Enjoy your increased feelings of confidence and use them when you take the AP U.S. History exam. <\/span><\/p>\n
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