How Can I Overcome Panic and Improve Efficiency During My Physics Test?

[Zeynaz]

I will be taking a very important Physics test next week based on advanced physics topics. I realized that generally i am able to solve the questions successfully on my own. But the problem is when i take mock exams i seem to get “panicked” and miss details, or use wrong values. After the exam I realize that those questions were actually easier (compared to what i felt in the exam)

Another thing i realized was because i want to be able get full points in the beginning i seem to write too much. Meaning, taking too much time to show every step (so i can get full points just in case!) and then lose some of my time doing that. Which eventually causes me to rush the last questions.

Other than timing my exams Do you have any tips for me that i can use? I know this is a very general, vague and personal problem but if you have any recommendations, I would appreciate it a lot.

 

[Drakkith]

Some tips for dealing with test anxiety:
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/test-anxiety
http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases...rder/expert-answers/test-anxiety/faq-20058195

Another thing i realized was because i want to be able get full points in the beginning i seem to write too much. Meaning, taking too much time to show every step (so i can get full points just in case!) and then lose some of my time doing that. Which eventually causes me to rush the last questions.

Don't do anything you wouldn't do on a practice test or your homework (assuming you get full points on your homework for showing work). Take practice tests to practice this if you have to. And remember to be aware of this during your test.

 

[fresh_42]

This is more for lower level exams, but it contains some practicable tips how to deal with the panic situation:
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/10-math-tips-save-time-avoid-mistakes/