To content
ONLINE INFORMATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDENT ADVISORY SERVICE

Exam Preparation and Test Anxiety

Many students cope with their exams with an acceptable learning effort under a reasonable level of tension. However, some students can only get through the exam phases with great effort and anxiety, despite intensive preparation. And still other students question their learning strategies, since they do not achieve the hoped-for study success despite exam preparation. Knowing what has made the exam phases so difficult so far is an essential prerequisite for changing something and getting through the exam phase more calmly next time.

Two people waiting in the waiting area to hand in an envelope with documents © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund

It is possible to influence various aspects:

  • Was it due to the way of preparation?
  • Is another strategy of test preparation necessary?
  • Would more confident thoughts or a different approach to the exam be helpful?
  • If a third attempt is imminent, what is the reason why this happened?

Under the topics "Thoughts and Feelings", "Self- and Time Management" and "Motivation and Procrastination" there are further materials that are helpful in connection with exam preparation and exam anxiety.