A lot can depend on a test—getting into law school or medical school, earning an important certification, or simply preserving a strong GPA. With such stakes, many students suffer from anxiety and stress around test-taking.
Some degree of nervousness about a test can actually be beneficial. The dose of adrenaline can provide energy and keep you focused. However, too much stress can undermine test performance. One review of the scientific literature on the subject found that it’s crucial for test-takers to manage anxiety and sustain motivation if they hope to be successful.