Page 211 - A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

This may be why test takers sometimes find that the solution pops to mind
right as they walk out the door. When they gave up, their attention switched,
allowing the diffuse mode the tiny bit of traction it needed to go to work and
return the solution. Too late, of course.
Sometimes people are concerned that starting a problem and then pulling
away from it might cause confusion in an examination. This doesn’t seem to be a
problem for most people; after all, chefs learn to bring various facets of a dinner

together. But if you still have worries about whether this strategy might work for
you, try it first on homework problems.
Be aware of some occasions when hard-start–jump-to-easy might not be
appropriate. If the instructor gives only a few points for a really difficult problem
(some instructors like to do this), you may wish to concentrate your efforts
elsewhere. Some computerized licensure examinations don’t allow for

backtracking, so your best bet when facing a tough question is simply to take a
deep breath or two from the belly (make sure to breathe out all the way, also) and
do your best. And if you haven’t prepared well for the test, then all bets are off.
Take what simple points you can.

DEALING WITH PANIC BEFORE A TEST

“I tell my students to face your fears. Often, your worst fear is not getting the grades you
need for your chosen career. How can you handle this? Simple. Have a plan B for an
alternative career. Once you have a plan for the worst contingency, you’ll be surprised to
see that the fear will begin to subside.
“Study hard up until the day of the test, and then let it go. Tell yourself, ‘Oh, well, let me
just see how many questions I can get right. I can always pursue my other career choice.’
That helps release stress so you actually do better and get closer to your first career
choice.”
—Tracey Magrann, Professor of Biological Sciences, Saddleback College

Why Anxiety Can Arise on Tests and How to Deal with It

If you’re a stressed-out test taker, keep in mind that the body puts out chemicals,
such as cortisol, when it is under stress. This can cause sweaty palms, a racing
heart, and a knot in the pit of your stomach. But interestingly, research finds that