The Student Room Group

How to deal with exam anxiety?

Hello,
Long story short, I just failed an important exam. I have the chance to take it again in a few months, which should be enough for me to cover the material very thoroughly, however the problem is if I don't pass the exam in the next resit, I will fail the entire year, and I will need to repeat it. I obviously don't want that myself, and I also have very strict parents who would take extreme measures if that happened. I am also very anxious and I tend to overthink a lot, and I am scared my anxiety will get in the way of passing this very important exam. Do you have any tips to deal with this overwhelming anxiety? (It is literally so bad that I am already thinking of the day of the exam a few months from now, lol)
I got a similar thing with my GCSEs and what I found helpful was to have as much structure around revision as I could. Make yourself a detailed plan of everything you need to cover and how you’re going to do it. Reflect on what went wrong last time so it doesn’t happen again. If available, do some practice tests to work on exam technique and monitor your progress. Also are you worried that you’ll be super nervous during the exam? I got accommodations in my GCSEs- is that an option for you? I get that if this is exam anxiety rather than a broader problem then that might not be the case. Hope it goes well for you 🙂
Reply 2
Original post by DerDracologe
I got a similar thing with my GCSEs and what I found helpful was to have as much structure around revision as I could. Make yourself a detailed plan of everything you need to cover and how you’re going to do it. Reflect on what went wrong last time so it doesn’t happen again. If available, do some practice tests to work on exam technique and monitor your progress. Also are you worried that you’ll be super nervous during the exam? I got accommodations in my GCSEs- is that an option for you? I get that if this is exam anxiety rather than a broader problem then that might not be the case. Hope it goes well for you 🙂

Thank you so much for all your tips! It is diagnosed anxiety that obviously worsens in stressful situations, however there are no accomodations available (not even extra time, lol). Probably depends on the country. Thanks for the wishes!
Original post by Anonymous
Thank you so much for all your tips! It is diagnosed anxiety that obviously worsens in stressful situations, however there are no accomodations available (not even extra time, lol). Probably depends on the country. Thanks for the wishes!

Np, out of interest (you dont have to answer!) what country do you live in?
Reply 4
Original post by DerDracologe
Np, out of interest (you dont have to answer!) what country do you live in?

I live in Italy! At least in my school the only accomodations they're willing to offer are extra time for students with dyslexia. I take it you're from the UK since you talked about GCSEs. It's interesting to know other countries treat this topic differently!
Original post by Anonymous
I live in Italy! At least in my school the only accomodations they're willing to offer are extra time for students with dyslexia. I take it you're from the UK since you talked about GCSEs. It's interesting to know other countries treat this topic differently!

Yeah Im from the UK, here in schools there’s lot of exam adjustments. I had rest breaks (so i could take breaks) plus fidget toys, earplugs, small room and some other specific stuff for different exams. I wouldn’t have been able to do my exams without it! I hope you work something out and your exam goes well 🙂
Reply 6
Original post by DerDracologe
Yeah Im from the UK, here in schools there’s lot of exam adjustments. I had rest breaks (so i could take breaks) plus fidget toys, earplugs, small room and some other specific stuff for different exams. I wouldn’t have been able to do my exams without it! I hope you work something out and your exam goes well 🙂

That's very interesting, I wish we could have that. Thank you again!
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
Long story short, I just failed an important exam. I have the chance to take it again in a few months, which should be enough for me to cover the material very thoroughly, however the problem is if I don't pass the exam in the next resit, I will fail the entire year, and I will need to repeat it. I obviously don't want that myself, and I also have very strict parents who would take extreme measures if that happened. I am also very anxious and I tend to overthink a lot, and I am scared my anxiety will get in the way of passing this very important exam. Do you have any tips to deal with this overwhelming anxiety? (It is literally so bad that I am already thinking of the day of the exam a few months from now, lol)

Hi There

We hear that you are feeling anxious about resitting an exam in a few months time. We understand that sitting exams can be nerve wracking but it is important that you are balancing your studies with your Mental Health. We are wondering whether you would consider speaking with a trusted Teacher or Tutor about how you are feeling right now as they are there to support you with this 🧑*🏫

It sounds like you are also very anxious and tend to over think a lot so we encourage you to take a look at the Managing Exam Stress page on our website. You may also find it helpful to reach out to Anxiety UK who will be able to offer you some practical advice and support about living with anxiety 🫶

You have done really well to use this space to be honest about how you are feeling. If you are feeling like suicide is an option right now then you can call Hopeline247 on 0800 068 4141 or Text us on 88247 to speak with a trained Suicide Prevention Adviser who will be more than happy to help 💟
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
Long story short, I just failed an important exam. I have the chance to take it again in a few months, which should be enough for me to cover the material very thoroughly, however the problem is if I don't pass the exam in the next resit, I will fail the entire year, and I will need to repeat it. I obviously don't want that myself, and I also have very strict parents who would take extreme measures if that happened. I am also very anxious and I tend to overthink a lot, and I am scared my anxiety will get in the way of passing this very important exam. Do you have any tips to deal with this overwhelming anxiety? (It is literally so bad that I am already thinking of the day of the exam a few months from now, lol)

I think it is best to speak to your student support services.

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