Pre-exam jitters: How do you guys deal with the anxiety?

Yeah, I’ve got a massive pile of stuff to get through in my second class too.
I really need to snap out of it and actually start studying properly.
But honestly, I just can't focus on studying if I have a lecture scheduled.
My whole day basically has to revolve around study sessions for it to work...
I mean, I try to put in maybe three hours a day... but it doesn't really matter, I guess... 🙂

Casey Palmer5 said:I’m curious to know how you all handle that pre-exam panic and stress? I study, obviously—no question there—but I still can't shake this awful feeling of anxiety...

I happen to be one of those ultra-cautious types. I simply refuse to walk into an exam unless I am absolutely certain I'll pass. Lately, I've been using a specific tactic: whenever that wave of anxiety hits right before a test, I intentionally do everything *except* study. The body needs a break from the books, after all.

And that is exactly how Laura Roberts61 managed to ace her last two finals with straight A's; previously, I was a bit more disorganized, so things didn't go quite that well.😉

My next one is coming up at the end of February.

So, I’m finally wrapping up my degree! Just gotta get this thesis through the review process 😉 🎉 and then I'm out. I can definitely drop some advice... though honestly, it really depends on what major you're in and what subjects you're tackling.
I’m a math major, so everything is super logical. There isn't much room for just "cramming" facts—you actually have to grasp the logic and understand how things connect. That takes time. I stayed on top of it pretty consistently, studying almost every single day, maybe taking a week or two off after big exams, though sometimes I'd treat myself to a longer break. I had to find a balance because I still wanted to hang out with friends 😁 and grab drinks, so I'd aim for about five hours of solid study a day while making sure I actually went out every night. I didn't really bother showing up to most lectures 🙂 since, around here, you don't really have to.
Finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Once this thesis is done, I am officially DONE! 👋

Panic? Yeah, usually the day before an exam. I could never help it; I guess that's just how I'm wired. If it was a really brutal subject, the anxiety would hit a few days early... but looking back now, it's kind of hilarious. It all passes. And hey, if you fail an exam, you just retake it another time 😁 😉

Ugh, my "strategy" is pretty much identical to Yvette's—I just keep telling myself I'll pass these exams because, you know, it'll help me actually learn the material better.😁
I mean, sure, fine, if I learn more and pull off a great grade, that's all well and good, but that pre-exam stress? It’s a constant. It never goes away. I always feel like I’m just a day or two short of actually being ready to review everything one last time.😁

Right before an exam, I hit a total breaking point—I end up loathing studying, the university, the professors, the entire academic system, and basically everything living. I start trying to convince myself that this whole path isn't even for me, that I'm wired for hands-on work rather than sitting behind a desk. 😬 Then, I show up to the test, walk out with (usually) an A or a B, and by the time I'm heading home, I'm already thinking about applying for grad school because, honestly, I'm apparently a natural at this.😁
😵