Taking tests is probably one of the most important yet stressful actions in a student’s career. Although testing one’s knowledge is a crucial aspect to their education, the fact that one test can destroy your entire class average is a bit overwhelming; especially for high schoolers.

You can make straight 100’s on practically every daily grade provided, but if you fail the test, you’re done for. That puts an insane amount of pressure on the students as they stare at the test in front of them and realize that it will essentially determine what grade they will make in the class. That being said, someone could be a very intelligent person that just doesn’t do well on tests or high pressure situations in general.

Some may argue that retests are the panacea to situations like this, which can be true. Retests are extremely beneficial especially if the reason for doing poorly on the test initially was just lack of preparation. Going back to the high pressure issue, the retests don’t necessarily help with that. It is just like taking the test the first time in regards of pressure. In fact, retests hold even more pressure because if you mess that one up as well you are really in trouble.

So what is the solution to this problem? Unfortunately, the honest truth is there is no one way to unravel the stress of test taking. On the bright side, though, there are some factors you can consider that could send you in the right direction.

One way to assist the issue of high pressure situations is the learning lab. Talk to your teacher, and see if you can start taking tests in there. The environment is very soothing, as they play classical music and keep it silent otherwise.

Another way to help is to attend as many tutorials as you can; even if you think you understand all of it. If you don’t have time before and after school, there is still a simple alternative. Just ask as many questions as possible; don’t worry about being annoying, teachers are here to help you.

Everybody anticipates and/or dreads the tests that come up in their classes almost every week. They are stressful and can sometimes completely mess up your grade. But if you are willing to put in the time and effort, there is always a way you can succeed.