The EPPP is a big undertaking. But for those with test anxiety, the exam can be an even greater challenge.
Per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), test anxiety has many symptoms such as a racing heart, panic attacks, excessive sweating, inability to recall, and helplessness, to name a few. Generally, it is caused by a fear of failure, poor test history (or the pressure of good test history), and a lack of preparation.
Among the symptoms and causes, there are myths about test anxiety that can stand in the way of overcoming it.
Here are the top three myths about test anxiety.
1. Overcoming is impossible. 
This is the biggest myth of all. Test anxiety is common, and there are ways to manage it before and during exam day.
A few ways to manage it are:
• Develop test taking skills and be prepared. The more prepared you are, the less afraid of failure you will be. Taylor Study Method is designed to prepare you for success.
• Stay positive. Positivity is powerful. Practicing gratitude during EPPP prep and on exam day can help keep anxiety at bay.
• Focus on your own progress. Comparing your progress on test day to that of other test takers is an anxiety trigger. Focus on how far you’ve come and keep going.
• Relax with stress relief strategies. When you feel stress in the moment, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Try these stress relief techniques!
• Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat right, and exercise. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you in the study process and during test day.
• Seek help when you need it. Is test anxiety plaguing you constantly? Is it getting in the way of your relationships, work, and EPPP study progress? Perhaps it’s time to seek professional help. Getting help is one step towards accomplishing your goal.
2. Intelligent people are immune.
Test anxiety can happen to anyone regardless of intellect. In fact, you don’t have to be innately intelligent to do well on the EPPP.
During the EPPP test prep journey, everyone will discover weaknesses and strengths. Focusing on weaknesses can trigger test anxiety, which is why people who have failed the EPPP before can be prone to it. However, people who have never failed a test before may put pressure on themselves and experience test anxiety too. Ultimately, test anxiety doesn’t discriminate.
3. Preparation is the cure.
Hard work and dedication are required for EPPP success, but preparation doesn’t always keep anxiety at bay.
Even the most prepared person can experience test anxiety for many reasons. Whether you fear failure, have poor test history, or feel the pressure of previous success, preparation is only one way to manage test anxiety. Examine why you are experiencing test anxiety and take steps to manage it from there.
Positivity, focus, stress relief techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are ways you can overcome test anxiety on your own. If anxiety is taking over your relationships, work life, and study progress, it may be time to seek help. Don’t let the myths of test anxiety stop you from achieving your goal of EPPP success.
Further Reading
• Gratitude and Your EPPP Prep (Peace of Mind Part 2)
• Relieving the Stress of EPPP Study
• Why You Should Sleep Now and Study for the EPPP Later
• Exercise and Passing the EPPP: Why You Should Include Exercise in Your EPPP Study Schedule
• Why You Don’t Have to Be a Genius to Pass the EPPP