Fort Worth Tutors Share Exam Preparation Strategies to Overcome Test Anxiety

Fort Worth, TX — Many students struggle not with content mastery but with performance under pressure. Math Around The Corner, a Fort Worth-based tutoring company offering one-on-one academic support from Kindergarten through college, is sharing experience-based test-taking tips. The team talks about how to score higher on tests by managing stress and boosting focus.

Recent data indicates that approximately 16–20% of students experience high test anxiety, while another 18% deal with moderate anxiety that still impacts performance. With growing academic expectations, structured exam preparation strategies play a crucial role in enhancing both confidence and academic results.

Exam Preparation Strategies Reduce Anxiety

Students benefit from early and organized reviews. Recommended techniques include:

• Daily short study sessions rather than cramming

• Flashcards, practice tests, and outlines for active recall

• Practice in a timed and distraction-free environment

• Familiarity with test formats (multiple choice, essay, or open book) to reduce uncertainty

Familiarity with the material and format helps reduce anticipatory anxiety by giving students a sense of control.

Physical and Mental Readiness

Physical preparation supports cognitive function during testing. Math Around The Corner emphasizes the importance of:

• 7–9 hours of sleep before the exam

• Protein-rich meals with complex carbohydrates instead of sugar

• Light exercise to decrease cortisol levels

• Simple breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique

• Realistic self-talk to counter negative thought loops

Studies have found that diaphragmatic breathing reduces cortisol levels and improves focus during high-stress academic tasks.

Test-Taking Tips

Effective performance during testing often depends on structured techniques:

• Reading instructions fully to avoid simple errors

• Scanning the test before starting to allocate time appropriately

• Answering easier questions first to build confidence

• Using the process of elimination to narrow down choices

• Flagging challenging items and returning to them later

• Pacing by dividing the total time by the number of questions

Time Management in High-Pressure Settings

Timed exams benefit from intentional pacing. Recommended approaches include:

• Setting checkpoints (e.g., halfway complete at the test midpoint)

• Avoiding time traps by moving past challenging questions

• Allocating time based on point value, not question length

Math Around The Corner, the trusted tutoring company, recognizes that time management is one of the most commonly reported challenges among students taking standardized tests.

Post-Test Reflection

Learning does not stop once the test is over. Students are encouraged to:

• Identify which strategies worked

• Review missed questions for understanding, not just correction

• Adjust study approaches for future assessments

• Use positive reinforcement, such as breaks or non-food rewards

Consistently applying these steps helps students build confidence and overcome test anxiety in future exams.

Approaches by Test Format

Tutoring at Math Around The Corner addresses different formats with targeted techniques:

• Multiple Choice: Avoid choices with absolutes like “always” or “never”; double-check “all of the above” or “none of the above” items

• Essays: Begin with a clear outline and stay focused on the main topic

• Math and Science: Show steps clearly and use reverse solving or estimation for accuracy

When Anxiety Persists

For students whose anxiety persists despite preparation, Math Around The Corner recommends:

• Exploring school-based counseling programs

• Practicing mindfulness techniques such as mindful walking

• Applying cognitive restructuring techniques to shift unhelpful thought patterns

These strategies equip students with skills to build emotional resilience and overcome test anxiety with greater confidence.

Math Around The Corner offers personalized exam preparation strategies to help students stay focused, manage stress, and learn how to score higher on tests. To learn more or enroll with them, call (817) 720-6284 or email hello@matharoundthecorner.com.

About Math Around The Corner

Math Around the Corner supports students from kindergarten through 12th grade in building confidence, improving grades, and raising test scores across subjects, including math, physics, and English. Founded in 2006 by Carol Bearden, the Fort Worth tutoring center offers a welcoming and encouraging environment where every student is met with patience and personal attention. Located at Mira Vista Commons, the campus features 14 private tutoring rooms, each designed with interactive whiteboards and college themes to inspire academic pride. With a caring team and a focus on individual growth, Math Around the Corner helps students reach their full potential.

Contact Information:

Math Around The Corner

6134 Southwest Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76109
United States

Carol Bearden
https://matharoundthecorner.com/