Blanking Out During An Exam – What To Do!
Blanking out in an exam, whether it happens once or every time you face a test situation, can be unnerving and frustrating. In most cases, exam stress and blanking out are caused by anxiety. The pressure to perform well is immense, particularly for school-leaving exams, where results can shape future opportunities. Even younger learners may fear disappointing their parents or facing consequences for poor results. The good news is that you can take steps to overcome exam stress and boost your confidence. In this blog we’ll look into some strategies to help you stay calm and focused.
Find out more about overcoming exam stress by boosting confidence!
Tips To Avoid Blanking Out in an Exam or Freezing
1. Content Preparation
Effective study habits are key to preventing blanking out during an exam. Ensure you:
- Pay attention in class and listen for hints your teacher may drop about common exam topics.
- Ask your teacher if there are particular areas you should focus on.
- Practise regularly by completing examples and past papers.
If you struggle with certain subjects, consider seeking help from a hand-picked tutor. A tutor can help fill knowledge gaps and offer different perspectives. If you’re unsure about your study methods, a study skills crash course can significantly boost your confidence and reduce stress.
2. Prepare Emotionally
Beyond academic preparation, emotional readiness is crucial, especially for subjects you find challenging. Try the following:
- Visualise yourself entering the exam room, staying calm, and working through the questions methodically.
- Remind yourself that doing your best is all anyone can ask of you.
- Understand that a disappointing result is not the end of the world—having a contingency plan can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
3. Prepare an Exam Strategy
A good exam strategy can help you stay focused and manage time effectively. Some key tactics include:
- Reading through the paper carefully before starting.
- Answering the questions you are most confident about first.
- Reviewing your answers at the end if time allows.
4. Look After Your Physical Wellbeing
Your physical state can impact your mental performance. To optimise focus and energy levels:
- Get enough rest before the exam.
- Engage in physical exercise to reduce stress.
- Eat brain-boosting foods, such as fish and nuts, while cutting down on junk food and sugar.
5. Get Exam Assistance if Necessary
If you qualify for examination concessions or accommodations, due to some barrier to learning or learning disability, ensure that you apply for this well before exams. Ensure that you have the necessary help during your exams by booking a trained and qualified concessions facilitator beforehand to avoid disappointment.
What to do if You Blank Out During an Exam
Even with thorough preparation, blanking out can still happen. If it does, try these strategies:
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If you have a facilitator, let them know immediately so they can guide you.
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If you are alone, remind yourself that this is not a life-threatening situation. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind.
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Turn your paper over, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Repeat this a few times until your breathing steadies.
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Move on to another question. If you get stuck, leave space for that question and tackle one you feel more confident about.
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Mark the questions you feel most prepared to answer and start with those. You do not need to follow the order of the paper, but you must number your answers correctly. An examiner cannot mark a disorganised paper, and you may lose marks unnecessarily.
After the Exam: Moving Forward
Once the exam is over, avoid dwelling on your performance. Exam post-mortems are only helpful if they identify what caused you to blank out and how you can prevent it next time. Otherwise, let it go.
Remember, exams are naturally stressful, and most people do not enjoy them. However, if exam stress consistently prevents you from performing at your best, consider consulting an Edu-coach or looking into exam concessions.
The key to overcoming exam stress is taking action. Identify what needs improvement and work on it. Exams do not define your future – your success depends on much more than your results!
