Nervous about your upcoming exams?

It's the 3rd week of classes already, so many of you will have your first major exam in the next week or two. If you're nervous, here are some things that can help:

1) Get a good night's sleep and be sure to eat a good breakfast that morning. We've all heard it 100 times, but it's amazing how true it still is. Being tired or hungry can make it difficult to concentrate. (And, a rumbling stomach can draw funny looks when it growls in the middle of a silent classroom!) Also, make sure what you eat is healthy. Proteins and fiber are best for keeping you feeling full. And, watch out for sugar-loaded items. They may sound good at first, but you don't want to have your blood sugar crash while you're taking the test.

2) Study using your learning styles. The textbook offers a number of suggestions. You can also check out the VARK website in the links box below. Using your learning styles to study can make the time you spend studying much more productive. (And, you may even have some downtime you weren't counting on!)

3) Take advantage of the resources on campus. The Academic Support Center offers FREE tutoring. For more information, go to http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/jsr_asc/ . Also, take advantage of the computers, chairs, and study rooms on campus. Did you know you can now borrow a study room by signing in at the library? It's free! Just go by the Library's front desk (Massey LTC Building) and ask for one. And, if you're a Learning Community student, we even have a special study/workroom just for you to use.

4) And, most importantly - BREATHE! Oxygen is a good thing. :) As much as we all want you to succeed and pressure you to do well in a class, failing a test is not the end of the world. I can promise you that every single teacher you have ever had has failed a test or two along the way. If it happens, take note of what you missed and try to do better next time. We all tend to learn a lot more from our mistakes than we do when we're right.

Good luck!

-Prof M