The first thing you need to know is that a little test anxiety is a good thing. Everyone gets nervous before a big exam - and if that nervousness motivates you to prepare thoroughly, so much the better. It's said that Sir Laurence Olivier, one of the foremost British actors of this century, threw up before every performance. His stage fright didn't impair his performance; in fact, it probably gave him a little extra edge-just the kind of edge you need to do well, whether on a stage or in an examination room.

Stress Management Before the Test

If you feel your level of anxiety getting the best of you in the days before the test, here is what you need to do to bring the level down again:

• Get prepared. There's nothing like knowing what to expect and being prepared for it to put you in control and relieve your test anxiety. Learn everything you can about the test: The format, the duration, the material covered, and so on. Be overly prepared; learn the material so well that you answers to the questions are practically automatic.
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• Practice self-confidence. A positive attitude is a great way to combat test anxiety. This is no time to be humble or shy. Stand in front of the mirror and say to your reflection, "I'm prepared. I'm full of self-confidence. I'm going to ace this test. I know I can do it." Say it into a tape recorder and play it back once a day. If you hear it often enough, you'll believe it.
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• Fight negative messages. Every time someone starts telling you how hard the exam is or how it's almost impossible to get a high score, start telling them your self-confidence messages above. If the someone with the negative messages is you, telling yourself you don't do well on exams don't listen. Turn on your tape recorder and listen to your self-confidence messages.
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• Visualize. Imagine your way to success. Envision yourself finding out you've aced the test. Create a mental picture of your friends and family congratulating you on your great score. Visualizing success can help make it happen - and it reminds you of why you're going to all this work in preparing for the exam.
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• Exercise. Physical activity helps calm your body down and focus your mind. Besides, being in good physical shape can actually help you do well on the exam. Go for a run, lift weights, go swimming - and do it regularly.

There are several ways you can bring down your level of test anxiety on test day. They'll work best if you practice them in the weeks before the test, so you know which ones work best for you.  Also, don't forget that you are human. Make sure your needs are cared for.  Get something to eat, go to the restroom. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before. I know this is basic, but when stressed, you may forget.  Make sure you wear comfortable clothing.  This is not the time to worry about being a super model.

• Deep breathing. Take a deep breath while you count to five. Hold it for a count of one, then let it out on a count of five. Repeat several times.
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• Move your body. Try rolling your head in a circle. Rotate your shoulders. Shake your hands from the wrist. Many people find these movements very relaxing.
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• Visualize again. Think of the place where you are most relaxed: such as lying on the beach in the sun or, walking through the park. Now close your eyes and imagine you're actually there. If you practice in advance, you'll find that you only need a few seconds of this exercise to experience a significant increase in your sense of well-being.

When anxiety threatens to overwhelm you right there during the exam, there are still things you can do to manage the stress level:

• Repeat your self-confidence messages. You should have them memorized by now. Say them quietly to yourself, and believe them!
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• Visualize one more time. This time, visualize yourself moving smoothly and quickly through the test answering every question right and finishing just before time is up. Like most visualization techniques, this one works best if you've practiced it ahead of time.
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• Find an easy question. Skim over the test until you find an easy question, and answer it. Getting even one circle filled in gets you into the test-taking groove. Do what you are good at, first!
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• Take a mental break. Everyone loses concentration once in a while during a long test. It's normal, so you shouldn't worry about it. Instead, accept what has happened. Say to yourself, "Hey, I lost it there for a minute. My brain is taking a break." Put down your pencil, close your eyes, and do some deep breathing for a few seconds. Then you're ready to go back to work.
• Take a physical break.  Go to the restroom and stretch and get the cricks out.  Three hours is a long time to sit in one spot. You will go back to the seat feeling refreshed. 

Very importantly, do not feel rushed.  Just because someone leaves after one hour does not mean they passed.  Remember, you paid the rent on that chair for the entire three hour.  Use it!  Try these techniques ahead of time, and see how well they can work for you!  Remember, you can do it!  I wouldn't tell you that if I didn't believe it!  Go for it!