Midterm Season & Performance Anxiety

What is Performance Anxiety?

Performance anxiety is the intense fear of being evaluated or judged based on your performance. In academic settings, this often shows up as 

• racing thoughts before exams 

• difficulty concentrating while studying 

• physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea, or a fast heartbeat 

• "Blanking out" during tests. 

People may say it's "dramatic," but it's not dramatic; it's a physiological response. 

The Science Behind It

When students perceive an exam as a threat, the body activates a stress response system, leading to hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In small doses, these hormones sharpen focus, but when stress levels become too high, they interfere with memory and thinking, which are the exact skills needed for an exam.

How to Overcome Performance Anxiety

1. Practice retrieval, not just re-reading. Quiz yourself instead of passively reviewing notes. This strengthens memory and builds confidence

2.  Simulate exam conditions. Study in quiet spaces and time yourself. Familiarity reduces fear. 

3. Could you reframe your mindset? Instead of thinking "I'm going to fail", try thinking "This stress can help me focus." Research shows that mindset shifts can reduce the impact of anxiety. 

4. Sleep before the test. Sleep improves memory consolidation. All-nighters often increase anxiety and lower performance. 

5. Use campus support. Tutoring, study groups, and counseling services exist to help you succeed. Seeking support is proactive, not weak. 

Midterms measure preparation for the moment but it doesn't measure your intelligence or potential. Learning to manage anxiety is a skill that will benefit you far beyond college.