by Brenda Bullara
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

One test does not define anyone, but that reality seldom diminishes final exam anxiety. Test stress, or test anxiety, can create physical ailments and depression causing some students, at worst, to blank out completely, or at least to perform below their knowledge level.

"Students visit the health clinic at UH-Clear Lake more frequently during midterm and final exams experiencing test anxiety," said Gina Garcia, a registered nurse in Health and Disabilities Services.

"We also examine more students experiencing gastrointestinal disorders or stomachaches." Additionally, requests for aspirin and pain reliever increase, and appointments for acupuncture are more prevalent, Garcia said.

"Students complain of feeling overwhelmed around test time," said Betty L. Brown, counselor and testing coordinator for Career and Counseling Services.

Brown added that an increase in student visits to the clinic during test times is also traditional.

Already this semester, because of Sept.11 events, several students have visited "in crisis" requesting to see a counselor immediately. The pending holiday season is another factor in the increase of students seeking counseling services. Life problems, unrelated to academics, can also affect how well a student performs in school,

according to Cynthia A. Cook, assistant director for Career and Counseling Services. Counseling Services helps students cope with life factors by offering short-term individual counseling on issues such as anxiety, concentration problems, depression and low self-esteem.

UH-Clear Lake professors observe a variety of anxiety-related symptoms which include nail biting, hands sweating and feet shaking, when administering tests to students.

"I have seen a wide range of responses, and the test anxiety that I have noticed is usually proportional to the size of the test," said David A. Lopez, a humani ties lecturer. Social skills and high self-esteem help to control the anxiety.

"Stress manifests itself in different ways in different people," said Henry Milam, an adjunct professor of communication.

Milam believes traditional or full-time students' stress seems to be related to time management, whereas non-traditional or part-time students' stress is related more to life issues.

Test format-essay versus multiple choice-is also a source of stress, Milam said.

UH-Clear Lake students experience the full spectrum of feelings from panic to peace when approaching finals.

"I procrastinate, so when test time comes, I get very nervous," said Erin Crider, an undergraduate communication major.

"I study a little, go to the mall and hang out with my friends, then study some more to escape anxiety," said Robin Sookraj, an undergraduate sociology major.

Jackie Carruth, an undergraduate business administration student, experiences very little anxiety before taking a test.

"Test preparation-reviewing my notes and other pertinent handouts-lessens the stress for me," Carruth said.

Counseling Services offers workshops to help students organize papers, take notes, decrease test anxiety and overcome procrastination, Cook said.

Time management and test preparation tips are also available.

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