Even when students follow all the recommended steps to prepare for the GRE, some still struggle to hit their target scores. One common reason for this is anxiety.

Test anxiety—marked by symptoms like a racing heart, shallow breathing, and anxious thoughts—affects many students, especially during high-stakes tests like the GRE. It’s understandable; so much depends on your performance.

A little anxiety is normal and can even help you stay focused. But too much anxiety can interfere with your ability to concentrate and perform at your best, leading to a score that doesn’t reflect your true potential. Managing anxiety can be the key to breaking through your score ceiling.

Techniques for Managing Test Anxiety

There are several proven strategies to reduce test anxiety, and applying some of them can make a big difference:

1. Visualization: Picture yourself walking into the test confidently, answering questions with ease. Visualization helps set a positive, calm mindset.

2. Breathing Exercises: Deep, slow breathing can help calm your body and mind. Practice deep breathing regularly to stay relaxed during the exam.

3. Reframe Anxiety as Excitement: Instead of thinking, “I’m too nervous,” try telling yourself, “I’m excited to show what I’ve learned.” This shift can help turn anxiety into motivation.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups to release physical tension. This helps you stay calm under pressure.

Master the Material

One often-overlooked technique for managing anxiety is mastering the content. The better you know the material, the more relaxed you’ll feel when taking the test. Imagine taking a basic math test on multiplication and division. You’d likely feel confident because you’ve been practicing those skills for years. The same goes for the GRE—if you practice enough, the content will become second nature.

Don’t just practice until you get questions right—practice until you can’t get them wrong. Familiarity with the material will reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.

Reducing test anxiety is key to improving your GRE score. By combining anxiety-reduction techniques with thorough preparation, you can perform at your best and achieve your target score. With the right approach, you’ll not only manage anxiety—you’ll leave it behind.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep