When it comes to SIE Exam test anxiety, there are varying degrees. We have some students that are completely care free, and some that feel the nerves more than others. We also have some students that get doctors notes when the condition is severe enough to receive a diagnosis.
At Professional Exam Tutoring, we have tutored all of the above, and more. In this post, we discuss how you might be able to overcome varying degrees of test anxiety when it comes to the SIE Exam, or the Series 7 Exam.
SIE Exam Test Anxiety, A Familiar Foe
While most people get nervous for any standardized exam, some get so nervous that it becomes overly distracting, and disruptive. If you recognize this in yourself, then it may be of some reassurance to know that you’re not alone.
We have dozens and dozens of students every year with some form of test anxiety. While we certainly don’t have any psychological, or psychiatric training or know-how, we have immense experience in teaching all sorts of students.
As a result, we have a few little tips and tricks that can help you combat this familiar (to us) foe.
Learn the Material As Thoroughly As Possible
First and foremost, when it comes to the SIE Exam for beginners or for those on their second (or third) time around, knowing the content as thoroughly as possible seems to be the best way, in our view, to help reduce anxiety the most.
After all, you might get nervous if you have to perform at Carnegie Hall but if you need to regurgitate something you know as well as the alphabet, then your nerves may be slightly less frayed.
Similarly, the better that you know the SIE content, the more comfortable you will be approaching the exam.
To ensure that you know the material as well as possible, regularly review flash cards on a daily basis (30-45 minutes), take at least 100-150 practice questions per day, and/or consider online video courses or a tutor. A significant amount of anxiety comes from general uncertainty. The more confident that you are in the likely outcome, based off of your knowledge, the less anxious you may feel.
Twice is Nice
Reading an exam question once-over is necessary but twice is nice 🙂
Whether or not you have test anxiety, we recommend this “twice is nice” strategy for the SIE Exam. As corny as it might sound, hopefully it helps you remember to reread every question more than once.
Make it a practice not to move on to the next question unless you’ve read the current question twice – and on the second time try to read every word very deliberately and carefully. This trick will help you if you find your nerves taking over, distracting you from comprehending a question. Fine-tooth-comb every word in every sentence, and then again the multiple choice answers.
This is especially effective when you’re on question 60 of 70. Our brains get tired with prolonged use, and when they get tired they get lazy (and are easily distracted). Creating a little habit for yourself, such as reading each question twice, will add structure to your exam experience and help keep you focused.
Extra Time
Test anxiety is quite real for a lot of people. It’s so real for some that many students medically qualify for extra time. If you are in this camp, consider getting a doctor’s note for extra time.
While we have never applied for it ourselves, or know much about the exact process, we’ve tutored many students that have successfully advocated for, and received, extra time for their SIE Exam, and Series 7 Top-Off Exam.
If you believe you, or your child qualifies then we suggest you look into it. It can make all of the difference.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to help you avoid an overly anxious exam day experience (like a tutor!). Try to approach it as best you can, and you may get through it more smoothly than you fear. Good luck!