The Tales of a Chronic Overthinker and Terrible Test Taker

If there were a medal for overthinking, I would have won gold a long time ago. And when it came to test-taking, my overthinking brain turned even the simplest multiple-choice questions into mental gymnastics. High school, college, and beyond—they all came with the same story: me, sitting in a classroom, heart racing, and my mind running a thousand different scenarios for every answer. If someone was to look at me, I would have looked like I had it all together, but on the inside, I as falling apart.?

One of my most vivid memories of this struggle was during my pursuit of my teaching credential. To get certified, I had to pass a Spanish test. Seems simple enough, right? Not for me. I took that test three times at like $200 a try. Each attempt ended the same way: almost passing, but not quite. Each time, I’d walk out of the testing center feeling drained and defeated, replaying every single question in my mind, analyzing what I could’ve done differently. That Spanish test became a symbol of my battle with test anxiety.

For as long as I can remember, tests have been a mental battlefield. I’d stare at the same question for what felt like forever, convincing myself that every answer choice was somehow both right and wrong. My internal monologue was relentless:

• What if I’m missing something obvious?
• What if this is a trick question?
• If I choose ‘C’ again, will it seem like I’m just guessing?

The anxiety had a way of making me feel like I wasn’t smart enough, like I hadn’t prepared enough, and like I was never going to be good at it. I felt like a failure, completely stressed out, losing sleep over the thought of the next test. And the worst part? It always seemed like everyone else got it. They’d breeze through tests while I sat there, paralyzed by self-doubt. It was isolating, frustrating, and exhausting.

Finding My Way Through the Fog

The turning point came when I realized that my test anxiety wasn’t something I had to live with forever. It was something I could work on. Through trial, error, and lots of research, I discovered strategies to help alleviate the pressure and quiet my overthinking brain. These didn’t just help me survive tests—they helped me thrive.

Here are some of the strategies that worked for me:

1. Prepare With Purpose

I used to think more studying automatically meant better results. But cramming wasn’t doing me any favors. Instead, I started using focused, consistent study sessions. I made flashcards, practiced with mock exams, and broke down material into manageable chunks. Preparation gave me confidence—and confidence helped combat my overthinking.

2. Practice Positive Self-Talk

For years, my inner dialogue during tests was downright brutal. I started replacing negative thoughts with affirmations. Before a test, I’d remind myself: You’ve prepared for this. You can do hard things. It didn’t eliminate the anxiety completely, but it helped me approach tests with a little more grace for myself.

3. Learn Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing became my best friend. When my heart started racing, I’d take a moment to inhale deeply, hold it, and exhale slowly. Sometimes, I’d even close my eyes for a second to ground myself. Those small pauses helped me reset and refocus.

4. Focus on One Question at a Time

Instead of letting my mind spiral through the whole test, I forced myself to concentrate on one question at a time. I’d answer it to the best of my ability and move on, trusting my preparation instead of revisiting my doubts.

5. Normalize Mistakes

This one took time. I had to accept that I wouldn’t get every question right, and that’s okay. Tests aren’t a measure of your worth. They’re just one way of evaluating knowledge. Releasing the pressure to be perfect was liberating.

6. Use Accommodations If You Need Them

It took me years to realize that asking for help wasn’t a weakness. Extended time on tests or a quieter testing environment can make a world of difference. If you need accommodations, advocate for yourself.

From Overthinking to Overcoming

Finding a profession where there were fewer multiple-choice tests and more opportunities to explain my rationale and reasoning was one of the biggest factors in overcoming my struggles. I realized I thrived in environments where I could share my thought process and engage in meaningful discussions rather than being boxed into one “right” answer. That shift helped me rediscover my strengths and feel less trapped by standardized testing.

At the same time, growing my confidence was equally important. I learned to trust myself and shut down the constant second-guessing that had plagued me for so long. Building that self-assurance took time, but every small victory along the way helped me see that I was capable and prepared—even if my mind tried to convince me otherwise.

Looking back now, I can see how much progress I’ve made. That Spanish test? I eventually passed it, and let me tell you, the victory was sweeter because of the struggle. I learned that test anxiety doesn’t have to control me, and neither does overthinking. These experiences didn’t just teach me about tests—they taught me about resilience, self-compassion, and the power of persistence.

To anyone who’s battling the same struggles, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Test anxiety doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right tools and mindset, you can overcome it—and maybe even find a little humor in the journey.

So, the next time you’re sitting in front of a test, heart racing and palms sweaty, remember: you’ve got this. And if you overthink that first question? Take a breath, and move on. You’re stronger than you think.