We have all taken at least one standardized test in our lifetimes. When I was in elementary school we took the Iowa Test, the iLeap Test and the Leap Test. In high school, we took the GEE, the EOC, the ACT, and probably several other acronym-named tests that I can’t begin to remember.
There are several types of test takers. There’s always that one person who LOVES standardized tests. They crave learning random facts and doing review sheets. Then you have the equally as smart, but horrible test taker. This is me. Then there’s the person who hates everything around them and is only there to take the test because the state or mommy said they had to. Regardless of where you fall, most of us have several stages we go through when taking these dreaded exams.
The Anxious Leg Shaking Stage
This stage usually happens when the test is being passed out or when you are the first one done bubbling your name and are waiting for the next instructions. You look around the room with just your eyes because turning your head would be cheating. Your leg takes on a mind of its own and starts to shake without you even noticing. This is usually when your nerves are at an all-time high.
The Confidence Stage
“If 2+2=4, then 2+1=3. True or False?” “Um. True. Duh. I’ve totally got this standardized test thing in the bag. Watch out Reading Comprehension, I’m coming for ya!” It always seems to happen that we get on this roll of answering all these easy questions that we forget we were even nervous. We are the first ones done, and of course we go back to check our work. That’s what all accomplished test takers do. Then we realize that literally everyone else is still testing and there are 45 minutes left in the section, so we start to freak out, leading us to the next stage.
The Freak Out Stage
“Oh my gosh. I’m done first. Mr. Stevenson said that if you’re done first then you didn’t answer any of them correctly. What am I going to do?” Then you proceed to erase your whole answer section and start over because surely you missed something, right?
The “Is This Even English?” Stage
Our next testing stage typically comes somewhere between the freak out stage and some sort of reading comprehension or math questions. You get “If Bob and Suzy have 47 candy bars, how many aliens does it take to screw in a light bulb?” Or you get some long-winded passage with big words you’ve never seen in your life, so you select C because it’s in the middle.
The “Thank God It’s Over” Stage
Now that you’re done with your test, you can go hang out with your friends and forget the day even happened. Whew! You’re done. You showed that test that you’re the boss...or you tried your best, kiddo. Good job!
The “I’m Smarter Than I Thought” Stage
It’s been 30 days since that dreaded standardized test. You’ve slept, eaten, and learned much more useful information since that day. You get home and find that envelope from your testing service, and your stomach does somersaults. You slowly open the envelope and peek just a little bit inside. Congratulations! You passed! You jump up and down and run to show your mom. She then puts your results on the fridge for all your friends and family to see.
Standardized tests can be the absolute bane of your existence. Whether you’re trying to get into college, out of high school, into grad school, or out of school, these test sneak up and seemingly crush your dreams in a matter of minutes. The most important thing that I have learned from all the tests I’ve taken is that no matter what that number says, it doesn’t determine my self-worth. I may not be a great test taker, but I have worked hard. I am a smart individual who has a dream and who will go places in life.
Unfortunately for students, standardized tests seem to be here to stay, but hopefully, the next time you find yourself in this dreaded situation, you’ll think back to this article and laugh. Then you’ll say, “I've got this.”
