Recognizing Test Anxiety in Your Child (and What to Do)

Introduction: The Overlooked Challenge in SHSAT Prep

When parents think of SHSAT prep, they often focus on practice tests, tutors, or math drills. But one hidden factor can sabotage months of preparation: test anxiety.

Even bright, well-prepared students can underperform if nerves take over. That’s why recognizing and addressing anxiety is just as important as mastering algebra or reading comprehension.

This article will help you spot the signs of SHSAT test anxiety and give you actionable tools to reduce it.

Why Test Anxiety Matters

Research from the American Test Anxieties Association shows that up to 30% of students experience high test anxiety.The effects include:

  • Lower performance due to memory blocks.

  • Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.

  • Long-term erosion of confidence.

The SHSAT is already high-stakes—if anxiety isn’t managed, it can make a capable student feel unprepared.

Signs of Test Anxiety in Middle Schoolers

Emotional Signs

  • Irritability or mood swings when SHSAT is mentioned.

  • Avoiding conversations about school or tests.

  • Excessive worrying, especially before practice exams.

Physical Signs

  • Headaches, nausea, or upset stomach before study sessions.

  • Sweaty palms, racing heartbeat during timed practice.

  • Trouble sleeping the night before a test.

Behavioral Signs

  • Procrastinating or refusing to study.

  • Rushing through practice questions just to “get it over with.”

  • Asking repetitive “what if” questions about the exam.

Strategies to Reduce SHSAT Test Anxiety

1. Normalize the Nerves

Explain to your child that nerves are normal. Say:

  • “Feeling anxious means your body is preparing for something important.”

  • “Even professional athletes get nervous before big games—it helps them perform.”

2. Teach Calming Techniques

  • 4-4-6 breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 5 times.

  • Progressive relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group.

  • Visualization: Picture sitting calmly in the test room, answering with focus.

3. Use Timed Practice for Exposure

The more often students face simulated SHSAT conditions, the less scary the real test feels.

  • Weekly timed sets (20–30 minutes).

  • Full practice exams every 2–3 weeks.

  • Review sessions that highlight improvement over time.

Related: Staying Calm on Test Day: Mindset Playbook for the SHSAT

4. Focus on Effort, Not Just Scores

Reframe success around habits:

  • “You stayed calm during that section.”

  • “You caught and fixed two careless mistakes.”

  • “You studied three days this week consistently.”

When Anxiety Becomes a Bigger Issue

Seek professional guidance if:

  • Your child has consistent panic attacks.

  • Anxiety spills into everyday life beyond the SHSAT.

  • Sleep and appetite are regularly disrupted.

Resources include school counselors, therapists, or support groups specializing in adolescent anxiety.

Case Study: The Power of Practice & Mindset

  • Student A: Avoided practice tests because they caused stress. On test day, the pressure felt overwhelming, and performance dropped.

  • Student B: Practiced calming techniques before every timed set. By test day, nerves still showed up—but instead of panicking, they channeled them into focus.

FAQ: SHSAT Test Anxiety

Q1: Does test anxiety mean my child isn’t prepared?
Not at all. Many high-achieving students experience anxiety. Preparation + coping tools are the key.

Q2: What’s the best quick fix for anxiety on test day?
Controlled breathing (like 4-4-6) plus positive self-talk can quickly reset focus.

Q3: Should I hire a tutor just for confidence?
Sometimes! A good tutor can help reduce anxiety by clarifying confusing concepts and building test-day routines.

External Resources

  • Child Mind Institute – Test Anxiety

  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Parent Checklist: Managing Test Anxiety

✅ Watch for emotional, physical, and behavioral signs.
✅ Normalize nerves—don’t dismiss them.
✅ Teach calming routines (breathing, relaxation, visualization).
✅ Use timed practice for exposure.
✅ Praise effort, not just results.

Conclusion: Confidence Is Built, Not Born

Anxiety doesn’t disappear overnight—but with consistent practice, supportive conversations, and calming tools, your child can learn to manage it.

When nerves are reframed as part of the process, students walk into the SHSAT with confidence, not fear.

Next Read: Beyond the Score: Hidden Benefits of SHSAT Practice Tests

CTA: Want to reduce test anxiety through realistic exposure? Start with our NYC SHSAT Practice Tests.