Exam Anxiety..

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G'Day!
Anyone here with exam anxiety, who could give me some advice on how to deal with it? My criminal law final is on Friday and I'll be surrounded by approximately 200 other students in a pretty small room and I'm already starting to panic only thinking about it. I'm just really, really nervous because I tend to have blackouts during exams, even though I usually know my way around the subject. I can't sleep and am constantly worrying about it. This plus knowing that the other students will be there as well is scaring me. Help! Really, any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi, I used to sit exams in a separate room. Maybe you could have that arranged? It might be too late though, but you should try if you think that'll help.
I could advice using earplugs, for instance.

^ Was just about to suggest this. I'd say I've found it helpful.

Thank you both for your idea. That's what my teachers allowed me to do in school and it worked really well for me but my professors now said they couldn't make extra rules just for me, even though I had a medical certificate "proving" I have AS... But maybe I could use headphones or something just to drown out the coughs and noises the others will be making, I don't know.

My #1 suggestion is to study as much as you can, so that you know the subject forwards and backwards. If you know the material extremely well, it is less likely that the distractions will prevent you from doing well.

Headphones might be a good idea, but make sure to ask your teacher in advance if it is ok. The last thing you want is for him to see you with headphones, and to think you are cheating by listening to the answers or something.

Another suggestion is to really zero in and focus on the test, so that you don't notice the other people around you. Usually when I take a test I am so focused on it that I almost forget I'm in a room with a bunch of other students.

I'm pretty sure that by law, they have to accomodate you if you have documentation proving your diagnosis. If the teachers and principal of the school won't help you, maybe you should contact the school board.

Watch this until you memorize it.

Very therapeutic.

Warning, NSFW due to language.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5H91A3Hp8E[/youtube]

That's what I was worried about so I asked my professor about it today and he said it's cool with him if I put in some earplugs, so I'll definitely try this on Friday.

Thanks, AutumnSylver, I think I'll try to talk to someone else about writing in an extra room & show them my certificate!

This actually made me laugh out loud, zer0netgain! Thanks so much! Definitely lifted my spirits.

You definitely do have a right to help/support that you require due to ASD.

Good luck! My A Levels start in two and a half weeks and I am in actual hell, I know how you feel

Back at you. A Levels can be tough. I hope you do well

Just in case anyone's interested: The final was okay, I guess. But the tip with the ear plugs was amazing! Thanks again! It did wonders to the noises around me!