A School Counselor’s Guide to Helping Students with Test Anxiety

As a school counselor, you’re often one of the first to notice when a student struggles with more than just studying. Test anxiety can show up as restlessness, negative self-talk, or even physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches. Left unaddressed, it can hold students back from showing what they’ve truly learned.

Whether you’re a counselor, a school therapist, a teacher, or even a parent, understanding how to support students through test anxiety is essential. In this Soliant guide, discover everything you need to know about test anxiety—from its impact on students to its prevalence throughout grade levels—and learn the strategies to help kids overcome it.

How Does Test Anxiety Affect Students?

Test anxiety is more than feeling nervous before an exam. It can lead to difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, or a sudden “blanking out” during a test. Some students experience physical symptoms, like sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, or nausea, while others may withdraw, avoid school, or show signs of irritability. Over time, these patterns can undermine confidence and create ongoing academic stress.

How Many Students Experience Test Anxiety?

Research suggests that between 20% and 40% of students struggle with moderate to high test anxiety, with some studies estimating even higher rates among younger learners. This makes it one of the most common challenges counselors and teachers see in schools.

About Test Anxiety in Elementary Students​

For elementary students, test anxiety can look a little different. Younger children may complain of stomachaches, become tearful on test days, or refuse to go to school. Because their coping skills are still developing, even small assessments can feel overwhelming. Addressing anxiety at this age is critical, as early support helps children build healthy test-taking habits that carry into middle school, high school, and beyond.

How to Help a Student with Test Anxiety: Test Anxiety Strategies for Elementary Students

1. Normalize their feelings: Let students know that feeling nervous is common and doesn’t mean they aren’t capable.
2. Practice relaxation techniques: Teach simple breathing or grounding exercises they can use before and during tests.
3. Use practice tests: Familiarity with the testing format can ease fear of the unknown.
4. Encourage positive self-talk: Replace “I can’t do this” with “I studied and I can try my best.”
5. Promote healthy routines: Remind families of the importance of sleep, balanced meals, and exercise.
6. Adjust the environment: Work with teachers to reduce distractions, provide short breaks, or offer supportive seating arrangements.
7. Communicate with parents: Share signs to watch for at home and strategies to reinforce outside of school.
8. Know when to refer: If anxiety persists or worsens, connect the student with school psychologists or outside resources for additional help.

Help Make a Difference: Managing Test Anxiety in Students

Helping students manage test anxiety isn’t about removing all stress; it’s about giving them tools to face it with confidence. With guidance from dedicated school therapy professionals like you, students can learn strategies that support both academic performance and emotional well-being.

Looking for ways to expand your impact? Explore Soliant’s education roles, including opportunities for school counselors and teachers nationwide, and discover more of Soliant’s education career resources designed to support passionate professionals like you!