College students face increased test anxiety post-break

After Spring Break, college counseling centers often see more students seeking help for academic concerns, particularly due to high perfectionism and test anxiety. A 2023 Harvard report noted a rise in perfectionist traits among students, with 85.4% focusing on academic achievement. Perfectionism can stem from a desire for mastery or fear of not being good enough. Fear-based perfectionism can lead to debilitating anxiety, especially during exams. Students are encouraged to view tests as opportunities to demonstrate knowledge rather than aiming for perfect scores. Coping strategies include seeking support, focusing on effort, and practicing positive self-talk. Many campuses offer resources like workshops to help students manage test anxiety and perfectionism effectively.