CV Eye

As the Keystone testing season approaches, many students feel the pressure begin to build. Preparation doesn’t always have to mean stress. From in-school review to after-school study sessions, our school community is finding new ways to help students feel confident and ready. 

With the right strategies, support, and mindset, Keystone exams can become less about anxiety and more about showing what students have truly learned. 

When asked what students who had already taken Keystones used to prepare, Sarah Paul, a junior, said, “I mainly did practice quizzes and kahoots. If I really didn’t understand something on a quiz, I would look over it and review it. I also had flashcards made from past units, and I would just look over them.” 

While some students prefer studying with flashcards and quizzes, others take a more relaxed approach. 

“I really only prepared by reviewing in class. I didn’t do anything outside of class to prepare. I mostly used the process of elimination to make the questions easier and skimming passages to get the main idea without reading the entire passage,” Junior Natalie Estock said. 

Teachers play an important role in helping students feel prepared, not just academically but mentally as well. 

Mr Prince, a 10th Grade English teacher at CVHS said, “As trite as it sounds, I think it is really important for kids to get a good night's sleep prior to the Keystone exam. The test takes most all of a school day, and I think that is a pretty exhausting pace for most kids. Additionally, I would advise kids to slow down; read carefully, critically, and thoughtfully. Runners don't sprint marathons, so students should not attempt to sprint through a test like this.” 

Students shared that one of the biggest challenges of Keystone testing is the feeling of uncertainty going into the exam. 

“The most stressful part was not feeling like I was prepared enough for all of the material that was on the test,” Estock said.

Despite that pressure, students can easily develop strategies to stay in control. Managing time effectively can make a significant difference in both confidence and performance. 

“I managed my time by skipping and going back to questions I wasn't sure of and answering the ones I was confident of,” Estock said. 

In addition to strategies, students who have already taken the Keystones like to say how important it is to stay calm. Sarah reassures students that the exams are often less intimidating and stressful than they seem. 

“Don’t stress because it’s really not that bad and not that hard. The English one was easy, just super boring and the Bio one was pretty easy too,” Estock said. “Make sure you bring a book so you have something to do if you finish early. Also eat something in the morning because you don't want to  be sitting in a silent classroom with your stomach rumbling.” 

Teachers also encourage students to focus not only on test preparation, but on building strong habits throughout the year. Mr. Prince highlights how everyday skills, like reading, can have a lasting impact.

“Personally, I do not think that the test is something to worry about, even though the stakes are relatively high,” Prince said. “ If I could wave a magic wand, kids would spend less time on their phones and more time reading books or magazines or newspaper articles- I think reading for leisure (or for the sheer reason of reading) is a helpful life tool, and it will make tests like this easier.” 

Ultimately, both students and teachers agree that confidence and support are key going into Keystone testing.

“No matter who you are, you can do this. Relax. Take a deep breath. We are all here to support you, and we believe in you.” Mr. Prince said.