The students in this study rated OSCEs (objective structured clinical examination) as the highest academic stressor (i.e. negatively impacts academic performance). Specifically, the students perceived oral exams as being more stressful than assignments and written exams. This was indicated by their increased heart rate when delivering presentations and becoming anxious at the thought of disappointing their parents with their academic performance (social anxiety as well). These findings were consistent with other previous studies, where social and parental expectations were the 3rd and 4th major sources of academic anxiety.