This article is taken from Tips For Improving Your Test Scores

General Tips:

1. Get a good nights sleep
   I recommend at least eight hours. You want to be completely refreshed and mentally prepared.
2. Eat before the test
   Nutritionist and educations have stated that eating something healthy and filling before a test is very important, especially if an exam is expected to be long. Avoid consuming too much sugar and fat. Make sure you are eating some type of protein. PowerBars are a good choice.
3. Arrive early to class
   Many teachers pass out the test early and give you that extra two minutes that might come in handy. Also, you get to sit where you want and can relax. This is especially helpful if you are a nervous test taker.
4. Avoid anything that might make you nervous
   While nervous, you will find yourself re-reading a question multiple times.
5. Do not discuss with other students before the test
   Students who start talking about the material right before the test are usually the nervous ones. Talking to them will only cause you to become nervous. The ones who discuss prior to a test are the ones who usually did not take the time to study.
6. Eliminate questions
7. Go with your first instinct
8. Answer every question, guess if need be
   You can always go back if time is left.
9. Go at a steady pace
   Avoid getting stuck on questions.

Comprehensive mathematical analysis tests:

1. Always do the easier problems first
   Usually on these types of test questions are worth about the same. It thus pays off to do the easiest ones first. Many students spend half the period on one problem to later realize that the last four questions are the easiest but your out of time. So remember to take a few minutes to look over the test before you begin working out problems.
2. Write clearly, chances are you will make a mistake.
   Maybe people don’t realize how important organization is. People who are organized tend to do better on tests simply because they can easily spot their mistakes.
3. Finishing early
   If your done before the alloted time is up don’t be too lazy to go over your answers. Ask yourself if the answer makes sense. Estimate what the answer should be.

Multiple Choice Tests:

1. There is no pattern
   I have witnessed many students think that they have figured out a pattern in the scan tron answers, when really it is completely random. Don’t fall victim to something this silly.
2. Pay attention to words like always, never, all, none, every time, probably, many, most, last, usually.
   Generally, if one question on a test contains these words, and the answer is true, chances are any other questions containing these words and used in the same context will most likely be true. However, pay close attention to the context used, and remember, I could be wrong.
3. Don’t read too deep into things
   Many students will fall into a trap of believing the examiner, or teacher, is trying to trick them with a question. Trust that there are no trick questions.
4. Select the answer with more information
   When in doubt between answers on a particular question, choose the answer that has more information.
5. Anticipate the answer before you look at the choices.
   You’ll find yourself much more confident when selecting your answer if you anticipate first. This will also help you eliminate false answers in the event that you anticipate a wrong answer, and it is not present in your choices.
6. All, Only, Always, Because
   Statements with words like All, Only, Always, and Because are generally false.
7. None, Generally, Usually
   Statements with words like None, Generally, and Usually are generally true.