Test Taking Tips
The best tip one could offer with regarding taking tests is the most obvious: Be sure you KNOW the information! Don't try to take shortcuts. You either know it or you don't. If you don't know it, do anything it takes, short of cheating, to pass the test.

Prior to taking the test, ask the teacher how the test will be structured. Determine whether its mulitiple choice, written, or True or False. Will they're be leading questions? Will there be certain subjects that will be emphasized? Any information you can get up front will help you know how to prepare.

Don't try to cram all your studying into the night before the test. If you stay up all night studying, you're not going to get enough sleep and you won't have the awareness you need to think straight.

On the last review before the test, the teacher or instructor will sometimes give hints on what the test will be like. Be sure you're paying attention or you'll miss it.

Be sure to eat a light meal before taking the test so you'll have plenty of energy. You don't want to be hungry when you're trying to concentrate. Also, use the restroom before you get started.

Take your time. If you get too cocky and rush through it, you're more likely to make a careless mistake.

Don't even think about cheating. Keep your eyes focused on your own paper and don't give the teacher/instructor any reason to suspect you.

Put your name on the test before you even start. That way you won't risk forgetting later.

Have a positive state of mind. If you've studied, then you're ready. Go in there confidently and "know" that you will be just fine and that you will ACE the test!

When you've finished the test, don't just get up to leave. Know matter how confident you are, always make yourself check over the test first. Look to see if you might have left one of the questions blank (this happens frequently!). Check over your answers and make sure that they're right. Then make sure that you have spelled everything correctly and have used proper grammar. Some teachers take off for this.

For questions on a test that require a written explanation, be sure to make it detailed enough. For example; it's easy to give an explanation like, "The cat spilled the milk and that's why the butler was let off.", it is much more detailed and effective to explain it like, "The cat entered the room without the butler knowing it. Although the butler seemed like the most obvious suspect, further evidence proved that the butler could not have been the one to spill the milk because..." - Well you get the point.

If you are taking a multiple choice test and you do not know the answer, it's always best to take an educated guess based on the information you do know and any clues that may be provided in the context of the question.

If you are taking a true/false test, look for keywords in the question that will help you determine your answer. Use of words such as "always" and "never" often provide clues.

As silly as this sounds, if you think you have a superstition that will help you do better on tests (i.e. a "lucky pencil," sleeping with your socks on the night before a big exam, etc.), use this to your advantage. While nothing beats studying (or could ever replace it), a superstition in conjunction with studying may help you feel better about yourself and your chances, and a positive attitude will go a long way in helping you prepare!