So you want to do well on your test...

The most significant thing that you can do to improve your test-taking is to come prepared; that is, study consistently and effectively and your test scores will improve dramatically.

With that being said, there are a few strategies to utilize while taking a test that can improve your final score.

Pace yourself. When you first get the test, review it quickly to see how much work you have to do. Then check the clock and work at a pace that allows you to get halfway through the test by the midpoint of class. Check your progress every 10-15 minutes; adjust your pace if need be.

Relax. Take a few deep breaths. Tell yourself, "I can do this." Focus on one question at a time. Repeat.

Eliminate answers first. If you are taking a multiple choice test, read each question completely and then review each answer choice. Your first task is to eliminate all answers that you know are incorrect - cross them out. Once you complete this task, then choose the correct answer from the remaining choices. Ideally, you will only have one or two options to choose from at this point.

Read test questions carefully. Take your time when reading test questions and answers. Often times, the correct answer hinges on one key word or phrase. Be forewarned: the obvious answer is not always the correct one.

Create quick outlines for essay questions. Before you start writing an essay response, organize your thoughts on scratch paper or the side of the page. Also, focus on using key terms and phrases that were taught in class as much as possible. A test essay is not about your thoughts and feelings, but about explaining a concept taught in class.

Review your answers. Once you complete the test, review each question and answer one-by-one. You may not have time to review your whole test, but get as far as you can. Do not turn in your test early unless you have reviewed the entire test.

Review your results. When your test is returned, closely review the areas where you lost points. This can help you focus your studying for the next test - for example, focus more on the readings, focus more on the lectures, spend more time on the homework, study more overall, et cetera. Also, is there a particular type of question that gave you problems? Did you do poorly at the beginning, or at the end? Use this feedback to improve your future test-taking.

Again, study in advance. The most important thing to do that will increase your test scores is to come prepared.

Do tests make you anxious?

On the day of a test, are you cool and confident, or a nervous wreck? Test-taking anxiety - described as suffering from an irrational fear of test material that paralyzes your thinking and inhibits your performance - negatively affects many students. "I know how to do this...but I just can’t remember at the moment...aarrgghhh!"

Some students reduce their test anxiety through preparation.

- Don't just memorize the material, LEARN it with good study skills. Short-term memory is the first thing to go.

- Practice in a test environment: practice test, timed, in a classroom.

- Get good sleep the night before and eat breakfast. Do something relaxing beforehand.

Some students reduce their test anxiety through psychological strategies.

- Remind yourself that everyone is a little nervous on test day. It's okay to be nervous.

- Monitor negative self-talk. When doubts or fears creep in your mind, stop them! Tell yourself, "I'm prepared. I know this. I'll do fine."

- Keep things in perspective. Just do the best you can...that is all that can be expected of you.