10+ Proven Tips to Help You Ace a Test

We’ve all been there: a teacher announces an upcoming test, and you start to worry about how you'll do. Maybe you feel unprepared, or maybe you just want to make sure you perform as well as you possibly can. Either way, the good news is that you're already on the path to an A -- you're here, looking for info on how to nail that test! Whether you have plenty of time left to study or you're down to wire, we can help you set yourself up for success.

Method 1
Method 1 of 14:
Take notes in class.[1]

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    Your instructor will usually cover test material during class time, so pay close attention to what they’re saying. Get a good notebook that you’ll only use for that class, and jot down important dates or facts your teacher mentions by hand. If your teacher repeats something, writes it on the board, or gives a subject special emphasis, be sure to put it in your notes since it’s going to be important to remember.
    • Use bullet points and symbols to help take notes faster so you don’t miss any information, and write as neatly as you can. You don't want to struggle to read your own writing later on!
    • Try writing your notes in a flowchart or concept map so you can keep similar ideas and subjects together.[2]
    • If you miss something in your notes, ask another classmate or your instructor after class to go over what you missed.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 14:
Ask your teacher what to expect.

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    If you still aren’t sure what you the test covers, wait until after class and talk to your teacher. Let them know that you’re a little confused and ask what topics you should study. You can also ask what types of questions will be on the test so you can find similar practice questions. Your teacher wants to see you succeed in class, so they’ll point you in the right direction.
    • Your teacher may even hand out study guides or practice exams so you can see questions that are similar to the ones on the actual test.

Method 3
Method 3 of 14:
Review the class material every day.[3]

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    While it may seem like overkill, you’ll retain a lot more information if you study every day. Set aside time where you won’t get distracted so you can organize your notes and go over the test material. Read through your class notes so you can refresh your memory on key terms or formulas.
    • If you have required readings, take notes on the text so you remember it better.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 14:
Focus on the subjects you don’t know.[4]

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    Look through your notes and write down everything you’re still confused by on a different piece of paper. As you’re studying, skim through your textbook or lectures to find the information on the topics that you’re the least familiar with. As you find the topics, be sure to write down dates, names, and other important concepts that could appear on your test.
    • Write down all the exam topics on flashcards and go through them every day. When you get confused by a topic, put the cards on the top of the stack so you know you need to focus on those areas first.
    • As you get more familiar with a topic, try taking a 1- to 2-day break from reviewing it. When you come back to it, see if you still remember all of the information.

Method 5
Method 5 of 14:
Take practice tests.[5]

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    Your teacher may already give you practice tests, but if not, you’re bound to find some online. Treat the practice test as if it were the real thing. Don’t use your notes and set a timer so you can get used to answering the questions. After you finish the practice test, check your answers to see what you got incorrect. Review your notes for any topics or questions you struggled with.
    • Practice exams are a great way to eliminate stress from the actual test since you’ll get used to the time crunch and topics covered.
    • If you can’t find a practice exam, make one of your own. Check your textbook for questions at the end of the chapter and write your own questions based on your notes or class discussions.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 14:
Write key concepts in your own words.[6]

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    Rewriting helps you think critically and remember information better. Choose a topic from your notes or textbook and write it on the top of a new page. Take a few minutes writing down all of the information you remember about the topic so you can see how well you understand it. If you struggled coming up with anything, go back to your textbook, lectures, and notes to review the info.
    • Be sure to check what you wrote for accuracy as well. Even if you think you remember something well, make sure it’s the right information.
    • Try writing the information as if you were teaching it to someone else. That way, you can get a better, more simplified understanding of it as well.

Method 7
Method 7 of 14:
Form a study group.

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    Studying in a group lets you compare notes, ask questions, and discuss confusing concepts so you can see what you should focus on.[7] Pick somewhere quiet and free of distractions, such as the library or someone’s home, to host your study session. Talk about what subjects you all are struggling with and prioritize those first while you’re studying.[8]
    • Make a study guide for the group with sample questions from the book or online.
    • Try taking turns explaining topics to one another so you don’t need to read as much on your own.
    • Take a few 10-minute breaks while you’re studying so you have some time to relax and have fun with your classmates.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 14:
Get a good night’s sleep before the test.[9]

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    Your brain needs rest before a big test, and sleep can even help you remember the concepts you just studied. Try to avoid eating or having caffeine right before you go to bed so you have an easier time falling asleep. Limit using your phone or other electronics since bright screens could keep you awake. Make your room as dark as possible before climbing into bed and getting some rest.[10]
    • If you still have a lot on your mind before you go to bed, try meditating or reading a book to help calm down and feel relaxed.

Method 9
Method 9 of 14:
Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning.[11]

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    You may have heard it called the most important meal of the day, but it’s even more so when you have a test to focus on. Try having some oatmeal since it can help give you the mental energy to get through the morning. You can also try almonds, yogurt, and fruit to keep you energized. Even just an apple 30 minutes before your test can help you stay alert and ready for the exam.
    • Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables since it can help you pay better attention while you’re taking the test.[12]
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Method 10
Method 10 of 14:
Psych yourself up with positive affirmations.[13]

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    If you keep telling yourself that you won’t do well on the test, you can put yourself in a negative mindset. Instead, say things like “I prepared a lot for this test and I’m going to do well on it,” or, “I know I’m smart and I’ll be able to pass this.” By building yourself up, you’ll feel more confident and won’t be as nervous while you’re taking the test.
    • Try to avoid talking negatively to other students as well. For example, don’t tell your classmates that you’re nervous or that you don’t think you studied enough.

Method 11
Method 11 of 14:
Try looking over the entire test right away.

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    You may not know how to budget your time for each question if you don’t know what’s on the test. Scan through all of the material on the test so you can see the types of questions and subjects it covers. Make note of any essay or free-writing questions since they’ll take up more time. Once you get an idea of how long the test is, you’ll know where to focus your attention.
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Method 12
Method 12 of 14:
Read through each question carefully before answering.[14]

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    Make sure you have a full understanding of the question so you don’t accidentally misread it and make a mistake. Once you read the question, guess what you think the answer might be before looking at any options. Then look at your choices to see if any of them align with what you think the answer may be.
    • If you’re confused by a question on the test, ask your teacher for clarification. Chances are another one of your classmates might also be confused.

Method 13
Method 13 of 14:
Start with the easiest questions.[15]

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    Look for keywords or terms in the questions and answers to see if you’re familiar with the concept. If you see any that you positively know, fill in the answer right away so you don’t have to come back to it later. If you get confused or you don’t know the answer, don’t worry. Just skip the question for now and come back to it at the end when you have more time to focus on it.[16]
    • The right answers on a multiple-choice exam are usually grammatically correct or have similar words as the question.
    • Words like “no,” “never,” “always,” and “only” in true-or-false questions are usually false.[17]
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Method 14
Method 14 of 14:
Check your work when you finish.[18]

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    It can be really easy to make a silly mistake when you’re stressing over a test. Once you’ve completed your test, go back through your answers if you have time to make sure they still look correct. If you notice a mistake or something incorrect, fix it before handing the test in. When you think you’ve answered everything correctly, then turn your test in.
    • Even if you don’t get the right answer, you may still get partial credit if you show your work and thought process.

Community Q&A
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  • Question
    What do I do if I dont understand? 😢😕
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    Staff Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

    If you have trouble understanding a problem, ask your teacher to explain it or try asking another classmate.
  • Question
    How many days before the test should you start preparing?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    You should start reviewing and studying material as soon as you find out about the test so you have time to prepare.
  • Question
    How do I raise my grade in a two week period?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you have a test, you could study really hard to get your grades up. But if that's not the case, make sure to bring in your homework every day because teachers can give you bad grades for not bringing homework. Behave well, as some teachers bring down your grades for misbehaving in class. Do everything you can to get on your teacher's good side and try hard in every class.
  • Question
    How should I study for a test with a 30 minute time limit?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    To study for a timed test, it's really important to do timed practice questions so you know what it's like to work under pressure. Set a timer for 30 minutes and answer as many practice questions as you can. Keep repeating until you get faster and faster and you can get all the practice questions right in 30 minutes. It will probably feel difficult and stressful at first, but the more you practice, the more confident you'll be during the test.
  • Question
    How do I study for a test with only a few days to go?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Start. That is sometimes the thing that gets lost beneath the worry! Clear a space in a quiet area, get all of the relevant notes and books and get to it. Write down more notes, quiz yourself out loud, use flashcards, read more and do a practice test or two. If you've listened in class and done the work to this point, a few days is plenty of time for revision.
  • Question
    How should I review the night before a test with only two hours?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Look through your papers, and try not to be anxious. Don't stay up too late studying, because your brain creates memories while you sleep. It's best to study through everything 2 or 3 times, then go to sleep, and let your brain make memories to remember during the test!
  • Question
    Will listening to music distract me while studying?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Listening to instrumental music (music without words) will be less likely to distract you. Often, listening music with words will distract you, so it's not ideal. Even instrumental music can distract some people, so the best answer is to give it a try, see what works for you, and go with that.
  • Question
    This was helpful, but can you state any other techniques on revising?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Take some running notes and revise them, find a quiet place to study and start with the toughest chapter first, then finish with the easiest and most unfamiliar chapter last. Take 10 minutes break. Eat fruits and avoid junk foods. Don't let your friends call you more often. Write down your doubts and clear them by doing research from the web or ask to a parent, teacher, sibling or friend. Start studying at least a week before the test.
  • Question
    What do I do if I do not know whether the answer is right?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you don't remember anything about the topic of the question, leave that one behind and continue the test. In the end, return to that question and try again. If you still don't know how to answer it, respond to it in a logical way. Don't leave the question blank, you can get some points by simply answer the obvious. If you have any documents or images related to that question, use their content in your answer. Normally, in those situations, part of the correct answer (or even the complete answer) is on the documents and/or images.
  • Question
    How can I ace a test with only 3 days to study?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Make revision cards/ On one side, have the question and on the second side, the answer. Writing revision cards does not only make you remember things whilst you're writing but it also gives you an opportunity to have a self-test, you can hold them up by yourself or ask a friend of family member to test you. They're quick and easy to make and most importantly, they're effective. Another way is to just ask a friend, teacher or family member to just ask you exam related questions.

Warnings

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References

  1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
  2. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
  3. ↑ https://www.stlawu.edu/academic-support/how-should-i-prepare-tests-and-final-exams
  4. ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/
  5. ↑ https://psychology.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-resources/academic-writing-resources/effective-studying/index.html
  6. ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/
  7. ↑ https://www.stlawu.edu/academic-support/how-should-i-prepare-tests-and-final-exams
  8. ↑ https://eccles.utah.edu/news/5-tips-for-an-effective-study-group/
  9. ↑ https://www.stlawu.edu/academic-support/how-should-i-prepare-tests-and-final-exams
  1. ↑ https://www.surrey.ac.uk/features/sleep-tips-exam-success
  2. ↑ https://blog.suny.edu/2013/12/scientifically-the-best-ways-to-prepare-for-final-exams/
  3. ↑ https://blog.suny.edu/2013/12/scientifically-the-best-ways-to-prepare-for-final-exams/
  4. ↑ https://www.usu.edu/asp/studysmart/pdf/TestTakingTips.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.stlawu.edu/academic-support/how-should-i-prepare-tests-and-final-exams
  6. ↑ https://www.usu.edu/asp/studysmart/pdf/TestTakingTips.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.stlawu.edu/academic-support/how-should-i-prepare-tests-and-final-exams
  8. ↑ https://www.usu.edu/asp/studysmart/pdf/TestTakingTips.pdf
  9. ↑ http://esl.fis.edu/learners/advice/tests.htm

About This Article

Ted Dorsey, MA
Co-authored by:
Ted Dorsey, MA
Master's Degree, Education, University of California Los Angeles
This article was co-authored by Ted Dorsey, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Ted Dorsey is a Test Prep Tutor, author, and founder of Tutor Ted, an SAT and ACT tutoring service based in Southern California. Ted earned a perfect score on the SAT (1600) and PSAT (240) in high school. Since then, he has earned perfect scores on the ACT (36), SAT Subject Test in Literature (800), and SAT Subject Test in Math Level 2 (800). He has an AB in English from Princeton University and a MA in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 816,117 times.
27 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 289
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 816,117
Categories: Featured Articles | Tests and Exams
Article SummaryX

To ace a test, even if you're not prepared, start by glancing over the test before you get started to get an idea of how long it is so you can manage your time better. Then, read through each question twice and try to answer it. If you can't answer a question, skip it and come back to it later if you can, which will save you from wasting all of your time on one question. If your test is multiple choice and you don't know the answer, eliminate 2 answers so you're left with just 2 options. Then, guess if necessary since you'll have a 50-percent chance of being right. To learn how to study effectively so you ace your test, scroll down!

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