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We have to take various tests starting from Kindergarten, elementary, junior-high, high school, college entrance exams, and applying for jobs.  Since test-taking is part of our life,  it is important to learn as early as possible how to take a test efficiently in order to get the optimal results.

The following test-taking tips will improve both your speed and accuracy.

During the test ...

• Read the question and pay attention to keywords.
• Do the problems starting from the easiest ones first, then move on to more difficult ones.
• Do not spend too much time on problems that you are stuck on.
• Do not get bogged down on any one question.
• Skip the problems that you do not know how to solve on your first try. Come back to them later.
• Do not hesitate to ask for clarification if you do not understand the instructions.
• Keep careful track of your time. Do not rush but pace yourself.  Do not watch the clock too often.
• Write clearly so the instructor/grader can understand your answers.
• Erase cleanly if you change your answers.
• For multiple-choice questions, mark your answer clearly, otherwise the computer or grader will most likely mark your answer wrong.
• For multiple-choice questions, examine the answer choices.  They usually provide useful clues.
• For multiple-choice questions, watch out for a tricky answer among the choices given.
• For multiple-choice questions, do not do more work than necessary.
• For multiple-choice questions, if you are unsure of an answer, see if you can eliminate one or more of the choices.
• Do not try to solve the problem mentally.  Write the solution down on scratch paper unless you can solve it very easily.
• Writing the problem and solution down can help you to avoid careless mistakes.
• Use your calculator wisely.  Do not overuse it. Many problems can be solved without using a calculator at all.
• Double check your answers when you have extra time especially the ones with large values.

Equipments, tools and other resources ...

• Bring at least 2 pencils. Sharpen your pencils.
• Bring a good eraser.
• Bring a calculator with new batteries (if allowed).
• Familiarize yourself with the calculator keys, functions, etc.
• Bring a quiet watch to pace yourself during the test.
• Bring other required resources (pens, ruler, scratch papers, ID, etc.) as instructed.

Miscellaneous ...

• Practice, practice, practice!  Nothing substitutes practice, especially in mathematics.
• Watch your body language.  Keep your eyes on your paper and table only. Avoid behaviors that could be mistaken for cheating.
• Be prepared a few weeks before by studying incrementally.
• Relax.
• Have a good sleep prior to the test.
• Have a good breakfast.
• Bring drinking water and juice. Drink them during the break only.