7 ways to improve your test-taking skills

Those competitive students running around with top marks have a handful of test-taking secrets that they would just as soon keep to themselves. You already know that you need to attend as many classes as possible, to participate, do the reading and the homework, review the class materials regularly and get plenty of sleep the night before the exam. However, there are some other techniques that separate the A students from the rest of us. Here are seven easy ways to improve your test-taking skills.

If you're going to skip the occasional class, that's your business. But always attend the class that's just before a test as well as review sessions (if they're at another time).

• This is when you'll get the best hints about the content of the test.
• Always ask the instructor to get as specific as possible about the material that will be covered in the test you're about to take.

Always find out whether answering incorrectly is any worse than not answering at all.

• If they're the same, you might as well guess when you have to.

Eat a light meal or snack before the test so you'll have energy and be able to keep your eyes open.

• Avoid heavy food and the drowsiness it can create.

Take a watch to help you pace yourself.

• As soon as you receive your test, scan through it quickly and plot out how much time you will devote to each section.

Give first priority to the easy questions and those that will earn you the most points.

Don't let any question bog you down. Skip it for the moment and see if anything else in the test provides helpful information.

After the test, listen carefully as the instructor reviews the answers.

• This will give you valuable insight about what the instructor will want you to do on the next test.

Keep these tips in mind and give yourself an advantage by making smart choices to prepare for your next test.