The best way to prepare for taking a test is well in advance of the test. Research shows that spaced practice - that is, practice that is spread out or spaced out over time - results in better performance than the same amount of massed practice - that is, practice that is done all at once (massed together, or crammed together). Thus, it's best to study a little bit each day than to save it all for the last couple of days (hours) before the test.

Also, it is best to keep up to date reading the text with what the lectures are in class. This way you will know what is different in lecture from the text. You may even find yourself sitting in class thinking "I know this; I read this last night," which is a good feeling.

The way that I studied textbook material when I was an undergraduate student (and this method was also used by a friend) involved making notes from the text and reading over those notes many, many, many... many times. Part of learning anything is commiting information to memory, and that commitment takes time to develop. Hence, reading the material again and again over an extended (spaced out) time.

In preparing for the test itself, consider the questions that might be asked. What topics have been covered in class or in the text? What have the sub-topics been? Can you name each topic and sub-topic? What concepts were discussed under each topic and sub-topic? Can you give examples of those concepts? What questions would you ask about?

The night before a big test, you might want to do something relaxing, if you feel that you have studied enough. I remember a couple of times as an undergraduate that I watched a movie the night before the tests in a difficult course.

At the test, when the test is being passed out what you can do is to take a few deep breaths. Deep breaths will help you relax. You don't want to be anxious when taking the test, so a taking a minute before doing the test to relax can be very beneficial. The breaths should seem to come from your belly, because your belly will expand as your diaphram is expanding to allow the maximum amount of air into your lungs. Deep breaths actually involve little, if any, expansion of the chest. Using deep breaths to relax can be used anywhere and at anytime. If you practice deep breathing, then your breaths will become even more effective at relaxing you.

When you read each question, make sure that you understand what the question is asking for before starting your answer. You want to ensure that what you write answers the question asked. For example, if the question is "what is the capital of Canada?" and a student answers "6 x 7 = 42," the student will not receive any points for that answer, because it does not answer the question, even though it is accurate. Be sure to answer the question!

Also, make sure to answer all parts of the question. If the question asks for an example, then give and example. If the question asks for a description of something, give a description. Similarly, if examples and descriptions are not asked for, then they need not be given. For example, if the question is "what is the capital of Manitoba?" and a student answers "Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba, and it has a population of 660,000, with a climate that ranges from cold winters, which are ideal for winter sports, to hot summers, which feature many music and cultural festivals" the student has given more information than is necessary for the question asked. However, such an answer would be appropriate if the question was "Name and describe the capital of Manitoba."

If you are stuck on a question, try to examine the parts of the question. That is, take the question piece by piece and think of each piece. So, if the question is "what is the capital of Ontario?" you might think something like this: "ok, Ontario's a province in the east of Canada, so no Canadian city outside of Ontario is going to be the answer. Capitals are usually in bigger cities. Some of the bigger cities in Ontario are Ottawa, London, Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Thunder Bay. I think I'd remember if it was London, because that would be unusual. Thunder Bay is not in southern Ontario, which is where most of the people are, so it's probably not the capital. Ottawa is the capital of Canada, but I don't think it's the capital of Ontario too. Kitchener and Waterloo are too small I think, so I'll say Toronto is the capital of Canada."

What is you are still stuck after considering each piece of the question? Generally, there are no points taken off for guessing, so guess if you are truly stuck, because it can't hurt.

If you have time after finishing the test, take a few moments to look over the test and check to see that you have answered each question. Make sure that your answers do speak to the questions asked, and that you have answered all parts of the question. If you are satisfied that you have answered the questions sufficiently, then get up, hand your test in, and leave. You're done!