Back in my school days I usually did quite well at taking tests. I guess I was blessed with that gift.
Some people are just better at taking tests than others, and it really has little, if anything, to do with intelligence or preparation.
I remember several major tests and exams on which I ended up receiving higher scores than friends who I considered to be a lot “smarter” and better prepared than I was.
All of the above being said, the results of a research study headed by a Mr. William Poundstone indicates that there are tricks (statistical and otherwise) that can help anyone do better on most any test.
Note: I realize this study is several years old, but I believe the results are likely to be still accurate due to the nature of the topic.
Interestingly, the findings of this study indicate that random tests are almost always far from truly random, and using the simplest of statistical methods and a few other “tricks” can greatly increase your chances of passing – or even acing – the tests you take.
I could summarize Mr. Poundstone’s findings and recommendations here, but I believe you’d be better served by reading the article yourself. It isn’t all that long, and I do believe you’ll find it both enlightening and useful.