If you fall behind on your reading or assignments, you will have difficulty preparing adequately for tests. Schedule time to review. Before the test, go over your notes from lectures and readings. Try to anticipate what the instructor will ask on the test by recalling the points that were emphasized during lectures. Rest before the test.
Most people perform better on tests if they have had adequate sleep the night before.
Read test instructions carefully. Notice how much time you have, what choices you have among questions, and which questions count more than others. If you don't understand a question, ask the instructor for clarification before answering it. Notice whether you are allowed to use scratch paper or calculators. Some instructors allow international students to use a dictionary to translate English to their native language during exams.