Inhale and exhale deeply a few times right after you sit down to begin the test. Close your eyes and just let your mind relax.
Glance over the whole test. Note every section and how many questions in total are on the test. Read all of the directions. Quickly allot a certain amount of time for each section, and record the number of minutes at the beginning of each section to remind yourself.
Write down any formulas, key words, definitions or other important information you had to remember for the test. Once they are written down, you don't have to stress about remembering them anymore.
Answer the easiest sections first, as quickly as possible. This allows you to focus on the difficult sections.
Answer multiple choice questions without looking at the options first. Then when you see the options you will immediately know which one is right.
Write essays clearly and directly, avoiding wordiness or rambling. Test markers know that students are under a time constraint when writing an essay test and look primarily for ideas, rather than creative expression.
Leave yourself two or three minutes to check over your answers. This enables you to catch silly mistakes.