---
title: 5 Test Taking Tips Backed by Research
description: Prepping for the LSAT? Research shows these 5 behavior changes and good habits can improve your LSAT score. Good luck!
image: https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/hubfs/Woman%20preparing%20using%20her%20laptop%20and%20notes%20to%20study%20for%20a%20test.jpg
---
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# 5 Test Taking Tips Backed by Research
October 6, 2025
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Everyone has their own favorite study methods, but the research shows that these particular methods and habits can improve your performance. As you prepare for the LSAT, keep these tried and true test taking tips in mind.
## Summarize What You Study
In addition to underlining, highlighting, or taking notes (which can be distracting and [have not shown to improve scores](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alex-mallory/standardized-test-strategies_b_2658000.html)), finish reading the section or paragraph, and then **summarize the whole section**. Try summarizing it out loud. This engages critical thinking skills and shows a strong correlation to retention.
## Work Out Before the Test
Struggling with sleep? Exercise more. Feeling stressed? Exercise more. Sometimes it seems like fitness is the only advice people give. But the research shows that when it comes to test-taking, **regular exercise can improve memory** and improve thinking in most people. For those who work out regularly, working out before a test can [improve test scores even more](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/30/how-exercise-can-jog-the-memory/?_r=0) (compared to not working out before).
## Get a Longer Night’s Sleep
A study recently showed that students who slept just one more hour at night—averaging seven instead of six hours—[scored 1.7 points higher](http://www.kuleuven.be/english/news/2014/for-better-marks-get-a-good-nights-sleep) (on a scale of 20) than other students. Deeper sleep allows more time to go into deep REM sleep, which **helps with memory consolidation and integration of new knowledge**. Rest up, especially during the week before your test date.
## Eat a Strategic Meal
Eat the right foods to fuel your brain. Eggs contain choline, which can **improve your thinking during memory tests**, and oatmeal [provides you with sustainable energy](http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-healthy-foods-that-make-you-smarter.html) to beat brain fog. Save the celebratory donuts for after the exam is over.
## Simulate the Real Test
When you [take a practice test](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/how-to-prepare-for-the-lsat-this-fall), don't take it in the comfort of your home or in your favorite chair. [Go somewhere quiet yet slightly distracting](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/unique-places-to-study-in-tampa-bay). The goal is to have other humans around you, so that you can get used to the sounds of other people while you're concentrating. Time your test exactly how it will be timed, and try to take it at the same time of day as your scheduled test.
**Want more LSAT tips?**
**[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/554329/7e9ce58d-99c2-44f7-95b2-4f23ce775075)**
Topics: [Applying to Law School](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/topic/applying-to-law-school), [Articles](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/topic/articles)
## Recommended Articles
### [ Essential Skills for Lawyers That AI Can’t Replace](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/essential-skills-for-lawyers-that-ai-cant-replace)
### [ AI and the Future of Law School](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/ai-law-school)
### [.jpg) Why Go to Law School?](https://lawblog.law.stetson.edu/why-go-to-law-school)
## Preparing for Law School?
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