By practicing every day you will keep your brain engaged and avoid ‘losing’ knowledge due to extended breaks. For example, students enrolled in summer learning programs generally maintain or increase their IQ levels. In contrast, students who do not study over the summer holiday often experience an IQ drop by the time that they return in the fall. It is important to stop studying for the day when you begin to feel fatigued or mentally foggy. So, the time limit is a bit flexible (especially if you are taking an extended practice test), but 20-30 minutes of concentrated studying often yields the best results as it forces you to focus for a limited amount of time. It also helps you to resist the urge to ‘cram’ in the final days before your test.
Take as many different tests as you can. The more puzzles you solve, the sharper your problem-solving skills will be. [3] X Expert Source Katherine DembyTest Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 17 December 2020. Some IQ test booklets also contain whole or partial exams. Go to your local bookstore and flip through a couple of books before making a purchase to ensure the content is worth the cost. If buying online, use the preview function to look inside the text. Be aware that some groups, such as American Mensa, refuse to release their past tests, citing copyright restrictions. As a result, practice tests that fall into these categories may be more difficult to locate. [4] X Research source
Playing these games can count as your mind practice. Just don’t overdo it by going beyond 20-30 minutes each day. [6] X Trustworthy Source Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Official peer-reviewed and multidisciplary journal for the National Academy of Sciences. Go to source Be wary when playing generic brain training games. If you play them frequently enough you will improve your gameplay but not your overall cognitive abilities. Your best bet is to move on once any game gets easy. [7] X Research source
Most IQ tests are written and contain a significant verbal component so reading is a natural form of preparation. As you read make sure to look up any terms that are unfamiliar to you. Also, work on comprehension by re-reading any passage that is unclear to you.
Music lessons are one way to reap an IQ benefit over time. The mental challenges and novelty of even consistent lessons push the brain to adapt and result in climbing IQ numbers. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
One example of this is trying to navigate your route to somewhere by using a paper map instead of a GPS. If you can do this without compromising your safety, try it.
When you do watch TV, try to steer yourself towards educational programming. It is not active learning, but it is still something. [13] X Research source
Diets that are high in fats and sugars can lower mental reaction times, reduce memory retention, and prompt feelings of depression. All of these outcomes are problematic in many ways, including damaging your IQ potential. [14] X Research source Herbal supplements may also prove helpful. Ginseng and sage are both potential memory boosters.
There is currently some talk about creating a series of “exergames” that combine physical activity with brain training.
If you can find out the general temperature of the room beforehand that may be helpful. Some test centers keep rooms extra-cold to prevent drowsiness meaning sweats may be a good idea for you.
Many IQ tests are simply done online now, eliminating at least some of these worries. However, IQ groups such as Mensa will only accept scores created under a specific testing process.
It is a good idea to practice your basic math and vocabulary skills headed into any IQ test as these types of questions are ever-present. [18] X Research source
For example, on a question with answers A through D, try to scratch out the least likely option before making your final choice.
Treat every question like a puzzle. Think about what information you know, then figure out what you need to know to get to the answer. Then, start connecting the pieces. [22] X Expert Source Katherine DembyTest Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 17 December 2020. Working backwards can also sometimes be a way to find an answer. [23] X Expert Source Katherine DembyTest Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 17 December 2020.
