Tips to Improve IQ Test Performance

I still remember nervously thumbing through an IQ test booklet in high school, convinced that my score was a fixed reflection of my brainpower. As it turns out, there are plenty of ways to prepare and improve your performance on these tests. With a bit of practice, the right mindset, and some science-backed techniques, you can walk into your next IQ test feeling more confident and capable. In this article, we’ll explore friendly, research-backed tips (sprinkled with personal insights and “did you know?” facts) to help you put your best foot forward on IQ test day.

Understanding IQ Tests and Intelligence

Before jumping into tips, it helps to know what IQ tests actually measure. IQ (or “Intelligence Quotient”) tests are designed to assess a variety of cognitive abilities – things like logical reasoning, pattern recognition, math skills, verbal understanding, and spatial reasoning (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). In other words, an IQ test isn’t a single exam on one topic, but a collection of puzzles and problems that together gauge your overall cognitive ability (often compared to others your age).

Did you know? The average IQ is always set to 100. This doesn’t mean everyone scores 100; rather, tests are normed so that about half of people score between 90 and 110 (roughly “average” range). Scores above or below that are measured in relation to the average. So if you improve your IQ test performance, you’re essentially boosting your score relative to the norm – which is exactly what we’re aiming for!

It’s also worth noting that doing well on IQ tests is linked to certain real-life outcomes, like academic performance (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). But don’t panic: an IQ score isn’t a measure of your worth or potential. Think of it as a snapshot of how you solve certain types of problems under timed conditions. And like any skill, solving those kinds of problems can improve with preparation and practice.

Myths and Facts About Improving Your IQ

There are a lot of myths floating around about IQ and whether you can improve it. Let’s tackle a few common ones:

• Myth: “IQ is fixed and you either have it or you don’t.”
  Fact: While IQ scores tend to be fairly stable in adulthood, they’re not carved in stone. Environment and practice do matter. In fact, psychologists have observed a phenomenon called the Flynn effect – over the 20th century, IQ scores around the world rose by about 30 points, likely due to better education, nutrition, and yes, more practice with test-like thinking (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online) (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online). Even highly heritable traits can change with environment; for example, height is mostly genetic, yet average heights increased over generations (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online). The same idea applies to cognitive skills – they can be strengthened over time.

• Myth: “You can’t study or practice for an IQ test.”
  Fact: You absolutely can improve your IQ test performance through practice. Research shows that taking a cognitive test a second time can lead to significantly higher scores – one study found that repeating a common IQ-style reasoning test just once boosted scores by the equivalent of about 8 IQ points on average (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). Psychologists call this the practice effect, and it’s common in testing: almost any skill gets better with practice, and IQ test skills are no exception (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online). Repeated practice yields improvements, though it plateaus after a few rounds of taking the same test (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). The caveat is that improving your test-taking skills doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve increased your underlying “pure” intelligence – you’ve gotten better at the game of the test, which is still a win if your goal is a higher score.

• Myth: “Brain-training games will skyrocket your IQ overnight.”
  Fact: This one is partly wishful thinking. While certain brain-training exercises can improve your memory or attention on those specific tasks, evidence shows limited transfer to overall IQ. In other words, if you train on a particular memory game, you’ll get better at that game and similar puzzles, but it likely won’t make you universally smarter on unrelated problems (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). Early studies created buzz by claiming things like working memory training could boost fluid intelligence, but later research and expert reviews largely found no broad IQ gains from short-term brain training alone (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). That said, brain exercises aren’t useless – they can enhance your mental quickness and confidence, which indirectly help your test performance. Just don’t expect a magic 50-point IQ jump overnight from an app.

• Myth: “There’s nothing you can do if you’re not a ‘genius’.”
  Fact: IQ tests measure problem-solving skills, and anyone can improve how they approach problems. Many top IQ scorers simply practiced the kinds of questions asked. Even Richard Feynman, a brilliant physicist, reportedly had an IQ in the 120s – high but not stratospheric – which goes to show that a test score isn’t everything. Traits like creativity, curiosity, hard work, and persistence play huge roles in real-world success (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). So, don’t be discouraged. You might not control every aspect of intelligence, but you can control your preparation, mindset, and effort.

• Myth: “IQ tests are trick exams that you can hack with tricks.”
  Fact: There’s no cheat code that will answer the questions for you – you still have to do the thinking. However, there are smart strategies (which we’ll cover below) that can help you work more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls during the test. These strategies, combined with steady practice, act like “hacks” in the sense that they maximize your performance. Think of it this way: if IQ testing was a sport, you can’t change the innate rules of the game, but you can train and learn the playbook to improve your game.

Now that we’ve busted some myths, let’s move on to practical tips for boosting your IQ test performance.

Effective Strategies to Boost Your IQ Test Performance

Improving your IQ test performance is a mix of long-term habits and short-term test-taking tactics. Here are several strategies, from practice routines to test-day techniques, to help you perform your best:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice (the Right Way)

(Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy) Practicing IQ-style questions in a focused environment (like the students pictured above) can sharpen your reasoning skills. One of the most effective ways to get better at IQ tests is to practice the types of questions you’ll encounter. This doesn’t mean drilling 8 hours a day until your brain melts, but regular exposure over time. Start by taking a practice IQ test or sample questions to see what kinds of puzzles are involved – for example, series pattern puzzles, matrix reasoning (like “which shape completes the pattern?”), word analogies, mental arithmetic, etc. Once you know the question types, incorporate a little practice into your routine:

• Establish a study routine: Set aside time maybe a few days a week to do some brain exercises or practice tests (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). Consistency helps your brain adapt to these kinds of problems without cramming or burnout. Treat it like going to the gym, but for your brain – a bit of a workout each session.

• Use timed practice tests: Simulate real test conditions by timing yourself on sections (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). IQ tests are usually timed, so it’s important to get used to the pressure of the clock. Practicing under timed conditions improves your time management and helps you learn to quickly decide when to skip a tough question (more on that soon).

• Review and learn from mistakes: After practicing, review the solutions especially for questions you got wrong or found tricky. Try to understand why the correct answer is what it is. Perhaps you missed a pattern or there was a shortcut you didn’t see. This reflection helps you recognize similar problems in the future. Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns in how IQ test questions are designed, and they will feel less “random” to you.

• Puzzles and brain teasers: Integrate fun puzzles into your daily life. Solve a Sudoku or a crossword, play chess or a strategy game, tackle a Rubik’s cube or a brain teaser book. These activities build general problem-solving muscles and keep your mind sharp and flexible. In my experience, doing a daily crossword not only improved my vocabulary but also got me in the habit of persisting through tricky problems – a mindset that paid off on test day.

Why does practice work? Essentially, you’re training your brain on the specific “language” of IQ tests. Just as practicing past math exams helps you ace a math test, practicing IQ questions helps you become fluent in the kind of thinking the test demands. Research confirms that practicing cognitive tasks improves performance on those tasks (though it’s more about test-savvy than raw intelligence) (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?) (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?). So, while you might not morph into Einstein, you will get better at beating the test. And that’s the goal!

2. Strengthen Core Cognitive Skills

Beyond doing formal practice tests, you can work on core cognitive abilities that IQ tests tend to measure. Think of it as cross-training your brain. Some areas to focus on:

• Memory and Attention: Many IQ test problems, like sequence recall or mental arithmetic, rely on working memory. You can exercise this through memory games (try remembering longer and longer sequences of numbers or playing card memory match games). Even simple tricks like trying to recall grocery lists or phone numbers without writing them can stretch your memory capacity. Another popular exercise is the dual n-back game (a kind of memory task) which some studies initially claimed could boost fluid intelligence. The jury is still out on n-back’s long-term effects, but it certainly challenges your working memory. Also, practice focused attention – for example, take a paragraph of text and try to summarize it from memory, or do tasks that require concentration amid distractions (some apps provide such challenges). Over time, you’ll improve your mental stamina and focus, which helps in a long test.

• Verbal Skills (Vocabulary and Comprehension): If the IQ test you’re taking has a verbal component (many do), building your vocabulary and verbal reasoning helps. Read widely – books, articles, science magazines, literature – anything that introduces you to new words and ideas. Make a habit of learning a few new words each week, and practice understanding words from context. There are also word games (Scrabble, word puzzles, etc.) that make this fun. A richer vocabulary can help not just in direct vocabulary questions, but also in understanding complex instructions or word problems quickly. Additionally, practice analogies and categories (e.g., “dog is to puppy as cat is to ___”) to sharpen verbal logic.

• Math and Quantitative Reasoning: You don’t need calculus for an IQ test, but you’ll often face numerical puzzles or basic arithmetic under time pressure. Brushing up on mental math (quickly doing calculations in your head) can save time and reduce silly errors. Practice things like mental addition, multiplication tables, or solving simple equations mentally. Also try logic puzzles that involve numbers or patterns (like the classic “fill in the missing number” sequences). These strengthen your quantitative reasoning.

• Spatial and Visual Reasoning: Many IQ tests include visual puzzles – for example, 2D or 3D shapes that you have to rotate mentally, or figure out which image doesn’t belong. To improve here, play with jigsaw puzzles, tangrams, or 3D puzzles. Even certain video games that involve navigating spaces or solving visual challenges can help (Tetris, for instance, is essentially a spatial reasoning workout!). Drawing or imagining objects and rotating them in your mind is another exercise. There are also plenty of practice matrix reasoning questions (those “which shape comes next in the sequence?” problems) available in prep books or online, which specifically target this skill.

• Did you know? Engaging in diverse learning can boost cognitive abilities. One famous experiment in the 1970s (revisited in 2020) involved intensive training in creative problem-solving for late-teen students over three years. The result was an average IQ increase of around 10 points in the trained group compared to controls ( We Can Boost IQ: Revisiting Kvashchev’s Experiment - PMC ) ( We Can Boost IQ: Revisiting Kvashchev’s Experiment - PMC ). That’s huge! It suggests that broad, long-term training in thinking skills (especially creative and critical thinking) can raise performance. Now, most of us don’t have a 3-year program or a laboratory at our disposal, but the principle is that consistently challenging yourself with new, mentally demanding tasks – whether learning an instrument, mastering a new language, or solving complex problems – can yield cognitive benefits over time.

In short, exercise your brain like a muscle. Mix up your “workouts” to cover different thinking skills. This not only prepares you for a variety of IQ test questions, it also makes everyday thinking clearer and quicker.

3. Healthy Body, Healthy Brain

Your brain is part of your body – taking care of your physical health can pay dividends in cognitive performance. Ever try to think straight when you’re exhausted or starving? Not fun. Here are some health-related tips to boost your mental sharpness:

(Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills - Harvard Health) Regular physical exercise (like the joggers pictured above) doesn’t just build muscle – it improves brain function too, which can help with memory and thinking. Exercise isn’t just for fitness fanatics; it’s a proven brain booster. Aerobic exercise (cardio like jogging, cycling, swimming) in particular has been linked to improved memory, attention, and processing speed. Research shows exercise can increase the volume of brain regions related to thinking and memory, and even indirectly improve cognition by enhancing mood and sleep quality (Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills - Harvard Health) (Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills - Harvard Health). You don’t need to become a marathon runner, but regular moderate exercise (e.g. a 30-minute brisk walk most days) can clear your head and improve your focus. It also reduces stress and anxiety, which helps on test day. One study even found that moderate to vigorous physical activity correlated with better fluid intelligence in older adults (More Proof That Vigorous Workouts Boost Fluid Intelligence) (More Proof That Vigorous Workouts Boost Fluid Intelligence) – in simple terms, exercise might help you think more clearly and solve problems faster. So, consider this your friendly reminder to move your body – your brain will thank you!

Sleep well, especially before the test. It’s tempting to stay up cramming brain puzzles late into the night, but don’t sacrifice sleep. A fresh, rested mind will outperform a tired one, every time. During sleep, your brain consolidates memories and recharges. Lack of sleep hurts attention, memory, and reasoning – basically a recipe for doing poorly on a cognitive test. Improving sleep quality and getting a solid 7-8 hours per night can boost your cognitive performance and sharpen thinking (How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Cognitive Impairment? | Sleep Foundation). (Personally, I’ve learned that if I don’t get enough sleep, I start misreading questions and making silly mistakes – nothing to do with intelligence, just fatigue.) So, the night before an IQ test, get to bed on time. In fact, try to have consistent good sleep in the weeks leading up to it; think of it as part of your training regimen.

Eat brain-fueling foods. There’s no special “IQ diet”, but some common-sense nutrition helps. On test day, have a balanced meal beforehand – include some protein (eggs, yogurt, nuts) and complex carbs (whole grains, fruit) to give steady energy. Avoid heavy junk food or a big sugar rush that could make you crash or feel sluggish. Also, stay hydrated; even mild dehydration can impair concentration. In everyday life, nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed), antioxidants (fruits, veggies), and B-vitamins have been associated with brain health. And yes, coffee or tea can help you feel alert thanks to caffeine – just don’t overdo it to the point of jitters. Moderation and balance are key. A well-fed brain is primed to think clearly.

Manage stress and stay positive. Anxiety can sabotage your performance by hijacking your focus. Incorporate some stress management techniques into your prep. This could be as simple as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or light yoga. Even a few minutes of calm breathing can lower your heart rate and help clear your mind if you’re feeling anxious. Some people find journaling or talking about their test fears with a friend helps defang them. Also, work on a positive mindset: instead of “I must get a genius-level score or I’m a failure,” reframe it as “This is an opportunity to challenge myself, and I’m going to do my best.” A bit of nerves is normal (and can even be energizing), but you want to avoid paralysing anxiety. By learning relaxation techniques (practice them during your study breaks), you’ll be better equipped to stay cool and focused during the exam (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy) (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy).

4. Test-Day Preparation and Strategies

When the big day arrives – whether you’re taking an official IQ test with a psychologist, a proctored exam for a high IQ society, or an online cognitive assessment for a job – certain test-taking strategies will help you maximize your performance. Here are some tips for the day of the test:

• Be early and prepared: If you’re going to a test center, plan to arrive a bit early so you can settle in, use the restroom, and get comfortable with the environment (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). Rushing in last minute will only spike your anxiety. If the test is online or at home, set up your space ahead of time. Ensure you have any allowed materials (like pencils, scratch paper, ID if needed) ready to go. Create a quiet space free of distractions – let family or roommates know you’ll be in “do not disturb” mode for a while.

• Follow instructions carefully: This sounds obvious, but in nervousness, it’s easy to skim instructions and miss important details. Take a deep breath and read the directions for each section thoroughly. Make sure you understand what’s being asked before diving in (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). IQ tests often have various sections (verbal, quantitative, abstract reasoning, etc.) and sometimes different timing or rules for each. Knowing the rules helps you avoid simple mistakes, like spending too long on something that isn’t scored or mis-marking an answer.

• Use smart time management: At the start, quickly scan the section to gauge the types and number of questions and the time given. Pace yourself so you don’t linger too long on any one question. A good rule of thumb: if a question is stumping you for more than a minute or two, and especially if it’s not the last few questions of the test, mark it/skip it and move on (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). You can always return if time permits. It’s better to bank points on several easier questions than to spend 5-10 minutes wrestling one hard problem and potentially leaving other questions unanswered. Also, if the test doesn’t penalize guessing (most modern IQ tests or subtests don’t penalize wrong answers, they just add up correct ones), never leave an answer blank. Make an educated guess – eliminate any obviously wrong choices and pick from the remaining (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). You might get it right, and even if not, an educated guess is statistically better than no answer at all.

• Start with what’s easy: I always like to do a quick pass through the test and answer the questions I find easiest first. This builds confidence and secures points early (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). For example, if math is your strength, tackle those problems first, or if you excel at vocabulary, knock out those questions. Getting some quick wins will relax you and free up more time for the tougher questions later. Just be sure to still keep an eye on the clock and not get too comfortable.

• Stay calm and focused: If you feel your heart racing or your mind blanking out, pause for 5-10 seconds to take a few deep breaths. It’s worth that little time investment to regain your composure. Some test-takers like to quietly employ a mantra like “one question at a time” or visualize confidence. Also, keep your focus on the test, not on what the results might mean. Worrying about the outcome (“Do I qualify for that program?” “What will people think?”) during the test can derail your concentration. Practice mindfulness: read the question in front of you, work on that problem, and shelve any other thoughts. Treat the test like a puzzle you enjoy solving rather than a judgment on you. This mindset can help you enter a state of flow.

• Mind the time for review: If you manage to complete the section with some time left, review your answers. Check if you accidentally mis-marked any (like put answer for number 5 in number 6’s slot on the sheet – it happens!). Quickly revisit any questions you skipped. Sometimes a question that was confusing 20 minutes ago is clearer on a second look after your brain had time to subconsciously process it. However, don’t overthink and change answers on a whim; usually, your first instinct is right unless you spotted a clear error or misreading on review.

• Physical tactics: If short breaks are allowed between sections or even within (some IQ tests might let you pause between subtests if administered one-on-one), take them. Stand up, stretch, roll your shoulders. A little movement can get your blood flowing and refresh you. Even during the test, if you feel attention drifting and it’s allowed, you can close your eyes for a moment or two, take a breath, then refocus on the task (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). These micro-breaks can prevent mental fatigue buildup.

• Positive mindset: Remind yourself you prepared for this. Some anxiety is normal and can even keep you alert, but keep it in check. If a question seems impossible, remember it’s just one question. Your score doesn’t hinge on a single item. Focus on doing your best on the next one. Confidence truly matters – studies in test-taking show that believing you can do well, coupled with effort, tends to improve outcomes (likely because you persist more and stress less). So, be your own cheerleader: “I’ve got this!”

By employing these strategies, you’re effectively playing to your strengths and minimizing the impact of your weaknesses. Good test-taking is a skill in itself, and mastering it can significantly lift your IQ test performance.

Putting It All Together: Continuous Improvement and a Growth Mindset

Improving your IQ test performance is a journey. Embrace a growth mindset – the belief that your abilities can develop with effort and learning. Each practice session, each puzzle solved, and each new word learned is a step forward. Even after the test, it’s valuable to reflect on what you did well and what you could improve (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy). Maybe you discovered you’re great at spatial puzzles but struggled with quick arithmetic – that insight can guide your future learning (and hey, continuous learning is what being a lifelong intellectually curious person is all about!).

Remember that intelligence isn’t just a number. An IQ test doesn’t measure creativity, emotional insight, or practical know-how, for example. So while you work on boosting that score, keep developing yourself in well-rounded ways. Stay curious, ask questions, engage in hobbies that challenge you mentally. Over time, these habits not only prepare you for tests but also enrich your mind and life.

Call to action: Ready to put these tips into practice? Start with something small today – maybe play a brain game or schedule a short puzzle session in your calendar. Gradually build those habits. If you’re planning to take an official IQ test, consider trying a free online sample test to benchmark yourself, then track your progress after a few weeks of consistent practice. Celebrate the improvements, no matter how minor. Each gain is proof that your efforts are working.

In the end, I found that preparing for an IQ test became less about the test itself and more about discovering how my brain works and how I can make it work better. With the strategies we’ve discussed – from practicing smartly and sharpening your cognitive skills, to taking care of your brain’s health and acing the test-day game – you’ll be well on your way to achieving your personal best IQ score. Good luck, and enjoy the process of learning and growing smarter every day!

Sources:

1. Sternberg, R. J. (2017). Testing: For better and worse. Kappan, on practice effects and rising IQ scores (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online) (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online) (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online) (Testing: For better and worse - Kappan Online).

2. Chuderski, A. (2024). IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing? (The Conversation) – notes practice gains (≈8 IQ points) and limits of training (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?) (IQ tests: Can you improve your score by practicing?).

3. Stankov, L., & Lee, J. (2020). We Can Boost IQ: Revisiting Kvashchev’s Experiment. – found ~10-15 point IQ increase after intensive training ( We Can Boost IQ: Revisiting Kvashchev’s Experiment - PMC ).

4. Harvard Health (2024). Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills. – on fitness improving cognition (Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills - Harvard Health) (Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills - Harvard Health).

5. Sleep Foundation (2023). How Lack of Sleep Impacts Cognitive Performance. – on sleep boosting cognitive function (How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Cognitive Impairment? | Sleep Foundation).

6. Vanguard Gifted Academy (2023). Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests. – preparation and test-taking strategies (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy) (Ace Your Assessment: Top Tips for Taking IQ Tests — Vanguard Gifted Academy).