Test prep for the SAT and ACT can be overwhelming, but don’t sweat it! These 5 methods will help you stay organized and plan your test prep. Learn tips for maintaining a schedule, organizing tasks, studying in sessions, using a notebook, and making cheat sheets.
Why should I be Organized?
Preparing for competitive exams like the SAT and ACT can be daunting, but with proper planning and organization, you can make it manageable. By being organized and planning in advance, you’ll be able to make the most of your study sessions and effectively tackle the large amount of material that needs to be covered for these tests.
It’s common for students to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material to be studied, but finding what works best for you and sticking to it can help you stay on track. Procrastination is another major issue that students face when preparing for these exams. With so much time before the test, it can be easy to put off studying, but it is a surefire way to increase stress levels and decrease your chances of success. By being organized, you can manage your time better, reduce stress, and have a positive test-taking experience.
Here’s some tips from us to get you started:
1. Maintain a Schedule
Having a routine is more effective than you think. Especially if you tend to get easily distracted or if you have a lot of things on your plate. Setting specific study times each day, whether it’s an hour in the morning or half an hour in the evening, can help you stay on track. Over time, you become more receptive in the sessions you set aside for learning.
2. Setting goals is the way to go
When you’ve got a ton of material to cover, don’t stress. Break it down into smaller chunks and set specific goals. This way you’ll know what you need to focus on and have a clear direction. Set daily or even hourly goals so every achievement feels like a win. Start with small, easy tasks and work your way up to harder stuff. Remember to set short-term and long-term goals, and break them down to make it easier to complete them.
3. Study in sessions and time your breaks
It can be hard to stay focused for long study hours, but you can try the Pomodoro technique. Just set a timer for 25 minutes, and when it goes off, take a quick 5-minute break. Repeat the cycle until you’re done studying. It’s a simple but effective way to make the most of your study time. This helps you stay on task, avoid confusion and keep your motivation up. Keep in mind that to get the most out of the Pomodoro Technique, you have to stay focused during the study sessions and avoid distractions. During breaks, instead of just scrolling through your phone, do something active like stretching or taking a walk. It will help refresh your mind and get you ready for the next study session.
4. Use a notebook
Many students use digital tools for taking notes, such as iPads and note-taking apps. However, having a physical copy of your notes can be even more effective, especially if you are a tactile learner. Writing by hand can help solidify the information in your mind, and it’s also a bonus to use beautiful stationery. Having physical copies and notes can help you feel anchored and confident, and puts you in a positive frame of mind.
5. Make and use cheat sheets
Cheat sheets are very handy tools that save time but also be organized. Using cheat sheets, or even making your own, helps reinforce all you’ve learnt. They serve as a quick reference for key information, save time to find information quickly, assist last-minute review and make studying be more organized and efficient.
Effective planning and organization help you make the most out of your prep and these are just a few methods to help you get started. Seven Square Learning offers an array of test preparation assistance to help you stay on track. Our experienced tutors can help you understand difficult concepts, provide you with practice tests and provide cheat sheets and other resources to make sure you are as organized as possible and perform your best on the SAT and ACT.
