For high school sophomores and juniors, SAT and ACT test dates in the winter and early spring can pose a unique issue: focusing on preparation after winter break and amid the threat of snow days.
It may be simple to put off studying until the next day, but this likely will not translate to success on either exam. If you are having a bit of trouble transitioning back to SAT or ACT prep with the busy spring semester bearing down on you, here are three tips to ensure your preparations don’t fall by the wayside.
[Find out how to avoid common SAT preparation mistakes.]
1. Set attainable study goals: Imagine you have several complex homework assignments due in one week. If you don’t create a concrete plan to complete them, will you finish them on time?
It is far too easy to procrastinate on important academic work if you don’t have a schedule. At the same time, many high school students are too ambitious with their study plans.
For instance, if you schedule three hours of studying for a day when you also have an after-school activity, you may not accomplish that review.
Instead, set manageable study goals. It may be more helpful to spend 25 minutes studying for the SAT or ACT each day, for instance, rather than set aside two 90-minute sessions each week.
This may also help with your focus. You may find that it is much easier to remain fully engaged for shorter periods of time and that attentive studying allows you to make more progress.
[Learn college students’ best SAT, ACT test strategies.]
2. Incentivize your study goals: Chances are that studying is not your favorite activity. To avoid falling behind on your prep during this crucial time period, set up incentives for progress via small rewards. This will not only help with studying for the college entrance exam but also with training yourself to set and accomplish goals throughout your life.
For example, if you enjoy video games, allow yourself an hour of play after you review SAT questions for an hour.
Is it a beautiful day outside? Plan a game of Ultimate Frisbee with several friends but only after you follow through on your action plan to complete a practice test.
Whatever your reward is, you may enjoy it more after earning it — and you will remain on track for the SAT or ACT.
[See 10 test prep tips for SAT and ACT takers.]
3. Vary your study materials and methods: Do you become bored very quickly when studying for the SAT or ACT? Don’t allow yourself to fall into a review rut — vary your materials and methods to keep study time engaging.
For instance, if you use a guidebook to review on Mondays and Tuesdays, switch to online videos on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mix timed practice tests with untimed ones to alternate between focusing on speed and accuracy.
Find a classmate who is also working on test prep and spend some study sessions together. Create mutual goals and hold each other accountable for following through. This can be easier to accomplish if you know someone will check in on you.
Preparing for a February or March SAT or ACT exams can seem daunting, but you can succeed. Focus on the elements that you can control: your behavior and the processes of working toward a strong score.
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3 Tips to Avoid Falling Behind on SAT, ACT Prep originally appeared on usnews.com
