Summer break is an excellent time for students to work on test prep. Test prep can take up a lot of a student’s time and attention, and ultimately may take away from a student’s ability to concentrate on their core classes during the school year because learning how to take a test is different from learning and absorbing information within a classroom environment. Test prep involves learning information, but also understanding tips and tricks to help a student get their personal best score. Summer offers an opportunity for a student to concentrate specifically on this one important topic so they are ready for their big test day.
Set aside a specific time for test prep
One of the most important aspects of test prep is one of the most basic; students should set aside a specific time that they’re going to focus on this subject. One of the best ways to organize is to work with a tutor or a small study group that meets consistently at the same time each week. When students set aside a time specifically for study, it prevents procrastination and helps students focus on the task in front of them.
Work with an expert
It will be challenging for students to work on their test prep study solo. One of the best things they can do is work with an expert test prep tutor who can help them pinpoint specific items a student needs to work on to improve and also reinforce what they already know. Test prep tutors can provide valuable tips and tricks on how to perform well on the actual test day so students can meet their college prep goals.
Meet timed test goals
One of the aspects of test prep that can be difficult for students is the fact that the test is timed. Many students can achieve a high score on a practice test if they don’t time themselves but find they don’t finish all of the questions when they’re on the clock. This can be one of the most stressful elements of test prep, but focusing on reducing the amount of time it takes to answer a given question can really help improve their score and eventually reduce their stress.
Reduce the pressure
There’s a lot of pressure on a student to do well on standardized tests, especially when they have other coursework to complete. Focusing on test prep over the summer can help reduce the stress and pressure that comes along with it and allow students to take their time to improve. Students can start by taking a practice test to identify their strengths and weaknesses and then proceed to a plan of action that’s geared towards their specific learning needs. By doing this during the summer the pressure is off and students can focus solely on their test prep goals.
