asklilmissmuffin
advice column ask question view feedback favorite columnist advicenators

Q: Hello, how are you? I'm in 8th grader who's currently applying to several "prep" schools and I'm extremely busy. I'm taking the January 28, 2006 SAT I test along with the ISEE and SSAT (entrance exams for the prep schools) sometime in the winter (probably in January also, not late as February). The problem is that I haven't started practicing/studying for ANY of the tests, and as you can see I'm starting to run out of time. (I have all the prep materials/books necessary to study with, by the way.) As I mentioned earlier, I'm really busy and after I finish my homework [late at night], I'm groggy and can't really think straight to study for the tests. I get about 6 to 6.5 hours of sleep on school nights. Also, ropping my extra-curriculars is simply not an option for me.

What can I do to make time to study for the tests? And staying organized/having good time management? I'd appreciate any suggestions/advice you have.

Thank you so much!
I hope this'll help with your exams...and best of luck with them :)

The most important thing is to find a really good place to study. This might mean studying in a place where its well-lit and quiet, with no disturbances.
But if your'e like me, where i've got a little sister and its pretty hard to study with her screaming in the background,I just go to the library, cos its quiet and cool :) You can do that too.

Making 'To do' lists is also a good idea. Like when I study, I alwas say to myself, 'Ok, this hour I'm going to study blah blah blah.' Small tasks are easier to tackle then HUGE-AS tasks. And then cross the stuff u study off your list with a big fat texta.

I was just wondering, can you ask your teacher for any past exam papers? Will she have any?? It can help you understand the kinds of stuff they might be asking in the exams. And I'm an audio learner, so I like to record my voice reading my notes into a tape recorder. But you might find visual aids better, like mind maps and tree diagrams.

I know it sounds a little nerdy but is it possible to do your homework @ school? In the library??

ok thats all the stuff about studying. now onto the big thing, which I still struggle with heaps...TIME MANAGEMENT. I fully agree with you keeping your extra curricular activities, it isnt good if you completely drop all these activities, cos sometimes you need a break from all that exam stress. :)

Making a study timetable is a good idea. Write down all the things you need to do each day
of the week, and how long you need for each, including time for enough sleep, relaxation and exercise. Find out the date of each exam and work out a study timetable leading up to them. Include tests that will help you identify gaps in your knowledge. This can give you some direction and help you focus on what to study each week or day.

And remember to take heaps of breaks as well :) Get up, move around, and GET AWAY FROM YOUR DESK AT LEAST EVERY 50 MIN FOR 10 MIN. It'll help you
concentrate and learn better.

Hope we helped. Good luck with your exams and dont stress!!

bio
lilmissmuffin
G'day guys, my name is Liz and I'm 17 from Sydney, Australia!! I write an advice column for my school mag and love helping people, whether it's my little sister with all her worries and concerns or my friends at school. Anyway guys dont be scared to ask me any of your questions or concerns, about anything under the sun and I'll try my best to answer them. :) Have a great day.

Info
E-mail:
Gender:
Female

Location:
Sydney, Australia

Occupation:
Student and all-round couch potato

Age:
17

Member Since:
November 27, 2005

Answers:
2

Last Update:
November 28, 2005

Visitors:
1196

Main Categories:







layout by Adam Particka

<<< Previous Advice Column
Next Advice Column >>>

eXTReMe Tracker