The 5 Most Important Things to Know About Test Prep Courses
Every year, students ask us what they need to know before they begin preparing for their college admissions tests, namely the SAT and ACT. Should they arrange study groups? Do we recommend rote memorization or content knowledge? Is knowledge or strategy more important? How should I allocate prep hours based on my strengths and weaknesses?
These are all great questions, but the answers differ for every student. Because of this, we often recommend taking a test prep course that can guide you through your study plan and tailor content to your unique learning style and needs. Test prep courses will help you use your valuable study time more efficiently so you are not only confident in your knowledge well before you walk into the testing facility but also well-rested rather than burned out from last minute cramming. If you think a test prep course could be helpful to your studies, there are five important factors that we recommend you keep in mind while selecting your test prep program and creating your personal study plan.
1. Your Learning Style Leads the Way to Success
Before you select a test prep program, you should define your learning style, or at least understand which styles you prefer. By understanding what learning tools are better suited to your needs, you will get more out of each study session.
Under the VARK model, there are four types of learners:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Reading/Writing
- Kinesthetic
You can find the VARK questionnaire online and use that info to narrow down your test prep options.
If you are a visual learner, focus on programs with lots of videos, diagrams, and flash cards. For auditory learners, recorded lectures and content explanations help the most.
Reading and writing focused learners excel when given textbooks plus chances to break down what they’ve learned through writing assignments. Kinesthetic learners need to move and do, requiring hands on modules, like practice tests, to really get a feel for the content. Both types of learners are better suited towards printed materials rather than online-only materials.
2. Online and In-Person Test Prep Classes Exist
Test prep programs are available online and in-person to suit a wide variety of learning styles. In-person programs are better suited towards interactive learning and more tailored instruction. Your schedule comes into play, too. If you do not have a lot of time in your day, then online programs are easier to work into your schedule. In addition, it is important to remember that online test prep allows you to work at your own pace, while in-person programs help with accountability and ensure you stay on task.
3. There Might Be Extra Costs
When signing up for professional test prep classes, you might assume that everything you need is included. Some programs, however, ask that you buy extra textbooks or software programs to get the most out of the course. To find out if that is the case, ask the test prep company about what else you might need before signing up.
4. You Need a Plan for Studying
Whether you go with in-person or online test prep, you will need a plan to make the most of your time. Do not treat the program as optional or you won’t get your money’s worth. Instead, put each study session on your calendar and do your best to attend each one. Then, block off a few extra hours each week to touch on areas that are prove more difficult than you expected.
Once you have your timetables blocked off, you can figure out when to put practice tests on the schedule. And then, compare your results to your goals and adjust your study sessions along the way. If you are hitting all your goals, do not decrease your study time, as that could cause you to fall behind. But if you are having a hard time with certain subjects or areas, be ready to add a bit more time for studying each week.
5. Avoid the Urge to Cram the Night Before
If you follow your study schedule, you should be well prepared for the test long before the big day arrives. Even knowing that, you may still feel an urge to cram the night before in hopes of increasing your knowledge even more before you go in to take your test. Unfortunately, that move could backfire.
Instead, make better use of your time by getting in a healthy dinner the night before and spending a little bit of the evening relaxing. Also, go to bed early and get lots of rest to prime your mind for the work ahead the next day. Then, in the morning, have a nourishing breakfast that’s not too heavy or you could get sleepy when it matters most. If the test-taking facility allows you to, bring a bottle of water for an extra boost while taking your exam.
By keeping all these things in mind, you can easily find a professional test prep program and study schedule that works for you. Then, all you have to do is sign up and follow your schedule to give yourself the best chance at getting a great score on your exam.
