How do you have the time?

Test Preparation
1

As a junior, I’ve experienced just how stressful and busy life can be- homework, standardized and AP test, EC, etc.
How do you guys manage to have all this time to study for these tests? Especially those who get near perfect ACT/SAT score, all 5’s on like 10+ AP tests, 4.0 GPA, etc?

I don’t know what I’m doing wrong: sometimes, I spend all of my afternoon and nights (and even through the early morning) just to get my homework done. I’m a very hard working and smart student- all A’s, good amount of EC, etc. However, I’m finding it very hard to get high ACT/SAT scores as well as the time to study for these test.
So, how do you all manage to find to study for these test on top of all the homework, AP tests, and EC that you may have?

Any tips/suggestions/insight/experience?
Please help out this very stressed out junior.

2
  1. This is a bit cliche, but work smart, not hard.

For example, if you find yourself spending 2+ hours on a physics problem, when it really shouldn’t be taking that long, something is wrong (I’ve been in this position).

  1. Start early.

For example, if you didn’t pay attention in algebra or English class, that would probably backfire when preparing for the SAT math or English/writing sections. Additionally, with a strong background in these subjects, the amount of SAT/ACT prep you would have to do would be minimal.

  1. Minimize distractions.
  2. Try to get some HW out of the way while at school.

I got through high school probably spending at most 1-2 hours a night on HW while at home (with a 4.0 GPA, 7 AP classes, also did several EC’s).

3

I agree with the above; time management is key. Although I do have to say that an SAT prep class was the extent of my preparing for the SAT’s.

4

Most accomplished students don’t actually study that much. I mean at the end of the day, the math on the SAT only goes up to geometry. Some people might only need to brush up on grammar. Your ear is only useful to an extent, and after that you actually need to be familiar with grammar rules. I guess vocab might also be something to study, but if you’re good with context/roots it’s not necessary to cram vocab.

5

Read, read, read… it is a great habit to develop for your spare time. It really helps with these tests to develop your vocabulary. My son didn’t study except for reviewing a couple of old ACT tests a few days before.

6

Sometimes it helps to think ahead and strategically when it comes to time.
For example study really hard and focus on SAT or ACT during the December break and take the test in January when not much else is happening. Once you ve done the focused study then you do not need to spend too much time studying for those tests. Just the 20min here and there to do some sections so you have it fresh in you mind. Another good time is to take the March test and study during February brake (if your school has that).
I assume the worse time is to go for the May test (all AP time) and June test where you should take the subject tests (that those APs prepared you for).