While summer is a time for rest and relaxation, it’s also a great opportunity to get a jump start on your SAT subject test prep. Regardless of which test you’re planning to tackle in the fall, there are steps you can take today to set yourself up for success. Tactics for summer SAT subject test prep include using the Pomodoro Technique to hone your focus, setting strict prep deadlines, and finding review techniques specific to your prep needs and learning style.
Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of the summer months to strengthen your SAT subject test prep:
Tactic #1 for summer SAT subject test prep: implement the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a strategy developed by Francesco Cirillo, acknowledging that people need to be regularly taking short breaks in order to reach their full work potential. When incorporating this technique into your SAT subject test prep time, the Pomodoro Technique requires you to:
-
Set a timer for four study sessions, each 25 minutes in length.
-
Take a five minute break between each study period.
After you complete four study sessions of 25 minutes each, you can increase the break length of that single session. However, it’s important to respect time limits as tightly as possible. Following the Pomodoro Technique can teach you how to study for short—yet productive—bursts of time and enhance your focus skills.
[RELATED: How to Succeed on SAT Subject Tests]
Tactic #2 for summer SAT subject test prep: set concrete deadlines
Often, people work according to the pace they set for themselves. In other words, if you tell yourself you have two weeks to learn a set of 20 vocabulary words, you’ll likely stretch the learning out over the full two weeks. When setting SAT subject test prep goals, it’s important to establish reasonable deadlines and to hold yourself accountable for them. Summer only consists of two and a half months for most high school students, so each day is valuable. Setting short-term deadlines can help you stay focused, motivated, and consistently learning as much as possible.
[RELATED: Which SAT Subject Tests Should I Take?]
Tactic #3 for summer SAT subject test prep: seek review strategies that fit your study style
Self-testing is one of the most effective study techniques students can utilize during test prep. This involves a variety of activities, such as incorporating flashcards, taking SAT subject test practice exams, or completing review questions and checking your answers. Essentially, it asks you to evaluate what study methods and review strategies work best for you, and to productively use them during prep time.
[RELATED: Time Management Tips for Students]
To make the most of your summer study efforts, remember that quality is more important than quantity. Study smart and utilize prep strategies to successfully tackle summer SAT subject test prep.
Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.
