Preparing for the ACT or SAT is a big task on its own, but balancing that with regular schoolwork can feel overwhelming. Between homework, projects, extracurricular activities, and preparing for standardized tests, it may seem impossible to fit everything into your schedule. However, with careful planning and smart strategies, it’s entirely possible to balance both and succeed in your test prep while staying on top of your school responsibilities. Here’s how.
1. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Time management is the key to balancing ACT/SAT prep with schoolwork. Start by creating a schedule that includes both your school assignments and your test prep. Break down your test prep into manageable chunks and assign specific times in your week for each task.
- Tip: Dedicate 30-60 minutes a few days a week for ACT/SAT prep instead of trying to cram in long sessions. Consistency is more effective than a last-minute rush.
- Example: If you have two hours of free time after school, you could dedicate the first hour to homework and the second hour to test prep. This keeps both responsibilities balanced.
2. Prioritize Tasks Based on Deadlines and Difficulty
With so much on your plate, it’s important to prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and difficulty. School projects and homework often have more immediate deadlines, while ACT/SAT prep can be spread out over weeks or months. Tackle your schoolwork first, especially if it’s due soon, but make sure to carve out time for your test prep as well.
- Tip: Use a planner or digital tool to list all your tasks and deadlines. This will help you visualize what needs to be done and when.
- Example: If you have an important math test next week and your ACT is a month away, focus more on studying for your math test now, and ramp up your ACT prep once the test is over.
3. Focus on Your Weaknesses in Short Bursts
You don’t have to spend hours on ACT/SAT math prep every day to see improvement. Instead, focus on your weak areas in short bursts. If you’re struggling with geometry or algebra, dedicate your study time to practicing those specific topics. Short, focused study sessions can be more effective than trying to cover everything at once.
- Tip: Use a timer to break your study sessions into 25-minute chunks with 5-minute breaks in between (the Pomodoro Technique). This keeps your mind sharp without burning out.
- Example: If geometry is your weak point, spend 25 minutes solving geometry problems, then switch to a different subject or take a break before continuing with schoolwork.
4. Use School Assignments to Your Advantage
Chances are, some of the topics you’re studying in school overlap with what’s covered on the ACT or SAT. Use your school assignments as a way to reinforce your test prep. For example, if you’re learning algebra in school, approach those assignments with the ACT/SAT format in mind, thinking about how similar problems might appear on the test.
- Tip: Treat your school’s math homework as ACT/SAT practice whenever possible. This allows you to kill two birds with one stone and make the most of your time.
- Example: If you’re working on algebra word problems in school, try solving them in the same way you would approach them on the SAT or ACT. This will help reinforce your test-taking strategies while also improving your school grades.
5. Take Advantage of Breaks and Downtime
School days can be long, but there are often pockets of time where you can fit in a little extra study. Use breaks between classes, lunch periods, or even bus rides to review flashcards, practice mental math, or solve a few practice problems.
- Tip: Keep a set of math flashcards or a practice app on your phone to use during these small breaks. These short study sessions can add up without cutting into your homework time.
- Example: If you have 10 minutes before your next class starts, pull out your phone and review some math concepts using an SAT/ACT app.
6. Incorporate ACT/SAT Prep into Your Weekends
Weekends are an ideal time to focus more heavily on ACT/SAT prep since you have fewer school-related commitments. Use this time to take full-length practice tests, review difficult math concepts, or spend extra time working through challenging problems.
- Tip: Try to take a practice test at least once a month, and use your weekends to review your performance and work on your weak spots.
- Example: On Saturday morning, spend two hours taking a full math section from a practice test. Use Sunday to review any mistakes and study concepts you found challenging.
7. Don’t Neglect Self-Care
Balancing schoolwork and ACT/SAT prep can be stressful, and it’s easy to get burned out. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back and adjust your schedule to avoid burnout.
- Tip: Schedule time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities to keep yourself refreshed and motivated.
- Example: After a long study session, reward yourself with a short walk, time with friends, or doing something you enjoy. This will help you reset and stay focused.
8. Get Support from Teachers and Tutors
If you’re struggling to balance your test prep with schoolwork, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or tutors for help. Many schools offer SAT/ACT prep programs, and your math teacher may be able to provide extra practice problems or study tips that align with your test prep.
- Tip: Ask your math teacher for extra resources or clarification on topics that overlap with the ACT/SAT. They may also have insights on how to better manage your time between school and test prep.
- Example: If you’re having trouble with trigonometry in both school and your ACT prep, ask your teacher for extra practice problems that can serve both purposes.
9. Use Study Groups for Dual Purposes
Study groups are a great way to cover both school topics and ACT/SAT prep at the same time. Find a group of classmates who are also preparing for standardized tests and work together to review math concepts and solve practice problems while you tackle schoolwork together.
- Tip: Schedule regular study group sessions where you can focus on both school assignments and ACT/SAT preparation. You can share test-taking strategies and support each other with challenging math concepts.
- Example: If a few of your friends are also prepping for the ACT/SAT, spend part of your group study time reviewing test-specific math topics that overlap with your current school curriculum.
10. Adjust as You Get Closer to the Test Date
As the test date gets closer, you may need to adjust your study routine to put more emphasis on ACT/SAT prep. In the final weeks before the exam, it’s important to increase your focus on practice tests and fine-tuning your problem-solving strategies. However, don’t let this come at the expense of your schoolwork.
- Tip: In the weeks leading up to the test, shift more time towards practice tests and reviewing weak areas, but don’t forget to manage your school responsibilities.
- Example: Two weeks before the ACT/SAT, switch from 30 minutes of test prep per day to 60 minutes, focusing on timed practice tests to simulate the real test environment.
Conclusion: Consistency and Balance are Key
Balancing ACT/SAT math prep with schoolwork can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can successfully manage both. Remember, the key is consistency. By scheduling regular, short study sessions, prioritizing tasks, and making the most of downtime, you’ll make steady progress without sacrificing your school performance. Stay organized, stay focused, and most importantly, give yourself grace. It’s all about balance!
