Mastering the marterial 1 doc

84 10 SECRETS TO ACING ANY HIGH SCHOOL TEST

HOW TO STICK TO YOUR STUDY PLAN

Sticking to your study plan may not always be easy, and it will require

a commitment. Your success is going to be directly related to the level

of commitment you are willing to give. Share your study plan with

others. Let your parents, older siblings, or a trusted teacher in on the

contract, so that they can help get you back on track if you begin to

slip. Again, posting your basic study plan in a place where you can see

it every day will help remind you of the commitment you have made

to yourself.

Some tips that may help to keep your study plan on track include

the following:

• Always refer to your study plan and attempt to stay on schedule.

Stick as close to your plan as possible. If you find that you are con￾sistently spending more time on a task or subject than you expected,

perhaps you need to reassess your plan. Remember, adjusting your

plan is fine: It is a guideline; it is not written in stone.

• Practice, practice, practice.

Do not try to reinvent the wheel when studying; use old practice

tests and class work assignments. Rework past assignment problems

and tackle sample problems from the test sponsor. Visit testing

websites and practice skills online.

• Keep a list of key topics and major concepts.

While in class and studying, write down the important items that

you need to learn for your exam.

• Selectively review your texts.

When studying, do not completely reread your textbooks and

assigned reading. Skim them, use the notes that you have taken in

class, and refer to your lists and index cards containing key topics.

This will keep your studying free of mental clutter, allowing you to

focus on the important concepts that will most likely be found on

high stakes exams.

STUDY AEROBICS

Avoid procrastination by creating a study incentive plan. Every

time you stick to your weekly study schedule, reward yourself with

a favorite activity or meal.