What’s your secret weapon when it comes to staying organized for a big test—or do you need one?

Question

Some students swear by color-coded binders, others live and die by flashcards or Post-it note mountains. Let's talk about real strategies that work (and which ones totally flop). I’ll show you some hacks you’ve probably never heard of!

Answer 1

Preparing for a Big Test: Tips and Study Plan for Success 🧠📚

✅ Expert Study Tips:

1. Start Early:
2. Begin studying at least 1–2 weeks before the test to avoid cramming.
3. Early review builds confidence and improves long-term retention.( Review on a daily basis.)
4. Break It Down:
5. Divide the material into smaller, manageable sections.
6. Focus on one topic or chapter at a time.
7. Use Active Study Strategies:
8. Summarize notes in your own words.
9. Teach the material to someone else.
10. Use flashcards, diagrams, or mind maps. Be sure you know vocabulary terms.
11. Practice retrieval—try to recall information without looking at your notes.
12. Practice with Purpose:
13. Complete practice tests or sample questions under timed conditions.
14. Review both correct and incorrect answers to understand mistakes.
15. Stay Organized:
16. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your study time.
17. Set daily goals and check them off as you complete them.
18. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition:
19. Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
20. Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated to keep your brain functioning well. Avocados or Frying an egg in coconut oil in the morning daily will help greatly with brain fog.
21. Minimize Distractions:
22. Find a quiet, clutter-free study space. NO tv during study time- set your phone to send message to friends saying your studying.
23. Use apps or timers to limit phone use and stay focused.

🗓️ Sample 7-Day Study Plan (One Week Before the Test):

1. Day 1:
2. Review overall syllabus and test format.
3. Study Chapters 1–2; make summary notes.
4. Day 2:
5. Study Chapters 3–4.
6. Create flashcards and review vocabulary.
7. Day 3:
8. Study Chapters 5–6.
9. Practice sample problems or essay questions.
10. Day 4:
11. Review Chapters 1–3 again.
12. Take a short, timed quiz on those chapters.
13. Day 5:
14. Review Chapters 4–6.
15. Quiz yourself with flashcards or use a study partner.
16. Day 6:
17. Take a full-length practice test under test-like conditions.
18. Review answers and revisit any weak areas.
19. Day 7:
20. Light review only—no cramming!
21. Organize materials, relax, and get a full night’s sleep.

📌 Final Encouragement:

Stay consistent, be kind to yourself, and remember that preparation leads to confidence. You've got this!

If you would like a study coach and you are in grades K - 8; I can help you. Message Michele W today by scrolling down tot he bottom of her profile page and clicking the message me button.

Answer 2

Staying organized is key to success, especially when there is a big test coming up.

What has worked for me and for most of my students is to separate each subject by a color. This means notebook, folder, and markings or notes within the planner.

I will have one binder with lined paper to take to class, and at the end of class, take those notes and put them into their designated folders. At night, as a part of homework and study time, I will rewrite those notes into the color-coded notebook. This gives me the chance to review my notes and organize them better, since often times in class, you don't have time to focus on organization, nor do many educators give notes in an organized manner/format.

At that time, I will also start creating a study guide. which will include important aspects needed for that class. Such as definitions, equations, models (chemistry), etc. I will continue to add to this as the term continues. i will highlight the most important pieces, such as things the teacher has explicitly mentioned many times or has said "you will need this".

Another great way is to get into study groups, review each other's notes. This will help you see how others keep organized or take notes, and may help each other if anything was missed.

I also like to keep another sheet of paper in class where I write what questions I have and the teacher's answers, and the questions others have asked with the teacher's response.

Flash cards are also a great tool to study with. Even for math, writing an equation on one side and the steps to solve on the other (for more advanced math, this method can get a little tricky).

The best bet is to be consistant always take and organize your notes the same way throughout the class (can be different depending on the class itself), schedule study time (AND ACTUALLYSTUDY!!!), classmates are your friends (get into study groups and work together!), and ALWAYS ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS when you have them(dont't be embarassed, likely someone else has the same question, but are afraid to ask- it's only to your benefit to ask).

Try different methods, find one that works best for you. Be confident!

Answer 3

I have 5 years of experience working with health professions and medical students and have observed some great strategies during this time! One in particular is using an Excel spreadsheet to gather topics and ideas over time as you view and study lectures. Excel is ideal, because columns could be utilized for the topic, date or title of lecture/unit, "sticky points," resource, and priority level. Then the rows can be sorted by priority level, allowing shifting priorities over time in order target the most important topics with the limited time available.

The key is to collect this information quickly over time - while you study - so that you set up "future you" for success by developing an already-curated list of topics and priorities. You can also add topics from exam reviews - noting areas that you got wrong and why along the way. Ultimately, time is short and multiple passes - especially on difficult topics - are important. So, setting up "future you" to know where to start saves time. And you can track your progress and "wins" along the way too!

If you would like to explore test preparation tips like this one, including finding time to prepare for summative exams, honing efficient study strategies, and preparing for high-stakes exams, please reach out to schedule an online lesson!