4 answers
Camari
Student
Lovejoy, GA
2
Questions
Asked
1065 views
What is the best way to prepare for the SAT ? How can I find scholarships? How can I manage my time better?
I'm a sophomore
I just want additional advice such as websites and helpful links that are preferably free courses to help me prepare to get the best score possible. I've also been really searching for scholarships and I haven't caught any I'm passionate on preferably things with writing or history. I'm also an advanced student and i'm always struggling to manage my time as the classwork just piles on top of each other and I end up depriving myself of my basic needs just to stay academically head.
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4 answers
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
235
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hello Camari, here's an empowering guide to help you navigate the significant milestones of your high school journey:
1. SAT Preparation:
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Don't put it off till the last minute. Start your preparation at least 3-6 months ahead of your target test date.
- Leverage Official Resources: Make the most of the College Board website and their complimentary practice tests. Get comfortable with the SAT's format, content, and timing.
- Consider Prep Courses: Think about enrolling in a prep course (online or in-person) if you need a structured learning environment, extra practice, or personalized guidance.
- Consistency is Key: Regular practice is crucial. Set aside specific time slots each week for studying and take complete practice tests under timed conditions.
- Strengthen Your Weak Spots: Recognize your weak areas and allocate extra time to enhance those skills. Use practice tests to identify where you need to focus the most.
2. Discovering Scholarships:
- Online Scholarship Databases: Websites such as Scholly, Cappex, and Fastweb provide vast databases to search for scholarships that align with your profile and interests.
- Your High School Counseling Office: Consult with your guidance counselor for local scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
- Colleges and Universities: Investigate the financial aid and scholarship options of the colleges you're considering applying to.
- Community Organizations: Look into scholarships provided by local businesses, community groups, and religious organizations.
- Employer Programs: Ask about scholarship programs offered by your parents' employers or your own part-time job.
3. Time Management Strategies:
- Task Prioritization: Develop a to-do list and rank tasks based on their importance and deadlines.
- Time Blocking: Designate specific time slots for studying, extracurricular activities, work, and personal time.
- Planner or Calendar Usage: Keep a record of deadlines, appointments, and obligations to stay organized.
- Minimize Distractions: Find a tranquil study space and reduce distractions like social media and phone alerts.
- Breaks are Crucial: Plan short breaks during study sessions to refresh and prevent burnout.
- Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or family members if you're having trouble with time management or academic workload.
Best of luck!
1. SAT Preparation:
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Don't put it off till the last minute. Start your preparation at least 3-6 months ahead of your target test date.
- Leverage Official Resources: Make the most of the College Board website and their complimentary practice tests. Get comfortable with the SAT's format, content, and timing.
- Consider Prep Courses: Think about enrolling in a prep course (online or in-person) if you need a structured learning environment, extra practice, or personalized guidance.
- Consistency is Key: Regular practice is crucial. Set aside specific time slots each week for studying and take complete practice tests under timed conditions.
- Strengthen Your Weak Spots: Recognize your weak areas and allocate extra time to enhance those skills. Use practice tests to identify where you need to focus the most.
2. Discovering Scholarships:
- Online Scholarship Databases: Websites such as Scholly, Cappex, and Fastweb provide vast databases to search for scholarships that align with your profile and interests.
- Your High School Counseling Office: Consult with your guidance counselor for local scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
- Colleges and Universities: Investigate the financial aid and scholarship options of the colleges you're considering applying to.
- Community Organizations: Look into scholarships provided by local businesses, community groups, and religious organizations.
- Employer Programs: Ask about scholarship programs offered by your parents' employers or your own part-time job.
3. Time Management Strategies:
- Task Prioritization: Develop a to-do list and rank tasks based on their importance and deadlines.
- Time Blocking: Designate specific time slots for studying, extracurricular activities, work, and personal time.
- Planner or Calendar Usage: Keep a record of deadlines, appointments, and obligations to stay organized.
- Minimize Distractions: Find a tranquil study space and reduce distractions like social media and phone alerts.
- Breaks are Crucial: Plan short breaks during study sessions to refresh and prevent burnout.
- Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or family members if you're having trouble with time management or academic workload.
Best of luck!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1028
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you're being proactive about your SAT preparation, scholarship search, and time management as a sophomore! Let's break down each of these areas to give you clear strategies and helpful resources to succeed.
SAT Preparation:
The best way to prepare for the SAT is through consistent, focused practice. To start, familiarize yourself with the test format, including the sections on Reading, Writing, and Math. Take a free official SAT practice test from the College Board website to understand the test's structure and identify areas that need improvement. Free online resources like Khan Academy (in partnership with the College Board) provide tailored SAT preparation courses, including video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. Another useful platform is Magoosh, which offers free SAT study materials, including helpful blog posts and tips. To make the most of your preparation, set aside regular study sessions, focusing on weak areas while reviewing topics you're already comfortable with. Practice tests are crucial in simulating real test conditions and building test-taking strategies.
Finding Scholarships:
When it comes to scholarships, there are a variety of platforms that can help you find opportunities. Start by exploring websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche, which offer extensive databases of scholarships for students in different fields. Since you're interested in writing and history, be sure to search for scholarships specific to those passions—many scholarships are awarded based on essays, writing samples, or academic excellence in history. Additionally, look for local scholarships through your high school, community organizations, or even state-level scholarships that cater to students with your interests. Don’t forget to keep an eye on any essay competitions or history-related contests that offer financial awards. Make it a goal to apply to at least one scholarship per week; the more you apply, the greater your chances of success.
Time Management:
Time management is an area many students struggle with, but with some planning and discipline, you can make it work. Start by creating a weekly schedule that blocks out time for both academics and personal activities, including sleep, meals, and exercise. Use a planner or digital tool like Google Calendar or Trello to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize your tasks by deadlines and importance, and avoid multitasking during study sessions to stay focused. A helpful technique is the Pomodoro Method, where you work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This can prevent burnout and help you stay energized throughout the day. If you find yourself overwhelmed with coursework, it’s important to communicate with your teachers about any challenges you're facing; they can provide guidance or extensions if needed. Finally, remember that maintaining a healthy balance is essential—don't compromise sleep, nutrition, or social time in the pursuit of academic success.
With these strategies and resources, you can approach the SAT, scholarships, and time management with more confidence and organization. Focus on steady progress rather than perfection, and make sure to celebrate your achievements along the way.
SAT Preparation:
The best way to prepare for the SAT is through consistent, focused practice. To start, familiarize yourself with the test format, including the sections on Reading, Writing, and Math. Take a free official SAT practice test from the College Board website to understand the test's structure and identify areas that need improvement. Free online resources like Khan Academy (in partnership with the College Board) provide tailored SAT preparation courses, including video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. Another useful platform is Magoosh, which offers free SAT study materials, including helpful blog posts and tips. To make the most of your preparation, set aside regular study sessions, focusing on weak areas while reviewing topics you're already comfortable with. Practice tests are crucial in simulating real test conditions and building test-taking strategies.
Finding Scholarships:
When it comes to scholarships, there are a variety of platforms that can help you find opportunities. Start by exploring websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche, which offer extensive databases of scholarships for students in different fields. Since you're interested in writing and history, be sure to search for scholarships specific to those passions—many scholarships are awarded based on essays, writing samples, or academic excellence in history. Additionally, look for local scholarships through your high school, community organizations, or even state-level scholarships that cater to students with your interests. Don’t forget to keep an eye on any essay competitions or history-related contests that offer financial awards. Make it a goal to apply to at least one scholarship per week; the more you apply, the greater your chances of success.
Time Management:
Time management is an area many students struggle with, but with some planning and discipline, you can make it work. Start by creating a weekly schedule that blocks out time for both academics and personal activities, including sleep, meals, and exercise. Use a planner or digital tool like Google Calendar or Trello to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize your tasks by deadlines and importance, and avoid multitasking during study sessions to stay focused. A helpful technique is the Pomodoro Method, where you work for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This can prevent burnout and help you stay energized throughout the day. If you find yourself overwhelmed with coursework, it’s important to communicate with your teachers about any challenges you're facing; they can provide guidance or extensions if needed. Finally, remember that maintaining a healthy balance is essential—don't compromise sleep, nutrition, or social time in the pursuit of academic success.
With these strategies and resources, you can approach the SAT, scholarships, and time management with more confidence and organization. Focus on steady progress rather than perfection, and make sure to celebrate your achievements along the way.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
458
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Good for you, Camari, for seeking help! Wayne has given excellent advice; here are a few more thoughts:
- the premier free SAT Prep site is Khan Academy, link below (other link is study tips)
- There is an SAT question of the day app (3rd link)
- Early in your preparation, it is fine to spend only 10-15 minutes at a time with practice problems. That is going to be easier to fit into your schedule and less intimidating . As you get closer to test day, take 1-2 full practice tests to make sure you have the stamina to stay focused.
- Wayne is right that having a conducive study space is important. But if your concentration is slipping there, consider using another space for the time being. In college, I studied in a variety of places, based on my schedule and mood.
- If you can, take breaks outside, especially in nature. Besides being good for you physically, it can help calm and refresh you. You may be surprised how helpful a few deep breaths of fresh air can be
- Try to eat healthful foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, as much as possible. You will feel better. But don't beat yourself up about small portions of chips or sweets. Even as an adult, I gravitate toward carbs when under stress.
Good luck!
Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/digital-sat
College Board study tips - https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/khan-academy
Daily question - https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/daily-practice-new-sat-app-guide.pdf
- the premier free SAT Prep site is Khan Academy, link below (other link is study tips)
- There is an SAT question of the day app (3rd link)
- Early in your preparation, it is fine to spend only 10-15 minutes at a time with practice problems. That is going to be easier to fit into your schedule and less intimidating . As you get closer to test day, take 1-2 full practice tests to make sure you have the stamina to stay focused.
- Wayne is right that having a conducive study space is important. But if your concentration is slipping there, consider using another space for the time being. In college, I studied in a variety of places, based on my schedule and mood.
- If you can, take breaks outside, especially in nature. Besides being good for you physically, it can help calm and refresh you. You may be surprised how helpful a few deep breaths of fresh air can be
- Try to eat healthful foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, as much as possible. You will feel better. But don't beat yourself up about small portions of chips or sweets. Even as an adult, I gravitate toward carbs when under stress.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Tess Satterfield
Lifeguard
7
Answers
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Tess’s Answer
The best way to do well on the SAT is to do SAT prep courses and see a tutor. Understanding how to take the SAT is essential for getting a high score. To find scholarships the best thing to do is search online. Apply to as many as possible and do the extra work to write the essays it will be worth it.
Hi Tess, do you know any free resources that might be helpful to Camari?
Sharyn Grose, Admin