OPINIONS

Pre-Comp Preparations

Pre-Comps are just around the corner, and the anxiety for them is on the rise. But how do you calm your nerves and ace the pre-comps? Don’t worry, you have many options and strategies at your disposal to succeed at these tests. Hopefully, you’ve paid attention to your teacher for the most part… or at least for the first half of the year. If not, you might need some serious last-minute study material help. If this is the situation you’re in, you should probably reconsider your life decisions. (Just kidding, but you should definitely pay attention to your teacher when they are lecturing! You’ll need it.) No matter your predicament, there is definitely something that will suit you.

Studying for the test

  • Try studying with soft music in the background. Music definitely helps with focusing and staying in the zone while you’re studying, and if you get tired, you can jam out to the music! If the music gets too loud and distracting, lower the volume.
  • Try studying with a friend! More people in the mix come with their benefits. You can quiz each other and answer questions on what your partner doesn’t know. Two brains typically think better than one! (This is perfect for people who haven’t been paying attention)
  • Try making studying into a game. Websites such as Quizlet or Kahoot are perfect for studying in a fun way and the experience gets even better with friends! Games can help jog your memory much better, as it is presented in a memorable way.
  • After studying for a while (about 30 mins), do something you enjoy, like watching a short funny video, or doodling, or go out for some fresh air for a short amount of time (about 5-10 mins). A short recharge after studying for a while will definitely rejuvenate you and prepare you for another bout of studying. This way, you get some enjoyment and studying done without tiring yourself. A win-win!
  • Make sure to eat before you study. This will give you brainpower and the ability to properly study. Make sure to keep brain-empowering snacks next to you, like nuts and fruits, to eat whenever you feel depleted from studying.
  • Do the packets the teacher gives you. You’ll find these packets extraordinarily helpful for studying, and if you’re a person who didn’t pay much attention in class, this is your opportunity to catch up! These packets are definitely a key to success. However, make sure you’re not wasting time on concepts you already know

While you’re at the test:

  • Bring water. You’ll need it when your mouth gets dry from writing for too long. You don’t want to have to walk outside of the classroom when you’re testing!
  • Bring the same brain snacks as you would for studying. These snacks will definitely make you feel better at what you’re facing.
  • When you have the short breaks between the tests, make sure to stretch and relax for a little while to calm yourself. Sitting in one place for three hours is really tiring on you mentally and physically, so make sure to stretch to ease yourself up! You’ll certainly feel better after you do.
  • If you start to get nervous, take a deep breath until you start to feel the anxiety start to fade away- don’t worry, you’ve got this!
  • During the lunch break, have a quick study session with your classmates if you still have an upcoming test. Take advantage of this time to review topics you are still unclear about, it could potentially save you!

These are just a few tips for the pre-comps. Hopefully, you found them useful! Good luck with your pre-comps, you can do it!

Mark Zheng
Mark Zheng is a senior at BASIS Peoria! He's kinda weird. But he's somehow Editor-in-Chief. Somehow. Who let him have this position?