Online, Self-Paced Or In Person: What's The Best Form Of Test Prep For You?

By Kylie Exline on September 20, 2016

Before you encounter a test that may just have your future riding on it, it is a pretty good idea to be ready for it. You know, not going into it blind and sort of having an idea of what you can expect.

This can include studying (times a million), mental preparation (breathe), and of course planning for the worst, but expecting the very best. That is right, optimism.

We go through this anxiety driven process quite a bit, especially when in college, but there are ways to see the best results when it comes to the “big” tests. This applies to the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and any other acronym you can think of. Trust me, there are a lot.

Students experience numerous differences in their learning approaches. You can prefer online teaching, in person, or self-paced. Continue reading to discover what works best for you.

Live online.

In college when someone mentioned “online class,” we automatically sighed aloud and hoped that we would not have to take the same course. Unless you are the type of person who would rather stay inside every day, that is. No judgment.

Online means that, well, it is on the computer and there is no direct contact. Or basically, you can work at your own pace, tuning into your test prep class when you so desire. However, some of them have mandatory times that you have to be logged in for. So if you are aiming for this type of learning experience, I would make sure that you actually pay attention and do the expected work. You are trying to be great, remember?

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If you opt for this, then you should be aware that there will be little to no in-person meetings, so make certain that you can learn through a screen. Plus, since it is live, you will definitely need to be aware of where you are learning. A bar may not be the best study spot.

In person.

For most people, this is the best learning route. Being physically in front of someone, taking notes, and following their lead is ideal for many. In any case, it forces you to be present and to be doing what you are there to do: learn.

If there are multiple people in the class, then you may become distracted so make sure you can handle the lack of one-on-one attention. However, given there are various people attempting to learn the same material as you, you can easily form a study group and continue the preparation outside of the classroom. Plus, who knows, potential lasting friendships may be in your future.

The good thing about the in-person method is that your instructor is there willing to help you as much as necessary. Overwhelm them with questions, what ifs, and possible scenarios that may pop up on test day. If they are teaching the test prep, then they most likely did well on their own test. Give them a chance, which in turn gives you a chance. Keep the faith.

Self-paced.

This method is not for everyone, and that is because a lot of us lack the self-control it takes to keep up with the demand of studying on our own. In this case, there is no one teaching us and telling us what to do. But rather, we are going as we wish, studying what we desire, and studying when we decide to. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with this option.

You have to be willing to stick to your schedule and the times you have dedicated to test prep. Without this discipline, then you most likely will not do as well as you had wished. And none of us want that, especially when you are paying to teach yourself.

Self-pace can be nice because we literally decide everything in relation to the test: when to study, when to complete guides, when to sleep. It is all up to us. Now, as long as you have some faith in yourself and the required dedication, then you should be good to go.

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There are numerous ways to study and to prepare for a test. For most of us, we have been doing it practically our entire lives. In this case though, we realize that some ways work better for us depending on how we learn the material and subject matter. And there is not always simply one way. We know life does not work that way.

When you decide to prep for your big test, there is obviously a want there, as well as a sense of dedication. You just have to know which form of test prep you want. With online, you can study wherever as long as you are signed in. With in-person, just make sure you physically show up, and pay attention. And then with self-pace, make sure you can put in the necessary time and effort.

With the will to succeed, any test prep option is the best option. Just make sure you remember to breathe.

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