The Power of Spaced Repetition: How to Study Smarter for the SAT

When it comes to preparing for the SAT, cramming the night before just doesn’t cut it. Ever study hard, only to forget everything a week later? That’s where spaced repetition comes in. This simple method helps you memorize and actually remember important information, like tricky math formulas, over time. Let’s dive into how spaced repetition works and how you can use it to ace your SAT!

What is Spaced Repetition?

Spaced repetition is a method of studying where you review information at increasing intervals over time. Instead of cramming all at once, you gradually space out your review sessions. This helps your brain hold onto the information longer. It’s like watering a plant: you don’t pour all the water on it in one day—you give it a little bit at regular intervals to help it grow. Your memory works the same way!

How Spaced Repetition Works for the SAT

The SAT tests you on a lot of formulas, especially in math, and some of these aren’t provided on the test. Formulas like the quadratic equation, linear formula, and Pythagorean theorem can slip away if you don’t review them consistently. Here’s how spaced repetition helps:

Day 1: You review the formulas after learning them.
Day 3: You review them again, catching any information you might be starting to forget.
Day 7: You review the material a week later, reinforcing what you’ve learned.
Day 14: By this point, the formulas are starting to stick, and reviewing them again solidifies them in your memory.

By stretching out your review sessions like this, you’re training your brain to hold onto the information longer.

The Four-Box Method: A Simple Way to Use Spaced Repetition

At Inlighten Tutoring, we suggest using a four-box system to help you organize your study sessions. Here’s how it works:

Box 1: Daily Review
- This is for new information or things you’re struggling to remember. You’ll look at this box every day.
- Example: You just learned the quadratic formula \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}}{2a} \). Put it in Box 1 and review it daily.
Box 2: Every 3 Days
- After a few days of daily review, move that information to Box 2. You’ll check this box every three days.
- Example: The quadratic formula feels more comfortable, so now you move it to Box 2 and review it every three days.
Box 3: Weekly Review
- Once you’ve got it down, move the information to Box 3 for weekly reviews.
- Example: After a week, the quadratic formula is sticking in your head. You now only need to review it once a week.
Box 4: Every 2 Weeks
- This is your long-term memory box. If you’ve mastered a formula, review it every two weeks just to keep it fresh.
- Example: You’ve got the quadratic formula locked in. Now you’ll only review it every two weeks to make sure it stays sharp.

This box system is great because it forces you to review often enough to remember, but not so often that you’re wasting time. As you get better at remembering things, you can spread out the reviews more and more.

Tools to Help You with Spaced Repetition

While you can totally use physical flashcards and boxes for spaced repetition, there are also some awesome digital tools to make this process even easier:

Anki: A free app that helps you create flashcards and automatically schedules your reviews using spaced repetition. You can create cards for SAT math formulas, vocabulary words, and grammar rules.
Quizlet: Another app where you can create study sets and use their built-in spaced repetition system (they call it “Learn” mode). It’s great for reviewing SAT concepts on the go.
Physical Flashcards: If you prefer paper, you can use real flashcards and set them up in four folders or boxes. Move the cards from Box 1 to Box 4 as you get better at remembering them, just like we explained earlier.

How to Use Spaced Repetition to Ace the SAT

Let’s break it down into simple steps:

Step 1: Identify What to Study
- Start by writing down the formulas and concepts you need to memorize. For example, key math formulas like the linear equation, the quadratic formula, and the circle equation, as well as statistical measures like mean, median, mode, and range.
Step 2: Set Up Your Four-Box System
- Whether it’s physical boxes or digital tools like Anki or Quizlet, organize your material into four sections: daily, every 3 days, weekly, and every 2 weeks.
Step 3: Start Reviewing
- Begin with Box 1 for new or tricky formulas. Review them every day. As you get better, move them to Box 2, then Box 3, and finally Box 4.
Step 4: Stay Consistent
- The key to spaced repetition is consistency. It’s not about how much time you spend in one sitting but how often you come back to the material. Set reminders for yourself, or use an app that handles the timing for you.

Why Spaced Repetition Works

By using spaced repetition, you’re tricking your brain into thinking the information is important. When you review at just the right moment, your brain realizes, “Oh, I need to hold onto this!” It’s much more effective than reviewing everything at once and hoping it sticks. Plus, spaced repetition reduces stress—you’ll feel more confident knowing you’ve reviewed the material over time, instead of panicking at the last minute.

Final Tips for Success

Mix It Up: Don’t just focus on one type of problem. Use spaced repetition to review a variety of SAT topics, like math, reading strategies, and vocabulary.
Keep It Fun: If you get bored, mix up your study techniques. Try combining spaced repetition with games or challenges to keep yourself motivated.
Stay Positive: Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about consistently improving and building confidence over time.

With spaced repetition, you can study smarter, not harder. By organizing your study sessions and reviewing material at just the right intervals, you’ll boost your memory and go into the SAT feeling prepared and confident. Give it a try and watch your scores soar!