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Standardized tests are tests distributed, administered, and taken in a consistent manner. I am not sure about other countries, but in the US, some examples of standardized tests are the PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT. They give a lot of people stress due to the fact that colleges emphasize the importance and value of them. Despite the importance of these tests, they don't need to be something to stress over if you know how to study and prepare for them.
I: Format of Test
The first thing to pay attention to is what test you're taking. The tests are different, so it is important to know what you're dealing with.
If you are preparing for the PSAT, know that it does not have a vocabulary section, so you don't need to worry about studying vocab. (However, it is good to review prefixes and suffixes just in case there is a question about the connotation of a word in context or something of the sort.) There are four sections to the PSAT: reading, writing, math without calculator, and math with calculator. I am pretty sure the sections are administered in that order, as well. You cannot go back and change answers of a section if the time allotted for that section is over. (In other words, you cannot go back to your reading answers if you are being tested on math with calculator.) You are given 60 minutes for the reading section, 35 minutes for the writing section, 25 minutes for math with no calculator, and 45 minutes for math with calculator. The reading section has 47 questions, the writing section has 44 questions, the math sections have 47 questions in total (I am not sure how many questions are in each). In the reading section, there are several passages and questions that go along with them. In the writing section, there will be some passages, but the questions have more to do with grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure, and content location rather than the content itself. In the math with no calculator section, the questions may be a little challenging, but they should be easier than the calculator section. The math with calculator section may be the most challenging for some people because despite being allowed to use the calculator, these questions are often long word problems and catch people off guard.
If you are preparing for the SAT, you should study vocabulary. I haven't taken this test, so I do not know much about it, but it is generally the same as the PSAT but with an optional essay portion and more difficult questions.
I do not know much about the ACT, but the time allotted for this test is shorter than the SAT, and there are more questions. However, the questions are around the same level of difficulty and not as hard as the harder SAT questions.
II: Material Being Tested
No matter what you're studying for, you need to know the material. For standardized tests, it is easy to find practice tests online for free. Go through them. Look at the types of questions being asked. Read the passages and see if you can read them thoroughly but fast enough to answer all the questions. Look at the math questions to see if you know how to do them. Actually do the practice tests. See if you're fast enough to finish them. Talk to your teachers about areas you aren't confident about. Use Khan Academy to study and learn.
III: Study
Do not wait until a few days to start studying. Start now! Go through some vocabulary and learn a word or two every day. Make some free time for a few hours so you can practice the tests. It doesn't even have to be a few hours; you can study the individual sections by themselves. If it's too overwhelming, that would actually be the most beneficial way to study. Invite some friends to study with you (but make sure y'all don't mess around and get zero studying done!). Take breaks in between studying. Watch some YouTube videos about the standardized test you're studying for. Talk to your teachers for help and for suggestions. Buy or rent some practice books that specialize in standardized test material. Look at some local places willing to help you study. I know that some libraries hold practice tests and go over said tests. Use all of your resources to your advantage. Know that it is okay to ask for help, and you don't need to stress by yourself.
During this time, you should figure out the best way for you to study. For everyone, practice tests is a must. Some people find that flash cards also help. Some people find that taking notes helps. Some people find that studying with other people helps. Do something about your progress.
IV: Motivation
I get the struggle to study. Trust me, studying is very boring, and it makes me tired. However, you can't let measly feelings like boredom stop you from doing your best. If you can get people to push you to study, tell them that you need an extra shove in the right direction. Have that one mom friend? Ask said mom friend to remind you to study whenever you aren't doing anything. Maybe even hang out with mom friend so that mom friend can watch you like a hawk. Are your parents somewhat strict and want the best for you? Ask them to watch over you while you're studying. I know you might feel guilty about asking other people to help you out, but if they're willing to help you, let them help you.
Some people find schedules and deadlines to be motivating. Write down goals and due dates for said goals. Make sure the due dates are close and not too far away. Plaster said goals somewhere you'll be immediately reminded of them. I write down due dates on my white board in my room, so I always see them. Leave study material out where you usually sit to study, too. It'll remind you that they're there and that you need to get them done. Set reminders in your phone if you need to.
Tell yourself that this is the only way you can move forward. If you really want a good score, you need to study. Rank up the intensity and importance of studying. Make it a higher priority than minor things. (This is a somewhat risky way to find motivation since many people have fragile minds and can easily make studying their whole lives, but know that studying is not your whole world, and if you don't do as well as you want, it is not the end of the world.)
