It happens to the best of us: You get your standardized test scores and you’re not feeling great about how you did. Don’t worry! If you didn’t wait until the last minute to take the test, then you likely have the option of retaking exams to improve your scores.

The best way to make sure that you improve your performance the second (or third…or fourth) time around is to have a realistic and sensible plan to make the most of the time you have before the next testing session.

Think about what you learned when you took the test and use that information to create a plan.

Create a Timeline

First off, figure out the date that you’d like to re-take the test. This will help you ensure that you spend your time wisely leading up to the date. It will also provide an opportunity to break your test preparation into small, manageable chunks that leave you feeling more prepared for the test than you were the first time around.

Plan each day

You’ve got a general timeline, now make sure you stick to it by using a (paper or online) planner or an app that helps you chart your timeline and schedule specific blocks of time for studying, reviewing and practicing. The good news: This sort of time management will come in handy once you are in college as well! Consider honing your scheduling skills to be an investment in a successful future as a student.

Make a Dedicated Workspace

You’ve got a general timeline, now make sure you stick to it by using a (paper or online) planner or an app that helps you chart your timeline and schedule specific blocks of time for studying, reviewing and practicing. The good news: This sort of time management will come in handy once you are in college as well! Consider honing your scheduling skills to be an investment in a successful future as a student.

Practice, Practice, Practice

You’re not the first person to ever take this test and you won’t be the last. Because there’s such a demand for test preparation help, there are quite a few commercially available content review materials and test manuals that you can purchase or check out from the library to help you organize your preparation.

Depending on your budget and what method of studying works best with your learning style, you may also consider a test-prep course or program. While spending money on practice materials doesn’t ensure you’ll do better when you retake the test, they can be helpful if you dedicate enough time to using them.