You have completed the Summer Study. Your Discovery Journal’s pages are worn from hours studying them. Your cross references list is marked with notes and connections to the main passage. You have written down the original language and reviewed the definitions. You have committed your Summer Study passages to memory, and may have even started on the Early Release passages. But even if you have prepared for and taken the Qualifying Test in years past, it can be overwhelming to study for it once more. And if you have never taken the Qualifying Test it is often hard to know where to start. As you complete the last few weeks of the Summer Study and look ahead to the test, here is some practical advice as well as some encouragement to help you feel a little more prepared.
Set a Study Limit
This may be the opposite of what many of you want to hear. It’s the last few weeks of the Summer Study, isn’t it? That means more studying, not less, right? However, in the last few weeks of study ahead of you it is important that you do not burn yourself out. It is tempting to study extensively for hours at a time as you attempt to commit every detail of the Discovery Journal to memory. But it is not only unlikely that you will have the entire Journal memorized; you will also likely tire yourself out to the point that you no longer want to study.
This does not mean that you should not do extra preparation for the Qualifying Test; instead, it would be better to make daily goals and limits for yourself so that you can review without exceeding your limits. For example, you can divide the Discovery Journal up by units and choose to review one each day (as there are seven units without counting the final review unit). You can divide the cross reference list into sections and review a set amount each day as well. If you notice an area that is not your strongest, it may be wise to review it every day. However you decide to divide up your study time, make sure that you schedule time for rest as well. Whether that means setting aside an entire day or a just a few hours during each one, giving your mind a break will let you rest and be renewed. It allows your study sessions to be more fruitful and your long term memory to improve.
Use Resources from Friends
As a former contestant, one of my biggest concerns while preparing for the Qualifying Test was making sure I covered every part of the Discovery Journal. But as the test would draw closer I would find myself worrying that I had missed an important detail during my studies. While there is certainly such a thing as too much worry, it is good to be aware of areas of study you are weaker in. That is why it is a blessing that the NBBC is not like other competitions. Many participants create study materials to help other contestants prepare for the Qualifying Test.
One way you can utilize these resources is simply by preparing for the content that will appear on the Qualifying Test. Take these resources and incorporate them into your daily study routine. They may help you notice something you previously missed, or will simply help you hone the information you have already been studying.
Another way you can benefit from friends’ resources is by having study sessions together. Not only can it be helpful to quiz each other on what you know about the study; it can also be very fun to see others remember what all of you have been studying for the past few months. Relationships thrive when you have a common cause to rally around. You can also be wonderful sources of encouragement for each other as you dig deeper into Scripture.
Lastly, using others’ resources gives you an idea of the questions that will appear on the Qualifying Test. Some contestants create practice tests that have the time limit and number of questions that appear on the Qualifying Test. They use their time and experience from past years in the National Bible Bee to create tests that will be similar to the National Bible Bee’s test. It may benefit you to take at least a few of these tests, especially if you have not taken many like them in the past. This will help you determine the pace you will need to read and answer questions and whether you will have the time to reread anything you are unsure of.
Remember Why You Study
By this time your head may be spinning with a list of study tasks. But let me remind you to take a moment and remember the reason behind your time in the National Bible Bee. It is not simply to acquire more Bible knowledge, or to make new friends, or even to memorize large portions of Scripture. All of these things are a wonderful blessing, but only in light of the true prize: knowing God more, and proclaiming His glorious name.
“I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God!” – Deuteronomy 32:3
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
As you prepare for the Qualifying Test, remember that this is an opportunity for you to grow in your walk with God. He cares about your studies and your time in His Word. Before you open your Discovery Journal each day take a few minutes to talk to the Lord about the test. Ask Him to give you endurance and patience for each step of the way. Ask Him to let the Scriptures sink into your mind and heart. And ask Him to give you boldness to proclaim His Gospel beyond the National Bible Bee Competition.
May you be blessed as you press on to know the Lord more!
Written by NBB Alumna: Rachael English
