The FIRST Step in Studying for the LCSW: Find Your Program and Study Schedule
Alright, you’ve made it to the study phase—now let’s talk about the most important part of it all: creating a plan that works for you. I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed at this stage, especially with everything you’ve already accomplished. But don’t worry, you’ve got this! The first thing you need to do is find a study program and schedule that fits into your life.
Many of us continue to work while studying for the LCSW, so it’s crucial to create a study schedule that works around your commitments. It’s easy to feel like you should be studying ALL the time, or that you’re not studying enough. Without a plan, you might get lost in the chaos. So let’s get organized!
Step 1: Create Your Ideal Study Schedule
Before you dive into the material, take a moment to reflect on your schedule. What times of day do you feel most productive? Are there pockets of time in your week that you can dedicate to studying? Maybe you’re a morning person, or perhaps you prefer evenings or weekends. Whatever your routine looks like, build a study schedule around it. The more realistic and tailored it is to your life, the more likely you’ll stick with it.
Remember: Consistency is key. You don’t have to study for hours every day. Small, consistent sessions (even if they’re just 1-2 hours a day) are often more effective than cramming.
Step 2: Find a Study Program that Works for You
Once your schedule is set, it’s time to pick a program. There are several test prep companies out there, and while they all cover the same material, the way they present the information can vary. The goal is to find the one that resonates most with you.
Here are a few of the most popular programs I personally explored, and I’m confident they will help you as well:
- Therapist Development Center (TDC)
- Raytube
- Agents of Change
- Phil Luttrell
Each of these companies covers the same core material, but the approach to teaching can differ. For example, TDC broke down the content in a way that really made sense to me, especially when I needed clear, digestible explanations. On the other hand, Phil Luttrell went more in-depth, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of the material.
One thing I found incredibly helpful with all of these programs was the way they reviewed exam questions and answers. This is where it gets really valuable. Not only did they review why the answer was correct, but they also went over why the incorrect answers were wrong. I can’t emphasize enough how helpful this was when it came to understanding the logic behind the questions—and ultimately, it played a huge role in helping me pass the exam!
Step 3: Start Studying (and Stay Consistent!)
Okay, now that you’ve got your program and schedule in place, it’s time to get down to business. It’s all about taking it one step at a time. Make a habit of sticking to your study schedule, and remember, it’s not about how long you study—it’s about how effectively you study. Quality over quantity!
And most importantly—don’t forget to take care of yourself during this process! Balancing work, study, and life can be tough, but carving out time for breaks, self-care, and a little fun will help keep your stress levels in check.
Stay tuned for more tips in my next post, where we’ll dive into the best study techniques to maximize your success. You’ve got this!
