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Studying for the ILTS on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Strategies That Actually Work

Published 13 days ago • 2 min read

Studying for the ILTS on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Strategies That Actually Work.

Hey Reader,

Let’s be honest:

These tests are expensive.

You’re already paying for exam fees, retakes, prep books that barely help, and courses that cost more than your rent.

Add bills, groceries, or childcare—and suddenly “just buy this program” is the most tone-deaf advice ever.

But here’s the truth no one tells you:

You don’t need hundreds of dollars to pass.
You need a smart strategy, the right tools, and consistency.

This week, we’re proving that resourceful > rich.

Let’s rebuild your study plan using tools that are free, effective, and right at your fingertips.

AI in Action: Build Your Free Study Coach with ChatGPT

Overpriced guides can’t do what AI can.

ChatGPT breaks things down, adjusts to your learning needs, and helps you practice like a pro.

Here’s your budget-friendly study system using just free AI + OTH tools:

🔹 Step 1: Know What You’re Up Against

Prompt:

“Summarize the major content areas for the [insert ILTS test name]. List key terms or concepts under each.”

🧠 Use this to build a personalized study guide for your week.

🔹 Step 2: Teach It to Yourself (with Support)

Prompt:

“Explain [insert topic] in simple terms with examples a teacher would use in the classroom.”

This works for anything—phonics, classroom management, learning standards—you name it.

🔹 Step 3: Quiz Yourself—No Paywall Needed

Prompt:

“Give me a 5-question quiz on [topic] with answer explanations.”
or
“I’m struggling with [topic]. What are common mistakes test-takers make, and how can I avoid them?”

Now you’re studying smart, not just scrolling.

🔹 Step 4: Reflect and Apply

Prompt:

“Turn this test content into reflection questions I can use to connect it to real classroom practice.”

This bridges theory to real-world scenarios—the key to passing scenario-based ILTS questions.

“What are 3 common mistakes first-time test takers make—and how can I avoid them?”

🧠 These prompts don’t just prep you for the test—they sharpen your mindset as a teacher.

Resource Corner: Weekly Study Template

No idea how to structure your week? Use this free, repeatable 5-day planner:

Plug in new topics each week. Keep the rhythm going.

Monday: Review a key concept using ChatGPT

Tuesday: Create + take a quiz on that concept

Wednesday: Apply the concept to a classroom scenario

Thursday: Review answers + clarify confusion

Friday: Light review or bonus practice

Tiny Win of the Week

Devon, First-Time Test Taker in Aurora:

“I was stressing over the cost of study programs until I found the AI Toolkit. I used the prompts to teach myself main idea strategies—and my practice scores jumped. Didn’t pay a dime.”

👏🏾 The goal isn’t to spend more—it’s to study smarter.

Question of the Week

What’s one study expense you thought you needed… but didn’t?

Reply to this email or share it in the FB group. Let’s bust the myth that expensive = effective.

Know someone on a budget and stuck on this test?

Forward this email or screenshot a prompt to help them out. We don’t gatekeep around here.

Coming Next Week:

“Too Busy to Study? I’ll Show You How to Build a 1-Hour-a-Day Study Plan That Works”

You don’t need money to move forward.

You need a plan—and the belief that your breakthrough is coming.

Catch you next Sunday at 11 AM.

We’re not just passing tests. We’re building futures.

—Tori J.

Founder, Over the Hurdle

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Over the Hurdle

Clear the final hurdle. Pass your Illinois teacher exam faster and smarter.

Over the Hurdle helps future Illinois teachers pass their certification exams faster and smarter. Get quick, actionable study tips — including how to use AI tools — so you can finally clear the hurdle to becoming a licensed teacher. Subscribe to our newsletter.

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