Exam Study Plan
Create an effective study schedule and stay focused through exam prep.
Strategic Study Planning
Last-minute cramming doesn't work. The most effective exam preparation spreads study across weeks, uses active recall, and builds from foundations up. This guide helps you create a realistic study schedule and stick to it.
Planning Your Study Schedule
Use the weekly planner below to map out your study focus areas. Break your material into 3 key topics and schedule focused study time each day.
Weekly Action Planner
My 3 Focus Areas This Week:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Study Timeline
Organize & Survey
Gather all materials. Read through everything once. Identify difficult topics.
Deep Learning Phase
Study topic by topic. Take notes. Use active recall (test yourself).
Practice Problems
Do practice questions. Take old exams if available. Identify weak areas.
Review & Drill
Focus on weak areas. Do timed practice tests. Review notes daily.
Light Review
Review key concepts. Get good sleep. Avoid cramming. Stay confident.
Effective Study Techniques
✅ What Works
- • Active recall (test yourself)
- • Spaced repetition
- • Practice problems
- • Study groups
- • Teaching others
- • Making flashcards
❌ What Doesn't
- • Passive rereading
- • Last-minute cramming
- • Highlighting too much
- • Studying tired
- • No breaks between sessions
- • Distractions (phone, TV)
Study Tips
🎯 Study Sessions
25-50 min focused study, 5-10 min break. Your brain needs breaks to consolidate learning.
📍 Study Environment
Quiet, well-lit place. Phone on silent. Tell roommates you're studying. Consistency helps.
😴 Sleep & Health
Sleep is when learning consolidates. 7-9 hours/night. Exercise and eat well. Don't sacrifice sleep to study.
👥 Study Groups
Study WITH people (not instead of individual study). Teach concepts to each other. Keep sessions focused.
The Day Before & Exam Day
The Day Before
- ✓ Light review of key concepts
- ✓ Go to bed on time
- ✓ Prepare materials (pens, calculator, ID)
- ✓ Plan your route/timing
- ✓ Eat a good dinner
- ✓ No all-night cramming
Exam Day
- ✓ Eat a good breakfast
- ✓ Arrive 10-15 min early
- ✓ Use bathroom before exam
- ✓ Read ALL instructions carefully
- ✓ Answer easy questions first
- ✓ Check your work if time allows
⚠️ Note
This guide provides general study strategies. For learning disabilities, ADHD, or academic struggles, reach out to your school's disability services or academic advisors. Many schools offer free tutoring and support.
Test anxiety is real and common. If you experience significant anxiety, talk to a counselor or therapist who can provide evidence-based techniques.