Study Strategy for Last-Minute Exam Preparation

Night Before Exam Strategy

  • Preparation Phase (7 PM - 7:05 PM)

    • Get out of bed and physically move around to stimulate your brain.
    • Create a list of topics you'll need to study. This helps organize your thoughts and gives you a clear study path.
  • Relax and Refuel (7:15 PM - 8 PM)

    • Take this time for a light dinner.
    • Allow yourself to relax before the intense study period. Respect your mental health; use this time to mentally prepare.
  • Deep Focus Study (8 PM - 10 PM)

    • Employ the Pomodoro Technique:
    • Study for 50 minutes straight.
    • Take a 10-minute break after each session.
    • Use AI to generate summarized study guides on the areas you need to focus on.
  • Practice Tests (10 PM - 12 AM)

    • Engage in Reverse Practice:
    • Utilize past exams to assess your knowledge.
    • If past exams aren't available, consider apps like Note.
    • Record any topics you find challenging during this practice.
  • Review Videos (12 AM - 2 AM)

    • Watch tutorial videos on topics you struggled with during the practice tests.
    • Aim to grasp at least the basic concepts, as deep learning isn’t plausible at this hour due to fatigue.
  • Reinforcement Practice (after 2 AM)

    • Since rereading may lead to zoning out, focus on doing more practice tests for the topics you previously got wrong.
    • For any incorrect answers, review your notes before attempting the question again.
  • Brain Dump (End of Study Session)

    • Write down everything you remember about the material.
    • This method aids in memorization and consolidating your knowledge before sleep.
  • Rest

    • Aim for a short nap after the brain dump to rejuvenate.
    • Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up in time, as oversleeping can lead to panic just before the exam.