Study Schedules for Exams
In general, you should avoid studying too far before an exam because you want the material you’ve prepared to remain fresh in your mind. At the same time, you need enough time to go over your notes, read your textbooks, and perhaps get extra help. To provide enough time to accomplish all this, you should begin studying about five to seven days before the examination.
Divvying Up Study Time
Try to divide your study preparation into several stages. The first stage, which you should do in one sitting, is to read through all your notes and create the master lists. Make certain you designate a large block of time (probably about four to six hours for each course) at the beginning of your study preparation period for this purpose.
The second bulk of your study preparation should be devoted to working with your study materials. Finally, if you have the time, you can also read additional sources.
Don’t write down real deadlines on your calendars; always move them earlier by a few days. If your paper is due the eighth, then write that it is due the fifth. This will help ensure your work is done on time and “trick” you into thinking it is due sooner. (Kind of like setting your watch five minutes earlier than the actual time to be sure you arrive on time!)
