Adjusting Study Routines for Exams: 3 Practical Examples

Discover effective ways to adjust your study routines for exams with these practical examples.
By Taylor

Introduction

When preparing for exams, it’s essential to adjust your study routine to maximize your efficiency and retention. This often involves changing your daily schedule, incorporating new study methods, or setting specific goals to ensure you’re ready when exam day arrives. Below, we’ll explore three practical examples of adjusting study routines for exams to help you perform at your best.

1. The Weekend Warrior Plan

Context: Many students find that their weekdays are packed with classes, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. As exams approach, it may be beneficial to shift focus during the weekend.

Example:

  • Friday Evening: After classes, spend 1 hour reviewing notes from the week.
  • Saturday:
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Focus on Subject A, using flashcards and practice tests.
    • 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM: Dive into Subject B, summarizing chapters and creating mind maps.
    • 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch break—give your brain a rest!
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Study Subject C with a study group, discussing key concepts and quizzing each other.
  • Sunday:
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Revise all subjects, focusing on areas of difficulty.
    • 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM: Take a practice exam under timed conditions.
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Relax and reward yourself with some downtime!

Notes: This plan is flexible. Adjust the number of subjects and time slots based on your priorities. Ensure to balance study with relaxation to avoid burnout.

2. The Pomodoro Technique Adjustment

Context: If you find it hard to stay focused for long periods, consider using the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks study time into manageable intervals. This can be particularly useful during exam prep when you need intense focus.

Example:

  • Daily Routine (Weekdays):
    • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Review notes and prepare a to-do list for the day.
    • 9:00 AM - 9:25 AM: Study Subject A (first Pomodoro).
    • 9:25 AM - 9:30 AM: Take a 5-minute break (stretch, grab a drink).
    • 9:30 AM - 9:55 AM: Study Subject A (second Pomodoro).
    • 9:55 AM - 10:00 AM: 5-minute break.
    • 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM: Study Subject B (first Pomodoro).
    • Continue this pattern until all subjects are covered.
  • End your day with a brief recap of what you studied and areas to improve.

Notes: Adjust the length of study sessions and breaks based on what works best for you. You can also increase the number of Pomodoros as exams get closer.

3. The Subject Rotation Method

Context: When faced with multiple subjects, it can be overwhelming to study them all at once. The Subject Rotation Method allows for focused attention on one subject at a time while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all materials.

Example:

  • Daily Routine (Two Weeks Before Exams):
    • Week 1:
      • Monday: Focus on Subject A. Study from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with breaks.
      • Tuesday: Focus on Subject B. Follow the same time structure.
      • Wednesday: Focus on Subject C.
      • Thursday: Revisit Subject A for a deeper dive into challenging areas.
      • Friday: Practice quizzes for Subjects A and B.
    • Week 2:
      • Repeat the cycle, but adjust based on which subjects need more attention based on practice test results.
      • Include a full-length practice exam on Saturday.

Notes: Ensure to review your results and adjust the rotation as necessary. This method helps you to build a stronger foundation in each subject before the exams.

By adjusting your study routines using these examples, you can create a more effective and personalized study experience. Remember, the key is to stay flexible and responsive to your needs as exam day approaches!