How to Study a Week Before an Exam

Co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 8, 2023 References Approved

You're ready to ace your upcoming exam, but first you have to study. If there's only a week until your exam, you might be feeling stressed out and not sure where to start. Fortunately, a week can be enough time to get ready for a test. Just study a little every day so you can keep your stress levels low. You might even have fun while you study!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Creating Time and Space for Studying

1
Schedule 1 to 2 hours of study sessions into each day of the week. Finding time to study can be super hard, but it’ll be easier if you plan ahead. Go over your schedule for the week and identify pockets of time you can use for studying. You don't have to do it all at one time, so it's okay to schedule several short study sessions. Mark these times in your agenda or calendar so you won’t forget.^{[1]
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- You can use a paper agenda or your phone’s calendar.
- Try to study for at least 1 hour every day so you can really learn and memorize the material. You may want to study longer than that each day if you need more time to review the material.
- If you have the same daily schedule, you might plan your study sessions for the same time, like every day from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. You could also split up the sessions, such as 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
- If your schedule varies, plan around your daily events. You might study on Monday from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., Tuesday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 7:45 p.m., Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., etc.
2
Organize your class materials so it’s easy to pull them out. You don’t want to waste any of your study time looking for stuff. Keep your textbook, notes from class, and notes you’ve taken outside of class together. Additionally, keep pens, pencils, highlighters, and a notebook handy.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ashley Pritchard, MA
School Counselor
Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.}
- If you always study in the same spot, such as a desk in your bedroom, keep your study materials in this area.
- If you like to study on the go, keep your materials together in your book bag.
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3
Pick a quiet, comfortable place to study. You don’t need a special spot to study. All you need is a quiet place with a table where you can spread out your materials. Identify a place where you feel comfortable studying before your study session starts. Additionally, ask people around you to not disturb you.^{[3]
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- At home, you might study at a desk in your bedroom or at the kitchen table.
- You could also try a coffee house, the library, or even a picnic table outside.
4
Remove distractions from your study space. It’s super easy to get distracted, so do your best to remove potential distractions. Start by decluttering the space so you have a clear spot to study. Then, turn off your TV and silence your phone so you won’t be tempted by them. If you’re not using your computer to study, turn it off, as well.^{[4]
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- If you use your computer to study or feel tempted by your phone, use apps and websites that temporarily block your access to social media. For example, try Offtime, BreakFree, Flipd, Moment, or AppDetox.^{[5]
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  Research source} This way you won’t be tempted to give into distraction while you’re studying.
5
Don’t try to cram at the last minute. You’re probably super busy, so you may feel like you don’t have time to study. However, waiting until the night before your test will set you up for failure. It’s really hard to memorize a lot of information in a short period of time, so study a little each day over the week before the test so you have time to learn the material.^{[6]
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- You probably know people who brag about cramming for tests, but don’t take their word for it. Just do what’s best for you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Reviewing Your Coursework

1
Examine the review sheet if your teacher provided one. A review sheet will typically cover all of the information that’ll be on the test, so use it to your advantage. Go over the sheet to see what material you need to learn. Reference your review sheet before each study session to check your progress.
- If your teacher provides a list of terms or information you need to memorize, use the review sheet to create flash cards.
- Your review sheet might include example test questions. If so, use your text and notes to answer the questions.
2
Read important texts aloud to help you remember them. Reading aloud may help deepen your understanding of the text. Go back over your text to review areas you highlighted in your first reading or passages you didn’t understand. Read these parts of the text aloud to help you process them.^{[7]
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- Do this while you’re studying at home or somewhere you can be alone.
- If you have a study group, you could all take turns reading the passages aloud.
3
Summarize your readings to help you identify the main concepts. Chances are, your test will cover the key concepts you learned about a topic. Fortunately, writing summaries helps you find these key concepts so you know what to study. After you read a section of text, summarize it in your own words in your notes.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Edutopia
Educational nonprofit organization focused on encouraging and celebrating classroom innovation
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- You might write something like, “Each governmental body has separate powers, and they can all check each others’ powers. This allows for checks and balances.”
4
Expand on your notes and past assignments to create a study guide. Create a personalized study guide early in the week so you can use it during later study sessions. Start by rewriting your notes. As you do this, expand on them and fill in any gaps using your text and online resources, if you need them. Then, add questions and answers from your review sheet and past class assignments.^{[9]
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- Type up your study guide if that’s easier for you. You might also try handwriting the study guide with different colored pens.
- You could also get questions from your textbook. Often, there are questions at the end of a reading or chapter.
5
Make flashcards to help you memorize information. Flashcards are super helpful for studying things like vocabulary, facts, and processes. Create your own flashcards using index cards or cut squares of paper. Write a term, question, or date on 1 side, then write the answer on the other. You can also print out pre-made flashcards from online.^{[10]
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- Carry your flashcards with you during the week before the test. This way you can pull them out and shuffle through them when you have a few spare moments.
- You can find pre-made flashcards on the website Quizlet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Checking Your Knowledge

1
Do a practice test a few days before the exam to check your progress. Taking practice tests helps you check your mastery of the content and identify areas you still need to study. Treat your practice test like the real thing. Time yourself, rely only on your own knowledge, and do your best. After you grade the practice test, spend extra time studying material you struggled with.^{[11]
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- Use your past quizzes and assignments to create your own practice test.
- If your instructor has released past copies of the test, use them as practice tests.
- You can also look up the topic online with the words “practice test” to get a sample exam.
2
Ask someone to quiz you over the material to test your knowledge. Sometimes it’s helpful to have someone else check your understanding of the content. Give your review sheet, study guide, and flashcards to a friend or family member. Have them randomly ask you questions about the material, then do your best to answer them.^{[12]
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- If you get an answer wrong, write down the question so you can go back over the material again before the test.
3
Start a study group so you can learn from each other. Studying with friends can be both fun and beneficial. Invite your friends to a group study session at the library, a coffee shop, or your home. Share your notes and try to learn from each other.^{[13]
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- You might plan to meet once or twice during the week before the test. For example, you might schedule a group study session the Saturday before the test.
- Take turns teaching each other the material. This will deepen everyone’s understanding of the course work.
- Go over each person’s notes to see if there are things that some of you missed. This can provide a more in-depth review of class discussions.
4
Review online tutorials if you’re struggling with the material. Don’t worry if you’re having trouble understanding your course material because you still have time to learn it. Take advantage of academic resources online. Watch video tutorials and read free study guides to help increase your knowledge.^{[14]
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- Try the Khan Academy for free tutorials. You can also check YouTube and sites like Sparknotes.
- If your school offers free tutoring, attend the sessions offered during the week before your test to get help with the material.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making Studying More Fun

1
Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour so you don’t get mental fatigue. You probably want to maximize your study time, so you may feel guilty about taking breaks. However, breaks will actually help you stay more focused during your study sessions. Plan to take at least a 10-minute break each hour you study.^{[15]
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- For example, you might study for 45 minutes, then take a 15-minute break. Come back and study for another 45 minutes.
- Similarly, you might study for 30 minutes, take a 10-minute break, and then study for another 30 minutes.
2
Be active during your study breaks to boost your energy. Get up and move around during your study breaks. Even a short burst of exercise can get your blood pumping, which can help you focus better. Try going for a short walk, dancing to your favorite songs, or doing calisthenics.^{[16]
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- For instance, you might do some jumping jacks, push ups, and squats.
- If you have a dog, consider taking it for a walk.
- Create a short 10-to-15 minute playlist of upbeat songs if you want to dance.
3
Snack on healthy foods to help you stay focused. Eating snacks while you study can help you enjoy your study sessions more. However, pick the right snacks so your brain is performing at its best. Here are some great options for study snacks:
- Fruit, like apple slices, grapes, or orange slices
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Greek yogurt
- Veggies and dip, like carrots and hummus or broccoli and ranch dressing
4
Listen to music so studying is more fun. Studying can feel like a chore, but listening to music may help. Music can relax you and might help you enjoy studying, at least a little bit. In general, listening to instrumental, classical, or music with nature sounds is best while studying. However, it’s okay to listen to whatever music helps you concentrate.^{[17]
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- Create a playlist for your study sessions with songs that inspire you.
- Songs with lyrics can be distracting. If this is a problem for you, look for instrumental songs in your favorite genre. You can easily find pop, rock, hip hop, and experimental songs that don’t have lyrics.

Community Q&A

Question

I don't know how to manage my study timetable for eighth year. How can I make a time table for study?

Community Answer

Study three subjects a day and spend one hour for each subject. Study the ones which you feel are the hardest. In this way, make a timetable according to the three subjects. Maths is a must every time.
Question

How can I decide which subject to study first for exams?

Community Answer

Study the subjects which you feel are the hardest first, and give them the most time. Then study the subjects you like best. Circle back to the harder subjects again at the end to make sure you remember everything.
Question

How can I prepare for everything in only one week?

Community Answer

First read the material casually and complete all the chapters. The second reading should be quicker, focusing on key points. Mostly you will have to recall what you studied the first time. If your reading speed is faster than normal you will need five days maximum.

Warnings

Don’t wait until the night before a test to start studying. You likely won’t be able to retain much of what you study, and you’ll probably stress yourself out. Instead, study a little at a time over the entire week before your test.

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Distractions can quickly derail your studies. Avoid the temptation to turn on the TV, check your phone, or play video games during your breaks and especially while you’re studying.

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