Exam season is looming and students across the nation are chewing their nails as they try and cram as much knowledge as they possibly can into their heads. If you are in this situation, or think you might be in the near future then you might find a study plan useful. A study plan outlines everything you need to know and gives you deadlines to which you can work towards. This is a handy way of organising yourself during your revision period and visualising everything you need to do before the big days.
For a study plan to work, it needs to have been created effectively. Here are some tips on how to create a good study plan that will help you navigate your revision period with ease and precision.
Work out your time frame
The first thing you need to do when making a study plan is to decide how much time you are going to allocate to studying. Will you be revising from 9 until 5 every day? Will you work on the weekends? Once you have figured this out, you are one step closer to creating the perfect study plan. Just remember to factor in some time to relax otherwise you will over work yourself and burn out.
Prioritise your study time
Chances are you have multiple exams coming up. Make sure you organise your study plan to deal with each topic or module in the order you sit the exams. Get a solid knowledge of each topic well in advance and then use the days leading up to the exam to refresh your memory. This will avoid any last minute panics when you realise you have run out of study time before an exam.
Colour code your schedule so you can understand it at a glance
Do not underestimate the power of colour coding – especially if you are dealing with multiple subjects or modules. Allocate a colour to each subject so that when you look at your timetable you will instantly be able to see what you should be studying. The association of colour with a subject also helps us remember things better so colour coding might even help with your revision techniques.
Give yourself realistic deadlines
Deadlines that you cannot meet are pointless. They also make you feel guilty or that you are not working hard enough. Set yourself challenging but realistic deadlines for when you need to have each chunk of your studying done. When you reach a deadline, treat yourself with a snack or an hour’s break. This will motivate you to work hard and meet the deadlines you have set.
Stick to your study plan
There is no gain to be had from a study plan if you do not stick to it. Avoid the temptation to swap things around or shift a session from the morning to the afternoon so that you can go for brunch with your friends. Your study plan should take priority over everything else. Social events and other engagements should be slotted in when your study plan gives you free time. Being disciplined in this way ensures you get everything done in time and will make you feel a lot better when you’re in the exam room. Besides, you will have plenty of time to hang out with friends once your exams are all done.