How to pass an exam: a plan from today to exam day
Count the days, turn the syllabus into cards, learn a few topics a day, test yourself instead of rereading, and let spaced repetition plan the reviews.
Last updated
One topic at a time. I'll count the days.
How do I study for an exam?
Five steps that work for any subject, from a school test to a professional exam.
- 01Count the daysPut your exam date into the planner below. It splits the time into days to learn, days to review and a few light days.
- 02Turn the syllabus into cardsPick a ready-made subject, or make a deck from your notes, slides or past papers.
- 03Learn a few topics a dayRead each topic's concept cards, then answer its flashcards. The planner's daily target keeps you on pace.
- 04Test yourself, don't rereadAnswer practice and exam-style questions before you look at the answer. That is what makes it stick.
- 05Review on scheduleSpaced repetition brings each card back just before you'd forget it, so the last weeks are review, not cramming.
Which study modes help most?
Four of the app's modes do most of the work before an exam.
- Learn, also called concept cardsUnderstand each topic first, one face at a time.
- FlashcardsFacts and definitions come back on a spaced schedule.
- Quiz, also called predict the answerApply what you know to a new situation, like an exam question does.
- InterviewWrite or say a full answer in 60 seconds, then check it against the key points.
How much should I study each day?
Set your exam date, topics and daily time. The plan updates as you type.
- Days to study
- 42
- New topics a day
- 2
- Flashcards in total
- 200
- Busiest day
- 17 min
- Learn new topics · 25 daysA few new topics a day, plus the flashcards that come due.
- Review everything · 14 daysGo through every card once more, spread over these days.
- Light review · 3 daysNo new topics. A short pass over your hardest cards.
- Exam after 42 days.
Your 45 minutes a day. Red bars go over it.
See every day as a table
| Day | Phase | New topics | Reviews | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Learn new topics | 2 | 20 | 14 |
| Day 2 | Learn new topics | 2 | 20 | 14 |
| Day 3 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 4 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 5 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 6 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 7 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 8 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 9 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 10 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 11 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 12 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 13 | Learn new topics | 2 | 30 | 15 |
| Day 14 | Learn new topics | 2 | 40 | 17 |
| Day 15 | Learn new topics | 2 | 40 | 17 |
| Day 16 | Learn new topics | 1 | 30 | 10 |
| Day 17 | Learn new topics | 1 | 30 | 10 |
| Day 18 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 19 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 20 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 21 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 22 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 23 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 24 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 25 | Learn new topics | 1 | 25 | 10 |
| Day 26 | Review everything | 0 | 30 | 5 |
| Day 27 | Review everything | 0 | 30 | 5 |
| Day 28 | Review everything | 0 | 25 | 5 |
| Day 29 | Review everything | 0 | 20 | 4 |
| Day 30 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 31 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 32 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 33 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 34 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 35 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 36 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 37 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 38 | Review everything | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Day 39 | Review everything | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| Day 40 | Light review | 0 | 17 | 3 |
| Day 41 | Light review | 0 | 17 | 3 |
| Day 42 | Light review | 0 | 16 | 3 |
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Save it in the app
Adds the plan to your Exams page, on the subject you're studying. Home then counts down to the exam and sets a target for each day. No account needed.
Get a daily reminder
One 45-minute study block every day until the exam, in Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Outlook. Each reminder opens today's plan in the app.
Questions people ask
Short answers. The full FAQ covers plans, payments and your data.
How early should I start studying for an exam?
As early as you can, so each topic gets several spaced reviews before the day. Put your date into the planner: it shows how many new topics a day you need. If the number looks too big, start now with the topics most likely to come up, then add the rest.
Does cramming the night before work?
It can get you through the next morning, but most of it fades within days. Spreading the same hours over weeks, and testing yourself instead of rereading, keeps far more. If the exam is tomorrow, answer questions on the topics you are least sure of, then sleep.
Can I study from my own notes?
Yes. Sign in, open New deck and upload a PDF or text file, or paste your notes. AI turns them into concept cards, flashcards, practice questions and, for processes, a diagram. A free account makes 5 decks a month, and you can also type cards yourself in the flashcard maker.
How long should I study each day?
Whatever you can keep up every day beats long sessions now and then. The app's daily mission takes 20 minutes. Put the time you really have into the planner and it tells you whether that is enough, and how many minutes you would need if it isn't.
Start with one topic today.
Save your exam date and the app counts down, sets a daily target and builds an exam mission for you.
Save your examSee you tomorrow?