⏱️ Time Management & Exam Prep · Lesson 4 of 6
A study plan for midterms and finals
Work backward from exam dates — with the study planner.
Work backward
- List every exam with its date and how hard it is for you
- Count the days you have and the hours per day you can really study
- Give harder and earlier exams more time
- Reserve the day before each exam for review and a practice test
- Plan rest: one lighter day a week keeps you going
What to do in each stage
| 10+ days out | Go through the material: notes, readings, worked examples |
|---|---|
| 5–9 days out | Summary sheets and flashcards; start practice questions |
| 2–4 days out | Practice problems and self-testing, mixed topics |
| Day before | A timed practice test, fix mistakes, light review, sleep |
Make your plan
1. Your exams
2. Your time
Your study plan
Add at least one exam with a date (today or later) to see your plan.
Your exams and plan are saved in this browser only.
Use your resources
Review sessions, office hours, TA sessions, tutoring centers and old exams are free. Put them in your plan — they are often the best-value hours you will spend.
Tip
💡 Print the plan and cross off each block. Seeing progress is motivating — and it shows you early if you’re falling behind.
✏️ Practice: your turn
- Enter your real exams in the planner above
- Adjust hours per day to something realistic
- Add office hours and review sessions to your calendar
- Print the plan and start today’s block
🧠 Quick quiz
Answer all 4 questions correctly to mark this lesson as done.
0 of 4 correct
All lessons in Time Management & Exam Prep
- 🗓️ 1. Plan the semester from your syllabiEvery deadline in one calendar in week one
- 📆 2. A weekly schedule that worksTime blocks, the 2-for-1 rule and protecting sleep
- 🐢 3. Beating procrastinationWhy we delay, the 5-minute start and implementation intentions
- 🗺️ 4. A study plan for midterms and finalsWork backward from exam dates — with the study planner
- 📝 5. Test-taking strategiesRead the whole exam, budget time, multiple choice and essay questions
- 🌿 6. Stress and test anxietyPreparation, breathing, reframing and when to get help