How to Create a Study Schedule to Prepare for Final Exams (2024)

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Study Schedule for Final Exams

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Co-authored byChristopher Taylor, PhD

Last Updated: February 24, 2023Fact Checked

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Studying for exams at any point in the semester can be stressful, but studying for finals for can be extra stressful. Collecting all of the materials you need to create a schedule and assessing how much time you have to study before your finals start can help you create a study schedule. Carefully considering the restrictions on your time and then sticking to your study schedule can help you create a useful schedule and be more productive when you study.

Part 1

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Assessing Your Study Needs

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  1. 1

    Pick a calendar for keeping track of your schedule. Before you can actually create a study schedule for finals week, you need to decide what exactly you’ll use for scheduling. You might prefer paper calendars or planners, or you might want to use a digital app, such as the calendar on your phone or an actual study app.[1]

    • It doesn’t matter which type you prefer, as long as you have something that you are comfortable using.
  2. 2

    Print out your exam schedule. Before you even begin crafting a schedule, make sure you have all of your exam dates in front of you. This will make creating your schedule a lot easier because you won’t have to stop and search for information or, even worse, have to start over because you forgot about an exam.

    • Some schools schedule all finals during a finals week. In this case, the time for your final might not be on the same day or at the same time as when your class normally meets. Make sure you note if that’s true.
    • Some teachers might schedule your final during regular class time, even if your school has a devoted finals week. Make sure you have that information, too.

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  3. 3

    Print out your school break schedule. If you have breaks between when you start drawing up your study schedule and finals week, you can use them to devote more time to studying since you won't have to attend class.

    • Depending on how long your classes usually are per day, consider adding extra study sessions for those courses during their regularly scheduled meeting times. This gives you some extra time to study without really disrupting your normal schedule.
  4. 4

    Calculate how much time you have. How much time you have to study for finals will depend on when in the semester you start drawing up your schedule. Once you’re ready to set your study schedule, calculate how many days you have between now and when your exams are. This will obviously be a different number for every exam.

    • Keep in mind that you might not be able to study every single day. If you have a lot scheduled on a specific day, leave that day off your study schedule. This will give you a more realistic idea of what you have to work with.[2]
  5. 5

    Prioritize your exams. Once you know how much time you have to study for each exam, prioritize them. List your exams in order, starting with the one you have to take the soonest, and ending with your last exam. You might also want to consider prioritizing by how hard the exam is likely to be.[3]

    • For example, if you struggle with Math, you might want to move it to the top of your list so that you'll know you have enough time to study for it.
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Creating Your Schedule

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  1. 1

    Decide when you’ll study. Some people study better at night while other people are more alert in the morning. Schedule your study time for a time of day when you know you’ll be the sharpest – this will help you retain information more easily.[4]

    • If you don't know what time you study best at, experiment. Study in the morning one day, and in the evening the next.
  2. 2

    Schedule everything. Before you create your study schedule, make sure you add the non-studying stuff you have to do—classes, extracurricular activities, doctor’s appointments, etc.—so you know what time you actually have available.[5]

    • This prevents you from scheduling study time and then realizing that day you had an appointment you forgot about and have to miss your study time.
  3. 3

    Set realistic goals for your study sessions. Don’t schedule study time for eight hours of the day on top of the other stuff you have to do, too. The more realistic you can be, the more productive your studying will be.[6]

    • Be realistic about what you can get done in each study session. Don't schedule studying 5 chapters, writing a paper, and working on a project all during the same 2-hour block.
  4. 4

    Limit your study time per session. Research shows that after about 2 hours, we are less able to focus on a specific topic or task, and our concentration and ability to retain information declines. Scheduling your study time in 2-hour blocks not only prevents you from setting unrealistic goals, it also helps you make the most productive schedule.[7]

    • This doesn't mean that you can only schedule one 2-hour session per day. Depending on how much other time you have available to study, you can schedule one or two 2-hour sessions in the morning and one or two 2-hour sessions later in the day.
    • If you're going to schedule multiple sessions per day, try to schedule them for the time when you work best. If you work better in the morning, try scheduling to sessions before noon—with a good break in between. If you work better in the evening, schedule one session before dinner and one after.[8]
  5. 5

    Focus on 1 topic at a time. In each study session, studying 1 subject at a time can help you focus on the material better and therefore retain more.

    • Splitting your time between multiple subjects per study session doesn't give you enough time to get deep enough in the material to really retain anything.
    • Some change is good when you're studying. Studying one topic for one study session and then switching to something totally different for your next session can keep things fresh and keep up your efficiency and energy.[9]
  6. 6

    Make time for review. When you’re setting up your times to study, make sure you build in 10 or 15 minutes to quickly review what you studied the day before. It keeps things fresh in your mind and will remind you of the connections between what you’re doing and what you already did.[10]

    • If the topic is more difficult, you may need a little more than 10 or 15 minutes to review.
    • You should still do this even if you feel confident about a topic or are really good at it.
  7. 7

    Build in breaks. While you’re scheduling time to study, it’s also important to build breaks into your schedule. Research suggests that you should take a break for 10-15 minutes every hour.[11]

    • You should also schedule larger breaks—like time to exercise or see friends or watch TV. Giving your brain and your body a chance to relax will make you more productive in the long run.
    • Aim to eat a healthy snack on your break as this can improve your mood, energy level, and focus. For instance, eat a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit and a small portion of cottage cheese.
  8. 8

    Color-code your schedule. As you’re scheduling your existing appointments and obligations and your study time, color code each type of activity. This gives you a better visual representation of what your week will look like and can often help you see how much time you really need to spend studying.

    • Don't put similar colors right next to each other. For example, red and orange can look similar, especially under certain lights. Try red and yellow together instead.
  9. 9

    Stay consistent. Try to study at the same time (and possibly the same place) every day. This can make studying become almost automatic. The one exception to this, of course, is if your study area is unavailable.[12]

    • For example, if you are used to studying in a coffee shop, but the coffee shop is closed, you will need to find another place to study.
    • If you can't focus in your usual study location, choose a different spot.
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Study Schedule for Final Exams

Sample Study Schedule for Final Exams

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.

1Study For Exams2Study So You Can Remember Everything3Make a Study Space4Create Good Study Habits for Exams5Learn Without Forgetting6Retain Information when You Study for a Test

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  • Question

    How many hours should I study for a final exam?

    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor

    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

    Christopher Taylor, PhD

    English Professor

    Expert Answer

    Ideally, you should spend a couple of hours each week during the semester to review the material you covered in class that week. Then, as finals approach, try to begin studying for that final exam at least two weeks out.

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  • Question

    How can I prepare for my final exams?

    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor

    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

    Christopher Taylor, PhD

    English Professor

    Expert Answer

    Creating a study schedule is a great place to start. From there, review your notes, make a study guide, create flashcards, and take practice exams to help prepare yourself.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    How can I study for an exam in a small amount of time?

    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor

    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

    Christopher Taylor, PhD

    English Professor

    Expert Answer

    Cramming for a test is proven to be an ineffective test taking strategy. If you don't have much time to prepare for an exam, find a quiet place where you can focus, create a study guide or review for the course, and try taking a practice test.

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      • Study one subject at a time. Scheduling more than one subject for one chunk of study time can prevent you from remembering anything at all!

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      • Check your schedule often―it’s no good making one if you aren’t going to follow it.

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      Tips from our Readers How to Create a Study Schedule to Prepare for Final Exams (32)

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

      • Try to save your favorite subject for last. That way, if you're feeling tired by the end of your study session, your favorite subject will cheer you up, and it will require less energy to focus on it.
      • Don't spend your precious study time scrolling on your phone! Consider putting it in another room while you study so you aren't tempted.

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      References

      1. https://algonquincollege.libguides.com/studyskills/weeklySchedule
      2. http://lsc.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Guidelines-for-Creating-a-Study-Schedule.pdf
      3. https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
      4. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      5. https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      6. https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
      7. http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx
      8. http://lsc.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Guidelines-for-Creating-a-Study-Schedule.pdf
      9. http://lsc.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Guidelines-for-Creating-a-Study-Schedule.pdf

      More References (3)

      About This Article

      How to Create a Study Schedule to Prepare for Final Exams (48)

      Co-authored by:

      Christopher Taylor, PhD

      English Professor

      This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD. Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been viewed 202,422 times.

      115 votes - 91%

      Co-authors: 31

      Updated: February 24, 2023

      Views:202,422

      Categories: Study Skills | Exam Revision

      Article SummaryX

      A study schedule is a great way to stay on track for your final exams and make sure that you cover all the material you’ll need to know. Before you make one, take a look at your calendar to see how much time you have to devote to studying. Then, block out study sessions in 2-hour increments so you don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s best to focus on 1 topic at a time when studying, which will help you retain more information. Additionally, you should schedule in one 10-15 minute break every hour to keep your energy and focus up. To learn which times of day are best for studying, read more from our Professor co-author!

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      How to Create a Study Schedule to Prepare for Final Exams (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Create a Study Schedule to Prepare for Final Exams? ›

      Thus you will perform better on an exam if you spend one hour studying each day for 20 days than if you spend 10 hours studying for two days before an exam. Adjust your studying according to difficulty or amount of content to be covered or reviewed.

      How to create a final exam study schedule? ›

      1. Break the material on the exam into chunks or groups of material. ...
      2. Plan to spend about 2 hours studying on each of the five days.
      3. Work with the material in 2 ways: preparation and review.
      4. Decide what preparation and review strategies will work best for you, and include those on your five-day study plan chart.

      How to make a study guide for finals? ›

      Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your study guide:
      1. Use headings and subheadings. Break down your study guide into clear sections and subtopics for easy navigation.
      2. Employ bullet points or numbering. ...
      3. Incorporate visual aids. ...
      4. Color-code or highlight. ...
      5. Regularly review and refine.

      How do you plan to prepare for the final exam? ›

      How to Study for Finals
      1. Make a finals game plan. ...
      2. Start early. ...
      3. Study in this order: a) definitely b) probably c) might be on the final. ...
      4. Give yourself more time to study for your toughest classes. ...
      5. Form a study group. ...
      6. Talk it out. ...
      7. Get creative with study aids. ...
      8. Study your notes.

      Is 20 days enough to study for a final exam? ›

      Thus you will perform better on an exam if you spend one hour studying each day for 20 days than if you spend 10 hours studying for two days before an exam. Adjust your studying according to difficulty or amount of content to be covered or reviewed.

      How many hours a day should you study for a final exam? ›

      Your ideal study time hinges on several factors, including the extent of the material, your personal assessment of its difficulty, and the specific study methods that work best for you. However, a common approach is the "Hour-a-Day" rule, suggesting at least an hour of study each day for each exam.

      How do you structure a study schedule? ›

      1. PLAN A SCHEDULE OF BALANCED ACTIVITIES. ...
      2. PLAN ENOUGH TIME FOR STUDYING EACH SUBJECT. ...
      3. STUDY AT A SET TIME AND IN A CONSISTENT PLACE. ...
      4. STUDY AS SOON AFTER YOUR CLASS AS POSSIBLE. ...
      5. UTILIZE ODD HOURS DURING THE DAY FOR STUDYING. ...
      6. LIMIT YOUR STUDY TIME TO NO MORE THAN 2 HOURS ON ANY ONE COURSE AT ONE TIME.

      What is the most effective way to study for finals? ›

      Say NO to cramming: Study in intervals! Studying in 20-50 minute increments and giving yourself 5-10 minutes in between is more beneficial than cramming. Distributing learning over time typically benefits long-term retention more than a short period.

      How far in advance should I study for an exam? ›

      In general, plan to start about 7-10 days in advance to make sure you maximize your study time. Remember, it is better to space your studying out over a period of days rather than clustering your studying just before the exam. Ten hours of studying over 5 days is better than 10 hours of studying over 2 days!

      How to make a study timetable? ›

      How to Set up a Study Timetable for School:
      1. Step 1: Organize Your Schedule with the MyStudyLife Student Planner App. ...
      2. Step 2: Understand Your Responsibilities vs Free Time. ...
      3. Step 3: Create a Weekly Overview. ...
      4. Step 4: Allocate Time for Each Subject. ...
      5. Step 5: Set Specific Study Goals. ...
      6. Step 6: Include Breaks.
      Sep 14, 2023

      What are the best study techniques? ›

      One of the most effective ways of studying is to space out your learning sessions. If you break up your study load over several days, you'll retain information far more readily than if you crammed in one long session. This can help deeply ingrain information, allowing you to retain it for the long term.

      How to study fast without forgetting? ›

      Use repetition to firmly lodge information in your memory. Repetition techniques can involve things like flash cards, using the simple tips in this section, and self-testing. Space out your studying and repetition over several days, and start to increase the time in between each study session.

      What are 3 ways that you can be successful on your final exam? ›

      Seven Final Exam Strategies for Success
      • Create a Study Schedule. ...
      • Study with a Positive Attitude and Clear Direction. ...
      • Utilize the Resources Available to You. ...
      • Explain What You Are Studying to Another Person. ...
      • Avoid Distractions. ...
      • Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare Some More. ...
      • Take Care of You, Too!
      Nov 13, 2019

      What is the best time to study? ›

      Scientists have found the best time for study! According to scientists, the brain is most alert and teachable at 10 am–2 pm and 4 pm–10 pm. (Source: Amber Student). If you would like to optimise your attention span and practise deep learning, then science advises you to study between the hours of 4 am and 7 am.

      How long does the average student study for an exam? ›

      A general rule is to spend two hours on homework or studying for every hour that your class meets. For example, if your economics class meets for an hour, three times a week, you might expect to spend six hours a week on homework or studying for your upcoming econ exams.

      How to make a study guide? ›

      How to Create a Successful Study Guide
      1. Start by organizing your notes. You'll want to organize the information in your study guide in a way that makes sense to you. ...
      2. Practice essay questions. ...
      3. Make a vocabulary section. ...
      4. Handwrite it – don't type it. ...
      5. Make it personal.

      How do I prepare my study timetable for exams? ›

      Creating a study timetable
      1. Use a study timetable template. Creating or using a template to form your study plan is a good way to start. ...
      2. Create a list of study topics or tasks. ...
      3. Add in stuff you enjoy. ...
      4. Creating time slots. ...
      5. Schedule breaks. ...
      6. Focus on tasks, not time. ...
      7. Deciding what tasks to do first. ...
      8. Review and reflect.

      What is your number one priority when creating a final exam study schedule? ›

      Start early.

      If you start ahead of due dates, you can do your best work and get the most out of your classes. Be realistic about how long certain tasks will take. Starting early will allow you to plan in buffer times and much needed breaks.

      How to make a test schedule? ›

      You can establish a test schedule by associating a test plan with iterations from a project area or team area timeline. You can also list key project dates, such as the date of the final release, code freeze, UI freeze, beta entry, or beta exit.

      Is 2 weeks enough to study for an exam? ›

      Yes, so your exam is coming right up in a short time, but it's important not to neglect your brain. It needs time to process and consolidate the new material you've covered, so that it can recall information when you need it. You may not have time for a full 8 hours, but do your best to sleep 6–7 hours if possible.

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