Before you begin studying for an exam, it is helpful to create a study plan using backwards planning.
Test Prep: Backwards Planning
For a printable version of the information below, see our Test Planner Worksheet PDF.
5 days
Chapters/Lectures 1-2
- Create Study Aids
- Utilize Study Cycles
*Estimate Study Hours
4 days
Chapter/Lecture 3
- Create Study Aids
- Review Study Aids for Chapters/Lectures 1-2
- Utilize Study Cycles
3 days
Chapter/Lecture 4
- Create Study Aids
- Review Study Aids for Chapters/Lectures 1-3
- Utilize Study Cycles
2 days
Chapter/Lecture 5
- Create Study Aids
- Review Study Aids for Chapters/Lectures 1-4
- Utilize Study Cycles
Day Before Test
All Chapters/Lectures
- Review All Chapters/Lectures
- Utilize Study Cycles
Choose your study aids:
- Flash Cards (LINCS)
- Formal Outlines
- Concept Maps
- Quizlet
- Mnemonic Devices
- Practice Problems
- T-charts
- Time Lines
- Cornell Notes
- Compare/Contrast Charts
- Featured Analysis Chart
- Study Guides
Questions before you study:
- What commitments do you have that will get in the way of this plan?
- What chapters are the most difficult?
- Can some chapters be combined to one day?
- How many days do you actually need?
Always think about how to:
- Question: Create your own questions and aske them along the way.
- Rewrite/Recite: Important information or information you don’t know well should be cited out loud or be rewritten.
- Recall: It’s not enough to recognize the information; you must also be able to produce it in your head or on paper.