Many students believe that more hours equals more marks. In reality, memory improves when you practise recall, not when you reread the same notes. Swap cramming for short focus blocks, a quick self-quiz, and planned reviews.
WHY CRAMMING FAILS
• Cognitive overload: Long sessions tire attention and reduce recall quality.
• The forgetting curve: Without planned reviews, memory fades quickly.
• Passive study traps: Highlighting and rereading feel busy but do not test memory.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Use 25-minute focus blocks with active recall and spaced reviews. End each block by writing three quiz questions from today’s topic. Review them 48 hours later and again one week later.
HOW TO RUN ONE 25-MINUTE BLOCK
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Pick one topic and set a 25-minute timer.
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Study actively: explain out loud, sketch a diagram, or teach the idea.
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Write three quick quiz questions.
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Close the books and answer from memory.
WHAT YOU GET IN THE BOOK
• The step-by-step 14-day plan and printable tracker
• Ready-made quiz prompts for common subjects
• Past-paper strategy that builds marks steadily
• Simple, calm tools for before and during exams
Ask yourself why you are studying — then give your brain a method that works.
Get The Exam Success Blueprint → enjoysmarthealth360.com