How To Create An Efficient Study Plan For Exams

Many friends left comments saying they wanted to see how I formulate my study plan.

So, today is an efficient study plan assembly line. Whether you are studying for a certification exam, graduate school entrance exams, writing a thesis, or aiming for a miraculous comeback in finals, this session can offer you some inspiration.

First, let’s talk about the underlying logic of setting a study plan. A good plan has three keywords: Goal Awareness, Visualization, and Buffer Zone.

Let me take the FM actuarial exam I previously passed as an example. 

Say I had 45 days until D-Day.

On the first day, I will spend a long time understanding my goal. I will seriously check the syllabus—for example, how many modules it has—and calculate how much time I need to spend each day to cover the content. Only then can you truly understand your goal and know how long it will take to achieve it.

The second point is drawing a timeline. For instance, I'll spend the first 25 days learning the knowledge points and completing the section exercises. The remaining time will be dedicated to solving past papers. The most crucial part is the Mistake Log. It’s simple: record every single mistake, because each question corresponds to a knowledge point you don't know or are unfamiliar with.

So, you must ensure you understand all your mistakes. I review these mistake logs over and over again for every quantitative exam I take.

Next is timed mock exams. You must strictly adhere to the actual exam time because sometimes it’s not enough to just know the answer—you have to be fast. Exam times can be very tight.

In the last few days, stop doing new questions. Just relax, adjust your mindset, review the mistake log, and maybe practice a few old questions to get your hands back in the groove and boost confidence.

Then there’s the Buffer Zone.

You must, MUST reserve a “Buffer Day” within your timeline.

For example, you planned to finish the interest rate functions on Day 14, but that day your friends invited you out, or you’re in a bad mood because it’s raining or your takeout order was wrong, and you feel very down. If you have a buffer day, you can delay that day’s plan. This way, the whole rhythm won’t be disrupted.

But if you are a super J person (MBTI) like me, you can also try to complete future tasks ahead of time once you finish the current ones. This will reduce pressure during the final sprint.

Next are the tools I like to use. I highly recommend a to-do list or a calendar. With these templates, I categorize all my tasks and arrange what needs to be done each day. Since I use a calendar or a daily to-do template, my schedule for the day is clear at a glance.

The tear-off cards significantly boosted my convenience. Useful Index Card Set

If I don't finish a task today, I reschedule it for a later date. But because I really dislike leaving pending tasks, as soon as I see one, I complete it, cross it off, or put a checkmark next to it! It’s convenient and well-organized!

Additionally, you can use pretty sticky notes to write down tasks and post them on the wall. This adds a sense of ritual.

Finally, here are some small secrets on how to execute these study plans.

The first is setting a minimum baseline. Even if you have a terrible day, you must complete your baseline task—say, two practice problems plus organizing one page of notes. This is a hundred times better than waiting until the last minute.

For particularly important exams, I also set Mock Exam Days. I will wear the clothes I plan to wear on the actual exam day, use the same stationery, and start exactly at the exam time. For example, if the exam is at 8 AM, I’ll simulate the whole timeline: "Oh, I need to finish breakfast by 6 AM," "I should be arriving at the test center around 7 AM." This simulates not just the knowledge, but also the mindset and ritual.

Prepare a Exam Master Kit if needed.

Ultimately, for me, having a plan isn't about forcing more effort; it’s about feeling secure and calm. It gives me a clear purpose every morning.

What are your best study hacks?

Share them below and let’s conquer our goals together!

🌸

Here's the Rough Timeline

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