How to plan your studying for finals when you have several exams

Several exams in two weeks is mostly a planning problem, not a knowledge problem. A good plan doesn’t have to be complicated - it just has to be honest about the time you really have.

1. List all your exams

For each one: the date, the format (written, oral, multiple-choice), how much material is left and how well you know it. Write it all down in one place, not just in your head.

2. Estimate the time for each subject

Think about how many hours you need to master what you don’t know yet - and add a 20–30% buffer. Estimates often come out too low, and getting sick or an extra midterm can happen to anyone.

3. Count the time you really have

Classes, work, commuting, sleep. It usually adds up to less than you think. If the total from step 2 is more than that, it’s better to find out now than three days before the exam.

4. Set priorities

Start with the subjects that are soon and hard. Next come the ones that are further off but hard - the earlier you start, the more time you’ll have left for review. Leave what you already know well for last.

5. Interleave your subjects

Instead of spending a whole week on one subject, study two a day. Interleaving builds natural gaps between reviews (you can read why that works in our guide on spaced repetition).

6. The last day: review, not new material

Save the day before the exam for review and a practice exam. Cramming new material at the last minute takes away the time you need to review what you already know.

7. Revisit your plan every few days

A plan isn’t a contract you can never change. If you start running out of time, decide deliberately what you’re going to drop - before the calendar decides for you.