How to make a study plan

GCSEs, AS-levels, and A-levels are quickly approaching, so you need a plan if you want to get top grades. However, it can be really difficult to know how to start making a plan. This post will be your comprehensive guide to making a plan so that you’re exam-ready!

Set some goals

First, decide on what you want to achieve in your exams. Make sure your goals are challenging but realistic! Also, make sure they’re specific – don’t just decide that you want to do well on the maths GCSE, but decide on a grade you want to work towards.

For more information about setting SMART goals, you can check out this post – How to make SMARTer goals for 2024!

Break it down

Break down each of your subjects into specific topic areas and figure out what you need to know for each. Check out the specification for each subject and exam board to make sure you’ll cover all the content that’ll be tested on the exam. You can create a checklist for each subject that will help you create your study plan and monitor your progress.

Choose a study method

For each unit on your individual subject checklists, decide how you want to study. Ensure that you’re focusing on active recall, rather than passive recall, study methods, since these will help you remember the most information! Active recall includes flashcards, practice papers, and past questions.

Here’s an in-depth guide to active recall:

Decide on a time to study

Now, choose a time that you can study every day. Whether it’s after school, in the morning, or in the dead of the night, make sure to pick a time when you’ll feel focused and ready to study. Ideally, pick a time when people are unlikely to disrupt your studying.

Stay sustainable

Now, just schedule your study sessions into your calendar or planner. Start small if you’re not used to studying much since you might get burned out otherwise. Also, ensure you note down the subject you want to study and the method you’ll use – this can help you combat procrastination by having a clear goal!