How to create an effective revision schedule?

It’s a feeling that all students dread! But the key to turning this chaos into success is setting up an effective revision schedule. Here, I share the method and tips that really work to optimize your work and help you feel confident on exam day. Whether you’re preparing for middle school exams, the baccalaureate, or higher education exams, this organization tool is made for you!

Why planning your revisions is crucial

Revising without a schedule means risking wasting valuable time. A clear structure allows you to have a precise view of your goals and to measure your progress.

Your brain works more efficiently with structure. Short work sessions spread throughout the week are more effective than one long session. This is the best way to consolidate what you’ve learned.

The benefits of a good schedule:

• Work-life balance: You manage each subject better and avoid neglecting any of them.
• Stress reduction: You know exactly what you still need to revise.
• Time savings: Your daily program is clearly defined.
• Memory retention: Your schedule includes the right revision frequency.

💡 Tip: To boost your concentration, take advantage of the co-working spaces in our student residences. In addition, in each student residence, you have a Manager who is also your daily support contact! Don’t hesitate to ask them for help structuring your revisions.

The three-phase method to build your revision schedule

Here is a concise guide to building a solid revision schedule. Each point represents a key step.

Phase 1: Preparation and Analysis

What you need to do:

• Inventory and goals: List all the courses and subjects you need to revise. Set clear objectives for the exam.
• Prioritization: Calculate the time available. Prioritize subjects with higher coefficients or more difficult topics.
• Breakdown: Turn chapters into small, precise tasks (e.g. “Redo tutorial exercises”).

Phase 2: Construction and Rhythm

What you need to do:

• Set time slots: Use a tool (PDF revision schedule or an app). Work in blocks of 50 to 90 minutes.
• Alternation and breaks: Alternate subjects throughout the day. Plan regular breaks between sessions. Schedule the most complex subjects in the morning.
• Repetition: Don’t forget to include time to review the same lessons throughout the week. This is a key step in the method.

Phase 3: Flexibility and Adjustment

What you need to do:

• Buffer time: Plan buffer slots to catch up in case you fall behind.
• Rest: Sleep and breaks are essential. Your brain consolidates learning during rest.
• Evaluation: Review your progress every evening. Adjust your schedule based on your effectiveness.

Methods to organize your revisions over time

To actively revise and succeed in your exam (whether it’s the baccalaureate or university exams), it’s essential to adopt a working method that forces your brain to engage. Here are the keys to effective revision:

Active revision

• Principle: Never just reread your notes. Constantly test yourself with exercises, past exam papers, or quizzes. The act of retrieving information from memory strengthens it.
• Usefulness: This is an excellent way to check your real understanding of subjects and to get used to exam question formats.

Summary sheets

• Principle: Create concise summary sheets for each subject. The synthesis step, where you rephrase lessons in your own words, is the main memorization function.
• Format: Stick to key information only: definitions, formulas, dates, or main reasoning points.

The Feynman Method

• Principle: Choose a complex concept and try to explain it to someone who knows nothing about it (or even to an object!). If you get stuck or use overly technical jargon, it means you haven’t fully mastered the subject yet.
• Objective: Identify your weaknesses precisely to better target your future revisions.

Techniques to apply during your revision sessions

Adopt proven methods to ensure maximum concentration during each study session:

Pomodoro

This is the most famous method! Work intensely for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle.

Eat the Frog

Start your day by tackling the most difficult task (the “frog”) in your priority subject. Once it’s done, the rest of the day will feel easier.

Time Blocking

Instead of creating a simple to-do list, assign specific time slots (with start and end times) to each subject in your schedule.

Essential tools and resources

Apps to organize and revise (free online)

For organization and study sessions, digital tools are your best allies.

To create and follow your schedule:

• Notion: This all-in-one tool allows you to create databases, calendars, and to-do lists, perfect for grouping all your courses.
• Trello: This Kanban board system is highly visual and helps organize tasks as cards you can move around.
• My Study Life: Designed for students, this app manages your timetable, homework, and reminds you of exam deadlines.
• Todoist: Ideal for clean to-do lists, it offers priorities, reminders, and productivity tracking.

For revision and memorization:

• Anki: The reference for flashcards, optimizing long-term memory through spaced repetition.
• Quizlet: This app lets you create games and tests to revise lessons and use sets created by other students.
• Forest: This app gamifies concentration: you plant a tree that dies if you touch your phone during study sessions.

Where to download free PDF revision schedule templates?

To get started, download a ready-to-use template. The PDF revision schedule format is ideal for printing.

• Les Sherpas: Clear PDF revision schedule templates, often adapted for the baccalaureate or major academic deadlines.
• Lovepapier: Useful resources for all levels, from middle school exams to higher education, with free downloadable planning templates.

Mistakes to avoid for an effective schedule

• Being overly ambitious: Set a realistic pace to avoid burnout. An overloaded schedule leads to demotivation.
• Neglecting sleep: You need nighttime rest for your brain to process what you’ve learned.
• Skipping subjects: Distribute your time evenly across all subjects.
• Procrastinating: Break complex tasks into smaller steps to make them easier to start.

Managing stress and staying motivated

Stress before exams is normal, but it shouldn’t paralyze you. You need to:

• Manage stress: Handle pressure through breathing exercises, sports, and relaxation time.
• Celebrate small wins: Every step completed brings you closer to success. Keep your goals in mind.