Cramming 101: Last-minute study strategies for midterms

By Anna Pociu, 2023

Published 1/19/22

It's the night before your midterm. You told yourself that you would start studying weeks ago. You told yourself you would time block 30 minutes each night for each subject, make all of the Quizlets, and attend study sessions. None of those things happened. Now, it’s the night before an exam that you haven’t started studying for at all. You told yourself you wouldn’t let this happen. Instead of panicking, use these steps to cram in some productive last-minute study hours and ace your midterms.

1. Come to terms with the fact that you have an important test tomorrow, and find a quiet study spot to focus on cramming.

   1. Put your phone down! It’s so easy to get distracted, but you have an important test tomorrow. Turn on “do not disturb” and get to work.

2. Prioritize the specific units/concepts that you need to study (Concentrate on the bigger picture!)

   1. You only have a few hours to cram, so it’s important that you objectively look at the topics that you’re going to be tested on and choose the ones that you should study. These should be key concepts or ideas that you struggle with in class.

   2. Do not attempt to learn everything; focus on things that will get you the most points on the exam.

3. Creating a list of all of the topics you need to study keeps concentration. Then, review and cross them off as you feel comfortable with the material.

   1. This strategy will keep you organized and focused on one unit at a time.

4. Study actively, not passively.

   1. Passive studying involves rereading, highlighting, and looking at your notes. For most people, this is not an effective strategy. Instead, consider active studying! Rewrite notes from memory, make flashcards, explain concepts to someone else, and do practice questions. These interactive methods help you actively recall information, making you memorize more.

5. Take breaks.

   1. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, it is best to study in bursts. Your brain will be able to process more information if you take breaks; cramming without breaks is inefficient and saturates your mind, preventing it from taking in more information.

   2. Consider using the Pomodoro method - actively study for 25 minutes and take a 5-10 minute break. Stretch your body and walk around. Grab a drink, answer some texts, get a snack, and get back to studying.

6. Get enough sleep!

   1. This is arguably the most important step. If you pull an all-nighter to cram, you will be so tired in the morning that chances are you won't actually remember anything.

   2. If you go to bed worried, get up in the morning about 30-45 minutes earlier and review what you studied the night before.

   3. In terms of sleep, more is always better. However, realistically, aim to get in at least 3 hours; that's about one full sleep cycle (waking up in the middle of a sleep cycle will leave you feeling exhausted).

While cramming for a large test the night before is not advised, everyone has to do it occasionally. Life happens, things get busy, or maybe you’re just an effective procrastinator. Whatever the case, following these steps can help you stay focused and get that A+. Before you walk into your exam, take some deep breaths and try to relax. Being too stressed out will be counterproductive to your ability to focus on what you studied. Good luck!