1. Procrastination and Cramming
Procrastination is perhaps the most notorious of all revision mistakes. Putting off revision until the night before the exam might feel like a quick fix, but it’s not a sustainable approach. While cramming can work in the short term, it’s only effective if you've already put in some serious effort over time. The key is consistency, not last-minute panic.
Instead: Set daily goals for yourself, avoid distractions (especially your phone), and create a revision plan that spreads out your work over time.
2. Passive Revision
Some revision strategies, like re-reading and highlighting, might make you feel busy, but they don’t actually help you learn. These methods can trick you into thinking you're studying, but they don’t require much thinking or problem-solving. Simply copying out notes won’t help you retain the information.
Instead: Test yourself regularly, use flashcards, explain the material to a friend, or reorganize your notes to make sure you really understand the content.
3. Skimping on Sleep
You might think staying up late cramming will help you learn more, but sleep is actually crucial for memory and learning. If you don’t get enough rest, your brain won't process or store the information you’ve been studying. Your body’s natural sleep rhythms also mean you need a solid amount of sleep, especially during stressful revision periods.
Instead: Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep, limit screen time before bed, and don’t sacrifice sleep in favour of extra revision. A little review before bed can actually help!
4. Poor Time Management
Spending hours in one massive block of revision doesn’t always result in effective learning. This ‘massed practice’ can give the illusion of progress, but often doesn’t stick. Worse, revising one topic and immediately testing yourself doesn’t truly test your memory. Effective revision is about balance.
Instead: Space out your revision, take regular breaks, use techniques like the Pomodoro method, and mix up your subjects to keep your mind fresh and active
5. Overconfidence in What You’ve Learned
It’s easy to feel confident when you’ve been re-reading your notes, but just because something feels familiar doesn’t mean you fully understand it. Many students fall into the trap of assuming they know the material just because they recognise the words.
Instead: Use practice exams, test yourself with questions, and teach others what you know to really confirm your understanding,
6. Accepting Weapons of Mass Distraction
Let’s face it – phones, social media, and friends are fun, but when it comes to revision, they’re distractions. Having your phone nearby can seriously disrupt your focus, even if you think you're just checking a quick text or social feed. Music can help some people concentrate, but for others, it’s a big distraction.
Instead: Use focus apps to limit distractions, try to revise with pen and paper rather than screens, and save music for your breaks rather than during study sessions.
7. Failing to Plan
Many students receive lots of advice about planning and scheduling, but still end up winging it when it comes to revision. Without a clear plan, you’ll waste time jumping from one task to another, which increases the chances of procrastination, cramming, and distractions. Planning is key to staying on track.
Instead: Schedule time for revision and self-testing. Create a weekly timetable that includes both study and breaks, and set specific goals for each session. Regularly check that your revision methods are working and adapt them if necessary.
It’s important to remember that there’s no quick fix to becoming an expert reviser, but by avoiding these seven common mistakes and being more mindful about your approach, you can see big improvements in your exam preparation. So, start small, stay consistent, and make sure you're using your time effectively!
Good luck with your revision, and remember: revision is a marathon, not a sprint!