Why Exam Week Is About Strategy, Not Cramming
By the time IB Math exam week arrives, the hard work is already done — or should be.
Your focus now isn’t on learning new content but on maximizing clarity, confidence, and recall.
The biggest mistake students make during exam week is panic studying — re-reading every topic or rushing through random past papers.
That wastes time and energy.
Instead, you need to revise strategically: targeted review, spaced recall, and calm reinforcement.
With RevisionDojo’s Notes, Flashcards, and Exam Builder, you can keep your brain sharp without overloading it.
Quick-Start Checklist
During exam week:
- Spend no more than 2–3 focused hours daily on revision.
- Prioritize weak topics and high-frequency question types.
- Use Flashcards and Questionbank for short, active recall bursts.
- Simulate one mini-paper daily using Exam Mode.
- Rest well — sleep and nutrition are crucial for memory.
Step 1: Plan the Week With Intent
Map your days around your exam schedule.
For example:
- 3 days before Paper 1: Focus on algebra, functions, and calculus.
- 2 days before Paper 2: Focus on statistics, probability, and applied modeling.
- 1 day before: Review definitions, formulas, and command terms.
RevisionDojo’s Study Planner can auto-schedule this rotation for you based on your syllabus and Paper types.
Step 2: Focus on Active Recall, Not Passive Reading
At this stage, rereading Notes doesn’t help much — your goal is retrieval.
Use RevisionDojo Flashcards for 10–15 minute sessions, testing your ability to recall formulas and definitions from memory.
Each recall strengthens your neural connections — making the information more accessible during the actual exam.
Step 3: Use the “30-10-5” Review Rule
When your brain is under exam stress, short study cycles work best.
Try this:
- 30 minutes: Focused question practice.
- 10 minutes: Check answers and analyze mistakes.
- 5 minutes: Quick Flashcard or Notes summary.
RevisionDojo’s Focus Timer is already built for this rhythm, keeping your sessions structured and efficient.
Step 4: Revise Weak Topics First, Then Review Strengths
Start each day with your weakest area — your brain is freshest early on.
Use the Progress Dashboard to identify low-accuracy topics, and open those sections in Questionbank or Lessons first.
Once you’ve practiced those, end the session with a strong topic to boost confidence.
Step 5: Simulate Exam Conditions Once Per Day
You don’t need to do full exams every day, but short simulations train your timing and focus.
Use Exam Mode in the Questionbank for 30–45 minute mini-papers:
- Half Paper 1 (no calculator).
- Half Paper 2 (calculator allowed).
Then grade yourself using RevisionDojo’s markschemes and reflect on pacing or logic errors.
Step 6: Keep Formula and Definition Recall Sharp
Formulas are easy to forget under pressure.
Each night, do one final Flashcard session focusing on:
- Differentiation and integration rules.
- Trigonometric identities.
- Probability formulas.
- Statistical definitions.
RevisionDojo’s Formula Decks automatically prioritize cards you’ve struggled with, reinforcing weak recall areas right before the exam.
Step 7: Don’t Study After 9 p.m.
Late-night studying hurts more than it helps.
Your brain consolidates memory during sleep — so missing rest sabotages recall.
Stop revision at least 1–2 hours before bed, relax, and do something calming.
RevisionDojo even includes a “Study Cutoff Reminder” so you don’t overwork the night before your paper.
Step 8: Use Exam Morning Wisely
On the morning of your exam:
- Eat a balanced meal (slow carbs + protein).
- Review your formula sheet once only.
- Do a light Questionbank warm-up — one question from each main topic.
This keeps your mind alert and focused without draining energy.
Step 9: Manage Nerves During the Exam
If anxiety hits mid-exam, pause for 10 seconds, take three slow breaths, and reread the question carefully.
Confidence comes from preparation, not perfection.
RevisionDojo’s mock simulations are designed to build that calm familiarity so you feel in control during the real thing.
Step 10: Reflect Between Papers
After Paper 1, don’t spiral over what you missed.
Instead:
- Write down 2–3 question types you found tricky.
- Spend 30 minutes that evening reviewing those only.
RevisionDojo lets you tag “exam errors” for post-paper reflection — turning mistakes into instant improvement for the next session.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I study new topics during exam week?
No. Focus only on review and reinforcement. New learning adds stress and confusion.
2. How many hours per day should I study?
Two to three focused hours maximum. Overworking leads to burnout and lower recall.
3. What’s the best last-minute resource?
RevisionDojo’s Flashcards and Questionbank Mini-Tests — fast, efficient, and tailored to IB-style exam patterns.
Final Thoughts
Exam week success isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing better.
When you revise with focus, prioritize active recall, and use RevisionDojo’s built-in structure, you’ll stay calm, clear-headed, and ready to perform your best.
Your goal this week isn’t to learn math — it’s to remember it.
Call to Action
Plan your IB Math exam week with confidence.
Use RevisionDojo Flashcards, Questionbank, and Study Planner to stay organized, focused, and fully prepared for every paper.
