for the overachiever who'd rather pack the bag than cram new material
Goal
Spend the day before the exam on logistics and light recall, never new material.
Source principle
The day before the exam is for logistics and light recall. Never cram new material this late. : from How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport.
The plan
- ✅9:00-9:15 AMConfirm exam time, room, ID, materials.
- 📦9:15-9:30 AMPack the bag: pens, calculator, ID, water, snack.
- 👔9:30-10:00 AMLay out clothes, plan the route, buffer 20 min.
- 🧠10:00-11:00 AMLight recall of the synthesis map, no new material.
- 🚶11:00-11:30 AMWalk, off the desk.
- 📄11:30 AM-12:00 PMReview the one-page cheat sheet only.
- 🍽️12:00-1:00 PMLunch, protein not sugar.
- ⏱️1:00-2:00 PM5-min recall of weakest topic, then stop.
- 🎯2:00-4:00 PMFree time, hobbies, off the desk.
- 🏃4:00-5:00 PMLight exercise, anything that moves.
- 🍴6:00-7:00 PMDinner, calm, no cramming.
- ⏰8:00-8:30 PMSet two alarms, phone across the room.
- 😴10:00 PMLights out, sleep is the last study tool.