---
name: exam-prep
description: Comprehensive exam preparation strategies and materials. Creates study schedules, review sheets, practice tests, and identifies weak areas. Use when preparing for exams, creating study plans, building review materials, or organizing exam preparation. Triggers - exam prep, test preparation, study schedule, review sheet, practice test, exam study plan.
---

# Exam Prep

Comprehensive exam preparation with study schedules, review sheets, and practice strategies.

## Workflow

```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[Assess Time & Material] --> B[Create Study Plan]
    B --> C[Build Review Materials]
    C --> D[Practice & Test]
    D --> E[Review Weak Areas]
    E --> D
```

---

## Step 1: Assessment

### Time Assessment
1. **Days until exam:** ___
2. **Hours available per day:** ___
3. **Total study hours:** Days × Hours = ___

### Material Assessment
List all topics to cover and rate confidence (1-5):

| Topic | Confidence | Priority |
|-------|------------|----------|
| Topic A | 2 | High |
| Topic B | 4 | Low |
| Topic C | 3 | Medium |

**Priority formula:** Lower confidence = Higher priority

---

## Step 2: Study Plan Templates

### One-Week Plan

| Day | Focus | Activities |
|-----|-------|------------|
| Day 1-2 | Weak topics (Priority: High) | Read, Notes |
| Day 3-4 | Medium topics | Review, Practice |
| Day 5 | Quick review all | Summary sheets |
| Day 6 | Practice test | Full simulation |
| Day 7 | Final review | Weak areas only |

### Two-Week Plan

| Week | Focus |
|------|-------|
| Week 1 | Content learning/review |
| Week 2 | Practice and reinforcement |

### One-Month Plan

| Week | Focus |
|------|-------|
| Week 1 | Learn new/difficult material |
| Week 2 | Reinforce and practice |
| Week 3 | Practice tests, identify gaps |
| Week 4 | Review, light practice, rest |

---

## Step 3: Review Sheet Template

### One-Page Summary Format

```markdown
# [Topic] Cheat Sheet

## Key Concepts (3-5 bullet points)
- Concept 1: Brief explanation
- Concept 2: Brief explanation

## Essential Formulas
| Name | Formula |
|------|---------|
| Formula 1 | [equation] |

## Quick Process Steps
1. Step 1
2. Step 2
3. Step 3

## Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Wrong approach
- ✅ Correct approach

## Memory Aids
- Mnemonic for [concept]
```

---

## Step 4: Practice Test Strategy

### Creating Practice Tests
1. **Source questions** from textbook, past exams, problem sets
2. **Match format** to actual exam (MCQ, short answer, essay)
3. **Time it** realistically
4. **Grade honestly** with answer key

### During Practice
- Simulate exam conditions (no notes, timed)
- Mark uncertain answers for review
- Track time per section

### After Practice
1. Score and analyze errors
2. Categorize mistakes:
   - Content gap (didn't know)
   - Careless error (knew but missed)
   - Time issue (ran out of time)
3. Focus review on content gaps

---

## Step 5: Exam Day Checklist

### Night Before
- [ ] Review summary sheets (light, no cramming)
- [ ] Prepare materials (pens, calculator, ID)
- [ ] Set alarm(s)
- [ ] Get 7-8 hours sleep

### Exam Day
- [ ] Eat breakfast
- [ ] Arrive early
- [ ] Quick glance at notes (optional)
- [ ] Use bathroom before

### During Exam
- [ ] Read all instructions
- [ ] Quick scan of entire exam
- [ ] Answer easy questions first
- [ ] Budget time appropriately
- [ ] Review answers if time permits

---

## Study Techniques

### Active Recall
Test yourself instead of re-reading
- Flashcards
- Practice problems
- Explain concepts aloud

### Spaced Repetition
Review at increasing intervals:
- Day 1: Learn
- Day 2: Review
- Day 4: Review
- Day 7: Review

### Pomodoro Method
- 25 min focus → 5 min break
- After 4 cycles: 15-30 min break