9 Last Minute Exam Cramming Tips That Work

Exams may seem like a battle against time, particularly when the clock is ticking and you realize just how much you still need to learn.

We all would like to study months ahead of time, but life, extracurricular activities, work, or even laziness can get in the way.

The reality is that everyone has crammed at the last minute at least once. The world is not over, and with the right strategies, you can still perform well.

I won’t be insincere—cramming is not the best strategy, but I’ve had my fair share of success with it. I can honestly say it has been more useful to me than I can count.

In this post, I’ll outline my personal tips on how to survive a last-minute exam cram and walk out of that examination room feeling confident that you gave it your all.

Last Minute Exam Cramming Tips

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic

First things first: stay calm. Whenever I found myself in a crunch, I felt overwhelmed at times, but panicking was never the solution.

Stress complicates recalling what you’ve studied. Rather than getting flustered, I would count my breaths, sit down, and come up with a cramming plan.

Even though cramming isn’t perfect, you can still absorb a lot in a short time. When there are just hours left before the exam and you can feel the pressure building up, stop for a moment.

Do a five-minute or even a half-hour breathing exercise. And remind yourself that you’ve handled situations like this before.

2. Focus on Key Concepts and Core Topics

You don’t have time to go through every single chapter. Focus on the key topics that are most likely to appear on the exam.

If it’s a history exam, pay attention to the major events, dates, and personalities. If the teacher mentioned specific points or highlighted topics, these are great clues.

In mathematics, focus on learning the major formulas and solving some exercises instead of just memorizing them.

The goal is to understand the big picture and focus on areas the teacher emphasized. You should make the most of the time you have by zeroing in on the most important topics.

3. Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

Active recall is one of my most effective tools. Instead of rereading notes, I test myself. For example, in a biology exam, I would close the book and try to recall everything I know about photosynthesis—what steps are involved, what functions are performed, and how it fits into the larger biological system. If something slips my mind, I’ll review it and test myself again. This method helps reinforce memory under pressure.

Spaced repetition works even in the final hours. After every 20–30 minutes of reviewing, I test myself on what I’ve just learned. Quick, spaced reviews help my brain retain the information.

4. Make a Study Schedule (and Follow It)

Time is critical, and having an organized plan will save you. Take ten minutes the night before the exam to prepare a rough schedule. Break your study material into smaller, digestible chunks, and allocate a specific amount of time for each. It’s better to take small breaks to refresh and prevent burnout.

For example, if you have five hours left to study, spend 45 minutes reviewing major chapters, followed by a 10-minute break. Then, work on a practice quiz, take another break, and repeat the cycle. This keeps you on track and prevents wasting time.

Always prioritize the areas you’re less confident about. When you’re most alert, tackle the more difficult material—the first hour or two of study time is usually the most effective.

5. Use Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Mnemonics are a great way to make remembering facts easier when you’re cramming. Pair facts with a rhyme or a catchy phrase. For example, to memorize the order of the planets, I used: “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos” (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). It’s silly but effective!

Another quick tool I use is flashcards. Write a question on one side and the answer on the other. Quickly flip through them to recap the essential points.

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Going to sleep may seem counterintuitive when you’re cramming, but it’s necessary. Lack of sleep dulls your mind and makes it harder to recall information. Sleep helps solidify memories. Your brain processes what you’ve learned while you sleep, which is an important step in memory retention.

Try to get at least six to seven hours of sleep before the exam, even if it means cutting back on your study time. You’ll wake up feeling more alert and ready to take on the test.

7. Stay Hydrated and Eat Right

Cramming can cause you to forget about your body, but staying hydrated is crucial. It helps keep your brain sharp.

Eating a healthy meal with protein and complex carbs (eggs, whole grains, and fruits) will provide you with sustained energy.

Avoid junk food or sugary snacks—they’ll leave you feeling sluggish and distracted. A banana or a handful of nuts are perfect for keeping your energy levels up.

8. Stop When You’re Done (Know When to Stop)

Cramming becomes counterproductive if you try to study continuously without taking breaks. Your brain can only absorb so much before it reaches capacity.

About an hour before the exam, stop studying. Use that time to go over last-minute details, glance over your notes once more, and take a deep breath. Trust that you’ve done the best you could with the time you had.

9. Trust in Yourself and Stay Confident

The most important part of last-minute cramming is confidence. Don’t panic and believe that you can recall the material. Remember that you’ve studied this before, and you’ve retained as much as possible. A positive mindset is key to performing well under pressure.

The Bottom Line

Cramming at the last minute isn’t the ideal way to prepare, but it’s a reality for many of us. With the right strategies, you can maximize your limited time and still perform well. I’ve done it, and so can you. Collect yourself, focus on the main points, and use these tips to walk into the exam room ready to tackle the challenge.

Good luck—you’ve got this!

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ONWE DAMIAN

Onwe Damian Chukwuemeka is a relationship writer, a law student and a student advocate. He was the former Deputy Director of Public Prosecution SUG, University of Calabar, Nigeria, and currently one of the Judges of the High Court of the Student Union Government, University of Calabar. Learn more about him

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