How to study for exams. - Spaced Revision - Ali Abdaal's genius alternative - Spaced Repetition, by Kit Betts-Masters on YouTube. 9 min 59 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 59 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open a new spreadsheet and list every subject as a separate tab along the bottom. Name each tab clearly, for example Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
In the A column of each tab, list the topics for that subject one per row. Be specific, such as Forces and Motion or Organic Reactions, not just the subject name.
In row 1, add dates across the columns. Space them out, for example every week or two up to your exam date, so each topic gets several review points.
Rate your confidence for each topic in each date cell. Use a simple scale like 1 to 5, where 1 means you barely know it and 5 means you know it well.
Apply conditional formatting so low ratings turn red and high ratings turn green. In Google Sheets use Format, then Conditional formatting, and set rules for the number ranges.
Each study session, open the sheet and look for the red areas. Pick those topics first and revise them before moving to greener ones.
After each revision session, update the rating for that topic on the nearest date. Raise it if you understood it better, lower it if it still feels shaky.
Repeat the review on your set dates. Over time the sheet becomes a map of your content, showing which topics need the most attention.
Tips and common mistakes
Write specific topics rather than subject names, because a vague plan tells you nothing about what to actually study.
Update ratings honestly after each session, or the red areas will not reflect your real weak spots.
If you prefer paper, draw the same grid on a flip chart with topics down the side and dates across the top.
A quizzing app that adapts to your answers can do a similar job if you would rather not maintain a spreadsheet.
Questions
How often should I review each topic?
Space reviews out over the weeks before your exam, for example every one to two weeks. Each pass should be a little further apart as your rating improves.
Do I need Excel, or can I use Google Sheets?
Google Sheets works fine and is free. Use conditional formatting to colour the rating cells red, amber and green.
What if I miss a review date?
Just rate the topic on the next date you study it. The sheet is a guide, not a strict schedule, so keep it updated rather than abandoning it.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
