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Worried about when to start revising? It's always best to plan ahead and not leave it until the last minute, but it's so hard to know how long you'll need. To give you an idea of when to get your head down and start revising, we spoke to seven A-level students to ask their opinions.
Read our list of alternative revision methods.
Hope M: “There isn’t really a set time to start revising.”
“I start revising about 4 or 5 weeks before my A-levels and I normally plan to start my revision in the Easter half term. I revise best by writing out the important information and making revision posters as well as flash cards to test myself. I would advise others to start revising about a month in advance, because then you aren't going to forget things you revised early on like you may do if you revise, say, two months in advance.
“As long as you feel that you'll have enough time to fit everything in and don't cram your learning, there isn't really a set time to start revising.”
Joe P: “I revise best when I have a good balance between working and relaxing.”
“I normally start revising in late April, although throughout the year I make sure that I put lots of effort into my work. This way when I come to revise, it’s a good place to start. When I feel the need to revise, I will then start making a list of things to do.
“I revise best when I have a good balance between working and relaxing. I might do a solid half an hour of revision and then treat myself to an episode on Netflix. I also revise best when I’m alone.
“My main tip would be to analyse how you found your previous exams. Reflect on whether you should have afforded yourself more time to revise. Then, decide where to start.”
Amy D: “Try different revision techniques and see what suits you.”
“I start revising probably about 3 weeks before my assessment. Each time I regret not starting earlier. About three weeks before I rewrite all my notes onto both A4 paper and revision cards.
“I also read a lot. I'll read everything again and sometimes copy it out. Try different revision techniques and see what suits you.”
Rachael B: “Doing past papers is a great way to ease into the process.”
“After mocks I start to gradually revise and then increase the amount I do as exams get closer. I find the way I revise best is to take notes, make posters and read through the revision guides. Doing past papers is a great way to ease into the process.”
Georgie B: “Start revising at least two weeks before your first exam.”
“I usually start revising at least two weeks before my exam, as I find it hard to remember things and motivate myself without pressure.
“I revise best by reading and condensing information or thinking of acronyms. Start revising at least two weeks before your first exam, so you don’t underestimate how much information you need to cover.”
Gemma A: “Don’t worry if people around you are revising already or haven’t started.”
“Revision for me starts after February half term. This way I can have a break after mocks before I start revising again. I learn by copying and re-copying notes, along with revision cards.
“The earlier I can start revising, the better. Don't worry if people around you are revising already or haven't started. Start revising when you think it’s appropriate to.”
Emma D: “What works best for you won’t necessarily work best for others.”
“I normally start revising for my A-levels a few months before the exams begin. I revise best by reading through my notes and then copying things out several times.
“A hint I’d give is to not compare yourself to or compete with others. Revision is personal. What works best for you won’t necessarily work best for others.”
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