How to Combine Flashcards and Practice Tests in 90 Days

📚 How to Combine Flashcards and Practice Tests in 90 Days 📅

A well-rounded study strategy for the FINRA exams involves using both flashcards and practice tests. Each of these tools offers unique benefits that, when used together, can greatly enhance retention and readiness. Here’s how to integrate flashcards and practice tests into a 90-day study plan for maximum effectiveness.

1. Set Clear Milestones for Each Week 🗓️

To create a structured approach, break the 90 days into 12 weekly segments. Each week will focus on a specific topic or section of the FINRA exam syllabus.

• Weeks 1-4: Review foundational concepts such as financial terms, regulations, and basic securities laws.
• Weeks 5-8: Dive deeper into specific exam topics such as trading practices, risk management, and retirement plans.
• Weeks 9-12: Focus on complex topics and review weak areas, working on full-length practice tests and final reviews.

2. Use Flashcards for Active Recall 🔄

Flashcards are one of the best tools for active recall, which helps you retain information by forcing you to retrieve it from memory. Here’s how to effectively use them:

• Daily Flashcard Sessions: Set aside 20-30 minutes each day for flashcard review. Aim for 3-4 sessions per day, spaced out throughout your study time.
• Focus on Key Terms and Concepts: Flashcards should cover critical terminology, formulas, and regulations that are commonly tested on the exam. Create cards for topics like securities types, investment products, and regulatory bodies.
• Use Spaced Repetition: As you progress, focus on the flashcards that are more difficult or that you consistently get wrong, spacing out the easier cards.

3. Incorporate Practice Tests Weekly 📝

Practice tests are essential for evaluating your readiness and simulating exam conditions. Integrate them strategically to track your progress.

• Weekly Practice Tests: At the end of each week, take a practice test covering the material you’ve studied that week. This helps solidify your understanding and highlight any weak areas.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: When taking practice tests, mimic real exam conditions by timing yourself and avoiding interruptions. This helps build your stamina for the actual test day.
• Review Practice Test Results: After each practice test, spend time reviewing both the correct and incorrect answers. This will help you understand why a particular answer is correct and reinforce your learning.

4. Combine Flashcards with Practice Test Review 🔄💡

After completing a practice test, take time to go over the results and use flashcards to reinforce areas where you struggled. This combination allows for more targeted review.

• Targeted Flashcard Sessions: If you found certain concepts challenging in your practice test, review your flashcards related to those topics the next day. Repetition will help strengthen your memory.
• Use Flashcards to Drill Problematic Areas: When you struggle with specific practice test questions, create flashcards around those topics or scenarios to improve your retention.

5. Adjust the Focus as You Progress 📊

In the final 4 weeks (Weeks 9-12), shift your focus more toward practice tests and timed simulations. This will help build confidence and prepare you for the pressure of the actual exam.

• Increase Practice Test Frequency: In the last 30 days, aim to take a full-length practice test every 3-4 days. This will give you a clearer picture of your readiness and boost your test-taking endurance.
• Flashcard Review: Continue to review flashcards daily but adjust the frequency to focus on high-priority areas identified in your practice tests.

6. Final Review 🏁

In the last 7-10 days before the exam:

• Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Use this time to take a final full-length practice test under timed conditions.
• Flashcard Reinforcement: Do quick flashcard reviews for any remaining weak areas.
• Stay Confident and Relaxed: Avoid cramming. Focus on relaxing and reinforcing your knowledge in a calm, methodical way.

By combining flashcards and practice tests, you ensure a comprehensive, focused approach that not only helps you retain information but also boosts your test-taking skills. This combination maximizes the benefits of both active recall and simulation, providing you with the best chance of success on your FINRA exams.

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