Tips for Sticking to a 90-Day Study Schedule
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
🧾 Tips for Sticking to a 90-Day Study Schedule
🎓 Stay on Track for Your Exam with These Proven Strategies
Creating and sticking to a 90-day study schedule can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s completely achievable. Whether you’re preparing for the Series 63, Series 65, or any other exam, consistency and focus are key. Here are some top tips to help you stay on track and make the most of your study time:
🎯 1. Break the Schedule into Manageable Chunks
Instead of viewing the 90 days as one long study session, break it down into weekly or daily goals. This makes the task feel less overwhelming and helps you stay on top of your progress. For example:
- Week 1–4: Focus on understanding core concepts.
- Week 5–8: Work on practice exams and weak areas.
- Week 9: Review all material, focus on last-minute practice exams, and tackle any remaining questions.
🎯 2. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method that encourages focused work in short, intense bursts. Here’s how it works:
- Set a 25-minute timer to focus entirely on studying.
- After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break.
- After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). This technique keeps you focused and prevents burnout, making study sessions more productive.
🎯 3. Plan for Breaks and Downtime
Studying for long hours without rest can lead to mental fatigue. Be sure to plan regular breaks and downtime:
- Daily breaks: Take a break after completing a study session.
- Weekly breaks: Give yourself at least one day off a week to relax and recharge.
- Sleep: Ensure you’re getting 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Quality rest improves retention and focus.
🎯 4. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Milestones
Keeping track of your progress can help you stay motivated. Use a study tracker to mark off completed tasks and milestones. For example:
- Day 30: Review all material on the core concepts.
- Day 60: Complete at least 3 full practice exams.
- Day 90: Final review and focus on your weakest areas.
Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated!
🎯 5. Stay Flexible
While sticking to a schedule is important, it’s equally important to stay flexible. Life happens, and sometimes you’ll need to adapt your schedule. If you miss a study session, simply adjust your plan for the week and keep moving forward. Flexibility will reduce stress and keep you on track without feeling overwhelmed.
🎯 6. Stay Accountable
Accountability can significantly increase your chances of success. Find someone to keep you accountable, whether it’s a study partner, mentor, or even a friend who checks in with you regularly. Alternatively, use online study groups or forums to stay engaged and motivated.
🎯 7. Prioritize Difficult Topics First
Focus on the most challenging topics early in your study plan. When you tackle harder material first, you give yourself the chance to fully understand it before moving on to easier topics. As the exam approaches, spend more time reviewing key areas and practice questions rather than learning new material.
🎯 8. Use Active Learning Techniques
Instead of passively reading, engage with the material using active learning techniques:
- Practice exams: Take frequent quizzes and practice tests to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Flashcards: Use flashcards for quick memorization of key terms or formulas.
- Teach-back: Try explaining concepts aloud as if you were teaching someone else—this reinforces understanding and highlights weak areas.
🎯 9. Eliminate Distractions
When it’s time to study, minimize distractions to stay focused:
- Turn off social media and other distractions.
- Set up a quiet study space with everything you need at hand (e.g., notes, water, snacks).
- Use apps or website blockers to stay off non-study-related sites.
🎯 10. Keep a Positive Mindset
Staying positive is crucial throughout your 90-day journey. It’s easy to get discouraged if you feel behind or stressed. To maintain a positive mindset:
- Stay consistent with your study routine, even when things get tough.
- Visualize success by imagining yourself passing the exam.
- Remember that small progress every day adds up to big results.
🎓 Conclusion
Sticking to a 90-day study schedule is completely achievable with the right approach. Breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks, staying flexible, and tracking your progress are all crucial steps to staying on track. With commitment, consistency, and a positive mindset, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed on exam day.
🎓 Ready to start your 90-day study plan?
Access expert-led study courses and structured study plans at
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com
Stay on track and achieve exam success with a well-organized study plan!