The last two weeks are not the time for “more resources”. They are the time to convert what you already know into reliable performance. The strategy is simple: (1) simulate, (2) diagnose, (3) close the highest-yield gaps, (4) protect sleep and stability.
What you are optimising now
Reliability under pressure. Evidence on retrieval practice and distributed practice supports repeated, spaced re-attempts. Your job is to keep the loop tight and avoid destabilising last-minute changes.
1
Days -14 to -10 — Calibrate
1 timed block + full debrief. Identify: top 3 themes, top timing bottleneck, top error type. Do not change everything.
2
Days -9 to -6 — Close gaps
Daily: targeted Q-bank blocks for your top 3 themes + retrieval prompts (cards/error log). Keep breadth maintenance minimal but consistent.
3
Days -5 to -3 — Re-simulate
Another timed block targeting the same themes. The aim is to confirm closure and stabilise pacing.
4
Days -2 to -1 — Stabilise
No new topics. Only: light retrieval, a short confidence block, early night, and admin logistics (ID, route, timing).
5
Exam day — Execute
Run your pre-paper routine. Treat the paper like a system: bank fast marks, standardise decisions, avoid time sinks, and stay calm when you hit uncertainty.
Common failure mode
A last-minute resource binge. It increases anxiety and fragments recall. Your score usually moves more from closing known gaps than opening new ones.
SourceRoediger & Karpicke (2006) — Testing effect (PubMed)
Open Link SourceCepeda et al. (2006) — Spacing effect meta-analysis (PubMed)
Open Link