How to Revise Maths Effectively (Even if You're Short on Time)

Let's be honest. Not everyone starts revising when they should! Whether you are trying to balance the demands of multiple subjects, life has gotten in the way, or Maths revision just keeps getting pushed down your to-do list, don't panic! It's not too late.

With the right strategy, you can make real progress in a short amount of time.

✅ Need focused revision help fast? Work with me to get a personalised plan that makes the most of your time.

1. Focus on Topics, Not Pages

Don't spend hours needlessly flipping though a textbook convincing yourself you know what to do. Use your time tactically, by considering:

• Topics that carry the most weight in your exam.

• Areas where you’ve historically struggled.

• Recurring question types from past papers.

Focus on these areas by initially writing a list of 6-7 key areas to focus on, and then make detailed notes on these.

2. Practice Beats Passive Review

Whilst reading notes can feed productive, it doesn't actually test what you know. For my exam classes, I always recommend using specific past papers.

• Aim for short bursts: 20–30 minutes focused practice is better than hours of passive reading.

• Use the available markschemes to mark your work immediately and then reflect: Why did I lose that mark? What will I do differently next time?

  
  

3. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

Image from 'Education Corner'

Repetition is everything when we are talking about remembering topics.

Look at the curve on the right. If you don't review material consistently (through past papers, reviewing notes, etc), you'll forget everything really quickly.

It's crucial that you review materials consistently to help you truly remember topics. Here is a suggestion of what you could do to help.

• Day 1: Review a topic + practise questions

• Day 3: Do a timed mini quiz on that topic

• Day 5: Attempt a mixed-topic paper that includes it

  
  

4. Practice with the Tools

Make sure you are practicing past papers using the right calculator!

• IB/ACT/SAT: Practise with your GDC. I always recommend using a NumWorks calculator - it really is the best choice out there.

• DSAT: Ensure you are happy with using DESMOS as that is provided to you in the exams.

At Mr Q Maths, I always provide resources that mimic the exact exam format — because practice makes perfect!

5. "Easy" Marks

My dad would always say that it is so easy to convince yourself you know the first few questions and neglect to practice them. Make sure you are 100% confident on the first few questions of any exam.

In many exams, students lose more marks from misreading the question or a silly calculator error than from missing hard problems.

6. Simulate Exam Conditions

If you are really short on time, I recommend that you do at least one timed paper before the real thing. Make sure you do it in exam conditions, meaning no phone, no music, just a timer. Focus on time management, style of questions and your pacing.

7. Finally, get some sleep

Your brain consolidates memory during sleep. A well-rested brain oiutperforms a tired brain every single time. If you're choosing between revising until 2am or sleeping at 11pm — choose sleep.

Final Thoughts

If you are short on time, focus on being efficient and revising the topics that will get you the most marks. Maths is a labour of love, and rewards active effort - even a few focused sessions can make a really big difference!

You don’t need to revise everything to score well — just the right things, in the right way. Maths rewards active effort, so even a few focused sessions can make a big difference.

Need help targeting your revision in these final weeks? I offer personalised revision plans and intensive prep sessions for IB, SAT, ACT and high school maths students.

Book Now

📍 Website: www.mrqmaths.com

📩 Contact: www.mrqmaths.com/contact

📺 YouTube: @mrqmaths

📸 Instagram: @mr.qmaths