Revising for an aptitude test: why short, regular practice works

Many people cram for hours just before a test. Memory research has shown for decades that two simple strategies work much better.

1. Spaced practice

Spreading your practice over several short sessions across days and weeks helps you remember more than one long session. Many studies have confirmed this effect.

2. Retrieval practice

Testing yourself works better than re-reading. Every practice question you answer without help strengthens your memory.

Putting it into practice

• Plan 15 to 20 minutes a day instead of a few hours once a week.
• Answer practice questions before you look at the solution.
• Go back to the questions you got wrong a few days later.

Short and often beats long and rare.