Whether it’s due to procrastination, a busy ward schedule, or simply underestimating how much time you need to prepare for the written exam – sometimes you find yourself far less time to revise than you’d hoped for.

While it’s never ideal to be short on time, you can still use a few smart techniques from PassFRACP  to make the most of the time you have.

1. Prioritise Key Topics

When time is limited, you won’t be able to cover everything in equal depth. Begin by identifying the most important high yield topics that are most likely to appear on the exam or are the most heavily weighted in your assessment. Review past exams, notes, and course syllabi to guide you in this process.

Here is the PassFRACP high yield topics that our tags are based on:

2. Use Active Recall

 Active recall is a powerful study technique that involves testing your memory by trying to retrieve information without looking at your notes. It forces you to engage with the material, strengthening your ability to remember it later. Instead of passively reading through your notes, challenge yourself to recall facts, definitions, or processes. Quiz yourself using our question bank. Additionally use  our spaced repetition application to reinforce memory.

3. Use Maps and Diagrams

 When time is limited, visual aids can help you review and retain large amounts of information quickly. At PassFRACP we use diagrams, tables, mnemonics, flow charts in our answers to allow you to condense complex information into easy-to-digest chunks and help you see connections between different topics.

4. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Simulating exam conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare, especially when time is limited. Try doing our timed practice tests or answering questions without consulting your notes. This will help you manage time effectively during the actual exam and also familiarise you with the MCQ and EMQ question formats.

Of note *PassFRACP uses unique questions rather than reused from the question bank.

5. Take Strategic Breaks

It’s tempting to power through revision when you’re running out of time, but taking short, structured breaks can actually improve focus and retention. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method, where you work intensely for a short period (e.g. 25 minutes) and then take a brief 5-minute break. This will prevent burnout and help keep your mind fresh

6. Stay Calm and Positive

A tight deadline can create stress, but panicking won’t help you absorb information. Instead, stay calm and keep a positive mindset. If you focus on how little time you have, you’ll waste valuable mental energy that could be used to revise effectively. A positive attitude will help you focus better and retain more information.

Conclusion

Even when you’re short on time, it’s possible to revise effectively by using focused, strategic techniques. PassFRACP can help prioritise key topics, use active recall, and condense information. Whilst further Supplement your revision with practice under exam conditions. Most importantly, stay calm and maintain a positive mindset. With a smart approach, you can still make significant progress and enter your exam prepared to succeed.

Signup today at PassFRACP here to access our resources to succeed in the exam