Most students wait until the last minute to study for exams, which leads to anxiety, all-nighters, and disappointing grades. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With just 10 minutes a day per class, your student can reduce stress, retain more information, and actually feel prepared when test day comes.

When students feel behind, they usually are.
And when they're behind, they avoid.
Then it snowballs.

They don’t mean to procrastinate—they just don’t have a system that helps them stay consistently ahead. That’s where a simple daily test prep habit can make all the difference.

Meet the Student (Your Hero)

Let’s imagine your student, juggling classes, social life, maybe a job—and they really do want to do well. But exams sneak up. They open their notes the night before a test and realize they don’t really know the material.

Now they’re overwhelmed.
Cue the panic. Cue the cramming. Cue the low grade.

But here’s the good news: there's a better way.

The Strategy: 10 Minutes Per Day, Per Class

Spending just 10 focused minutes each day reviewing flashcards, testing with practice questions, or solving one review problem makes a massive impact over time. This isn’t busy work—this is spaced repetition, a powerful memory technique backed by research.

When students space their practice out, their brains work harder to retrieve the information. That extra effort builds long-term recall. So when test day comes, it’s not guesswork or last-minute memorizing—it’s review.

What It Looks Like in Real Life:

Let’s say your student has four classes. That’s 40 minutes total—still less than the time they’ll probably spend scrolling or watching Netflix.

Each day:

• Class 1: Pull out 5 flashcards and quiz yourself.
• Class 2: Re-do a problem from last week’s homework.
• Class 3: Test yourself on key definitions or terms.
• Class 4: Take 3 multiple choice questions from a study guide.

That’s it.
No stress. No marathon sessions. No late-night breakdowns.

Real Talk from a Coach

I’ve worked with students who swore they weren’t “good test takers.” But when they started this 10-minute habit? Their grades went up, their confidence grew, and test prep stopped being scary. They owned their learning.

And if you're a parent reading this, thinking, “My kid would never do that on their own…” you’re probably right.

But here’s where your role as a supporter—not a nag—comes in.

Action Steps for Students:

1. Set a timer. Keep it to 10 minutes max per class. You’re not re-learning the material—just reviewing.
2. Use active recall. Don’t just read notes—test yourself.
3. Track it. Put a check mark on a calendar or planner every time you complete your review.
4. Start small. Even one class a day is better than none.

Action Steps for Parents:

1. Have the conversation. Share this blog post and talk through how much time exam prep actually takes when it’s last-minute.
2. Frame it as freedom. This habit gives your student more free time later—not less.
3. Encourage momentum. Ask: “What’s one class you could start with this week?”
4. Celebrate consistency. Reward effort, not just grades. Habits build success.

Let’s Zoom Out

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.
A student who shows up for 10 minutes a day is building the kind of discipline and confidence that lasts far beyond college.

Your student is capable of so much. They just need a roadmap—and a rhythm.

That’s what I help with inside my signature course: structure, study systems, and support that changes how students show up for their education. If your student is falling behind, or if they’re just tired of the stress that comes with exams, this habit is the best place to start.

Want more tools like this?
Share this blog with your student—and if you’re ready to get them the structure and support they need, start here.