How to Prioritize Topics When Studying for Exams

2 September 2025

Studying for exams can feel overwhelming, especially when you have a mountain of topics to cover. You might find yourself staring at your textbooks, wondering, Where do I even begin? Prioritizing topics effectively can make a huge difference in how well you retain information and how confident you feel on exam day.

In this guide, we’ll break down a straightforward approach to prioritizing your study topics so you can study smarter, not harder.

Why Prioritization Matters in Studying

Imagine trying to fill a jar with big rocks, pebbles, and sand. If you start with the sand, there’s no room for the big rocks. But if you place the big rocks first, the smaller stuff fits around them. Studying works the same way—you need to tackle the most important topics first before dealing with the finer details.

Not all subjects carry the same weight in your exams. Some topics are like those big rocks—they make up a significant portion of the test. Others are like the sand—nice to know, but not as crucial. Prioritizing helps you focus on what really matters.

Step 1: Identify High-Value Topics

Analyze the Exam Syllabus

Your syllabus is a goldmine of information! It tells you exactly what topics will be tested. Teachers don’t just throw random topics into an exam—there’s always a pattern. Go through the syllabus carefully and highlight the major concepts or chapters.

Check Past Papers & Sample Questions

Past papers are like a cheat code for exams. They show you which topics have appeared frequently. If a topic has been tested multiple times in previous years, chances are it will show up again.

Weightage Matters

Some subjects have a marking scheme that assigns different weights to different sections. A topic worth 15 marks should get more of your attention than one worth 2 marks. Prioritize high-weightage topics first.

Teacher’s Emphasis in Class

Teachers often give subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints about important topics. If your teacher has repeated a concept multiple times or spent extra time explaining it, mark it as a priority.

Step 2: Classify Topics by Difficulty Level

Now that you know the key topics, classify them based on how difficult they are for you.

- Easy Topics: These are the ones you already understand well. You can review them quickly.
- Moderate Topics: These require some effort, but you can grasp them with some revision.
- Difficult Topics: These are the ones that confuse you or take a long time to understand.

The trick is to balance your time between reviewing easy topics (so you don’t forget them) and working on the difficult ones.

Step 3: Use the 80/20 Rule

The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 Rule, applies to studying too. It suggests that roughly 80% of your exam success will come from 20% of the topics.

How do you identify this 20%?

- Look at major chapters that contribute the most to your exam.
- Spot the fundamental concepts that form the foundation for other topics.
- Identify frequently tested areas.

Focus on this high-impact 20% first, and then allocate time to the remaining topics.

Step 4: Create a Priority-Based Study Plan

Make a Study Schedule

Break down your revision into days and assign topics accordingly. A good rule of thumb is:

1. Start with high-weightage & difficult topics.
2. Move to moderate topics.
3. Finish with easy topics for quick revision.

A study planner or a simple to-do list can keep you on track.

Set Realistic Goals

Trying to cover five difficult chapters in one night? Bad idea! Set realistic targets—for example, "Complete Chapter 5 concepts and practice 10 questions today." This keeps motivation high and stress low.

Allocate Time Proportionally

Spend more time on challenging topics but don’t neglect the easier ones. You still need to keep everything fresh for the exam.

Step 5: Use Active Learning Techniques

Prioritize Active Recall over Passive Reading

Simply reading your textbook is like pouring water into a leaky bucket—it won’t stick for long. Instead, try:

- Summarizing topics in your own words
- Teaching concepts to a friend
- Using flashcards for quick recall
- Practicing past papers under timed conditions

Use the Pomodoro Technique

This method is a lifesaver! Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. It keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.

Step 6: Be Flexible and Adjust Priorities

Prioritization isn’t set in stone. If you find a topic harder than expected, give it more time. If a particular chapter feels easier than you thought, adjust your schedule accordingly.

- Keep daily reflections on what’s working and what’s not.
- Adapt your plan based on progress.
- Don’t be afraid to skip unnecessary details that won’t impact the exam.

Step 7: Don’t Ignore Revision & Mock Tests

Space Out Your Revision

Instead of cramming everything the night before, space out your revision. Studies show that the brain retains information better this way.

- Revise difficult topics multiple times.
- Use mnemonics, diagrams, and charts for quick memory boosts.
- If possible, simulate exam conditions to practice under pressure.

Mock Tests Are Game-Changers

Taking mock tests:
✔ Improves time management
✔ Helps in identifying weak areas
✔ Builds confidence

Even if you get some answers wrong, that’s okay! Better to make mistakes now than in the actual exam.

Final Thoughts: Study Smart, Not Hard

Prioritizing study topics isn’t about studying more—it’s about studying better. By identifying high-impact topics, using strategic learning methods, and managing your time wisely, you can make exam prep much more effective.

Remember, the goal is understanding, not just memorization. With the right strategy, you’ll walk into that exam room confident and prepared. Happy studying!