2/3,5/7 Study Method: The Simple Hack for Smarter Exam Prep

Ever wish there was a cheat code for getting your brain to actually remember what you studied? The 2/3,5/7 study method comes pretty close. It's not some magic, just a simple twist on spaced repetition—a way to review what you learned so it sticks for good. Instead of endless cramming, you review the same stuff on day 2, day 3, day 5, and day 7. That’s it. Sounds almost too easy, right?

This method taps into how our brains like to forget things (yes, it's annoying), then brings the info back just before it slips away. By hitting those checkpoint days, you remind your brain what's important without overdoing it. It’s perfect if you want to spend less time stressing and more time feeling ready.

I know, everyone’s got their own weird study rituals—I used to re-write everything three times in rainbow ink, thinking it would help. Turns out, the timing of your reviews matters a lot more than how many pens you buy. And this 2/3,5/7 schedule is easy enough to remember, even if you’re running on coffee fumes and two hours of sleep.

• What is the 2/3,5/7 study method?
• Why does this method work?
• How to use it in your daily study routine
• Tips for making the most out of 2/3,5/7

What is the 2/3,5/7 study method?

Put simply, the 2/3,5/7 study method is a way to schedule your review sessions so your brain actually remembers what you studied, instead of letting it fade away right after class. Instead of cramming everything in one sitting, you go back and review the same topic on the second day, the third day, the fifth day, and then again on the seventh day after your first study session. That’s why it’s called “2/3,5/7.”

This method grew popular on student forums and TikTok during 2024, after some educators highlighted how our memory fades quickly unless we remind it what’s actually important. They took inspiration from classic spaced repetition science but made the schedule less complicated. Instead of apps with weird algorithms, you just use a notepad, a planner, or a calendar reminder. It works great for flashcards, summaries, or even practice problems—anything you want to stick long-term.

Why these numbers? They match up with the forgetting curve—a real thing psychologists found to show how fast people forget new information. The idea is you catch your brain just as it’s about to forget, and that boosts memory a ton. For students, it means you remember more with way less last-minute panic.

• 2/3,5/7 study method: Study your material, then review it on day 2, day 3, day 5, and day 7.
• Helps beat the forgetting curve by bringing info back right before it’s lost.
• Easy to track—just write reminders in your planner or set alarms on your phone.

According to a 2015 study on learning and forgetting schedules in the journal Memory, “Spaced repetitions that hit key intervals within the first week are ideal for keeping new knowledge accessible.” That matches this method’s timing almost perfectly.

“The best moments to revisit what you’ve learned are right before you’re about to forget it. Getting those days right makes a huge difference.” — Dr. Sonia Chopra, cognitive scientist and author of ‘No More Cramming’

This is not about burning the midnight oil or stressing out. It’s about letting your brain chill while still getting the job done. And honestly? Once you try it, the panic of not remembering stuff before an exam starts to disappear.

Why does this method work?

The brain loves shortcuts. The 2/3,5/7 study method is like giving your memory a nudge right before it forgets what you crammed. Here’s why it actually gets you results: it builds on the idea called “spaced repetition.” Instead of reviewing everything in one go, you space reviews out. Your brain gets lots of little reminders to remember what matters, so all that hard work doesn’t vanish overnight.

Research backs this up. A 2014 study published in Memory found students who used spaced repetition remembered 40% more after a week compared to people who reviewed material just once. The intervals—days 2, 3, 5, and 7—aren’t random. Scientists discovered our brains usually start forgetting new information around day two, so those spaced reviews catch the moment right before things start fading.

What’s wild is how much this method saves your time. Instead of re-reading a massive chapter for hours, you do quick reviews for just a few minutes each time. Those short bursts keep things fresh without turning you into a study zombie.

• You beat the “forgetting curve”—the brain’s natural drop-off in memory.
• You learn faster and keep knowledge longer.
• You stress less, because you don’t need to cram last minute.

If you want better results without spending all your time with your nose in a book (or a screen), this is your hack. No wonder the 2/3,5/7 study method keeps popping up in exam prep circles—it just plain works with how your brain ticks.

How to use it in your daily study routine

Getting started with the 2/3,5/7 study method is honestly easier than most people think. You don’t need any fancy apps, planners, or bullet journals—the real trick is staying consistent with the timing. Here’s how you can set it up right away:

1. On your first study day, pick the new topics or chapters you want to learn. Read, make notes, or use flashcards—whatever works for you.
2. Mark your calendar, phone, or even a sticky note for the next review on day 2. This is your first follow-up. Review exactly what you studied on day 1, with a focus on active recall—so, instead of just reading, try to answer questions or recall points from memory.
3. Review again on day 3. Even if you feel like you remember everything, trust the process—it’s about timing, not just effort.
4. Keep going: hit the same material again on day 5, and do your last review on day 7.

Need a visual? Here’s a quick table to help you keep track:

A lot of students find that doing quick, focused reviews (just 10-20 minutes) at each checkpoint works best. You don’t have to redo the entire lesson—just hit the spots that slipped your memory or felt shaky before. If your schedule is all over the place (mine is—my cat Whiskers makes sure of that), setting reminders on your phone is a simple way to stay on track. Even Google Calendar can nudge you so you never lose a day.

Experts say most people forget about 50% of what they learn within the first day if they don’t review. By following this pattern, you basically hack your brain’s "forgetting curve." Less stress, less panic-study at 2am, and a lot more confidence walking into that exam room.

Tips for making the most out of 2/3,5/7

If you want the 2/3,5/7 study method to actually make a difference, you’ve got to set yourself up the right way. Here’s how to boost your memorization and avoid wasting time on stuff that just doesn’t work.

• Use active recall: Instead of just reading your notes, ask yourself questions or try to explain the material out loud (to yourself, your cat, or anyone who’ll listen). This is backed up by studies showing active recall can increase retention by up to 20% compared to passively reading.
• Write down your review schedule: Don’t just trust your brain to remember the review days. Use your phone calendar, a sticky note, or an app like Notion or Anki to track your schedule. A tiny bit of planning stops you from missing a review day—which breaks the cycle.
• Mix up your topics: Instead of reviewing only one subject during your 2/3,5/7 sessions, throw in a couple of different ones. This approach, called interleaving, helps your brain recognize patterns and connect ideas faster.
• Take real breaks: It’s tempting to push through from one review to the next, but your brain needs time to process. Short breaks (like 5-10 minutes of stretching or playing with your pet) actually help info stick better.
• Notice where you struggle: If you keep blanking on the same stuff, focus extra on that during your next review. It’s okay to spend more time on your trouble spots; that’s the whole point of spaced repetition.
• Don’t cram—all-nighters flop: Data says that after 20-30 minutes of pure cramming, your retention drops off a cliff. Small, spaced reviews (like this method gives you) keep you sharper way longer.

Here’s a quick look at how effective spaced repetition is compared to regular cramming. Check out these average retention rates from a 2023 student memory study:

That’s a huge difference. So stick to your review days, keep each session short, and use recall instead of just rereading. If you’re using flashcards, apps, or just talking it out with a friend, you’ll notice that answers start popping into your head without you having to dig for them. Honestly, it’s almost like cheating, but your teacher can’t complain about this life hack.