How long does it take to Forget a subject for exams?

  • Thread starter Thread starter cdux
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Exams
AI Thread Summary
Retention of knowledge for exams varies significantly among individuals and depends on several factors, including the depth of understanding and the study methods employed. Studying a subject deeply can enhance retention, allowing for better recall on exam day, even if the study occurs weeks in advance. Regular review and active engagement with the material, such as practice problems and discussions, can further solidify understanding and memory. While there is no definitive timeline for forgetting information, consistent reinforcement of learned concepts is crucial for long-term retention. Personal experiences suggest that effective study habits, including spaced repetition and application of knowledge, play a vital role in maintaining information over time.
cdux
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
How long does it take to "Forget" a subject for exams?

I'm interested in studying a subject for exams, completing the basic studies a few weeks before the actual exam day. If I study it "deeply", meaning I have an understanding of it that is beyond the surface and I actually understand the meaning of the underlying math, will I be able to hold that knowledge for exam day?

In general, do you think you can hold the knowledge for a subject you will be tested on - or you need to use it on your work - weeks after studying it? And if yes, what is the process that you should follow in order to do it properly?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think it depends on many factors and even on the individual itself. As far as I know there's no hard-rule that states you will forget things after x days. Have you had any experience with your own study habits?
 

Thread 'Self Learning Math/Physics'

Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
View full post »

Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
View full post »

Similar threads

Testing How to not get stressed on the actual exam?
Replies
18
Views
640
Testing Which 2 exams should I skip for best optimization of learning?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Testing How do you study for an exam if the professor who is taking this.......
Replies
7
Views
2K
APPC Mech MCQ Review: Find Past Exam Questions for Final Prep
Replies
6
Views
2K
Testing What are effective ways to predict exam questions from class lectures?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Cracking Exams: Overcoming Knowledge Gaps for Intro QM
Replies
2
Views
1K
Planning on studying math for the college entrance exam, help needed
Replies
4
Views
3K
Want to take the PE Mechanical exam
Replies
3
Views
1K
Studying Need Help with Study Approach
Replies
10
Views
613
Studying Should I drop my dreams? (Daydreamer with underachieving abilities)
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top