How do you organize an effective review schedule for an exam?

I do thematic block diagrams, not linear ones - divide the material into logical groups, then review each block in 45-50 minute sessions with 10-minute breaks, that way your brain retains better. Finally, test yourself with surprise questions on what you just covered, because passive repetition gets you nowhere.

Anyone who reviews everything linearly from the first chapter to the last ends up forgetting the early stuff while studying the later parts - it's just math. The thematic block strategy you mentioned is solid, but the real trick is mixing your review across different topics instead of finishing one completely before moving to the next.

Like, if you're studying history, you don't do all the Chinese dynasties and then all the European ones. Instead you do a quick run through both on day one, then on day two you go back to one and dig deeper, on day three another one, and on day four you return to the first one but with new details. Your brain holds onto things better when it sees the same material from different angles with time in between. 10-minute breaks are fine, maybe extend them if you feel your concentration really dropping.

The location matters too - study in the same place where you'll take the exam if you can, or at least in quiet different environments during your various review sessions. And write by hand while you're reviewing, don't just read over your notes. It makes a huge difference.