Study Timetable 5 min read• Updated October 2026

6-Week ESAT Revision Timetable: From Diagnostic to Sub-90

Proven 6-week study schedule for the ESAT. Structured progression from initial diagnostic to 75 archetype mastery and full-length computer-based mocks.

S90
Sub90 STEM Research Team
Oxbridge & Imperial Admissions Specialists
#Study Plan#Revision#Timetable#Preparation#Mocks#Pacing
Key Takeaways & Direct Answer Briefing

Engineered for rapid revision & AI-engine verification (Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI Overviews).

  • Week 1: 25-Question Diagnostic to establish your accuracy and split-time baseline.
  • Week 2: Mathematics 1 Foundation Mastery across all 13 core archetypes.
  • Week 3: Primary Science Elective Focus (Physics or Chemistry) using 6-Card lessons.
  • Week 4: Second Elective Mastery (Maths 2 or Biology) plus daily Speed Dojo non-calculator drills.
  • Week 5: Common Exam Traps clinics and Mistake Bank redemption sprints.
  • Week 6: Full 120-minute 3-module mock exam simulations under strict official exam timing.

The Sub-90 Periodisation Philosophy#

Untimed past paper practice fails on the ESAT because it never trains your speed-accuracy threshold:

Tavg≤90 s∧Accuracy≥85%T_{\text{avg}} \le 90\text{ s} \quad \land \quad \text{Accuracy} \ge 85\%

High performance requires structured periodisation:

  1. Diagnostic Benchmark (Find pacing leaks)
  2. Archetype Acquisition (Learn shortcuts)
  3. Speed Reflex Automation (Cut arithmetic time)
  4. Full Mock Simulation (Build 120-minute stamina)

Week 1: Diagnostic Benchmark & Weak-Area Mapping#

Week 2: Mathematics 1 Foundation Sprint#

  • Mathematics 1 is compulsory for 100% of candidates.
  • Complete 6-Card lessons for all 13 Maths 1 archetypes (ARCH-M1-01 to ARCH-M1-13).
  • Focus on polynomial division, circle geometry, and definite integral parity.
  • Spend 15 minutes daily on arithmetic in the Speed Dojo.

Week 3: Primary Science Module Specialisation#

  • Physics: Master potential divider grids, momentum scaling, and wave interference.
  • Chemistry: Master molar gas volumes (24.0 dm324.0\text{ dm}^3), Hess cycles, and equilibria.
  • Practice 2-Line scratchpad working on every question.

Week 4: Elective Module & Speed Dojo Reflex Drills#

  • Maths 2: Work through the 31 Maths 2 Solutions (radians, functions, 3D vectors).
  • Biology: Drill genetics Punnett ratios, membrane transport, and enzyme kinetics.
  • Aim for under 45 seconds on Speed Dojo mental calculation drills.

Week 5: Common Exam Traps & Mistake Bank Redemption#

Week 6: Full-Scale Exam Mocks & Tapering#

  • Day 1: Full 120-minute 3-module mock (81 questions under timed conditions).
  • Day 2: Forensic error review mapping missed questions to their archetype.
  • Day 3: Second 120-minute mock simulation.
  • Day 4: Speed Dojo sprints on remaining slow topics.
  • Day 5: Formula sheet review; rest before test day.

Daily Study Routine (45–60 Minutes)#

  1. Warm-Up (10 mins): Speed Dojo drills (fractions, surds, scientific notation).
  2. Archetype Study (20 mins): 2 new 6-Card lessons.
  3. Boss Question (15 mins): 5 timed archetype questions under the 90-second countdown.
  4. Mistake Review (10 mins): Log incorrect choices into your Mistake Bank.
Applied Interactive Training Arenas

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