OC Study Plans — Pick Your Monthly Timeline (2026)

1. How to choose your timeline

Ask three quick questions:

• How many weeks/months until the OC test?
• How confident is your child today? (calm with questions vs. easily overwhelmed)
• What’s realistic for your family each week (school events, activities, holidays)?

Read the descriptions of the types of testing you can do, the overall monthly timeline tracks, and then print the plan that suits you best - stick it somewhere visible!

2. Types of tests (and when to use each)

Full test

A **full test** means taking Reading, Thinking Skills and Mathematical Reasoning back-to-back under timed conditions — like test day. Use these as **monthly checkpoints** to rehearse pacing and stamina.

Single-section complete test

A **single-section complete test** is a full, timed test for one component (e.g., a ~40-minute Maths Reasoning test). Use these between full tests to build depth in a specific area and to practise the 30-minute review loop. They **do not replace** full tests for pacing/stamina practice.

Mini-test

A **mini-test** is a short, timed test for one focus area within a test type (e.g., a 15 minute Fractions test). Use these between single-section tests to focus on a specific area that you want to improve upon. They **do not replace** single-section tests for pacing/stamina practice.

3. Timeline tracks (steady, accelerated, intense)

9 or more months to go (Steady)

• Gradual confidence building without feeling rushed across all test types
• Accounts for holidays and family commitments rather than cramming
• Progressive structure from foundation work to intensive practice
• Sustainable momentum that avoids stress and burnout
• Assumes consistent practice, and works better for a lower baseline

6 months to go (Accelerated)

• Concentrated effort that balances thorough skill development with efficient time use
• More focused preparation whilst still accounting for summer holidays
• Compressed timeline requiring consistent forward momentum
• Maintains steady confidence building across all test areas despite shorter timeframe

3 months or less to go (Intense)

• Short focused window requiring concentrated effort and strategic prioritisation
• Accelerated timeline that establishes routines and targets critical skills quickly
• Maximises impact by focusing on essential test familiarity and weakest areas
• Assumes applications already submitted
• Requires immediate intensive practice, and ideally, a higher baseline level

4. Download: Monthly Calendar (PDF)

Grab the printable calendar and find the study plan that works best for you

Adjust around school events and family commitments.

• What’s the simplest way to use this page and the Monthly Calendar?

  Pick a timeline track and print the monthly calendar so you have a sense of what your child needs to focus on each month. This should be guided by them, not by you. Follow high-level guidelines like setting up a dedicated study space. Then, take a look at the weekly rhythm to define a weekly routine.
• Full test vs single-section complete test vs mini-test — what’s the difference?

  A full test is Reading + Thinking Skills + Maths back-to-back (like test day). A single-section complete test is one whole component under full timing (e.g., ~40-minute Maths). A mini-test is a short set for one focus area (e.g., a 15-minute Fractions set).
• How many tests of each kind should we plan?

  Our detailed weekly calendar gives you a sense of how many tests of each kind you should plan. Ultimately, these are just guidelines. It's really up to your child what will work best for them. It depends on their attitude, their baseline, and the kind of routine that they want to implement.
• Do we need to sign up to access tests?

  Yes, if you want to use OC Test Prep. The signup is free, no credit card required. This gives you access to our diagnostic/practice tests. For mini-tests, and unlimited full OC-style tests, plus more exclusive learning resources and content, you'll need to sign up. You can always cancel at any time.
• What device/setup should we use for practice?

  Practise on a laptop/desktop with a decent screen, keeping notifications off. This is not something that we recommend doing on mobile phones. iPads might work in a pinch but it's best to have an external mouse and keyboard setup.