Crammer versus crammer

Do intensive revision courses work? Sending off the sizeable cheque certainly feels as though you are doing something to help tackle the impending exams. Remember when you bought that exercise video? As you left the shop you could almost feel the weight dropping off, and just watching the synchronised presenters gave you a healthy glow. But there is no escaping the fact that to make any real difference you have to get off the couch and start working out yourself. The same can be said for revision. Intensive courses can point you in the right direction, and highlight areas needing particular work. Good ones go further and provide a framework for understanding complicated topics. However, at some point you have got to roll up your sleeves, start moving some heavy books around, and work up that intellectual sweat for yourself.