I would say I want to explore what
items I will need competency in for
the exam and to know what I need to
examine in greater depth.
That will create a first layer of
exploratory future activation.
From there, you may have a greater idea of
what to focus on for your exam.
Mind map the subsequent activation with your class notes and your conversations with your professor/instructor. Also if you can grab old exams in the course, that will help.
Then after a sufficient break, water, stretching, and brain food ( chunks of fish),
PR again.
Keep going through the above cycle until you feel you have confidently mastered the critical data that you will be tested on!
Good luck