A 10-Week Study Plan
Beginner · 14 min read · Interview Playbook, Interview Playbook
What to study each week, which problems to solve and how to revise.
"Where do I start, and what do I do next?" is the question that stalls most people for weeks. This plan answers it: ten weeks, about 8–10 hours a week, 112 carefully chosen problems (plus 6 optional stretch problems), in an order where each week builds on the last.
New to data structures? Add a week 0: read Data Structures Basics (eight short lessons with visuals) before week 1. Otherwise, dip into a basics lesson whenever a pattern lesson's "New to…?" note points you there.
How each week works
Log every problem with its pattern and signal ("sliding window — longest contiguous + condition"). Before each new week, spend 10 minutes reading the log's signal column.
The ten weeks
Lessons: Start Here (all six), Hash Maps & Sets, Two Pointers.
The 4-week fast track
If the interview is close, do these 40 problems — one or two per pattern, chosen for maximum transfer — plus the Week 10 activities in the final days:
Signs you're ready
Interview questions
- How many problems should I solve before interviewing?
Further reading
Key takeaways
- Ten weeks, 112 problems, in an order where each topic builds on the last.
- Every week: lessons, new problems, a re-solve day and one timed mixed problem.
- Log the pattern and signal for every problem; revise the signals before each week.
- Week 10 is for mixed practice, spotting drills and mock interviews.
- Short on time: the 4-week fast track keeps the highest-value 40 problems.