From C's to A's: My Secrets to getting a 4.0 GPA that ACTUALLY work

Summary

In this motivational video, the speaker shares their journey of overcoming academic challenges to achieve a near-perfect GPA at the University of Toronto, one of the most competitive universities in Canada. The speaker discusses struggles with initial poor grades, particularly in medical school prerequisites, and how they turned things around through strategic changes in study habits, time management, and seeking advice from upper-year students. Emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation and habit formation, the speaker encourages students to embrace a mindset shift, prioritize understanding over memorization, and remain resilient despite setbacks.

Takeaways

• 😀 GPA is crucial for your future, especially for medical school applications. A poor GPA early on doesn't have to define your future.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to ask upper-year students about their experiences in courses, professors, and study strategies—they can give you valuable insights.
• 😀 Focus on understanding core concepts, not memorizing everything. Apply the material by creating practice problems to solidify your knowledge.
• 😀 Stop wasting time on irrelevant materials like extra notes or textbooks. Prioritize studying the most important content for exams.
• 😀 Track your daily routine to identify time you can dedicate to studying. Even small moments like 30 minutes after the gym can be used for passive study activities.
• 😀 Taking extra courses in a semester can be helpful for GPA, but be cautious—ensure you have the capacity for the added workload without sacrificing your mental and physical health.
• 😀 Shift your mindset to identify as a hard worker, not just someone who wants good grades. This mindset change can boost your motivation and productivity.
• 😀 Creating your own questions while studying helps you apply the content and understand it better, rather than just recalling facts from memory.
• 😀 It’s okay if you have setbacks. Use the methods shared in this video to improve, and remember that believing in yourself is key to making progress.
• 😀 Focus on building good study habits over time. Start with small, consistent changes to improve your GPA, rather than expecting immediate results.
• 😀 Don’t neglect your extracurricular activities, but find a balance between them and academics. It's possible to excel in both with time management and focus.

Q & A

What is the most important factor in achieving success in medical school or grad school?

The most important factor in achieving success is maintaining a strong GPA, as it can make or break your chances of progressing to medical school or other advanced studies.

Can you still get into medical school if you had a bad semester or poor grades in certain courses?

Yes, it is still possible to get into medical school even if you had a bad semester or received lower grades in some courses. By improving your GPA and using the right strategies, you can bounce back.

What was the key turning point in the speaker’s academic journey at the University of Toronto?

The key turning point for the speaker was realizing the need for massive changes after receiving disappointing marks. They sought advice from upper-year students, adjusted their study strategies, and began focusing on applying knowledge rather than just memorizing it.

What advice was given by upper-year students to help improve academic performance?

Upper-year students recommended focusing on what to prioritize in the course, understanding the material rather than just memorizing it, and applying the knowledge through practice problems to improve performance.

How can you effectively apply the material you learn in courses?

You can apply the material effectively by creating your own practice problems. This approach helps you understand the content in a deeper, more practical way, which is key for doing well in exams.

What time management strategy helped the speaker improve their GPA?

The speaker used time logging to track how they spent their day. By analyzing their routine, they discovered wasted time that could be used for studying, such as replacing unproductive 30-minute breaks with flashcards or passive study activities.

Is taking extra courses in a semester a good strategy to boost GPA?

Taking extra courses can be helpful to boost your GPA, but it's only recommended if you have strong study habits and time management skills. The speaker took seven courses in their third year, though it was mentally and physically taxing.

What is the significance of identity in academic success?

The speaker emphasized that intrinsic motivation and success are often tied to identity. Instead of just striving for good grades, it's important to see yourself as someone who works hard and puts in the effort consistently.

How did the speaker overcome self-doubt after a difficult first semester?

The speaker overcame self-doubt by shifting their mindset to focus on the process of studying and self-improvement rather than solely on the outcome. By putting in the work, they rebuilt their confidence and motivation.

What is the ultimate goal when improving your GPA, according to the speaker?

The ultimate goal is not just to work hard for good grades but to develop a strong work ethic and become the type of person who consistently puts in the effort to achieve success.