I only Studied the Night BEFORE every exam and Still got A+ (watch this before your next exam)

Summary

The speaker shares a personal experience of using a last-minute study method that helped them excel in exams despite not following traditional study routines. This method involves selecting key pages to study, dividing them into manageable sections, taking short naps to reinforce memory, and using active recall for review. The speaker emphasizes the importance of working smarter, not harder, and encourages students to accept the consequences of their choices while maintaining a positive mindset. The approach is particularly useful for students facing time constraints or struggling with certain subjects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on working smarter, not harder, by prioritizing and studying efficiently when time is limited.
• 😀 Select the pages or sections you want to study intentionally, setting clear goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 Divide your study material into smaller, manageable sections to make studying seem less daunting.
• 😀 Use a highlighter while reading to mark key points, which will be helpful for active recall later.
• 😀 Take a 15-minute nap after studying each section to strengthen your memory and improve retention.
• 😀 Napping after studying helps reinforce the neural pathways created in your brain, making it easier to remember information.
• 😀 Active recall, such as reviewing highlighted information, helps you retain what you've learned more effectively.
• 😀 This method is ideal for subjects that require reading and memorization, but not for math or subjects that require problem-solving.
• 😀 It's important to accept the consequences of not studying throughout the term—take responsibility for the results.
• 😀 Last-minute studying can be effective when used strategically, but it's not a substitute for consistent effort during the term.
• 😀 The method can be applied during the term as well, not just the night before exams, to maintain a manageable study routine.

Q & A

What is the main point of the speaker's study method?

The main point of the speaker's method is to efficiently study the night before an exam by being intentional with what to study, breaking tasks into manageable sections, taking short naps to strengthen memory retention, and using active recall to reinforce learning.

Why does the speaker emphasize selecting specific pages to study?

Selecting specific pages helps create intention and focus, making the task seem more manageable and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by the entire textbook.

How does dividing study material into smaller sections benefit the student?

Dividing material into smaller sections, like breaking nine pages into three sets of three, makes the task seem less daunting. It allows the brain to process the material in manageable chunks, improving focus and efficiency.

What is the purpose of taking a 15-minute nap after each section of study?

The 15-minute nap helps solidify the new information by strengthening neural connections in the brain. This makes it easier to recall the learned material later, especially during an exam.

Why is active recall important when reviewing material?

Active recall is a method where you test yourself by trying to recall information, which strengthens memory. By reviewing highlighted information and filling in the blanks, students practice retrieving knowledge, improving retention and performance in exams.

What role does sleep play in the speaker's study method?

Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. After reading and studying, the brain forms neural pathways, and sleep strengthens these connections, making it easier to remember the information later.

Why does the speaker believe last-minute studying can be effective?

The speaker believes that last-minute studying, when done intentionally and with focus, can be effective in retaining key information. With the right approach, it's possible to perform well even if study time is limited.

What advice does the speaker give regarding regret after not studying throughout the term?

The speaker advises accepting the consequences of not studying earlier to avoid regret and stress. Accepting responsibility for your choices helps prevent negative emotions like depression, which could hinder future learning.

How does the speaker differentiate their method from traditional studying?

Unlike traditional studying, which involves consistent preparation throughout the term, the speaker's method focuses on last-minute, intense studying the night before the exam, with specific techniques to maximize learning in a short amount of time.

Can the speaker's method be applied to all subjects?

The method is primarily useful for subjects that involve reading and memorization, such as geography or history, but does not apply to subjects like math, which require active problem-solving and practice.