a-levels next week? watch this

Summary

In this transcript, Yen Ran shares valuable advice for students preparing for their A-level exams. The tips include maintaining a balanced study approach across all topics, using a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to track confidence levels, studying in short, intense bursts, utilizing AI for note-taking and flashcard creation, and leveraging YouTube for visual learning. Yen also emphasizes the importance of practicing under exam conditions to acclimate to the stress and fatigue. Exam tips include preparing key points for quick recall, maintaining a calm mindset even when finding the exam challenging, and ensuring personal comfort during the exam with appropriate clothing, hydration, and nutrition. Yen's personal experiences and strategies aim to alleviate exam anxiety and optimize performance.

Takeaways

• 📚 Stay General: Aim to be confident in every topic within your subjects, as exam topics are not tested equally.
• 📈 Use RAG System: Label topics as Green (confident), Amber (in the middle), or Red (weak), and adjust your study focus accordingly.
• 🕒 Study in Bursts: Opt for intense, timed study sessions (1-2 hours) followed by breaks to maximize retention and focus.
• 📝 Avoid Passive Methods: Instead of rewriting notes or making flashcards, use AI tools to generate study materials for active recall.
• 🎓 Utilize YouTube: Watch educational videos for a more engaging and memorable study experience, and take notes as if in class.
• 📝 Practice Exam Conditions: Simulate the exam environment to get used to the stress and fatigue that comes with extended focus.
• 💡 Start with Key Points: Before the exam, jot down key formulas or concepts you're struggling with and write them down quickly at the start.
• 😌 Difficulty Does Not Dictate Grade: If you find the exam hard, others likely do too; grade boundaries may adjust, so stay calm and focused.
• 👕 Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothes and layers to adapt to varying temperatures and reduce physical discomfort during exams.
• 💧 Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly during the exam to maintain focus and energy levels.
• ✍️ Good Posture: Maintain a good posture and do what makes you feel comfortable to minimize distractions and maintain a flow state.

Q & A

What was the speaker's achievement in their A-Level exams?

The speaker achieved five A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Computer Science, and a distinction in Prime Conjectures.

What is the speaker's first study tip for A-Level exam preparation?

The first study tip is to stay general, meaning to be confident in every topic within a subject, regardless of the amount of content.

What does the acronym RAG stand for and how is it used in the context of A-Level revision?

RAG stands for Red, Amber, Green, and it's a labeling system to categorize topics based on confidence levels: Green for confident, Amber for somewhere in the middle, and Red for topics that might be problematic.

What is the speaker's advice on the duration of study sessions leading up to the exams?

The speaker advises working in short, intense bursts of one or two hours, taking breaks in between to maintain focus and efficiency.

How does the speaker suggest using AI for studying?

The speaker suggests using AI, like chat GPT, to write notes or create flashcards, which can save time and facilitate active recall studying.

Why does the speaker recommend using YouTube for studying?

The speaker recommends YouTube because watching videos can increase engagement and memory retention, and it's a platform that everyone has access to.

What is the speaker's suggestion for simulating the exam environment during study?

The speaker suggests doing full exam papers in a setting that mimics the actual exam conditions, including sitting at a blank table and avoiding breaks or distractions.

What is the speaker's first tip for the exam day?

The first tip is to write down 5 to 10 bullet points of key information that you're struggling with, and 'blurt' them onto the back of the exam paper as soon as you can before the exam starts.

How should one react if they find the exam difficult?

The speaker advises staying calm, reminding oneself that if the exam is tough for them, it's likely tough for everyone, and that grade boundaries may be lowered.

What are some ways to minimize discomfort during the exam?

The speaker suggests wearing comfortable clothes, having light layers, drinking water regularly, eating before the exam, and maintaining good posture.

What is the speaker's approach to feeling comfortable during the exam?

The speaker's approach includes doing things that make them personally comfortable, such as wearing makeup, to help maintain their flow state and reduce the chance of being thrown off by minor discomforts.

How does the speaker encourage viewers to reach out if they have questions?

The speaker encourages viewers to comment, email, or send an Instagram DM with any questions and to reach out again if they haven't received a reply.