How to Study 3x Faster in 7 Days (from a Top 2% Med Student)

Summary

This video offers a methodical approach to achieving top grades with minimal study time. The speaker introduces the 'diamond method' consisting of four parts, emphasizing prioritizing high-yield topics, active recall, and spaced repetition. They advocate for 'active synchronized recall' during initial learning and focusing on weak areas through horizontal learning. The video also touches on the benefits of completing assignments early to maximize study momentum and reduce stress. The speaker promises to share tips on writing A+ essays efficiently in a follow-up video.

Takeaways

• 📚 Prioritize high-yield topics first by focusing on what would be studied if there was only 2 hours left before an exam.
• 📈 Apply the 80/20 rule to concentrate on the 20% of content that covers 80% of the exam material.
• 🧠 Utilize active recall by creating and testing yourself on questions related to the topics you're studying.
• 🔁 Incorporate spaced repetition, revisiting questions at increasing intervals to reinforce learning.
• 🤓 Combine active recall with spaced repetition into 'Active Synchronized Recall' by learning and testing simultaneously.
• 💡 Slow down after reading new material to let your brain process and index the information actively.
• 🔍 Study topics in more detail than needed to understand the core concepts deeply and remember them better.
• 🚫 Avoid revisiting topics you're already comfortable with; instead, focus on your weaknesses.
• 🌐 Learn horizontally by linking related topics together to build a comprehensive understanding.
• 📅 Complete assignments as soon as they're given to leverage study momentum and reduce stress.
• 🏆 Aim to finish tasks ahead of others to prove your capability and maintain a drive for continued productivity.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to teach viewers how to achieve top grades without spending all day studying by using the 'diamond method'.

What did the speaker initially do in their undergraduate degree that they later realized was not productive?

The speaker initially spent all day studying, thinking it was the most productive way to learn, but later realized that it was not the best approach and that they wanted to have a life outside of studying.

What is the 'diamond method' mentioned in the video?

The 'diamond method' is a study technique that the speaker developed to study for only 2 hours a day and still get top grades, which includes prioritizing high yield topics, active recall, spaced repetition, and focusing on weaknesses.

How does the speaker suggest prioritizing what to study?

The speaker suggests prioritizing by looking at practice questions and past papers to see what topics come up the most, focusing on the 20% that covers 80% of the exams, which is known as the 8020 rule.

What is active recall and how does it differ from passive reading?

Active recall is a learning technique where you create questions on a topic and then test yourself on those questions, forcing your brain to retrieve information. It differs from passive reading, which involves just reading content without actively remembering it.

What is spaced repetition and how does it work?

Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review material at increasing intervals over time. It helps to consolidate the information in your long-term memory more effectively than just reviewing it once.

What is the term for the method the speaker suggests to combine learning and studying effectively?

The term for the method the speaker suggests is 'Active synchronized recall', which involves studying and learning something at the same time to make the initial learning phase more effective.

How does the speaker recommend dealing with topics you already understand well?

The speaker recommends focusing on your weaknesses instead of repeatedly reviewing topics you already understand well. This can be achieved by learning horizontally and linking topics together to see the bigger picture.

What is the benefit of completing assignments as soon as they are set, according to the speaker?

Completing assignments early reduces stress and rush, allows for better focus, and leverages or maximizes study momentum, which can lead to a more relaxed and productive study experience.

What is the speaker's advice on how to handle assignments to maximize productivity?

The speaker advises to start and complete assignments as soon as they are set to reduce stress, work with better focus, and to take advantage of the study momentum that comes from completing tasks ahead of time.

What is the speaker's view on how students typically approach assignments?

The speaker believes that students often overcomplicate assignments and tend to leave things to the last minute, which leads to unnecessary stress and inefficiency.