HOW TO study 24 HOURS before an exam for BEST RESULTS!

Summary

In this urgent and empathetic video, June Yu, a biomedical engineering student, offers a comprehensive 24-hour exam preparation guide for those caught in a last-minute study crunch. She emphasizes prioritizing study material, creating a focused study schedule, leveraging friends' knowledge, and utilizing active learning techniques. June also stresses the importance of sleep, proper nutrition, and mental wellness strategies like breathing exercises to optimize exam performance. Her script is a heartfelt reminder that while grades are important, they should not overshadow the learning experience.

Takeaways

• 📚 Prioritize Study Material: Focus on weaknesses and use past learning systems to identify areas that need more attention.
• 🚀 Limited Release of Learning System: June Yu announces the limited release of her learning system, which she attributes to her academic success.
• 🔍 Scope Down Material: Consult friends, past papers, and the syllabus to determine the most important topics and potential exam content.
• 📝 Create a Document: Use a document to list and color-code study material based on recall strength, and note important concepts for quick review.
• ⏰ Make a Study Schedule: Develop a study plan with 45-minute focus sessions and 5-minute breaks to optimize learning efficiency.
• 🤝 Make Use of Friends: Leverage friends who are well-prepared to explain complex concepts in an understandable way.
• 🏠 Find a Focused Space: Eliminate distractions by finding a quiet space, using noise-cancelling headphones, or creating a visual divider.
• 🕒 Use Active Techniques for Revision: Employ active recall methods like the blurring method, the fan technique, practice tests, and visual diagrams to reinforce learning.
• 💤 Importance of Sleep: Ensure adequate sleep to aid in information consolidation and maintain cognitive function for the exam.
• 🍎 Eat Well on Exam Day: Have balanced meals and monitor caffeine intake to maintain energy and focus during the exam.
• 🧘 Breathing Techniques: Practice breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive performance on the exam day.
• 📋 Review Your Cheat Sheet: Quickly review the document of weaknesses and important topics to reinforce knowledge and reduce exam anxiety.

Q & A

What is the main challenge the speaker is addressing in the video?

The speaker is addressing the challenge of last-minute exam preparation, specifically how to effectively study with only 24 hours left before the exam.

What is the first step the speaker suggests for prioritizing study material?

The first step is to identify weaknesses, which can be done by using a learning system, reviewing the syllabus, and consulting with friends or classmates about the topics covered and emphasized in class.

What is the 'Learning System' mentioned by the speaker and why is it beneficial for last-minute studying?

The 'Learning System' is a method the speaker has developed and used throughout her academic career. It helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses and is beneficial for last-minute studying because it allows for focused review on areas that need improvement.

Why is it important to consult with friends or classmates while preparing for an exam?

Consulting with friends or classmates is important because they might have attended all classes and could provide insights into what the professor emphasized as important for the exam, which one might have missed due to absence or lack of attention.

What is the significance of using past papers for exam preparation?

Past papers are significant as they can indicate content emphasis and help in understanding the exam format. However, they should not be solely relied upon as the current exam may differ in questions and content.

What is the recommended study schedule according to the speaker?

The recommended study schedule is 45 minutes of focused study on a weakness followed by a 5-minute break. This cycle should be repeated, and additional breaks for meals and movement should be included.

Why is it suggested to create a document listing study material and color-code it?

Creating a document helps in tracking the progress of study and serves as a 'cheat sheet' for last-minute revision. Color-coding (green, yellow, red) indicates the level of comfort with the material, allowing for targeted study.

What is the 'blurting method' mentioned by the speaker for active recall?

The 'blurting method' involves reading a chunk of material, closing the source, and then writing out everything recalled from it. This method tests knowledge without the source material, forcing active recall.

What does the speaker mean by the 'fan technique'?

The 'fan technique' involves explaining a concept as if to a fifth grader, using simple language, analogies, and examples. This requires a deep understanding of the material and helps in reinforcing one's own knowledge.

Why is sleep important the night before an exam according to the speaker?

Sleep is important because it aids in the consolidation of information, which is crucial for retention. Lack of sleep can negatively impact performance and cognitive function during the exam.

What are some exam day strategies suggested by the speaker to optimize performance?

The speaker suggests eating proper meals, monitoring caffeine intake, practicing breathing techniques to reduce tension, and reviewing a 'cheat sheet' of focused topics to reassure and refresh knowledge before the exam.

What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of grades versus the learning experience?

The speaker emphasizes that while grades are important, the learning experience itself should not be overlooked. She encourages viewing failures as opportunities for growth and adjusting techniques accordingly to make learning enjoyable.