4 Secret Strategies I Used to Get Into IIT Bombay (And They Can Help You Too!)

Summary

In this video, Sunny shares four unconventional study strategies that helped him get into IIT Bombay. The first strategy is 'QTN KM,' a diary for emotionally engaging with challenging questions. The second is using flashcards for memorization through repetition. The third strategy involves creating 'solution manuals' for a deeper understanding of concepts. Lastly, 'nonlinear notes' in the form of mind maps are introduced for efficient revision. These strategies aim to make studying more effective and personalized.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Success in competitive exams is not just about hard work, but also about smart strategies and emotional investment in learning.
• 📔 The 'QTN KM' (Questions That Nearly Killed Me) strategy involves deeply engaging with challenging questions to form an emotional connection and better retention.
• 🔍 Utilizing online resources and reaching out to experts for solutions can be a game-changer for understanding difficult concepts.
• 🃏 Flashcards are an effective tool for memorization, especially when information is presented in different forms like jokes or diagrams.
• 🧩 Solution manuals help in developing both intuition and intellect by writing out detailed explanations for solved problems.
• 📚 Nonlinear notes, such as mind maps, can improve the efficiency of studying and revising by making information more accessible and less time-consuming.
• 🤝 Emotional investment in studying, like taking a tough question personally, can enhance memory and understanding.
• 🔑 Repetition and varied presentation of information are key for memorization, especially when emotional connection is lacking.
• 🎯 Balancing the use of intuition and intellect is crucial for accuracy and speed in competitive exams.
• 🏆 Unconventional study strategies can provide a distinct edge and make the preparation process more engaging and effective.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the video?

The main idea of the video is to introduce unconventional strategies for exam preparation that can give students a distinct edge, emphasizing the importance of smart studying over merely hard studying.

What is the significance of the acronym 'QTN KM' mentioned in the video?

QTN KM stands for 'Questions That Nearly Killed Me,' which is a diary concept used to emotionally engage with difficult questions during exam preparation, enhancing memory retention.

How does the video suggest developing an emotional connection with study materials?

The video suggests developing an emotional connection by taking difficult questions personally, researching their solutions extensively, and treating the process like a detective's quest, which makes the information valuable and memorable.

What role does the internet play in the strategies discussed in the video?

The internet is portrayed as a valuable resource for finding detailed solutions to tough questions, reaching out to experts, and enhancing learning through platforms like Reddit, YouTube, and educational websites.

Why are flashcards recommended in the video for memorization?

Flashcards are recommended for memorization because they facilitate repetition, which is key for remembering information when an emotional connection is lacking, and they can be creatively formatted to aid recall.

What is the purpose of creating jokes while studying, as mentioned in the video?

Creating jokes while studying serves to add an emotional value to the information, making it easier to remember by associating the learning with humor and laughter.

How does the video define the difference between intellect and intuition in exam preparation?

Intellect is described as a slow but accurate approach to solving problems, while intuition is fast but less accurate. The video suggests balancing both for optimal exam performance.

What is the significance of 'solution manuals' in the video's strategies?

Solution manuals are detailed, subjective explanations of answers to exam questions, which help strengthen intellect by ensuring a deep understanding of concepts, beyond just intuitively knowing the right answer.

Why are nonlinear notes or mind maps advocated in the video?

Nonlinear notes or mind maps are advocated for their efficiency in quickly accessing information, reducing reliance on grammar and unnecessary words, and making the revision process faster and more effective.

How does the video suggest using the strategy of 'QTN KM' during exam preparation?

The video suggests using the 'QTN KM' strategy by maintaining a diary of difficult questions, researching their solutions, and writing them down to create an emotional investment, which aids in memorization.

What is the video's stance on the traditional linear note-taking method?

The video critiques traditional linear note-taking for being time-consuming, less effective for quick information retrieval, and for potentially promoting passive copying from textbooks without deep understanding.