how to be an ACADEMIC WEAPON this semester 📝 non-basic tips, organization hacks

Summary

In this video, Tonian shares practical tips for starting the school year strong, helping students succeed throughout the semester. Drawing from personal experience, she emphasizes organizing all deadlines in a single calendar, creating cheat sheets, tracking mistakes, taking detailed syllabus notes, and starting flashcards early. Tonian also suggests making monthly vision boards, creating a study support network, and using productivity tools like Gantt charts and reading extensions. Finally, she highlights the importance of mental health, encouraging students to focus on progress, not perfection, for a balanced academic journey.

Takeaways

• 📅 Prioritize organizing your schedule early in the semester by placing all school deadlines and personal commitments in one calendar.
• 📝 Create a personal cheat sheet at the front of your binder or notes for quick reference to frequently used concepts and formulas.
• ❌ Keep a mistake log to track errors from assignments and tests, so you can identify patterns and avoid repeating them.
• 🖋️ Take detailed notes during syllabus week, as professors often provide valuable insights into how to succeed in their course.
• 📱 Start making flashcards (using Quizlet or similar) immediately after each class to gradually build up study materials for exams.
• 🎶 Listen to calming study music, such as indie folk or instrumental soundtracks, to enhance focus while studying.
• 🎯 Make a vision board each month as your laptop wallpaper to stay motivated and visually track your academic and personal goals.
• 🗓️ Consider using a reverse syllabus or Gantt chart to map out your study schedule and break down tasks for major assignments.
• 📚 Frontload your semester by completing readings and assignments early to reduce stress during exam season.
• 👥 Develop an academic support network, including peers, professors, and upper-year students, to rely on for advice and study help throughout the semester.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses tips on how to be successful throughout the school year by starting strong and staying organized.

Why does the speaker emphasize starting strong at the beginning of the semester?

The speaker emphasizes starting strong because it prevents the need to catch up later in the semester, as they experienced personally when they focused on non-school projects early on and struggled to keep up.

What is the speaker's first tip for academic success?

The first tip is to consolidate all schedules, including syllabi, deadlines, and personal commitments, into one calendar to manage time effectively and plan ahead for busy periods.

How does the speaker recommend organizing important information for easy access?

The speaker suggests creating a personal cheat sheet or reference page with formulas and key information at the front of your binder or notes, so you can quickly access it throughout the semester.

What is a mistake log, and why does the speaker recommend using it?

A mistake log is a record of errors from assignments and tests. The speaker recommends using it to identify patterns in mistakes so that these errors can be avoided on future exams.

Why does the speaker advise taking detailed notes during syllabus week?

The speaker advises taking notes during syllabus week because professors often give important insights on how to succeed in the course, which might not be recalled later when studying for tests.

When does the speaker suggest making flashcards, and why?

The speaker suggests making flashcards early in the semester, after each class, so that students can begin reviewing the material throughout the term rather than rushing to create flashcards right before exams.

What types of music does the speaker recommend for studying?

The speaker recommends indie folk music, Studio Ghibli soundtracks, and instrumental music from 'Bridgerton' for studying, as they find these genres helpful for focusing.

What is the purpose of making a vision board, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests creating a monthly vision board to stay motivated and focused on personal and academic goals. Changing it monthly helps reflect on past achievements and set new priorities.

What is a reverse syllabus or Gantt chart, and how can it help students?

A reverse syllabus or Gantt chart helps students map out study schedules for major assignments and exams weeks in advance, allowing them to manage their time effectively and avoid last-minute cramming.