Exam Cramming Tips I would've K*LLED for (how I ALWAYS get A's)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares essential tips and personal strategies for surviving exam season. From time management techniques and understanding your exam format, to studying methods for application-based subjects and memorization-heavy exams, the video offers practical advice for students. The creator emphasizes the importance of staying calm and not letting grades define your worth, providing a personal and motivational message. With a focus on smart study habits and exam strategies, viewers are encouraged to manage their time wisely, stay organized, and approach their exams with confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prioritize understanding what will be on the exam by reviewing any exam breakdowns or key topics provided by your professor.
• 😀 Avoid overly strict study schedules the day before the exam; flexibility and balanced study plans are more effective.
• 😀 Focus on practicing problems for application-based exams (math, finance, science) instead of rereading textbooks.
• 😀 Use alternate learning resources like peer notes, online platforms (e.g., Skillshare), or past professors when tackling application-based exams.
• 😀 Active recall is crucial for memorization-heavy exams (history, biology); use flashcards and mnemonic devices to reinforce key facts.
• 😀 Record and listen to flashcards or key study notes while walking or exercising to enhance memory retention.
• 😀 For written exams, focus on reviewing summaries and key themes, utilizing platforms like SparkNotes or ChatGPT for efficient learning.
• 😀 Time management during the exam is essential: use symbols like stars and checkmarks to track confidence levels for each question.
• 😀 For multiple-choice exams, mark your answers with a checkmark (confident), question mark (uncertain), or star (least confident) for efficient review.
• 😀 During the exam, prioritize reviewing questions you marked with a star (least confident), then move on to those with a question mark.
• 😀 Remember that exams do not define your worth; stay positive, manage stress, and believe in your ability to succeed!

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this video?

The video focuses on providing practical tips for effective studying and exam preparation, especially during the cramming period. It offers strategies for different types of exams, including application-based exams, memorization-based exams, and written exams.

How does the speaker suggest students should manage their time while studying for exams?

The speaker recommends breaking down study sessions into focused blocks, avoiding overly strict schedules, and prioritizing the most important material. They also suggest studying in a strategic way, knowing exactly what will be tested rather than trying to memorize everything.

What is the speaker's advice for handling application-based exams like calculus or physics?

For application-based exams, the speaker advises against reading textbooks and suggests focusing on lecture slides, practice problems, and seeking help from peers, teachers, or external resources such as YouTube or Skillshare.

What techniques are recommended for memorization-heavy exams?

The speaker highlights **active recall**, **flashcards**, and **mnemonics** as key techniques for memorization-based exams. They recommend using platforms like 'Know It' for flashcard creation and reviewing key points through audio recordings while on the go.

How does the speaker suggest students approach essay-based or written exams?

For written exams, the speaker suggests using summaries (such as SparkNotes), leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for key themes, and focusing on teacher feedback for improving essay-writing skills. The advice emphasizes time management and prioritizing content over perfection.

What time-management strategy does the speaker recommend for multiple-choice exams?

The speaker uses a system of symbols: a check mark for confident answers, a question mark for uncertain ones, and a star for answers where the student is unsure. After completing the exam, students should focus on revisiting the starred and question-marked questions first before moving to the ones they are confident about.

Why does the speaker emphasize that grades do not define one's worth?

The speaker acknowledges that many students, particularly high achievers, often tie their self-worth to their grades. They encourage students to remember that grades are just one aspect of life and not a measure of their overall value or success.

How does the speaker recommend using resources like YouTube or Skillshare for exam preparation?

The speaker suggests using platforms like YouTube for short tutorials and Skillshare for more in-depth lessons to understand difficult topics. These resources can help when students are struggling to understand complex material and need an alternative perspective.

What is the significance of reviewing material in the days leading up to the exam?

The speaker stresses that reviewing material in the final days should be focused on reinforcing what students already know. It's essential to avoid trying to cram new material at the last minute and instead review key concepts and practice solving problems.

What is the speaker's stance on the 'perfect study plan'?

The speaker advises against creating a perfect or overly rigid study plan. Instead, they recommend a more flexible approach that allows students to focus on the areas they need the most help with, reducing the pressure to stick to an unrealistic schedule.