The Foolproof Method for Acing Every Test—It Works Every. Single. Time.

Summary

This video offers strategies to improve your chances of scoring 100% on exams. The speaker emphasizes the importance of aiming for perfection to achieve strong results. Key tips include attending every class, completing all homework, reviewing notes, and practicing problems until you can solve them without help. Test day advice includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced breakfast, and reviewing calmly without overworking. The speaker shares personal experiences, stressing effort, preparation, and the value of grades, particularly in higher education.

Takeaways

• 📚 Aim for 100%: Strive for perfection in every test, even if you don’t always achieve it, as it sets a high standard and usually results in good grades.
• 🎯 Importance of Grades: Grades matter, especially when it comes to opportunities like scholarships. Aim to do your best, as grades can be a deciding factor.
• 🏫 Go to Class: Attend every class, even if you think the lecture is not helpful. Just being present and taking notes is better than missing the lesson entirely.
• 📝 Do All Homework: Completing all homework not only boosts your grade but also strengthens your understanding of the subject.
• 📒 Review Your Notes: Go over your notes frequently, as everything the teacher covers in class is usually significant and meant to prepare you for exams.
• 🧐 Focus on Reviews: If a teacher provides a review, prioritize it. Reviews highlight core concepts and are invaluable in preparing for tests.
• 🥶 Practice ‘Cold’: Ensure you can solve all problems from the homework, notes, and review cold (without assistance), which guarantees strong preparation.
• ⏳ Manage Time Effectively: The process of mastering every problem takes time and effort, but consistent practice will improve your performance.
• 🥞 Prepare on Test Day: Have a good breakfast, review lightly in the morning, and avoid exhausting yourself before the test.
• 🤫 Avoid Distractions Before the Test: Stay focused on your notes until the test starts, ignoring distractions from other students.

Q & A

Why should students aim for 100% on their tests?

Aiming for 100% encourages students to put in maximum effort, and even if they fall short, they are likely to do well. Grades can matter for scholarships and opportunities, so striving for perfection increases the chances of success.

How does attending every class help improve test scores?

Attending class allows students to gain knowledge directly from the teacher. Even if the lecture isn't perfect, attending ensures that students are exposed to essential material that will likely appear on the test.

What role does homework play in preparing for tests?

Homework helps reinforce the concepts taught in class and is often part of the overall grade. Completing homework ensures that students practice the material and increases their chances of doing well on tests.

What should students do if they doubt their ability to solve certain problems?

If a student doubts their ability to solve a problem, they should practice it again to eliminate uncertainty. It's essential to be confident in solving all problems before the test.

How important is reviewing notes and example problems?

Reviewing notes and example problems is critical because these typically cover the core material that will be on the test. Re-doing the examples ensures that students are familiar with the methods needed for the test.

What should students do if their teacher offers a review session before the test?

Students should prioritize attending review sessions as they are designed to summarize and highlight the most important concepts likely to be on the test. These reviews can significantly improve preparation.

How can students avoid feeling overwhelmed on test day?

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, students should ensure they are well-rested, eat a balanced meal, and avoid over-studying right before the test. A calm and steady review of key concepts on test day is more effective than cramming.

What should students focus on in the hours leading up to the test?

Students should focus on reviewing their notes and key problems without overworking themselves. They should avoid getting distracted by nervous classmates and stay focused on their own preparation.

Why is it important to be able to solve problems 'cold' before the test?

Being able to solve problems 'cold' means doing them without needing to refer to notes or solutions. This level of mastery ensures that students are fully prepared and can perform well under exam conditions.

How is studying for graduate school different from undergraduate study?

In graduate school, students are often expected to go beyond assigned problems and explore material independently. Professors expect a higher level of mastery and problem-solving, which may require extra effort beyond what is taught in class.