How to score TOP 1 % on USMLE

Summary

This video script provides actionable advice on how to achieve top 1% scores, particularly for exams like Step 1 or Step 2 CK. The speaker emphasizes the importance of consistency, discipline, and studying when you don’t feel like it. Key strategies include prioritizing deep work in the first 6 hours of the day, maintaining efficient study habits, and making daily decisions that move you closer to your goals. Drawing parallels with physical fitness, the speaker explains how building habits in the gym transfers to academic discipline. Success comes down to doing the hard work, even when motivation is low, and staying consistent day after day.

Takeaways

• 😀 The path to scoring top 1% in exams requires more than just basic test-taking ability; it involves consistent, focused effort and discipline.
• 😀 Scoring in the top 1% is comparable to achieving an eight-pack: it's about doing things you don't want to do consistently.
• 😀 Top performers study when they don't feel like it, and this separates them from those who aim for a decent score but aren't willing to put in the extra effort.
• 😀 Success in exams comes from making decisions that push you closer to your goals, especially when you don't feel motivated.
• 😀 It's important to prioritize deep, undisturbed work in the first six hours of your day when your mind is most sharp and alert.
• 😀 Morning routines should be short and efficient; prioritize intellectual tasks and avoid distractions in the first hours after waking up.
• 😀 Consistency is key—top performers maintain at least eight hours of study each day, and ideally, 12 hours of focused work when striving for the top 1%.
• 😀 Gym workouts should be a part of your routine to build mental toughness, as they correlate with the ability to study when you don't feel like it.
• 😀 Frontloading your most important tasks and deep work early in the day helps ensure productivity throughout the day, even if later tasks are less demanding.
• 😀 The number of times you force yourself to study or work when you don’t want to is directly proportional to achieving top scores.
• 😀 A structured daily routine that includes both intellectual and physical challenges builds the habits necessary for sustained top-tier performance.

Q & A

What is the main concept discussed in the video regarding scoring in the top 1%?

The main concept is that achieving a top 1% score requires rare behaviors, such as studying when you don't want to, working consistently, and prioritizing deep work in the first hours of your day.

How does the speaker compare preparing for exams to going to the gym?

The speaker compares preparing for exams to going to the gym by emphasizing that achieving a top-tier result, like getting an 8-pack, requires discipline and the willingness to do things you don't feel like doing, just like consistently working out.

What is the significance of studying when you don't want to?

Studying when you don't want to is crucial because it reflects the ability to push through resistance and make consistent efforts towards your goals. This is what differentiates those who score in the top 1% from those who settle for lower scores.

Why is it important to frontload your day with deep work?

It’s important to frontload your day with deep work because you are most mentally sharp in the first few hours of the day. This time should be used to focus on the most important and intellectually demanding tasks without distractions.

What does the speaker suggest about the amount of time spent studying each day?

The speaker suggests that you should aim for at least 8 hours of study each day, with top 1% performers often committing to 12-hour study days. Consistency is key to achieving high scores.

What role does physical activity play in achieving top 1% performance?

Physical activity, like going to the gym regularly, builds mental discipline. By pushing yourself to work out even when you don’t feel like it, you develop the same discipline to study when you don’t want to, which contributes to academic success.

How does the speaker recommend managing your energy throughout the day?

The speaker recommends managing energy by focusing on the most important and challenging tasks early in the day when you're most alert. After this deep work, you can take a break, such as exercising or engaging in lighter tasks, before continuing with your work.

What does the speaker mean by 'non-procrastinated hours'?

‘Non-procrastinated hours’ refer to the hours spent studying without distractions or delays. It's about being fully focused and productive, avoiding checking your phone or engaging in other distractions during study time.

Why should you avoid a long morning routine before studying?

The speaker advises against a long morning routine because it delays starting your productive work. Instead, a minimal routine with some caffeine and a brief check of messages is suggested to ensure you can start working immediately, utilizing your most intellectually functional hours.

What is the key takeaway for consistently achieving top 1% performance?

The key takeaway is that consistency in effort is critical. This involves working diligently even when you don’t feel like it, prioritizing the most important tasks early in the day, and maintaining a disciplined routine of study and physical activity.