I failed all my exams, then I figured it out || Failed to Summa Cum Laude

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of going from failing to achieving steady progress in their studies. They discuss how their initial struggles with grades and self-doubt led to the creation of a new study approach based on presence, clarity, foundations, and growth. By recognizing the difference between learning and studying, and experimenting with different techniques, they were able to understand their subjects deeply. The speaker emphasizes adaptability, persistence, and finding the right study methods tailored to each subject, inspiring viewers to shift their mindset and strategies for success.

Takeaways

• 😓 Failing grades do not define your intelligence; they highlight areas needing improvement.
• 🧠 Learning and studying are different: learning is understanding the 'why', while studying is practicing that understanding.
• ⏱ Quality over quantity: focused, present study sessions are more effective than long, distracted hours.
• 📚 Build strong foundations in each subject before tackling advanced concepts.
• 💡 Clarity is key: simplify concepts in your own words and use diagrams or analogies to understand better.
• 🔄 Experiment with different study techniques for each subject to find what works best for you.
• 🌱 Growth mindset: treat mistakes and bad grades as opportunities for improvement, not personal failures.
• 🎯 Focus on core principles: understanding the 'why' behind subjects helps spot patterns and predict exam questions.
• 🧩 Personalization matters: no single study method fits all subjects or learners.
• ⛅ Slow progress is still progress; consistency and curiosity matter more than speed.
• 💪 Adaptability is essential: adjust your strategies if they are not producing results.
• 👀 Presence is critical: avoid multitasking and distractions during study sessions for better retention.

Q & A

What initial challenges did the speaker face in their academic journey?

The speaker repeatedly received failing grades (E's) despite studying hard, leading to self-doubt, loss of confidence, and questioning their ability to succeed academically.

Why did the speaker’s initial study methods fail to improve their grades?

Although the speaker spent 10–15 hours studying daily, they engaged in 'fake studying,' such as highlighting textbooks or multitasking, without truly understanding the material.

How does the speaker differentiate between studying and learning?

Learning is about understanding the 'why' behind concepts, while studying is the act of practicing and reinforcing what has been learned. Effective studying requires prior learning to be meaningful.

What is the PCFG framework and what does each pillar stand for?

PCFG is the speaker's four-pillar approach to studying: Presence (focus fully during study), Clarity (understand concepts in your own words), Foundations (build core skills for each subject), and Growth (adapt, experiment, and learn from failures).

How did the speaker implement the 'Presence' pillar in their studies?

They committed to focused study sessions, avoiding distractions like anime or multitasking, even if it meant studying for only 20–30 minutes with full attention.

What strategies did the speaker use to achieve 'Clarity' in learning?

They broke down concepts in their own words, explained topics aloud, linked ideas to real-life experiences, simplified notes, and used diagrams or analogies to reinforce understanding.

Why are 'Foundations' important according to the speaker?

Strong foundational skills ensure mastery of basic concepts, making advanced topics easier to understand. For example, mastering mental math enabled the speaker to grasp higher-level math concepts.

How did the speaker apply the 'Growth' pillar to improve their grades?

They stopped taking bad grades personally, experimented with different study techniques per subject, and continuously adapted methods until they found what worked best for each area.

Can one study technique work for all subjects according to the speaker?

No. Different subjects require different study techniques, such as using mnemonics and the Feynman technique for chemistry, method of loci for biology, and past paper practice for math.

What is the speaker’s perspective on bad grades and intelligence?

Bad grades are not a measure of intelligence. They are indicators that a new strategy or approach is needed. With curiosity, experimentation, and persistence, anyone can improve their academic performance.

Why does the speaker emphasize adaptability in studying?

Because no single approach works for every subject or situation, being adaptable allows students to adjust strategies, experiment with methods, and continually improve learning outcomes.

What motivational advice does the speaker give to students struggling with grades?

The speaker encourages students not to feel broken or inferior. Progress takes time, and learning is a personal journey. With the right mindset, experimentation, and focus, anyone can achieve significant improvement.