watch this before your next exam

Summary

In this educational video, Yale computer science student Colin shares his top tips for acing exams. He emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, gamifying study sessions with tools like Quizlet, and applying Parkinson's Law to set focused study goals. Colin advises organizing study materials into concise, aesthetically pleasing notes and creating self-tests using AI or past exams. He also recommends active recall through Quizlet, reading notes before sleep, and maintaining a relaxed, hydrated state on exam day. With these strategies, Colin is confident viewers can excel in their academic pursuits.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Rewire your mindset: Stop panicking and believe that any test is doable with the right effort.
• 🎮 Gamify studying: Make studying enjoyable by creating Quizlet flashcards and aiming for 100% accuracy as if it's a game.
• ⏰ Implement Parkinson's Law: Set specific, limited time goals for studying to increase productivity and focus.
• 📚 Organize your study material: Focus on the chapters or topics that will be on the exam to avoid wasting time.
• 📝 Create a Google doc: Compile key terms and information from class notes and study guides for easy access and review.
• 🤖 Leverage AI: Use tools like ChatGPT to generate flashcards and questions based on your study material.
• 📑 Take practice exams: Use past papers or online resources to familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.
• 📝 Use Quizlet actively: Regularly practice with Quizlet to reinforce learning and improve recall.
• 🌙 Read notes before sleep: Enhance memory retention by reading study notes right before going to bed for a few nights before the exam.
• 🍽️ Eat lightly on exam day: Avoid heavy meals before the exam to keep your mind alert and focused.
• 🧘‍♂️ Relax and hydrate: Engage in calming activities and stay hydrated to maintain mental sharpness during the exam.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to teach viewers how to effectively prepare for exams and achieve top grades with the right mindset and study strategies.

What is the first mindset adjustment suggested by Colin?

The first mindset adjustment suggested is to stop panicking and to believe that any test is doable and acable with the right amount of work.

How does Colin recommend making studying fun?

Colin recommends making studying fun by gamifying it, such as creating Quizlet flashcards and treating the process of getting 100% correct as a game.

What is Parkinson's Law as mentioned in the video, and how does it relate to studying?

Parkinson's Law, as mentioned, is about setting goals and deadlines for oneself. In the context of studying, it suggests scheduling shorter, more focused study sessions to increase productivity and focus.

Why is it important to organize what you need to study according to Colin?

Organizing what you need to study is important because it helps to focus on the relevant material and avoid wasting time on unnecessary chapters or topics.

How does Colin suggest creating a study guide from class notes?

Colin suggests creating a Google doc with key terms from each chapter, dumping all class notes, pictures, etc., and then organizing it into an aesthetic, cheat sheet-like format.

What are the three ways Colin suggests to create practice questions for an exam?

The three ways suggested are: 1) Creating your own questions based on your notes, 2) Using AI like ChatGPT to generate flashcards and questions, and 3) Taking past practice exams or using exam papers from teachers.

How does Colin recommend using Quizlet for studying?

Colin recommends using Quizlet by treating it like a video game, aiming to get 100% as fast as possible, and using it for active recall during spare moments like waiting or before sleep.

What is the benefit of reading study notes before sleep as suggested in the video?

Reading study notes before sleep is beneficial as it enhances memory and helps in remembering the material better when waking up.

What are some pre-exam day recommendations given by Colin?

Colin recommends not eating too much before the exam, relaxing the brain with music or other calming activities, staying hydrated, and getting some sunlight to increase energy levels.