15 Years of *Study Advice* in 15 Mins

Summary

The speaker shares 15 years of exam preparation wisdom, emphasizing discipline and planning over innate intelligence. They recount personal academic struggles and triumphs, offering practical tips on effective studying, including optimal study times, the Pomodoro technique, and the importance of choosing the right resources. The script also covers study techniques, the difference between studying for understanding versus exams, and strategies for exam-taking, such as managing energy levels and attempting questions in layers of difficulty. A final note encourages finding a study buddy for accountability and shared success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discipline and a plan are more important for academic success than innate intelligence.
• 🕒 The speaker has spent 15 years preparing for exams, highlighting the importance of a structured approach to studying.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the syllabus and sticking to it for effective exam preparation.
• 📈 Finding the best resources, such as books, teachers, and test series, is crucial and can significantly impact exam results.
• 🌞 The best time to study depends on personal energy levels and minimizing external distractions.
• ⏰ Studying in chunks (45-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks) is more effective than long, continuous study periods.
• 📝 Notes should be interesting and visually engaging, with diagrams and tables, to enhance memory retention.
• 🧠 Our brains process images faster than text, so using visual techniques like the memory palace can improve recall.
• 🔁 Active recall is a powerful method for remembering information, where one asks questions and forces the brain to retrieve answers.
• 📉 The effectiveness of studying diminishes after 11 hours per day due to the negative impact on sleep and nutrition.
• 📉 The speaker's personal academic journey illustrates the potential for improvement and the importance of perseverance.
• 🤝 Finding a study buddy can increase accountability and motivation, leading to better study habits and outcomes.

Q & A

What is the key to being a top student according to the speaker?

The key to being a top student is not necessarily being smart, but rather being disciplined and having a plan.

How many exams did the speaker take throughout their academic life?

The speaker took approximately 700 exams, not including smaller class tests.

What was the speaker's initial experience in college in terms of academic performance?

The speaker's initial experience in college was not good, with a CGPA of 6.64 in the first semester, which was a significant drop from their previous academic performance.

What is the significance of understanding the syllabus when preparing for an exam?

Understanding the syllabus is crucial because it helps to focus study efforts on relevant topics and avoid wasting time on irrelevant material.

Why is finding the best resources important for exam preparation?

Finding the best resources is important because it can significantly impact the quality of preparation, with good books, teachers, and test series potentially defining more than 50% of one's preparation.

What is the recommended study session length and break duration according to the speaker?

The recommended study session length is 45 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, which helps to prevent brain exhaustion and maintain effectiveness.

What should one avoid doing during study breaks to ensure effective rest and recharge?

One should avoid using the phone or watching YouTube videos during breaks, as these activities do not provide the necessary mental rest and can be distracting.

How does the speaker suggest using the notes for effective studying?

The speaker suggests making notes interesting with diagrams and tables, and using them as a powerful tool to unlock photographic memory, rather than just rereading them.

What is the 'memory Castle' method mentioned in the script, and how does it help with remembering information?

The 'memory Castle' method is a mnemonic technique where information is associated with specific locations in a familiar environment, such as a room. This helps in retrieving the information by mentally walking through that space.

What is the difference between studying for understanding a subject and studying for an exam, as per the speaker's perspective?

Studying to become an expert in a subject involves deep understanding and exploration, while studying for an exam is more about mastering the syllabus, effective studying techniques, and exam strategies to score well.

How does the speaker define the effectiveness of study hours and what is the optimal range?

The speaker suggests that the effectiveness of study hours is not linear; it increases up to around 7 to 11 hours of study time per day and then decreases, as studying more can compromise sleep and other essential activities, negatively affecting performance.

What is the speaker's advice on making notes and how does it enhance memory?

The speaker advises making notes interesting with visual elements like diagrams and tables. This not only aids in better understanding but also acts as a powerful tool to enhance memory by serving as a reminder of class content.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of active recall in studying?

The speaker emphasizes that active recall, where one asks questions about the information and tries to retrieve the answers from memory, is more effective than passive rereading of the same material.

How does the speaker describe the process of improving problem-solving skills in subjects like maths and physics?

The speaker describes that improving problem-solving skills involves understanding concepts deeply, practicing a variety of questions, and recognizing patterns in problem-solving rather than just memorizing concepts.

What are the three key strategies the speaker suggests for effectively giving an exam?

The three key strategies are ensuring high energy levels during the exam time, solving the question paper in layers from easiest to most difficult, and treating exam-taking as a skill that can be improved through mock tests.

What is the bonus tip provided by the speaker for enhancing study effectiveness?

The bonus tip is to find a study buddy who can share preparation strategies, provide accountability, and enhance the overall study experience, leading to mutual growth.