The study tip they’re NOT telling you | How I went from a 2:2 to 80% at Cambridge University

Summary

In this educational video, Abby, a former Cambridge University chemical engineering graduate, shares transformative study tips that improved her academic performance. She emphasizes the inefficiency of overworking and advocates for active learning, questioning, and engaging with material deeply rather than passively taking notes. Abby also discusses the importance of balance, taking breaks, and using past papers effectively to train the brain for exam situations. Her insights are backed by reputable studies, aiming to help viewers elevate their academic performance.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Abby graduated from Cambridge University with a master's degree in chemical engineering after four years of study.
• 📚 Initially, Abby struggled with university workload and found it challenging to maintain her straight A performance.
• 🔍 She experimented with various study techniques but found that working long hours was not effective for her.
• 🕒 Abby discovered that working less and focusing on quality over quantity improved her academic results significantly.
• 🧠 The importance of understanding the difference between deep focus and surface-level work when studying is emphasized.
• 💡 The script highlights the ineffectiveness of passive learning and the benefits of active learning for better retention and understanding.
• 📈 Studies by John K. Pencale and Anders Ericsson are cited to support the idea that working more than 7.2 hours a day or doing more than four hours of deep work reduces productivity.
• 🚫 Abby advises against relying solely on note-taking as a study method, as it can be a form of passive learning and not conducive to deep understanding.
• 📝 She recommends active learning strategies such as creating question cards and reviewing them periodically to reinforce learning.
• 📑 Abby suggests using past papers as a tool for active learning by tackling questions without time limits to train the brain for deep thinking.
• 🌟 The video concludes with the message that studying should be chaotic, active, and balanced with breaks and fun activities to avoid overworking and to enhance learning efficiency.

Q & A

What degree did Abby obtain from Cambridge University?

Abby graduated from Cambridge University with a master's degree in chemical engineering.

What was Abby's initial academic performance when she first started University?

Abby was a straight-A student until she started University, where the workload overwhelmed her and she struggled to find effective study techniques.

What is the main study tip Abby discusses in her video?

Abby discusses the importance of working less and focusing on deep, effective study sessions rather than long hours of passive studying.

How did Abby's study schedule during her first year at University look like?

Abby's study schedule involved waking up early, attending lectures, note-taking, gym sessions, and several hours dedicated to university work and pre-reading lectures.

Why did Abby's initial 11.5 hours of daily studying not work for her?

The long hours of studying did not work for Abby because it involved passive learning without deep focus, leading to exhaustion and a lack of understanding or retention of the material.

What is the difference between Elon Musk's work and Abby's study hours according to the video?

Elon Musk's work involves various activities like phone calls, emails, and meetings, which are not concentrated work hours like studying requires. Studying often involves deep focus on complex tasks, which cannot be sustained for as long as Elon Musk's work hours.

Who is Terence Tao and what does he suggest about studying?

Terence Tao is a renowned mathematician who suggests that studying comes in waves and that deep focus cannot be maintained for long hours every day, which supports Abby's point about the ineffectiveness of overworking.

What does the study by John Pencavel suggest about working hours and productivity?

John Pencavel's study suggests that productivity decreases after working more than 50 hours a week, which equates to 7.2 hours a day, indicating that working less can lead to increased focus and understanding.

What is the main problem with relying solely on note-taking as a study method according to Abby?

Relying solely on note-taking is problematic because it is a passive learning method that does not create deep connections in the brain necessary for recalling information during exams.

What is Active Learning and why is it more effective than passive learning?

Active Learning is a method where information is not only absorbed but also reproduced in ways that confirm understanding. It is more effective because it allows for analysis, evaluation, and improved memory retention, which is crucial for exam situations.

How does Abby suggest using past papers for effective studying?

Abby suggests using past papers by tackling questions without time limits, focusing on deep thinking and retrieval of knowledge, rather than rushing through questions under exam conditions without truly understanding the material.

What is the final study tip Abby gives in her video?

Abby's final study tip is to not strive for perfection in studying, to embrace the chaotic nature of learning, focus on active recall, take enjoyable breaks, and avoid overworking to maintain balance and confidence.