how I went from D's to STRAIGHT A’s | ULTIMATE GUIDE to becoming an academic weapon + free template

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey from academic struggles to success, revealing their secrets to improve grades. They offer practical tips on creating effective notes, leveraging AI for study efficiency, and understanding exam patterns. A free Notion template is provided to help students stay organized and focused on their goals. The video encourages linking concepts in note-taking, using AI responsibly, and starting with practice questions to prioritize important topics, ultimately transforming study habits for better academic performance.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start with a 'Lifeline Notebook' for each subject to compile notes and track progress throughout the semester.
• 📈 Use loose-leaf paper and binder rings for flexibility in organizing and rearranging notes as needed.
• 📝 Keep a record of all topics, subtopics, and formulas in your syllabus to facilitate easy revision and memorization.
• 🔗 Incorporate 'linking text' in digital notes to connect concepts and improve the flow of information for better understanding and recall.
• 🤖 Utilize AI to your advantage for tasks like summarizing texts, translating, and simplifying complex concepts, but avoid using it for cheating.
• 📅 Maintain an organized schedule by noting down not only due dates but also the dates you plan to start working on assignments or projects.
• 📝 Record corrections and mistakes to learn from them and avoid repeating the same errors in exams.
• 📉 Analyze practice questions and quizzes first to identify important concepts and to understand the structure of exam questions.
• 🎓 Use the marking scheme to understand how to answer questions correctly and to spot patterns in exam questions.
• 🔑 Create a personalized Notion template to plan your academic life, including a calendar for tracking due dates and goals.
• 🎁 Engage with the content creator on Instagram to unlock additional resources that can further enhance your academic performance.

Q & A

Why did the speaker almost not go to university?

The speaker almost didn't go to university because their initial marks were so poor that they couldn't believe it and even messaged their lecturer for confirmation.

What academic achievement did the speaker eventually reach despite a poor start?

The speaker eventually turned their grades around and achieved distinctions repeatedly, even in university.

What is the 'Lifeline Notebook' and why is it important for academic success?

The 'Lifeline Notebook' is a dedicated notebook for each subject where the student records all important information, formulas, and corrections. It is crucial for academic success as it helps to organize and consolidate knowledge, making it easier to revise and improve understanding.

Why does the speaker recommend using loose sleeve sheets of paper and binder rings instead of regular notebooks?

The speaker prefers loose sleeve sheets and binder rings for their flexibility, allowing for easy reorganization of content during the semester without being confined to a fixed order as in regular notebooks.

What is the significance of writing down all the formulas and definitions encountered in a syllabus?

Writing down all formulas and definitions helps with memorization, especially for those who struggle with remembering them. It also provides a single reference point for practice questions, eliminating the need to flip through chapters.

How does the speaker suggest organizing notes for science subjects with a large amount of content?

The speaker suggests changing the way notes are taken by organizing all relevant information in one place, regardless of the order presented in lectures. This method reduces the need to remember hundreds of slides and simplifies the revision process.

What is the purpose of the 'linking text' in digital notes according to the speaker?

The 'linking text' serves to connect concepts between pages of notes, helping to create a chain of information that is easier to remember and understand. It prevents information from existing separately in one's head, which can make memorization and comprehension difficult.

How can AI be used to assist with academic tasks without resorting to cheating?

AI can be used to brainstorm ideas, write outlines, translate text, and explain difficult concepts. It should be utilized to enhance understanding and efficiency rather than to complete assignments on behalf of the student.

What is the 'notes first' strategy and why is it recommended before starting to study?

The 'notes first' strategy involves going through practice questions or quizzes before starting to study. This helps identify important parts of the topic and allows students to focus their study time on more critical concepts, avoiding the memorization of irrelevant content.

What is the speaker's secret to guaranteeing extra marks in exams?

The speaker's secret is to write down every correction made, regardless of how trivial it may seem. This includes recording the question, the wrong answer, the correct answer, and any explanations provided. It also involves noting the marking scheme answers to identify patterns and repetitive questions.

How does the speaker suggest using the Notion template to stay organized and achieve academic goals?

The speaker suggests using the Notion template to plan academic life by entering all due dates into the calendar, setting goals, and customizing the template to fit individual needs. The template includes features like AI summaries and point form notes to streamline the study process.