Efficient Study Tips for Greater Success

Oct 14, 2024

Study Tips for Higher Grades with Less Time

Introduction

  • Two types of students:
    • Student A: Studies for hours, coffee-fueled, highlights notes, rereads textbooks, does flashcards.
    • Student B: Has focused, efficient study sessions, knows what to review.
  • The speaker shares their background:
    • Valedictorian of high school.
    • Double majored at MIT.

Key Study Tips

Tip 1: Disconnect from Study Hours

  • Focus on effectiveness, not just time spent studying.
  • Assess activities during study hours:
    • Effective: quizzing, teaching others, tackling weak concepts.
    • Ineffective: mindless rereading and highlighting.

Tip 2: Read Backwards

  • Useful for last-minute study sessions.
  • Recommended approach:
    1. Start with chapter summaries and key points.
    2. Do a "first pass" through headings, charts, bullet terms.
    3. Do a "second pass" by reading the first and last paragraphs of each section, skimming body paragraphs.

Tip 3: Batch Your Tasks

  • Minimize context switching by grouping similar tasks:
    • Example: complete math and science together, then write essays.
  • Start with easier tasks in each batch to ease transitions.

Tip 4: Give Yourself Constraints

  • Apply Parkinson's Law: work expands to fill the time available.
  • Set a timer for assignments, reducing the estimated time by 10-20%.
  • Example: Gradually decreasing time limits in exams can improve efficiency.

Tip 5: Leverage AI Tools

  • Use AI tools like Grammarly for:
    • Brainstorming topics.
    • Drafting outlines and research plans.
    • Ensuring clear and concise writing.
    • Checking for plagiarism.

Tip 6: Don't Idle

  • Avoid getting stuck on difficult problems.
  • Move on to other problems and return later.
  • Be comfortable answering questions out of order.

Tip 7: Do Mindless Work First

  • Complete fixed tasks (e.g., flashcards) before variable tasks (e.g., essays).
  • This prevents variable tasks from consuming all available study time.

Tip 8: Tag Your Notes

  • Tag notes during lectures with symbols for topics you struggle with.
  • Helps focus on areas needing more review before exams.

Conclusion

  • Engage with the audience:
    • Share experiences about the school year.
  • Encourage joining Discord, newsletter, and subscribing for more tips.