Cramming for an Exam: Key Strategies

Introduction

• Context: Preparing last minute for an exam can be stressful.
• Objective: Provide effective strategies to optimize cramming sessions.

Strategy for Cramming

1. Prioritizing Topics: The Cram Matrix

• Identify Exam Guide: Review the exam guide provided by the teacher.
  • Note which topics are heavily or lightly tested.
• Cram Matrix Questions:
  1. Is this topic a strength or weakness?
  2. Is this topic tested heavily or lightly?
• Prioritization Order:
  1. Weakness, tested heavily
  2. Weakness, tested lightly
  3. Strength, tested heavily
  4. Strength, tested lightly
• Key Insight: Avoid starting with familiar topics (priority 4) to ensure efficient studying.

2. Establishing a High-Level Understanding

• Priming Questions:
  • What is the significance of this topic?
  • What are the key principles and ideas?
  • How to explain the topic to a child?
• Steps to Understand Topics:
  1. Skim chapter summaries.
  2. Review vocabulary words.
  3. Watch YouTube videos to fill in gaps.
• Note on Studying: Focus on understanding rather than memorizing details.

3. Drilling Down with Practice Problems

• Importance: Spend most of the study time on practice problems.
• Benefits: Identifies knowledge gaps; reinforces learning.
• Resources for Practice Problems:
  1. Textbook practice questions.
  2. Previous exams.
  3. AI tools (e.g., Google Bard) for custom practice questions.

4. Utilizing Remaining Study Time

• Collaborative Learning:
  • Call a friend and quiz each other.
  • Use the Feynman Technique for deeper understanding.

5. Importance of Rest

• Sleep and Memory: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation.
• Recommendation: Prioritize sleep after reviewing priority topics over staying up late.

Conclusion

• Essential Tips: Focus on prioritizing topics and completing practice problems.
• Encouragement: Confidence in ability to succeed in the exam.

Additional Resource Mentioned

• Paperlike Pro Bundle: Tools for improved note-taking experience on an iPad.