How to Ace All Your Exams

Introduction

• Presenter: Colin, a student at Yale University studying computer science.
• Objective: Teach you strategies to achieve an A+ on exams.
• Audience: Students with upcoming tests or exams.

Key Mindset Changes

1. Stop Panicking:
   • Treat every test as doable and focus on putting in the work.
2. Gamify Studying:
   • Use tools like Quizlet to make studying fun. Treat it as a game with objectives.
   • Aim to get 100% as quickly as possible.
3. Implement Parkinson’s Law:
   • Set specific and shorter study sessions to enhance focus and productivity.

Organizing Study Materials

• Identify Exam Scope:
  • Focus on only the relevant material that will be tested.
• Create Study Notes:
  • Use Google Docs to compile key terms and notes.
  • Organize them aesthetically, like a cheat sheet.

Creating Practice Exams

1. Write Your Own Questions:
   • Based on your notes, create multiple choice and open-ended questions.
2. Leverage AI Tools (e.g., ChatGPT):
   • Generate questions and flashcards from your notes.
3. Use Past Exam Papers:
   • Find practice exams online or from teachers for effective preparation.

Using Quizlet

• Convert Practice Questions:
  • Input them into Quizlet and treat it as a game.
• Study Anywhere:
  • Use Quizlet during short breaks or downtime.
• Focus on Speed:
  • Aim to complete Quizlet with 100% accuracy quickly.

Pre-Exam Evening Routine

• Read Notes Before Sleep:
  • Spend 5–10 minutes per night reading notes, ideally for three nights before the exam.
• Frame as Enjoyable:
  • View this as reading a favorite book, not studying.

Day of the Exam

• Dietary Tips:
  • Avoid large meals before the exam to prevent sluggishness.
• Relaxation Techniques:
  • Listen to calming music, like lo-fi beats or jazz, to maintain calmness.
• Hydration and Sunlight:
  • Stay hydrated and try to get some sunlight for energy and focus.

Conclusion

• Encouragement:
  • Follow these strategies to increase your exam success.
• Community Engagement:
  • Like and subscribe for more content and be part of the community.

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Notes based on a lecture by Colin on exam success strategies.