How to Ace Your Exams

Introduction

• Presenter: Colin, Yale University student studying Computer Science
• Goal: Teach how to ace exams with ease
• Experience: Over 100 exams taken in high school and college

1. Rewire Your Mindset

Key Points

• Stop Panicking:
  • Relax and approach exams positively.
  • Trick yourself into thinking any test is manageable with the right effort.
• Gamify Studying:
  • Make studying fun by treating it like a game.
  • Use tools like Quizlet to create flashcards and aim for 100% completion.
• Implement Parkinson's Law:
  • Set specific, shorter study sessions (e.g., 2 hours) instead of broad timelines (e.g., all day).
  • This increases focus and productivity.

2. Organize Your Study Materials

Importance

• Knowing what to study is crucial for efficiency.
• Avoid unnecessary reading of entire chapters.

Steps to Organize

• Identify Exam Content:
  • Know what chapters or sections will be tested.
• Create a Google Doc:
  • List key terms from each chapter in a structured format.
  • Include class notes and any relevant images.
  • Aim for an aesthetic, cheat-sheet style layout.

3. Create Practice Exams

Methods

1. Self-written Questions:
   • Generate multiple-choice and open-ended questions based on your notes.
2. Leverage AI:
   • Use tools like ChatGPT to generate questions from your notes.
3. Practice Past Exams:
   • Find previous exam papers for practice.

Utilizing Quizlet

• Use Quizlet to compile your practice questions.
• Treat Quizlet sessions as a game to improve recall.

4. Pre-Exam Study Routine

Night Before the Exam

• Read study notes for 5-10 minutes before sleep for retention.
• Approach reading as a privilege rather than a chore.

5. Day of the Exam

Tips

• Diet:
  • Avoid heavy meals before the exam to prevent drowsiness.
• Stay Calm:
  • Relax with calming music (e.g., lo-fi beats).
• Hydration:
  • Drink water to keep your mind sharp.
• Get Sunlight:
  • Boost energy and focus by spending time outside.

Conclusion

• Following these strategies will improve your chances of acing exams.
• Encouragement to like and subscribe for more content.