4 Years of No BS Study Advice In 14 Minutes

About this video

• Video Title: 4 Years of No BS Study Advice In 14 Minutes
• Channel: Matthew Smith
• Speakers: Matthew Smith
• Duration: 00:14:40

Overview

This video provides ten practical and effective study strategies that the speaker, Matthew Smith, learned over four years, which helped him transition from getting Bs to achieving top grades and university acceptance. The advice aims to cut through common misconceptions and offer actionable techniques for academic success.

Key takeaways

• Grades Matter: Universities primarily consider grades for admission, making them crucial for academic advancement.
• Stop Taking Notes, Use Flashcards: Instead of traditional note-taking, create flashcards (e.g., using RemNote) with questions and answers to leverage spaced repetition for better long-term memory.
• Cram Early & Use Past Papers: Begin studying and practicing past paper questions early to identify and strengthen weaknesses, as these are more indicative of exam content than textbook assignments.
• Discard Textbooks, Watch Videos: Utilize YouTube videos for learning new material, as they are often more effective than textbooks, which are best reserved for finding additional practice problems.
• Cross-Reference Syllabus: Always use your syllabus as a guide to focus on the topics that will actually be tested, ignoring less relevant textbook content.
• Prime Before Class: Briefly review material before attending class to improve focus and comprehension during the lecture.
• Ask Questions: Actively asking questions in class increases engagement and emotional investment in the material, leading to better retention.
• Create an Error Booklet: Compile a document of all past paper questions you struggled with to review and master your weaknesses.
• Prioritize Mental Health: Recognize that poor mental health significantly hinders productivity and focus, making self-care essential for effective studying.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: Understand that education is a continuous process of learning how to learn, which is a critical skill for future career success.