Summary
Highlights
To quickly review a large number of questions before an exam, vocalize your solution process instead of writing everything down. If you encounter difficulty, immediately check the answer key and then re-explain the solution aloud to ensure full understanding. Prioritize questions similar to previous exams, practice tests, or homework assignments for maximum relevance.
Even if cheat sheets aren't allowed in an exam, creating one helps condense and prioritize key information. Fill it with essential formulas, concise explanations, and useful examples. Test your memory by trying to recreate the cheat sheet from scratch, a method known as active recall. The video also recommends using the free app 'Thea Study' for creating study guides, practicing questions, using flashcards, and taking mock exams to enhance studying and manage test anxiety.
Avoid long, unstructured study blocks. Instead, break your study time into focused sessions with scheduled breaks. During breaks, avoid phone use to maintain focus. Create an "attack plan" by listing all exam topics and categorizing them into three tiers based on importance: 'most important' (non-negotiable, basic concepts), 'secondary' (connected, advanced topics, practice questions), and 'nice to know' (extra facts or hard examples to ignore in a time crunch). Focus on the 80/20 rule, concentrating on the 20% of material that will yield 80% of the results.
The video illustrates the attack plan with an example for a linear programming exam. The plan involves identifying core topics, categorizing sub-topics into the three tiers, utilizing summary sections in textbooks, watching short YouTube videos for basics, and prioritizing practice exams and professor-provided slides for secondary topics. Homework reviews are reserved for any remaining time, ensuring efficient use of limited study hours.
After devising your study plan, execute it without anxiety. The video concludes with a motivational message, reminding viewers of their commitment to study and encouraging them to turn off their phones and begin studying immediately.