How should I revise for essay-based exams?

For essay exams, center your revision around planning essays. Use past papers or create your own potential essay questions, and then structure your revision by creating detailed essay plans for these topics. This method targets key content and improves understanding and retention.

What are the best revision strategies for subjects like Maths, Physics, or Engineering?

For applied subjects such as Maths, Physics, and Engineering, prioritize working through problem sheets and past papers. If proofs are necessary, using flashcards or a spaced repetition system to memorize them can be effective.

How can I get access to helpful resources and advice during university?

Make a concerted effort to connect with students in the years above you. They are usually happy to share notes, resources, and advice based on their experiences, which can significantly ease your academic journey.

How do you quickly get through recommended or independent reading lists?

When faced with extensive reading, focus on reading book reviews for summaries and critiques. Ultimately, read with a specific goal in mind, such as answering an essay question, and only extract information relevant to that goal.

Is it better to use pre-made notes or create your own notes for revision?

Pre-made notes are generally preferred if they are helpful, as they save time. However, if the process of making your own notes aids your understanding and retention significantly, then that method is also valid.

What are some tips for managing long days during Ramadan while studying for exams?

One strategy is to plan your day around fasting, perhaps sleeping after Fajr prayer and waking later. Having a refreshing drink like J2O after breaking the fast can also provide comfort and a small boost of energy.

Key Moments

Exam Study Tips for University & A-Level students - Revision Q&A with Cambridge students

Ali Abdaal

People & Blogs4 min read26 min video

May 2, 2018|109,524 views|3,636|165

study tips 2018 med school vlogs motivation to study how to study study tips cambridge uni university of cambridge revision tips how to do well in exams revision advice a levels a level

Save to Pod

Key Moments

TL;DR

University exam study tips: Scope subjects, plan essays, use past papers, and leverage older students.

Key Insights

Scope your subject by creating a broad outline of topics and subtopics before diving into details.

For essay-based exams, structure revision around planning essay answers to past or hypothetical questions.

For quantitative subjects like Math or Physics, prioritize problem sheets and past papers, but use flashcards for proofs.

Actively seek advice and resources from students in higher years; they are usually happy to help.

When reading extensively, focus on book reviews and reading with a specific goal or essay question in mind.

Understand that active recall and spaced repetition are foundational and should be employed alongside these tips.

SCOPE YOUR SUBJECT FOR MANAGABILITY

The first crucial step in preparing for content-heavy exams is to 'scope' your subject. Instead of viewing a large number of lectures as an insurmountable task (e.g., 70 lectures), break the material down into manageable topics and subtopics. This provides a conceptual outline of the entire course, making it easier to allocate study time and resources effectively. Aim for a broad understanding of each topic's main points before delving into the fine details, which is a more efficient approach than trying to learn each lecture chronologically.

STRUCTURE REVISION AROUND ESSAY PLANS

If your exams are essay-based, it's highly effective to structure your revision by planning potential essay answers. Use past exam papers or develop your own essay questions based on the course content. Creating detailed essay plans, drawing from lectures and further reading, ensures you cover relevant material in a structured, targeted manner. This strategy not only helps prioritize important content but also improves retention and understanding, as you're actively working towards answering specific questions.

ADAPT METHODS FOR QUANTITATIVE SUBJECTS

For subjects like Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering, the primary revision method should involve tackling problem sheets and past papers. These applied tasks are the best way to test knowledge. However, for aspects requiring memorization, such as mathematical proofs, using flashcards or a spaced repetition system can be beneficial. While the core principles of active recall remain relevant, the application shifts towards problem-solving and practiced application rather than pure memorization of facts.

LEVERAGE THE EXPERIENCE OF OLDER STUDENTS

A significant advantage during university is the willingness of students in higher years to share their knowledge and experiences. Proactively seek out and befriend these students. They can provide invaluable advice, share notes, recommend resources, and offer insights into exam expectations. As the younger student, it's often recommended to initiate these connections, as older students may feel awkward making the first move. This networking not only aids academic preparation but also broadens your social circle.

EFFICIENT READING STRATEGIES FOR WIDER READING

When faced with extensive reading lists, efficient strategies are key. Reading book reviews can offer a concise summary and critique of texts, providing a quick overview without needing to read the entire book. More importantly, approach reading with a specific goal, such as answering a particular essay question. Identify information that directly supports your objective and, if necessary, paraphrase or quote it for your notes. This focused approach prevents feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of potential reading material.

UTILIZE PRE-MADE NOTES AND CROWDSOURCING

While some students learn effectively by creating their own notes, pre-made notes, if accurate and comprehensive, can be a valuable time-saver. They can be particularly useful if lecture notes are poor or if you're struggling to grasp a concept. Additionally, 'crowdsourcing' notes from peers or those in higher years can reduce the burden of note-taking, allowing you to focus on understanding and revision techniques like active recall. The key is to adapt these methods to your personal learning style and what yields the best results for you.

ADOPT ACTIVE RECALL AND SPACED REPETITION

The foundational techniques of active recall and spaced repetition are paramount for efficient and effective revision. Active recall involves testing yourself on material without looking at your notes, forcing your brain to retrieve information. Spaced repetition involves reviewing this information at increasing intervals. These methods are consistently highlighted as the most significant factors in improving learning efficiency and retention. They should be integrated into all study strategies, regardless of the specific subject or exam format.

MANAGING WORKLOAD AND SETTING REALISTIC GOALS

Coping with a large workload, especially in demanding degrees like medicine, requires realistic planning and prioritization. Understand that it's not always necessary to know every single detail; focus on the 'bread and butter' concepts that carry the most weight in exams. Avoid the narrative that a degree is impossibly hard; while challenging, it is manageable with the right strategies. Setting achievable daily or weekly study goals, including buffer days ('spill days'), helps prevent burnout and ensures consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Concepts

University Exam Revision Cheat Sheet

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Scope your subject: Get a broad overview and break down content into manageable topics.

For essay exams, base revision on planning essays using past papers or self-generated questions.

For Maths/Physics/Engineering, focus on problem sheets and past papers; use flashcards for proofs.

Actively seek advice, notes, and resources from students in higher years.

When reading, have a specific goal in mind (e.g., answering an essay question).

Consider using pre-made notes if they aid your understanding, especially if making your own isn't effective.

For efficient studying, prioritize active recall and spaced repetition.

If you have a lot to cover, focus on the essential topics that yield the most marks.

Avoid This

Don't just try to learn individual lectures chronologically; focus on overall topics first.

Don't aim to cover every single detail; prioritize the most important information.

Don't rely solely on passive note-taking; engage in active recall.

As a junior student, don't wait for older students to initiate contact; you make the effort.

Don't feel pressured to read entire books if you can get the necessary information from reviews or specific sections.

Don't feel obligated to make your own notes if pre-made ones work better for you.

Common Questions

The most effective strategy is to first 'scope your subject' by creating a broad outline of all topics and subtopics. Then, focus on the most salient points and break down the content into manageable chunks, rather than trying to learn individual lectures sequentially.

Topics

Time Management Learning & Education Mindset & Self-Improvement Student Life Exam Preparation Study Habits University Success Academic Strategies Revision Techniques

Mentioned in this video

Products

J2O

A brand of fruit juice drink, mentioned as a personal preference for breaking fast during Ramadan.

Apple Pencil

A stylus designed for the iPad Pro, used by the speaker for digital note-taking and revision.

Pilot G2

A specific model of gel pen, recommended as the speaker's favorite stationery for writing and revision.

iPad Pro

A tablet computer, mentioned as the speaker's preferred stationery for going paperless, used with an Apple Pencil.

Concepts

active recall

A revision technique that involves retrieving information from memory, emphasized as a foundational method for efficient studying.

Spaced repetition

A learning technique where studied material is revisited at specific intervals to improve retention, highlighted as crucial for revision efficiency.

Found this useful? Build your knowledge library

Get AI-powered summaries of any YouTube video, podcast, or article in seconds. Save them to your personal pods and access them anytime.

Try Summify free