How I Ranked 1st at Cambridge University - 20 Study Tips 

I’ve reached a level of procrastination where I watch videos about studying rather than studying.

1. general to specific 2. focus on your weakness 3. retrospective revision 4. learning should be easy, 5. focus on understanding first 6. technique for memorizing, a.active recall, b. space repetition c. interleaving 7. do mock exam 8. study with friends, ask friend to test u 9. read your friend essay to gain idea... 10. focus on the journey

Massively useful video! But to every student who watched, remember that he studied Medicine, a major where you need to memorize a lot of things! If you are studying other majors, you might need to change some of these techniques, for instance if you are doing computer science, focus on applying it by carrying out projects instead of taking a lot of notes and memorizing, or if you are studying business management, focus on cracking cases using your class knowledge, apply apply apply! Memorising definitions won’t get u anywhere. Thanks for this video Ali!

Please listen to this man! As an older adult trying to get her degree, my memory is declining 😅! Mock exams, revision and daily recall (a little bit per day) has really helped me with my Physics class. There is no way I would pass anything with note taking and basic studying. Thank you for this video Ali !!

“ the exam is not a test of knowledge, its the test of exam performance” This hit me like a train!!

“Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein I think the most important take away here is to stay balanced your life. Becoming too one sided will ultimately make all other areas much more difficult.

Great video with some useful tips! Here is my summary of the main points. Part 1 - Targets ================= 1. Scope the subject - At the start of a course, create a tree diagram of everything you need to learn in the course. => Get a big picture overview: identify the topics need to know, see how they are connected. - Color code areas that you are weak in (use color codes: red, yellow, green) 2. Focus on your weaknesses - Use a color-coding system to focus study on the weakest areas. - No point in spending an equal amount of time on weak and strong spots. 3. Use a retrospective revision timetable (instead of a prospective timetable) - Prospective timetable: plans to study a specific topic at a specific time. - theoretical ideal plan, difficult to follow in practice. - Retrospective timetable: plan on the day itself, focus on weaknesses (red-zones). - make a spreadsheet overview of topics - at the start, all topics are marked red. - practice a topic, indicate the level of competence with color, and put the date in the cell - keep going until all topics are mastered (marked green). 4. Notetaking is (generally) a waste of time - Studies show that taking notes is not effective, because it's passive (easy). - Memories are formed by putting in effort (more effort, deeper connections) - Usually, previous students already made notes and summaries (often freely available). - In that case, taking notes is not very effective. 5. Focus on understanding first - Understand first, memorize second. - Understanding (Feynman Technique): being able to explain the concept to 12 year old (simple, unaided, in your own words). - Explaining exposes weak spots in your knowledge (and leverages active recall). Part 2 - Revision/Memorization Techniques ======================================= 1. Active recall - To get information into your brain, you need to retrieve it from it. - Testing yourself is the best to increase academic performance (see "Make it stick") 2. Spaced repetition - Forgetting curve: whenever something is learned, it decays exponentially with time (H. Ebbinghaus) - Spaced repetition: repeated testing spaced out over time interrupts forgetting curve permanently. => helps get knowledge into long-term memory. - Consistent study every day is more effective than a single focused burst of study once. 3. Interleaving - Don't do everything chronologically, all at once. Learn parts of a topic at a later time. - Studies show that people who use interleaving outperform people who don't. Part 3 - Techniques ==================== 1. Make lots of mock exams - Recognize that studying in college is not for gaining knowledge, but for passing exams to obtain a certificate (it’s a game). - Making mock exams therefore yields the highest 'return on investment' -> taps into active recall, identify exam structure and common questions 2. Add some flair to your work - Do something to stand out: nice handwriting, diagrams, good introduction. - Most examiners don't read all your work => the easier you can make it for the examiners to grade your assignment, the more your work will be appreciated. - Think about the package deal: make your work a nice and well-structured product. 3. Bank as many points you can with coursework - It is better if you can do graded coursework throughout the year instead of being graded on a single exam (if this is an option in the course). Part 4 - Friends ================= 1. Study with friends - Increases motivation, makes the student experience more fun. 2. Test each other - Ask friends to test you on your knowledge (active recall). 3. Read your friends' essays - use your friends' notes, share resources amount people in the group. Part 5 - Balance ================= 1. Have a workspace - Study in an isolated place (away from your home) and make it a routine to achieve deep focus and consistency. 2. Have time to unwind - Schedule time to unwind into your calendar (sports, time with friends). - Releases stress, increases motivation, improves sleep. 3. Focus on enjoying the journey, don't fixate on the destination - Don't defer your happiness until after an event (exam, graduation) - Being a student is supposed to be the best time of your life. - Enjoy the process (as most time is spent ‘getting there’).

My primary school brother now knows more medicine then probably i did when I was a second year med student cz my study method is teaching him ( who's very curious and asks about everything ) . That helped me remember mostly everything and gave me a free reminder , whenever I forget anything I go ask him and he remembers better than I do .

I also ranked 1st at cambridge in biochemistry. Ali's tips are good, but ultimately, having a true passion for your course so that time spent studying doesnt feel like studying and determination to understand it are what will help most.

Even though note-taking might be a waste of time, having to study a 300 pages book is hard work I personally believe that having a solid 40-50 pages of well-written notes makes it possible to remember stuff This is particularly true because one usually has many exams at once, and notes are rarely available where I live (Austria)

1. TARGET: Scope the subject. Create a tree as to where everything fits into the bigger picture Recognize your weaknesses and focus on them Retrospective revision time table (I highly recommend you watch that video for more details, this thing has improved my grades exponentially 2. REVISION: Don't summarize (note taking is useless you're using it to actually process the information) **Me realizing I'm actually taking notes on the video** Understanding is more important than memorizing. Tips for remembering: - Active recall - Spaced repetition - Active recall WITH spaced repetition - Interleaving between topics 3. TECHNIQUE: Do mock exams. "exams are not a test of knowledge, they're a test of performance." Use intentional flair - make your essays interesting somehow to impress the examiner and stand out. Get points/marks with coursework. You can focus more on coursework if you are graded on that. 4. FRIENDS: Study with friends. It makes it more fun and keeps you motivated Test each other (again, promoting active recall) Read your friend's essays and distribute the workload and share your notes 5. BALANCE Have a sort of workspace which is distraction-free (whatever works for you, there are a ton of videos on this topic so you can watch them). Have time for unwinding. Have hobbies and schedule them into your calendar. Focus on enjoying the journey, don't focus on the result. Do I even need to explain this point? Go live your life ❤❤

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:28 🌳 *Scope the Subject:* 01:38 🚦 *Focus on Weaknesses:* 02:34 🗓️ *Retrospective Revision Timetable:* 04:00 📝 *Note-taking Controversy:* 05:37 🧠 *Focus on Understanding First:* 07:02 🔄 *Effective Memorization Techniques:* 10:48 📝 *Mock Exams for Exam Performance:* 12:29 ✒️ *Intentional Flair in Essays:* 13:52 📚 *Bank Points with Coursework:* 14:34 👭 *Study with Friends:* 15:46 🔄 *Test Each Other:* 15:59 📚 *Collaborative essay preparation: Form a shared Google Drive with friends, distribute essay topics among the group, and share resources to efficiently cover more ground during university revision.* 16:56 🤝 *Use friends' notes, but add your own style: While it's not advisable to regurgitate a friend's essay verbatim in an exam, sharing notes and resources allows you to incorporate your own flair and understanding into your work.* 17:10 🏢 *Establish a productive workspace: Having a dedicated study space, like going to the library, can significantly enhance focus and productivity, creating a routine for consistent work.* 18:06 🎮 *Schedule time for unwinding: Prioritize a healthy balance by scheduling downtime in your calendar for hobbies, sports, and relaxation to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being.* 19:32 🚀 *Enjoy the journey, not just the destination: Emphasize the importance of relishing the student experience, encouraging students to find joy in each day rather than solely focusing on future goals.* Made with HARPA AI

34 pre nursing student, I wish teachers put more attention on helping students find their study styles, not emphasizing on notes taking coz I don’t read notes. I got a degree in business but at this age I want to get into healthcare, these tips helped me

0:26 - Crează o imagine de ansamblu a componentelor unui subiect pe care trebuie să le acoperi (code color pt. nivelul de cunoaștere al fiecărui aspect) 1:27 - Pune mai mult efort în aspectele unde nu te descurci prea bine 2:25 - Creează un program bazat pe îmbunătățirea punctelor slabe. Pe o coloană ce vrei să faci, iar pe cealaltă ce ai facut. (code color pt. progres) 3:47 - Nu este recomandată folosirea notițelor ca principala metodă de învățare pentru că este un proces pasiv. Aici, aș menționa din propria experiență că notițele sunt mult mai eficiente când le faci cu propriul limbaj și în stilul tău. 5:29 - Focusează-te pe a înțelege materialul (tehnica Feynman) înainte de al memora. Practici pentru o memorare eficientă: active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving. Recomandare de carte: Make it stick. 10:39 - Analizează testele date în anii anteriori și încearcă să descoperi care este șablonul după care sunt realizate și care sunt cunoștințele de care ai nevoie pentru a trece examenul (past papers). 12:14 - Când scrii eseuri încearcă să le faci cât mai structurate. Abordează subiectul dat într-un mod inedit. 14:19 - Studiază cu prietenii (la bibliotecă sau într-un spațiu amenajat pentru studiu) utilizând metoda Pomodoro. 15:10 - Cere-i unui prieten să îți testeze cunoștințele. 16:02 - Împărtășește resurse cu grupul de prieteni (Google Drive folder comun). Citește eseurile prietenilor tăi pentru a-ți îmbunătăți perspectiva. 17:02 - Creează-ți propriul stațiu dedicat învățării care să nu conțină distrageri sau mergi la bibliotecă să studiezi. 18:04 - Planifică-ți timp pentru tine. (hobby-uri, ieșiri cu prietenii sau orice altă activitate relaxantă). Te ajută să îți reîncarci bateriile. 19:17 - Bucură-te de proces. Gândirea de tipul "voi fi fericit după ce ating obiectivul X" îți poate dăuna.

i got introduced to your channel years ago bc i was looking for study tips. now i stick around for the life tips and wonderful things ive learned. thanks Ali :) youre the best teacher!!

Great video! Even though you are not in school anymore, you are forever the person who used to rank 1st at Cambridge university, Ali! Proud

This is such a helpful video, thank you. As a teacher, I'm always trying to find ways to help my students. I'm especially interested in memory. Thank you!

I always enjoy watching your videos and I learn a lot from them❤ Thank you for all of the advice you give❤

I do everything covered in this video except the part that involves friends. It works and I always get 80% above on my Exams. Thanks for the reassurance! 🥂

I want to say, I am in 2nd of year of med school in Malawi, and your video just really gave me good ideas for optimising my study time for the best results. Tips such as studying with friends and mock tests really work. Thanks for what you do. We appreciate you @Ali

got admitted in the med school and watching your videos first time honestly i watched your whole video and that was relaxing .

Ali, good job. Congratulations on your achievements and thanks so much for sharing

Focusing on weakness is good, but I thought this is a good opportunity to share that people often focus on what they struggle with, and because of this what comes/seems easy doesn't always get revisted, leading to you forgetting it without realising. Space repetition is really important for memory, so that's another thing to keep in mind.

literally saw this vid and i missed the study videos I literally exhaled ohhh thank God alsooo IM SO PROUD OF YOU ALI AND HOW FAR YOUVEEEEEEEEE COME LIKE HERE ON RU-vid ITS SO SATISFYING SEEING YOUR RU-vid CHANNEL GROW!

You never disappoint. I used your videos to aid my studying when I was in school to be a practical nurse and you helped a lot. Now I’m onto studying to be a registered nurse and now I’m back!!!! Thanks so much.

Lovely tips! i’ve started using Jamworks in university and honestly it changed my life!!

Not only are your videos helpful but entertaining so it keeps me watching 😊

I wish I could turn back time and use these technices just to make my life easier and taking those A's on exams without having to finish burned out,and having problems with short term memory because of long night studies. Thank u for enlightning us and keep up your good work Ali🤲👏

BEST VIDEO I have ever seen … currently in RT program and this video just made my life better

Thanks alot Ali Abdaal for the meaningful and helpful videos.

I really enjoyed this video, I start university in the fall and am using this information to be the most effective in my study techniques. Thanks for sharing 😊

whatever he's saying is just so helpful.. and the flare thing he talked about, that's what we indian students gotta do in our board exams ;) everything is just so relatable when your entrance exams are coming up-

I got a first and still in shock. Great advice as always 💛

It's exam season once again, so I've fallen in love with you (ie. Your study tips) once more❤❤

Thankyou Ali for putting this out!

This is the best how to revise video it’s so efficient.. I didn’t even dare to skip anything🤩👍🏼

As a pre med student in a rut this is so helpful! I love that you emphasize working on your weaknesses. For me CARS has been a pain in my butt so I’ve avoided it but I’ll definitely work on it more. Thanks Ali 🙏🏽💜

So grateful to come across your channel!

I show your video to my students every year. Thank you!

I always follow your steps and advises, and it really helped me to do better.

I've been using the way of studying you mentioned from my childhood, so far got immense success. But after watching your video, it strongly makes me feel that I'm on the right track.

your videos are really helpful Ali! thank you.

been a while since i saw your videos, your skin looks so much better!!

you are literally like my elder brother guiding me ,I am also medical student by chance and now going into buisness ,thank you so much for such guiding inspiring videos ,.love from India🇮🇳.

This is my long-lost Ali. I can't help being nostalgic after watching this. This video literally made me reminisce about my good old days exploring Ali's study techniques.

This was actually helpful. Thanks for the great video bruv

The last tip is by far the best 💕💕 thank you for being realistic

A study video after so long! It was helpful, thank you.

After all this months... My man finally came back to what made me subscribed to him before.

Your 20th advice is literally the best because all of my seniors told me this when i first entered college

Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩! Thanks for the video, Ali.

You are such an inspiration... Keep posting good contents like this sir

Never get bored to watch your videos. Keep going man❤ Take love and stay safe

Much needed motivation Ali

thank you for this u motivate me so much ahhh you’re one of the main reasons why I started posting studying/university youtube videos 🤍🤍 hope I can inspire others someday too… hehehe have an amazing 2022 you deserve it!!

This the best channel I have ever subscribed!

I can't believe I got these hot insightful tips for free. This was brilliant. Let me go apply them. Thank you. I've been a note taker for years and it has never really helped me so much. Excited to change my mindset and techniques.

Daum he really changed me; first taught me to read books then book summary then journaling. Now when I’m listening his videos I’m just noting down the stuff he’s talking about, before i was veryyyyyy lazy!!!!. Thanks dude

Yes really waiting for a video like this . Thanks Ali

Please make more videos on studying, as someone who is studying to get into med school your “notion toggle questions” idea from one of your videos has literally saved my life!! I have stopped taking notes and only make toggle questions to answer later and my grades have significantly improved in memory based subjects like botany and zoology! Keep up the good work ali! A fan from india

Your videos are awesome and so full of useful information. I have one question for you. In this video, you mentioned that these methods are optimized for passing an exam but not for long-term retention. From your research, what methods would work best for long-term retention of knowledge?

Amazing video! Thanks so much for the tips.

Congratulations my friend. You have helped me a lot.

Please ali, try to make more of these study tips. Thats what i subscribed for. Thank you ;)

Hey Ali, thank you for continuously creating content that helps push us forward. I've got some questions, what apps do you recommend for active recall, mock exams? thanks!

thank you!!! these are really helpful advices!!

Aap Bhaut Hi accha kaam kar rhe ho Plz keep it up 🧡 and hope u will 5M Subs Very Soon ♥️💚

Congratulations Ali 💪🇵🇪

Thanks for useful tips!

Ali, you are a life savior!!. Thank you for this video.

Study tips are my favorite videos!

Yeah, I learned years ago that note-taking was useless. I write missing info directly on the book. That way everything I need to know about a topic is in one place.

I really learned a lot . I will stop summarizing in a short notes, I did that alot when I read and since high school I got C in my grades and about the friends study together it really Good . I will try to practice all what you said in the video and I hope I get an A. grade.

Thanks Ali, as a student this was really helpful. 👌

I am crying out of joy. After such a long tome we have something for students ❤❤❤❤❤💯💯💯

Ali abdaal actually never disappoints💯💯

The best tips I could ever get👌 thanks a lot!

Thanks for sharing this!!

Sir can you please make a video about how you made the spider diagrams in one of your videos.It will be really helpful 🙏🏻

It's always a great day whenever Ali posts a study tips video!

Just started that library thing and it really does wonders

Love the point about enjoying the journey ❤

A video I wish I had found as a freshman in uni, 2015. Here are some of my takes looking back at how I thought "effective studying" should be: - Consuming videos on how to make "aesthetically pleasing" notes that place such emphasis on the notion that having pretty notes is not only effective but enjoyable. I'm sure it works for many, but it only slowed me down. I was more focused on how my notes looked rather than the actual information. - Memorization>understanding. My exams were all in essay form with a 3-hour duration. Like you said, ideally, we would want exams to be the framework for gaining knowledge, but back then my peers and I were more focused on acing exams because we believed grades and rankings defined our success. So rather than understanding given subjects, we crammed almost every little detail into our memory to show how much we know ON PAPER. Eventually most of what we memorized faded, and that's not how learning should be--understanding is key. Studying techniques do vary depending on your major, but these tips are helpful overall! Love how you structure your content and include references to the matter. Keep up the great work, Ali!

I passed mostly using hallo effect in my college 😂, divided things into subtopics, marker, symetrical aplhabetic handwritting, dominant words, even tho i didnt know much, i wrote as if im sir charles with lots of understanding and trying to speak whats lacking 😂 worked for me, scored in 80s anyhow, they would definately read 1 markers, or first few answers, so make it look sharp and bold, u can slag a little on lastishn answers

A nice little trip down memory lane (from when I first started watching your stuff)... Always LOVED your study content!

Thank u so much .....I really needed thisss

This video is absolute gold!! MāShāAllah.

Always have a willing hand to help someone, you might be the only one that does. -Roy T. Bennett thankyou so much ali , i followed your instructions and guidelines strictly.

This video is just what I needed as I'm preparing to start my Masters program this spring. As a now 30 year old, it's been a while since my undergrad and even than my study habits were poor.

what a video !!!!! very informative for students like me.

I love the way this guy explain anything and his accent..

5:56: "If you can't explain it to a 12 year old, you don't understand it well enough" Meanwhile, teachers and textbooks are not able to explain it well to a 20 year old due to which students are doubtful and watching RU-vid for study tips. That means teachers and book publishers don't understand it well enough.

Bro is the perfect child wtf, his parents must be super proud

Pretty helpful video. Definately cheered me up. 😁

This is Absolute Gold Ali :)

Would it be applicable to use 'scope the subject' approach for studying a text book? For instance , applying it with 'Molecular Biology of the Cell'. I guess it could be 'scope-the-textbook'.

I learned more from you than i ever did in my 20 years of living

This's actually pretty great. Thanks ☺

Finally this type of video after a very long time.

No waayy you published a study video ;) So nostalgic…