Study Guide

Tips to Remember

Strategy for Exams

Actionable Checklist

General (1–3)

  1. Optimal sleep time for me is around 8 hours, with an absolute minimum of around 4 hrs.
  2. Try to start studying for any big tests well in advance (several days) even if for a short amount of time.
  3. Attend tutorials or review sessions. The fact that they get you to think about the material is what counts.
Tips 1–3 are general.

Test Preparation (4–14)

  1. The big picture and organisation is the key.
  2. Create a schedule of study even if you don’t stick to it (getting the idea of everything you need to know). Write it down in bullet points and estimate how long it will take you. Otherwise you’ll spend too much time at the beginning and then skim (often the most important) later material due to lack of time.
  3. Always try to look at previous tests before starting to study. Past tests written by the same professor give strong hints about how you should study. Don’t attempt to complete questions at first—take careful note of the types of questions.
  4. Reading and understanding is not the same as replicating the content. A formula may make perfect sense when reading, but becomes hard when doing—it uses different parts of memory.
    “WHAT I CANNOT CREATE I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. Know how to solve every problem that has been solved.”
  5. Collaborate with others—but near the end. Study alone first; in early stages others can be a distraction. Near the end, get together—peers will point out pitfalls and give you chances to teach.
  6. Hang out with weaker students; explaining the material helps your own understanding.
  7. Go to the professor 1-on-1; they may disclose something really special.
  8. Study well in advance—this is the key. The brain needs time to absorb material. Things that look hard become easier with time. Allocate ~3 days for midterms and ~6 days for exams.
  9. If things are going badly and you get too tired, in emergency situations, an energy drink can help—use with care.
  10. For maths and similar subjects, EXERCISE > READING. Study until reasonably ready, then:
    The exercises fill the gaps—do as many as you can.
    Exercises will also force you back to read things you don’t know.
  11. Study in places where other people study as well if you are lazy 😜.