How to Study Effectively: 8 Advanced Tips - College Info Geek

These study strategies go beyond the basics - memorization techniques, methods of fighting procrastination by hacking akrasia, a way to win the respect of your professors, and more.

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Companion blog post with notes and resource links:

[raveleijntv]

everytime i need to study i start by procrastinating by watching how to study better videos.

[weexuanneo]

Summary:
1. Corson Technique
1. Pinpoint EXACTLY where the confusion is
2. Use spaced repetition software to promote Spaced Repetition
1. Wanikani
2. Anki
3. Method of Loci - memory palace technique!
1. Imagine walking through a house with information plastered all over the walls. Walk through the same route during recall.
4. Hack Akrasia - working against Procrastination
1. Get commitment devices (Beeminder)
2. Short-term rewards
5. Improve the Pomodoro Techniques
1. Experiment with the Time Intervals (e.g. 45-15)
2. Write down distractions on a piece of paper
6. When learning, use both focused and diffused thinking
1. Focused thinking only uses Prefrontal Cortex; good for problems you already know or understand
2. Hence, use diffused thinking to help with learning
7. Gauge your classes (match speed at which professor move + speed that you understand)
1. Pre-read lecture notes
2. Ask questions
8. Start problem sets ALONE
1. When your friend solves a problem that you couldn’t solve, you’ll listen to their answer and say “I kind of get it.” Not good enough.

[mybubbles]

I'm watching this video because I'm procrastinating but I'm still trying to be productive. :D

[andrewcurley]

I used the gummy bear technique. Now I have a 4.0 GPA... And Type II Diabetes.

[malalalalalala]

i should study but instead i've been watching videos about how to study more effectively for like the last 2 hours.

[stellaella]

the problem with the award system, is that i tend to give myself the reward regardless of whether or not i completed the task...

[moodydolly]

This channel is a blessing, I'm 28 and decided to go back to shool (1st year japanese), I have been working very hard from september on, but around the end on october I got sick and felt I was working a lot but not really knowing if it was efficient or working, and I have to say I felt very discouraged and found myself doing less and feeling guilty about it. But thanx to this channel, I found out what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong so I know what to keep, and it makes me hopeful and enthusiastic again. So thank you VERY VERY much!

[JetZone]

Is it ironic that I'm watching these videos as a form of procrastination?
I should be working on college essays but instead I'm binge watching study tip videos...

[xanderia]

I genuinely find it so comforting listening to your videos. And bonus in gaining more intellect than I ever would in my school life so

[tbirch]

Dynamite presentation and good detail for these advanced techniques. Regarding tip number one, asking the right question, this can also help others. As a graduate student, I stopped in the professor's office just before class and discussed my specific area of difficulty. The professor used my question to start off the class. I think he realized "if this guy doesn't get it, maybe others are confused as well."

[selectjed]

subscribed, starting college for the third freaking time, hope i dont let myself down

[leonardodavinci]

I think this is a great example of a pure form of kindness a human can do. Thanks Thomas for your time, research, and will to help and share knowledge ;)

[nathanbickel]

Hi Thomas, thank you so much for making these videos. I'm going into my freshman year of high school this year, and this channel is really encouraging that I won't get disorganized and sloppy by the second week in. Keep it up man, I and a lot of other people really appreciate you :-)

[edytax]

I usually watch videos on YouTube on double sped. No need for it here! You speak fast, getting to the point quickly and your advices are just great!

[gianfrancow]

I almost destroyed my mouse when clicking on "subscribe" to your channel.You are a fucking genius.. the best coach around .

[happypineapple]

Hey Thomas. I'm writing from South Korea as a university student, in a foreign country, having culture shocks now and then and stuff, and then again trying to do my best at school, combining all of these factors... Anyway..
I simply and sincerely want to emphasize my gratitude for your work(tips) here. I cannot really express how grateful I am right now, but let me put it this way.
Thank you, and
God bless you.

[gabrielchristiannegre]

Watching this old video shows how much you've improved in your videos, thanks for the tips!

[raniab]

"Writing what disturbs you while studying" is a really good idea ! i will definitely try it.
Thank you ! you're awesome :)

[Frankincensedjb]

Hey, Thomas. Just want to say thanks for the video. I'm a professor; I use this and a few of you other videos in my college classes. I like them because, as you say, many techniques given in college texts and classes aren't that effective. You use many that I use, and then some. It's great that they are available online for ease of access and use. You can tell by the number of views and subscribers you have that these techniques exist in the, as I say, no BS zone. Well done!

[KostadinKody]

Subbed instantly. Can't believe I missed this channel till now!