How to Study for Exams with Google Sheets

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In this video, I talk through exactly how and why I use Google Sheets as a flashcard alternative for effective studying. We discuss the method of using a spreadsheet as an Anki/Quizlet alternative, and then talk about some of the reasons why you might want to. Enjoy xx

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[squidwardswift]

Ali is the only YouTuber with studying tips that actually work. I mean, they are golden! I'm tired of seeing students make videos about how to take fancy notes, they are time consuming and aren't helpful at all.

[A-Pro]

Ali - the ambassador for Active recall. xD

[thuraiyaalrawahi]

Am I the only one who feels so motivated to study after watching his videos?!

[KharmaMedic]

I've been waiting for this ever since I heard you mention it in an older video! I'm definitely going to be implementing this in second year of med school, thanks for sharing the technique with us Ali 🙂

[jeezradz]

I wish I had friends like you. People who are your friends are super lucky.

[xmodmodifier]

I used to love flashcards but it took all my energy in making it rather than in studying. I'll definitely start using this method now and give it a go

[JakariaKhalilDraws]

This method managed to get me all grade 9s (new grade system) for GCSEs and I only discovered it like a months/2 months b4 my exams. I've already begun doing it for A levels and honestly you've totally changed my perspective on learning. I honestly am so interested in the science of learning now and I find myself sharing what I learn with others where I always reference you. Hope you realise how helpful you've been to everyone. Keep it up man 👊👍

[inyourheart]

guys, i swear by this method. i used this in order to study for my biology tests and my chemistry finals. i used to be those types of people who would "almost pass" for biology, and i would normally fail for chemistry.

after trying this method, i would end up getting over 65% in my biology tests (keep note that only around 35% students pass biology in my grade)
as for my chemistry finals, only 5 people passed chemistry, and i was lucky enough to be one of them. earlier on, i had only 38% for my mid-terms, and i ended the finals with a 57%. it may not be much, but progress is still progress :)

what i love most about this method is that i do not have to keep reopening my book and memorizing everything again and again, since every important question is already jotted down in my google sheets.

anyways, 10/10 recommend this method, it works !!

[anishaseles]

You make studying look so cool. And thank you for emphasising on active recall in more efficient way. You’ve no idea how much it has helped me through my studies.

[A-Pro]

This question is crucial and I think you should make a video on it.
Q, How did you run businesses and still got good grades in Med school at the same time? How did you manage your time and energy?

[AuraAzarcon]

I use google sheets too! :) I'm trying to figure out how to use conditional formatting to hide the answers though! And i still end up downloading the file as .csv to upload to Anki :) i'm making a video on this for sure! Love learning from your approach!

[nmaurok]

Used this + Anki flashcards for my Classics A-Level, nailed it with an A*. Totally recommended!

[camille]

Believe it or not, I’ve learned about active recall and spaced repetition because I binge watch your videos nowadays. I’ve started using Notion for creating questions for myself. Now, I am watching this because I am starting to consider google sheets for my reviewer in my upcoming exam. This is definitely better than my previous study method which is highlighting so much 😂 I think I am becoming a better student because of you, Ali.

[kristajarolan]

I’m a 2nd year med student and I just learned we’ll be having comprehensive exams on all 1st and 2nd year subjects by the end of the school year before entering year 3. This is such an awesome (and free!) alternative to Quizlet! I’ve always thought that flashcards are the way to go for making test questions in bulk. Thank you for this! More power from the PH 🇵🇭

[oentppn]

So glad this was recommended to me. I use to read all my notes passively and did a few example question to test my knowledge. This is much better!

[TarequeMdKhan]

7:20 "Google sheet just makes it a super low commitment thing to sit down and study" This is the gist I was looking for....

[ReiAnneD]

Ali. I just discovered your vids like 3 days ago! I'm in my 3rd year in medical school and I've been doing passive reading all my life. It's a daily struggle that's why I'm so grateful for your vids. Super thanks!

[ruthalmodal]

Yess Ali! I just started using Google Sheets (on your recommendation) to do SR for my A-Levels and I’m already seeing a massive difference in retention. So happy you decided to make a dedicated video to it, keep it up!

[BrendanEvan]

It’s the simple things like white font that make all the difference in a tool being so useful!

[LAisyourgirl]

Thank you! This is exactly the method I needed during my final year of vet school. I thought I was the only one who dreaded making and going through Anki. You’re a lifesaver! 🙏👍🏻😊