Seun’s Study Favorites

When it comes to STEM class, there are some staple resources I always go to and are just foundational things I do. If you want to do well in any class, you have to put the time in, no questions asked. Hard work and study hours pays off. Here’s some things I do:

1. Read assigned reading. As much as I had academic reading, I try to read the entire chapter and take notes before class, so that way I know what to expect in lecture

2. I watch videos when I don’t understand something. Here’s a secret, most professors are not really good teachers, so almost all the time I need to seek external resources to re-explain concepts to me. The organic chemistry tutor is really good for Physics, math and Chemistry. AK lectures was useful for biochemistry. Khan Academy is an old but favorite.

3. I make study guide one pagers. This is the one thing I do for ALL science classes. I found that this helps me not only stay accountable for staying up to date with content, but also it makes my life easier when it’s time to study for midterms and finals. Here’s an example of what my Biochem study guide would look like.

4. My iPad. I used to be a paper person, I love making study guides and notes on plain printer paper. Since I’m trying to protect the environment, I guess, I switched over to iPad because it allows me to take notes for all my classes in one app. I have multiple folders for different classes or topics. GoodNotes is the best note taking app for iPad. I will make a video on how I use GoodNotes to study. I recognize that note everyone has access to something as expensive as an iPad, the good ol notebook and pen works too! It's actually better in my opinion. I just got tired of having loose papers and folder upon folders of notes.

5. I NEVER studying for more than a 5 hour block. I know myself, after about 5 hours of laser focus, my brain just burns. It’s not good to force your brain to work harder than it’s willing to at any point in time. 2 hours of focused studying is better than 4 hours of distracted studying.

Study buddies. Find people who are trying to succeed as well and do your psets with them! You learn from each other.