how to make the *ultimate* academic comeback

How to Improve Your Grades: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction and Overview

• The video is sponsored by Surfshark, introducing the topic of improving academic grades.

• The speaker emphasizes that while drastic improvements in grades (e.g., from F to A) may not be feasible quickly, incremental changes (B to A or C to B) are achievable with commitment.

• Viewers are encouraged to reflect on why their grades are lacking, identifying four common reasons: feeling overwhelmed, struggling with content, distractions, or lack of effort.

Identifying the Problem

Overwhelmed Students

• Being overwhelmed often stems from taking on too many commitments like AP classes or extracurricular activities that hinder academic focus.

• The speaker shares a personal experience of enrolling in five AP classes during junior year and realizing it was unsustainable. Dropping one class allowed for better balance.

Struggling Students

• Struggling indicates putting in effort but failing to grasp material; students must let go of their ego and accept that struggle is part of learning.

• The speaker recounts their transition from high school physics to MIT's introductory physics as a significant challenge requiring adaptation.

Solutions for Improvement

For Overwhelmed Students

• Students should evaluate which commitments can be dropped or reduced to prioritize academics effectively.

• If unable to drop commitments due to timing, students should proactively communicate with teachers about deadlines and workload challenges.

For Struggling Students

• Leverage available resources such as office hours and tutoring centers; these can provide essential support in understanding difficult concepts.

Study Strategies and Overcoming Distractions

Finding Study Partners

• Collaborating with a study partner can be beneficial, especially for tackling difficult concepts before exams. However, it's advised not to rely on them constantly.

Importance of Online Safety

• The video introduces Surfshark, a VPN service that enhances online privacy while studying in public spaces or at home.

• Surfshark masks your identity and encrypts data, protecting against third-party tracking when using public Wi-Fi.

• It also blocks ads and trackers for a smoother browsing experience, which is crucial for maintaining focus during study sessions.

• Users can download Surfshark on various devices and utilize a promotional code for additional benefits.

Addressing Distractions

Managing Phone Distractions

• Acknowledges the challenge of staying focused due to phone distractions prevalent in today's society.

• Suggest practical solutions like silencing notifications and placing the phone face down to minimize interruptions.

• For those who struggle more significantly with distractions, setting time limits or having someone else hold their phone can help maintain focus.

Decluttering Mind and Space

• Emphasizes the importance of decluttering both physical space and mental state to enhance concentration while studying.

• Recommends using ambient sounds (like brown noise) to aid focus; personal preference leans towards brown noise over pink or white noise.

Combatting Laziness in Studying

Understanding Study Methods

• Differentiates between passive studying (e.g., rereading notes, highlighting texts) versus active studying (e.g., practice questions, teaching others).

• Highlights that passive studying may feel effective but lacks the depth of understanding gained through active engagement with material.

Motivational Techniques

• Encourages visualization of positive outcomes as motivation—imagining success can help combat laziness in studies.