The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Academic Weapon: Study Hacks, Self-Discipline Tips, and Achieving the Right Mindset

I know the feeling. You're studying for hours, determined to get the best grade. Then it is time to take the test, and you are confused and struggling with most of the questions. Though you try your best, the grade that comes back is less than satisfactory.

It really is frustrating when you feel like all your hard work goes to waste. But what if there are better methods for studying and learning?

In this article I will explain the best study methods, how to be better at self-discipline, and how to get those grades you've been dreaming of.

Active vs. Passive Recall

A huge factor when getting bad grades comes from studying the wrong way.

A lot of people make the mistake by studying passively: rereading the textbook or notes, copying the material, or watching videos. However, passive study methods will do nothing to help with long-term retention.

Study actively, aka use active recall, to ensure you actually learn the material, and it doesn't just go in one ear and out the other.

But what is active recall?

Active recall is a learning method that forces the brain to retrieve information and strengthen long-term memory. One of the most known techniques to use active recall are flashcards. Though flashcards are useful, sometimes we need more types of learning to truly grasp the topic.

Here are some active recall study techniques that actually work; they're highly effective and will improve your grades.

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Active Recall While Reading the Textbook/Material

Textbooks can be essential for good grades in your classes, but just reading the material is not enough. Acing your exams isn't just about memorization; it's about understanding.

While reading your textbook, utilize active recall to absorb the information. This is what you can do when you find a key phrase or definition that will be useful for your studies:

1. Repeat the phrase in your head exactly as it is stated in the textbook.
2. Put the phrase into your own words.
3. Connect the phrase back to the rest of the information as a whole.

These three steps will ensure that you properly understand the knowledge the textbook provides and are able to efficiently apply the material to later studies and homework.

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The Pomodoro Technique

It is true that study sessions are intimidating. Just thinking about the long hours reviewing difficult material and tedious flashcards is terribly daunting. This is because most people feel like they have to dedicate at least three hours, without breaks, for studying in order to achieve that A.

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For those of you that don't like to take breaks during study sessions, let me tell you that breaks are necessary to prevent burnout. It's not healthy to push your limits without giving yourself time to recharge.

The solution to all these issues? The Pomodoro Technique.

I personally use this method to make studying less intimidating, help me pace myself, and give much-needed but an appropriate amount of time for breaks.

The Pomodoro Technique utilizes a timer to separate work into 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks in between. In other words, you work for 25 minutes, take a break for 5 minutes, and then repeat two or three more times. Then you can take a longer break, usually 15-30 minutes, before completing another cycle.

Spaced Repetition

The best way to improve long term retention when studying is the spaced repetition method. Spaced repetition is a technique that involves learning and then reviewing the material in increasing intervals that oppose your tendency to forget the information over time.

The 1-3-7-14 method is one of the most effective when it comes to this studying technique. Since spaced repetition is most helpful when you expand the time between each review session, this method is an ideal setup.

This is how it works: review the material one day after you first learn it. Then review three days from the original time, then a week from then, and then two weeks. Remember to maintain active recall during each review so that you actually retain the information.

Also, don't hesitate to review the topic whenever you need a refresher, whether that is three weeks or two months later.

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Keep in mind, though, that if following a strict routine like this does not fit into your schedule, do not worry. That is perfectly okay. Any amount of review, even if it is just a little, will be helpful for studying.

Furthermore, approaching new topics will become much easier as knowing the material for the long term provides a framework for understanding new information.

Spaced repetition also helps you to prepare you more efficiently for your final exams because it ensures you do not forget the subject material.

The Feynman Technique

Simply memorizing topics is insufficient in achieving good grades because you'll forget everything once that test is over. This is not beneficial because you need to know that information for better understanding of future topics and a better score on your finals.

The best way to truly learn and internalize the topics you are studying is the Feynman Technique.

There are four steps to this method:

1. Study

Study how you normally would: quiz yourself with flashcards, review the textbook, etc.

2. Teach

Then, teach what you learned to someone else. This could be someone in your family, your friend, or even your dog. Teach it to them as best as you can.

3. Fill the Gaps

Now make note of what topics you aren't thoroughly familiar with.

4. Simplify

Rewrite your explanations to make it as simplified as possible.

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Complete Your Work the Day it is Assigned

Homework can get overwhelming, with teachers handing out plenty of new assignments every single day. Just thinking about it can be intimidating, and I even sometimes want to just ignore it.

But the homework load can become even worse when you leave all of your assignments and projects to the last minute. This is why that you must complete all of your work the day it is assigned.

Whether the homework assignment is due in one day or three, just finish it the day the teacher hands it to you. Think about it: would you rather knock it out now or leave it until the last minute along with other assignments to finish?

Completing your work early reduces stress and anxiety and helps you to build good discipline habits. Also, if you find yourself confused, you have more time to ask your teacher questions.

For big projects or essays that will take one week or more, at least begin the work the day it is assigned. Just doing a little bit every day will help you pace yourself and adopt better time management.

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Eliminate Distractions (AKA Your Phone)

Let's face it: your biggest enemy when you are studying is your phone, especially if you are on social media.

It's tempting to choose a dopamine-inducing scroll through TikTok over quizzing yourself on those biology terms. Even just texting or looking through your notifications can waste your time and keep you from getting stuff done. Promising yourself to only check one text message can easily lead to a three-hour scrolling session.

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Such an addicting distraction is very difficult to get rid of, but I found ways to at least lessen its impact.

Before beginning your study session, first put your phone in airplane mode or turn it off completely. It's important that you don't hear any notifications that will prompt you to check your phone.

Then make sure you put it in a completely different room from where you are studying. I am serious, put it as far away from you as possible. This will reduce the temptation to reach for your phone.

I know a lot of you will want to get up and go check your phone anyways, so put your phone on "grayscale" to make your whole screen turn gray. This will make your phone a lot more boring and a lot less tempting.

For iPhones, this is how you do it: Settings>Accessibility>Color and Motion or Color Filters and select Grayscale.

For Androids: Settings>Accessibility>Color and Motion or Vision Enhancements>Color Correction, toggle on and select Grayscale.

"I'll Just Work For Five Minutes" Trick

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If you have no motivation to study, set a five-minute timer, and tell yourself that you will only work for five minutes.

After the timer is up, you have the choice to either stop or continue working. Most likely you are going to want to keep working because you were able to get into your flow.

The hardest thing to do is start, but once you begin, all that is left is to keep going.

How to Romanticize Studying

Studying can be a tedious chore that is hard to look forward to. When you don't want to study, you simply don't study, so good grades are just out of reach.

The trick is to romanticize studying: the right mindset can lead to success. Here are the most effective ways to transform your boring study session into a mini movie scene from your own life:

1. Create a Pinterest-Worthy Workspace

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As always, keep your workspace organized to stay focused, but also, I recommend decorating your study area. Add a cozy desk lamp, a small plant if you like, an aesthetic calendar/planner, and posters/art that you love. This will boost your mood and motivate you to continue working.

2. Listen to a Study Playlist

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Curating the perfect study playlist can help ease your stress and anxiety when it comes to studying and helps you to stay focused. Look for one on Spotify/Apple Music/etc. that is already created or create one yourself that is calming and relaxing. Personally, I enjoy LoFi music or classical music when studying.

3. Choose a Character to Look Up To

It's easier to find the motivation to study if you choose a character to look up to based on their hardworking habits and mindset. I recommend picking a character that reflects your values and style and use them as inspiration. For example, iconic characters such as Elle Woods or Rory Gilmore are perfect to help you romanticize the process of learning.

Keep Going: Success Begins with Consistency

Overall, utilizing these study methods and tips to stay disciplined throughout our fast-paced lives are sure to bring you academic success.

Keep in mind, though, the key to truly becoming an academic weapon is consistency. This means to make studying a regular habit and maintain diligence in your daily routine.

All of your effort, no matter how big or small, is a win.