4.O GPA IN COLLEGE ~ 10 TIPS FOR STRAIGHT A'S | PRE-MED & STEM

Keisha Lawrence introduces herself as a vlogger and a pre-med student at the University of Maryland, College Park, with a near-perfect GPA. She discusses her hesitation in sharing her academic success due to the competitive nature of college and her desire to uplift others without fostering comparison. The video is aimed at sharing study tips that have contributed to her straight A's and 4.0 GPA, emphasizing the importance of doing one's best rather than comparing oneself to others.

The speaker advises new college students and those starting a new semester to identify their most effective study methods early on. She compares studying to working out, where consistency builds strength over time. She suggests asking upperclassmen and researching online to find study techniques, then trying them out to see what works best. The importance of adjusting to college life and finding a study routine that suits individual needs is highlighted.

Keisha emphasizes the importance of attending all classes, including lectures and discussions, especially for practice-based courses like math, chemistry, and physics. She explains that lectures provide the first exposure to material, which is crucial for understanding and retention. Discussions offer a dedicated time for practicing the material with prepared questions and the opportunity to form study groups with peers.

The speaker shares her experience of never pulling an all-nighter and advocates for consistent studying to avoid cramming. She explains her study routine, which includes regular review and practice, starting two weeks before an exam to ensure thorough preparation. She also mentions the benefits of spacing out learning and incorporating various study materials, such as YouTube videos, to enhance understanding.

Keisha discusses the benefits of studying with others and teaching material to peers as a way to solidify one's own understanding. She encourages the use of study groups and active learning techniques, such as recalling information and applying concepts. Active studying is contrasted with passive studying and is shown to be a more effective way to prepare for exams.

The speaker details her active studying methods, including rewriting notes as questions and answers, using flashcards, and incorporating practice problems. She strongly recommends creating one's own practice exams to simulate the testing experience and reinforce learning. This approach helps in identifying areas of weakness and strengthening recall abilities.

Keisha advises not to neglect easier or general education courses in favor of more challenging ones. She suggests dedicating specific days to review material from all courses to maintain a balanced study routine. This approach prevents the accumulation of unreviewed material and ensures consistent progress across all subjects.

The speaker highlights the significance of creating study plans and using scheduling tools to organize study time effectively. She shares her personal method of using Google Calendar and a daily study plan template available on her blog. These tools help in managing time, setting study goals, and maintaining a structured approach to learning.

Keisha offers tips for staying focused during long study sessions, such as finding a suitable study space, bringing snacks, creating a study playlist, and having a coffee routine to set the mood for productivity. She also talks about the importance of planning enjoyable activities as rewards for completing study tasks, which helps in maintaining motivation.

In the concluding part, the speaker emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-care in achieving academic success. She encourages viewers to be confident, avoid self-doubt, and prioritize well-being. She also stresses the value of surrounding oneself with supportive people and focusing on personal growth rather than perfection.