How to STUDY so FAST that it feels ILLEGAL

How to STUDY so FAST that it feels ILLEGAL!

You want to learn how to study fast and get an A-plus in all your classes. Well, you're in the right spot. In this article, I’ll teach you how to get perfect grades with ease in the least amount of time possible.

Listen, the reason why most students get bad grades is because they don't study. And the reason they don’t study is because it takes too long. I get it. I’ve been there. But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way. Studying effectively is a choice—all you need is the right mindset and the right strategy.

Step 1: Rewire Your Mindset

To start, there are three key mental shifts you need to make:

1. Study Time Doesn’t Equal Knowledge Gained

I always hear students say things like, “Oh, I studied for 12 hours today,” or, “I studied until 2 a.m. yesterday.” But for me, that’s not a flex. I’d rather study for two hours and get the same results, if not better, than someone studying for 10 hours. If you value having a life outside of school, you need to study smart.

2. Trick Your Brain

Manipulate yourself into thinking that you’re an academic weapon—that any class, any exam is doable. Believe in your abilities, and you’ll end up learning faster. Also, convince yourself that the material is fun and important, even if it’s boring. This small mental shift can make studying feel effortless.

3. Use Parkinson’s Law

Parkinson’s Law suggests setting strict time limits for tasks. For example, if you have a math exam, don’t spend all day studying for it. Instead, set a two- or three-hour limit. Short, focused study sessions prevent time-wasting and boost productivity.

Step 2: Master Active Recall

Active recall is, hands down, the best study technique. Instead of just reading the textbook, you’re learning by testing yourself. Andrew Huberman talks about how testing is the most effective study method. This is because of the “forgetting curve,” which shows we forget new information quickly unless we keep practicing it.

Test yourself on practice questions until you know the answers like muscle memory. And here’s a pro tip: redo graded homework or quizzes, especially for the questions you got wrong. Reviewing feedback immediately helps retain the information longer. With active recall, you’ll study more effectively and ace your classes with ease.

Step 3: Make Studying Fun

To make studying enjoyable, create flashcards on Quizlet from your notes and turn them into questions. Don’t expect to get them all right at first—challenge yourself. According to the Yerkes-Dodson Law, being challenged actually enhances learning.

Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT to turn your notes into questions. It’s super effective and easy to do.

Step 4: Decide Whether to Study Alone or With Friends

Most of the time, I study alone because I can focus better. But occasionally, studying with friends can be refreshing, especially in a café or library. Still, I recommend separating study time from playtime.

Step 5: Remove All Distractions

When studying, put your phone on airplane mode or stash it far away to avoid distractions. One of my friends even locks his phone in a timed box so he can’t access it until the timer’s up! Personally, I find putting my phone out of reach works just as well. Over time, your discipline will grow, but make it hard to access your phone initially so you can stay focused.

Step 6: Discover Your Genius Time

Your “genius time” is when you’re most productive. For me, it’s around 6 to 8 a.m., but it depends on your personality. Morning people might focus best from 8 to 10 a.m., while night owls may peak around 8 to 10 p.m. Find the time that fits your lifestyle. I’ve designed my life so I don’t study after 6 p.m. My evenings are reserved for hobbies, projects, and fun.

Having a system and knowing your genius time lets you get a lot done quickly, leaving you time to pursue other passions and work on your overall lifestyle. That’s what I call lifestyle design.

If you follow the tips in this guide, I’m confident you’ll ace all your classes effortlessly. As always, god bless the hustle.