My grandpa is the 2nd highest paid professor …

You guys, I still can't believe I get to share this. My grandpa isn't just any professor; he's a Harvard professor, and yes, he's basically one of the highest paid in his field! For years, he’s been telling me these four 'simple' study tips, and honestly, I used to just nod along, thinking they were too basic for someone so brilliant. But let me tell you, implementing them has been a game-changer for me. First up, the Feynman method. This isn't just about memorizing; it's about truly understanding. My grandpa always says, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." So, what I do now is pick a topic, pretend I'm teaching it to a five-year-old, and write it out on a whiteboard. Seriously, that act of simplifying and identifying gaps in my knowledge is incredibly powerful. I've found that when I hit a snag, it's a clear signal I need to go back and revisit that concept. It's like finding the exact puzzle piece that's missing! Next, he insists on reading 30 minutes a day. Thirty minutes! That sounds so small, right? But the consistency is key. It's not about cramming a whole textbook; it's about making learning a daily habit. I used to think I needed huge blocks of time, but even just before bed with an open book, or during my commute, I grab those 30 minutes. It compounds so quickly, and I feel so much more informed and prepared for lectures and discussions. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind. Then there's the advice to befriend a professor. This one initially felt intimidating. How do you just 'befriend' a Harvard professor? But he explained it's not about being a sycophant. It's about genuine curiosity and engagement. Go to office hours, ask thoughtful questions that show you've engaged with the material, or even discuss career paths. I've started doing this, and the insights, mentorship, and even potential opportunities like research positions or recommendations I've gained are invaluable. It opens so many doors you didn't even know existed. Finally, his big one for today's students: use digital tools for studying. Back in his day, it was all books and chalkboards, but he's a huge advocate for leveraging technology smartly. I've been using tools like TLDL (as mentioned in one of my study sessions!) for quick summaries of articles or complex texts, flashcard apps for active recall, and even note-taking apps that sync across devices. They don't replace deep understanding, but they make the process so much more efficient and organized. It's about working smarter, not just harder, and letting technology handle the repetitive stuff so your brain can focus on the real learning. Honestly, these aren’t revolutionary secrets, but coming from someone who has achieved so much academically, it really makes you rethink what truly works. Give them a try – you might just surprise yourself with the results!