Nov '25 • 💬 General
Big Difference
Lately, I've been preparing for uni admission tests. The thing about these is that they don't test your knowledge. Instead, they test your mind. Two very different things.
Solving such problems under a time-constrained and high-pressure environment forces the brain to think faster, to create shorter ways for faster outcomes and to manage time.
Most of the times, you can't afford a second attempt due to the time constraint so the brain has to get it right the first time or else it's game over.
I find myself solving 100+ STEM problems for engineering unis, I get stuck at some and at that point, I do it: Diving deep into the topic and reasoning by fundamental principles, using my neurons to their max to establish connections between related topics, figuring out faster solutions and finally redoing the whole thing to get it right.
This not only fulfills my curiosity but also improves the way I tackle problems and unexpected obstacles. Seeking faster solutions makes the brain habituated to forming rapid neural connections.
This isn't about the solution, it's about building the capability to find solutions. Two very very different things. A person who knows how to find solutions and tackle unexpected outcomes (getting stuck) is the real learner and grower who can CREATE solutions rather than re-iterating the existing ones.
Consider this approach:
1st attempt > got stuck > research > 2nd attempt
Research isn't looking up the solution. It's understanding the topic via fundamental principles rather than analogies/examples. It's figuring out ways for faster and shorter solutions which definitely puts your thinking speed to the test. It's about taking your strongest asset (the brain) to its limit.
Humans are meant to solve problems, that's what we do.
How do y'all study? Share your study strategies too!
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Big Difference
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