This concerned me, exactly as it does you. I had to actually study, he did not.

Here is what I learned.

1. He had an exceptional mind by anyone’s standards anywhere in the world. I have never been around anyone quite like him since.

2. I learned how to study in college applying SQ3R, Survey

Question

Read

Recite

Review.

I learned to read each morning all my notes from the previous day before class and stay ahead of the course in the fundamental text reading and assignments.

I took a speed reading course and used the skills where they applied depending on what type of reading I was doing.

I went to medical school and did a quantum leap in study skills, amount of material covered and memorized.

3. My friend tragically died immediately after graduating with top honors from a university. He went across country to that school, got on drugs and died. Gifted people sometimes have difficulty with life and do not use the gifts fully. Stay off of drugs and alcohol if you want a rewarding happy life.

Study skills are generally what count to go where you want to go in your education- make them a top priority always. They make study easier, more effective and less time consuming. The memory is longer term using them. Decide to master study skills and you will.

Here is the drill: first learn study skills, then apply them and practice them like an Olympic athlete. Cranking at the desk, repetition, has no substitute.

You may even spend “forEVER” cranking through the material at the beginning, but as you practice the proven skills become sharper, faster, and less effort.

Here are starting points, but make it a point to go to the library/book store one day a week and look for references about study skills because they are cumulative- the more you take them in, the better student you become when you apply them.

Seek out and go through every level of a commercial course

“Where there is a will there is an A”.

It is worth it’s weight in gold for all students.

Look up and read the technique “SQ3R” until you have it memorized and apply it automatically.

Seek out and take a speed reading course, not to apply the technique to every type of reading but to master and kick in when applicable for survey.

Specifically master outlining and note taking techniques: they are a skill set you want to have cold.

Make the decision you are going to seek every avenue to build all math skills and enter competitive math competitions at the level you are at now. In the process you are going to learn math, shortcuts, tricks, and comfort. Go the extra mile which pays off for you handsomely in SAT/ACT Scores. Get started on SAT review materials.

Ask questions. There is nothing teachers at any level and location, craft or profession, love more than passing on knowledge and direction to people of any age who want to learn what they know.

Your question is your direction. Go for it consciously, intentionally, and with gusto to become a skilled learner and succeed at any goal your heart desires. You can do it. Others have. It is a decision rather than a gift, a learned process you can master.

PS dont worry about your friends at least you know that you are working for what you want while they are just coasting through.

-Keenan