Getting 4 As didn’t come from being the “smartest in the room.” My route to medicine wasn’t linear, more like a squiggly line with plenty of mistakes along the way. But over time, I figured out what worked and what didn’t.
Here are the strategies that made the difference.
1. Consistency Over Intensity
I used to think I needed marathon study sessions. What actually worked? Small, consistent effort. Even 20–30 minutes daily review built more retention than last-minute cramming. No more than 3-4 hours of intense study a day.
2. Active, Not Passive
Highlighting textbooks made me feel busy but didn’t move the needle. Once I switched to active recall (flashcards, past papers, teaching others), my grades jumped.
3. Structure Your Time
I blocked my revision into manageable topics and set weekly mini-goals. That way I always knew what “done” looked like, instead of an endless mountain of notes.
4. Balance Matters
I didn’t lock myself away. I exercised, saw friends, and slept properly. Looking after my health gave me the stamina to keep learning.
5. Exam Practice Is Everything
I treated past papers like rehearsals. By exam day, I wasn’t surprised — I’d already faced the style, timing, and traps of real questions.
Final Thought
Getting 4 As wasn’t magic. It was about process, consistency, and balance. If you’re working toward top grades, don’t copy someone else’s routine - adapt these principles to fit you.
At The Med Den, we share strategies that actually work — from GCSEs and A-Levels to medical school applications.
👉 Want support on your journey? Visit themedden.org.