There was a time I thought cramming was the only way to pass. I would memorize everything, try to pour it all out in the exam hall, and forget everything the next day. It felt like I was just going in circles, not really learning anything.

At some point, I got tired. I wanted to really understand what I was reading, not just pass and forget. This is how I made the switch.

1. I Realized Cramming Was Wasting My Time

I spent hours trying to memorize word-for-word. But in the end, one small twist in the exam question would scatter everything. Cramming didn’t give me the full picture.

What I started doing:
I began reading to understand, not to memorize. I would ask myself, “What is this topic trying to explain?” Once I got the meaning, the rest became easier.

2. I Started Explaining Topics to Myself

One big change came when I started talking to myself while reading. I would close the book and try to explain what I just read in my own words.

Why it helped:
If I couldn’t explain it simply, I knew I didn’t really understand it. That small test kept me sharp and made me more confident in what I was learning.

3. I Used Questions as a Guide

Instead of just reading blindly, I started using past questions or made-up questions to guide my study. That way, I could focus on the key ideas and not just random details.

How it helped:
It made my reading more active. I wasn’t just staring at the page. I was thinking, connecting ideas, and learning how to apply the knowledge.

4. I Gave Myself More Time

Cramming usually happens last minute. But I saw that real understanding needs time. I had to change my approach.

What I changed:
I started reading earlier. Even if it was just 30 minutes a day, it added up. I gave my brain time to process the information and link it to what I already knew.

5. I Trusted the Process

At first, it felt slow. Understanding takes more effort than just copying notes into your brain. But the more I did it, the better I became.

Now, I can remember what I read even weeks later. I don’t panic in the exam hall anymore, and learning has started to feel easier.

Cramming might get you by once in a while, but real understanding will take you far. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but switching from cramming to understanding changed how I study and how I feel about learning.

If you’re tired of cramming too, maybe it’s time to try something new. Take your time, be patient, and focus on truly learning.

Let me know in the comments how you study. Do you cram or try to understand?