The 5 Study Secrets of the Top 1%
Read Time: 3 minutes.
Hey friends,
Last week, I wrote a LinkedIn post about my study tips for ranking top at UCL medical school. Then, at 2 a.m., I found myself binging YouTube and unable to wake for lectures the next morning.
The irony? Painful.
Here’s the thing: I’m not here to preach hustle porn or sell you a highlight reel of flawless habits. Over the past year, I've had the privilege of interviewing dozens of top-performing students, and I've consistently ranked among the best myself
Turns out the secrets aren’t about grand gestures — just small, stubborn systems.
Let’s get into it.
1. They don’t “grind” — they show up
The top 1% aren’t pulling 14-hour study marathons. Instead, they treat learning like brushing their teeth: non-negotiable, but not dramatic.
Think 2 focused hours daily x 7 days over 1 chaotic all-nighter.
Why it works:
Routine > motivation. Study at the same time/place daily (e.g., right after class at the library, before dinner at home).
Finish lectures/ homework on the same day. No backlogs.
I used to worship the “work hard, play hard” myth.
Now, I aim for “work consistent, play guilt-free.”
2. Rely on a system, not motivation
Top performers automate decisions by using structured systems rather than relying on fleeting motivation. Systems create consistency, reduce decision fatigue, and ensure progress even during low-energy days.
People tend to overcomplicate this and use many applications at the same time (Google Docs, OneNote, Todoist, etc). I stick to two only.
How do I do it?
Notion for tracking progress (I template my weekly goals and deadlines here).
Google Calendar to block time for everything.
The key? Reduce friction; repeat forever.
3. Hang out with other top performers
You won’t find top students in “I hate this class” echo chambers.
Find study groups: Join groups with students who actively engage in discussions, ask questions after lectures, and exchange notes.
Swap notes: Share resources like annotated lecture slides or high-quality summaries. 1 + 1 is greater than 2! People in my medical school cohort tend to share Anki decks.
This isn’t elitism - it’s self-preservation. Positive energy fuels productivity and keeps you motivated.
4. They audit their mistakes
Top students don’t just “study harder.” They study smarter by:
Ask for feedback: After tests or assignments, ask professors or peers where you lost marks and how you can improve.
Re-do failed questions: Immediately revisit incorrect answers after exams or practice tests. Understand the logic behind the correct solution.
Mistakes are growth opportunities. Treat them as data points to refine your strategy.
5. They know their purpose
The most resilient students have a deep “why” that keeps them going through challenges. Without a clear purpose, burnout becomes inevitable.
The students who last? They have a deep, stubborn “why.”
Why do you want to be good at studying?
Maybe it’s curiosity, ambition, or proving something to themselves.
If your “why” feels shaky, dig deeper.
For me, I study because I want to be the best version of myself.
Perfection is a trap
When I write about study habits, I’m not the guru who’s nailed them. I’m the person who still sometimes skips routines to binge-watch YouTube. But I keep showing up because progress > perfection.
The top 1% aren’t superhuman. They’re just stubborn about systems, honest about missteps, and kind to themselves when life gets messy.
So next time you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone’s highlight reel?
Remember: We’re all just works in progress.
Keep building,
~ Adam
When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help:
Want to chat about study techniques, productivity, MedApp, or life design? Simply DM me on LinkedIn! Don’t be shy.
Are you an ambitious student looking to get into top medical schools? Send me an email at themedicadam@gmail.com with “MED” as subject for personalised guidance.
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