Shruti Rathnavel
Shruti Rathnavel, a student of prestigious Vaels International School topped India in Physics in her tenth grade Cambridge IGCSE examinations. She is an enthusiastic debater and public speaker who never shies away from an argument. She is the chair of ECOSOC (Economic & Social Council) in her school. Besides being academically bright, she is an active participant in co-curricular activities and has won many awards. She also excelled at the recent World Scholar’s Cup held at American International School. In this interview with Priya Sarin, Shruti will share her success secrets and guide you for your upcoming exams.
School is the basic foundation on which the pillars of a student’s success are built. How did your teachers and parents help you in your preparation for the board exams?
>> I think my teachers were very supportive. They were open to answering questions that didn’t directly pertain to syllabus requirements. I remember a specific instance when my 10th grade physics teacher brought me a 12th grade textbook to help me better grasp the concept of bridge rectification, which had barely been introduced in our syllabus.
From my parents, I’m glad that they had a measure of faith in my ability to do well. They didn’t hover over my shoulder or keep me away from my other activities, and they didn’t bring exam discussions to the dinner table. It made exams seem less all consuming, which I think is important.
What is your favourite subject? And why do you like it?
>> My favourite subject would have to be either physics or economics. I enjoy both of them so much because of the need for graphical representation and the presence of visual aids. Remembering what things stand for on a graph and the relationships between variables is more intuitive to me.
Can you share a few study techniques and tips that you followed?
>> I try to keep my studying as relaxed as possible. I listen as closely as possible in class, and if there is any uncertainty I try to immediately get it clarified. I also find it helpful to mind map important concepts as soon as the unit has been completed.
Different students have different learning styles. What is yours? How do you ensure that you study efficiently and effectively?
>> I begin by mind-mapping an overview of the chapter, and I write bullet points under topics that have more subject matter. I try to do as many derivatives as possible so I understand new formulae and rules.
Most students forget what they have studied in just a few days. Any tips for improving the memory and ensuring better retain and recall?
>> Using visual aids and interlinking the information in different units makes you more likely to remember things better. If the subject isn’t of particular interest to me, and I don’t feel like reading it again and again, I type my notes up and input them into a text to speech converter so I can listen to them while doing other monotonous tasks.
Many students find it hard to balance academics and co-curricular activities. And hence, they tend to sacrifice one for the sake of another. But an all-rounder like you can surely share some tips on how to keep a balance in life and keep learning new things?
>> I like to set my priorities straight from the start. The most important thing to me throughout high school has been getting a minimum of eight hours of sleep – I schedule everything else around that. Studying for exams should never become obsessive, so even during the exams set some time aside to talk to friends or keep up with hobbies. I think extracurriculars are more liable to become excessively time or energy consuming at some points in a year, but if you really care about the activity it is definitely worth it. Just make sure you’re in touch with subject material beforehand so you aren’t leaving it last minute.
Paying attention in classroom is one of the most important things a student can do to excel in exams. How do you take active part in your learning process and make the most of your teachers’ teachings?
>> When a teacher wraps up a concept, ask yourself whether you’ll have any level of understanding in a week’s time. If it’s a no, ask the questions that are giving you a hard time, and take excessive notes.
There is an increase in the levels of stress and anxiety among teenagers. Any tips for dealing with negative emotions and ensuring that they don’t come in the way of your success march?
>> Keep your workload spaced out, but don’t feel the need to create work where it doesn’t exist. Take some days off for your mental health. Find relaxing hobbies. It’s okay to spend some time doing nothing.
Some students focus on short-term goals and some focus on long-term goals. But achievers usually have their short-term goals aligned with their long-term goals. Any tips for other students on the same?
>> Don’t have too many long term goals, but make sure your short term goals are numerous. Break large tasks down to smaller tasks that seem doable in the immediate future. If you set your priorities straight, your vision will line up on its own.
~ Priya Sarin
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