
Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning
Don’t work harder, work smarter: how to study effectively and get the grades of your dreams with winning review strategies, killer memory techniques and exam preparation tips you won’t hear anywhere else. Join Cambridge educated psychologist, study techniques researcher, coach and tutor William Wadsworth as we dive into the secrets of academic success.Looking for the grades of your dreams? Want to know the real secrets to preparing for and taking exams? Through a powerful combination of rich personal experience and the very latest learning and memory science, William and his expert guests are here to help. Here's to results day smiles!
Latest episodes

Apr 13, 2025 • 27min
The Science of Learning: Flashcard Mastery Course [Part 1 of 4]
Welcome to the first in a special four-part audio course on how to learn ultra-effectively by mastering the flashcards, not the only effective study strategy, but my personal favourite and a huge listener favourite among our listeners too. Whether you’re new to the technique, have a little experience already or would consider yourself a seasoned flashcard pro, I want this series to lift your strategy and help you find a whole new level of effectiveness in your learning, helping you learn faster and remember more, for longer. In today's Part 1 (of 4), we'll be tackling the science of learning, building out our understanding of the psychology theory we need to understand in order to appreciate what we’re aiming to achieve and why in our flashcard practice.In future instalments, we'll cover:- Part 2: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good technique- Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in your flashcard making process, clever tricks for specific learning challenges- Part 4: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard TRAINING - getting more from the all-important testing phase, how to space out your testing, dealing with stubborn cards that are hard to learn, and moreEnjoy!*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Apr 6, 2025 • 21min
184. Why Study Smarter?
I'm in philosophical mood today, exploring the big reasons for the Exam Study Expert mission, and exactly what we hope to help you with!Whether you're brand new to the show or a regular listener, I hope you find fresh inspiration and maybe a a few questions clarified in today's audio essay.**Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Feb 17, 2025 • 5min
Mini Status Update - What's Happening On The Podcast?
For regular listeners, a brief update after a couple of unannounced weeks off-air, what happened, and when we'll be back in action (spoiler alert: v. soon!!).Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Feb 2, 2025 • 30min
183. High Stakes Exam Success - with Dr Morgan Taylor
This week on the show:Top tips for learning for high stakes examsMaintaining your sense of self-worth and protecting your mental health4 top tips for keeping test-taking nerves at bayAdvice for prospective / current nursing studentsOur guest today is Dr Morgan Taylor, an experienced advisor to nursing students. Today's conversation is mainly quite general and non-nursing specific, and relevant to anyone preparing for any high-stakes exam, though we do also dive into Morgan's specific passion and expertise for studying nursing towards the end of the interview.Dr Morgan Taylor is the founder and Chief Nursing Officer at Archer Review, a leading study platform for NCLEX, FNP, TEAS 7, USMLE and nursing school exams.https://www.archerreview.com/Follow Morgan and her company on social @ArcherReviewAlso mentioned in today's episode:Ep 42 with Prof. Timothy Wilson https://examstudyexpert.com/redirect-timothy-wilson/Student stories episodes 69/77 (Rose, high school student) and 73 (Michael, college student)*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams**** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Podcast Edited by Kerri Edinburgh.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

9 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 40min
182. The Neurodiverse Brain At School - with Christopher Wyatt
Christopher Wyatt, a diagnosed Autistic with ADHD and an advocate for neurodiversity, shares valuable insights on educating neurodiverse students. He emphasizes the need for inclusive course designs and sensory-friendly spaces. Strategies for familiarizing students with testing environments are discussed to alleviate anxiety. Wyatt addresses challenges in group work and highlights self-advocacy as crucial for success. High-stakes exam pressures are tackled with tailored preparation tips, ultimately encouraging recognition of personal strengths for academic achievement.

Jan 20, 2025 • 52min
181. REWIND: Maximum Concentration: "Attention Professor" Stefan Van der Stigchel
How to concentrate on your studies?I’m going to be talking to one of the world’s leading authorities on how to manage your attention, and focus on what really matters to you, Professor Stefan van der Stigchel.We’ll be walking through an entire day of concentration to show you step-by-step what you can do to help maximise your focus, including:“Attention rituals” – learning from Darwin and BeethovenHow to take effective breaksDesigning your environment for maximum concentrationIs it OK to listen to music?Stefan leads the AttentionLab at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and is a regular face on national television and radio in the Netherlands, as well as speaking on prestigious conference stages around the world.Originally broadcast as Episode 60.You can find out more about Stefan’s work at his personal website: https://www.stefanvanderstigchel.nl/ For a highly practical guide to maximising concentration, I highly recommend his book “Concentration: Staying Focused in Times Of Distraction”, available at https://geni.us/concentration*“How Attention Works”, a guide to the psychology of attention, is available at https://geni.us/attention** * *Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.Book 1:1 Coaching and let me help you find the shortcut to success in your exams this year: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/[free] Download the Exam Success Cheat Sheet at https://examstudyexpert.com/freetips*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchasesPodcast Edited by Benoît André.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Jan 12, 2025 • 27min
180. Smarter Living for Students: Setting Boundaries and Finding Community
Today, Nkechi L Ifediora joins us to break down her ABCD principles of smarter living:Assess / acceptanceBoundariesCommunityDecision makingNkechi is a doctor, director, Mum, executive coach, writer and influencer, who's built a large following through her practical and compassionate advice on living smart.Join Nkechi's 50,000+ followers on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkechilifedioraofficial/And learn about her work and her book on her website: https://nkechilifediora.com/The Exam Study Expert podcast is hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Dec 22, 2024 • 12min
179. Finding Balance In The Holidays
Finding the balance on a vacation or in a holiday season can be tricky.In this episode, you'll learn:All I Want For Christmas is to do the bajillion things I've been meaning to do all term/semester. How to prioritise effectively to avoid panic or disappointment.Don't They Know It's Christmas... and I've got work today? Managing relationships with family or friends in the holidays.Santa Claus Is Coming To Town... to visit a coffee shop or library - how to work around distractions in the holidays.It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year... to take a well-earned break.Mentioned today:Printable calendar chain template: https://examstudyexpert.com/chainEp 38. Take A Break: https://www.buzzsprout.com/267857/episodes/6945920Ep 125. Deep Rest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/267857/episodes/13860272*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams**As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Dec 15, 2024 • 28min
178. 10 Questions About Studying - LIVE With William
A year-end special: ask me anything about how to study, I'm answering your questions about learning, study habits and more. Today's questions include:Tips for maths and numerical subjects (1:45)How to improve when you're struggling (6:40)How to deal with a "bad teacher" (11:10)How to study at the last minute, and prioritise when time is limited (14:40)What to do when reviewing ahead of a new semester / term (18:55)Building motivation to learn a subject you're not enjoying (19:35)Daily language learning habits (20:10)Staying organised across different subjects (21:20)Resources referenced in today's episode:[COURSE] "Wheel of Studying" in the Ace Your Exams Planning Party: [COURSE] Power Up Productivity Pack for time management, focus, energy and more: [POD] How to be good at maths with Joachim Cassel, Ep 4: https://examstudyexpert.com/joachim/[POD] Interleaving in Eps 156 and 166: https://examstudyexpert.com/veronica-yan/ (originally broadcast as ep 49)[POD] Pomodoro technique, Ep 59: https://examstudyexpert.com/pomodoro-study-method/[POD] ADHD and studying with Eric Tivers, Ep 114: https://examstudyexpert.com/adhd-students/In an Exam Study Expert podcast first, this episode recorded live with a virtual audience over Zoom - so this episode includes extra tips and reactions from our live audience. It was so much fun to record, and I hope you enjoy the result!*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams***As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Dec 8, 2024 • 23min
177. Exam Technique: 3 Mistakes To Avoid
3 mistakes to avoid when taking your next exam.Featuring Lucy Parsons, from the School Success Formula podcast and lifemoreextraordinary.com*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams***As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).
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