“I can study anywhere!”
Listen to podcasts for GAMSAT, and you’ll feel as *academically advantaged* as this guy.

Howdy rowdy, my Gamsters!

If you’re feeling like you’re not stressing enough for the GAMSAT, but also that you’re not de-stressing enough for the GAMSAT, then congrats, you’re feeling like most test-takers.

Now, before you shuffle off for therapy, let me tell you how you can do extra GAMSAT prep, without spending extra time, while being entertained at the same time – through the amazing powers of:

[Le Me] (ノﾟ∀ﾟ)ノ☆.。. The Podcast ☆.✧・\ \(^Ф Д Ф^ )و ̑̑  [SnarKitty]

What Are Even Podcasts Anyway?

Podcasts are kinda like episodes of audio recordings put out by “internet radio stations¹”.

They can be a few minutes² to a few hours³ long, superficial⁴ to deep⁵ in complexity, and about anything under the sun⁶.

Users can use the podcast app on their phones to subscribe to podcast channels, and set up podcasts to download automatically, and play them just as you would play music on your phone.

Why Listen to Podcasts for GAMSAT Study?

The number 1 reason you should listen to podcasts for GAMSAT prep is: Timber.

“Timber?” you ask.

No, wait, Time. I meant Time. (^╬ФДФ^)⊂彡☆))д`)

So Much Study, So Little Time

If you’re interested in the method that is FastGAMSAT, you probably don’t have a lot of time to study for the GAMSAT: Either the exam is only a few months away (or if you’re that extreme, weeks away), or you have significant commitments to juggle even without GAMSAT prep (e.g. work, uni, children, “other”).

Out of what available time you have to study, you’ll likely need significant blocks for chewing textbooks, doing practice questions and mock exams and practice essays, and possibly attending GAMSAT workshops.

Which is all well and good – except that’s only part of GAMSAT study.

Are You Prepping for Section 1 & Section 2 Properly?

Sections 1 (humanities) and 2 (essays) count for 50% of total GAMSAT marks – so nothing to thumb your nose at⁷.

S1 and S2 are actually two sides of the same coin: S1 is about effectively understanding the communication you receive, and S2 is about effectively communicating to others. Now, let’s go into more detail.

Section 1: Familiarity Matters Too

Section 1 is all about analysing texts and other stimulus material for the context, themes, and author’s messages.

To become efficient at Section 1, not only is it important to practice your analytical skills (via GAMSAT workshops and practice questions), but it’s just as important to familiarise yourself with themes and concepts.

If you understand the fundamentals of statistics, journalism, poetry, marketing, technology – how the concepts are defined, applied, and communicated – you can grasp the stimulus material a lot quicker, and analyse things in more depth⁸.

Section 2: Inspiration Matters Too

Section 2 is about writing (and finishing) essays which are well-considered, maybe well-balanced, and definitely insightful.

Just like Section 1, you need output to get good essays – practicing the skills of brainstorming topics, drafting essays, formulating logical ideas, and writing out essays.

Aside from that, you also need input: The smartest thing you can write about, is limited by the smartest thing you know about; and the more you know about different fields, the easier it is to draw similarities and differences between them, and the more creative your ideas can be.

Also, exposure to different topics, causes you to think about them. The more essay topics you cover during GAMSAT prep, the easier you can dive into essay-writing, rather than stress yourself out during brainstorming; and the sooner in advance you start thinking about essay topics, the more fleshed out your opinions and experiences will be for those topics during the real exam.

Sections 1 & 2: Sample Far and Wide

The inputs for S1 and S2 are quite different from S3.

For the sciences, you’re learning well-established concepts and logic, as fast as possible: If something is working for you, don’t mess with it.

So for S3, you rely on one main textbook, and maybe supplement it with other resources if you can’t understand something.

For humanities (S1) and essay-writing (S2) respectively, you’re looking for familiarity with as many fields as possible, and inspiration for as many quote topics as possible.

So for S1 and S2, it pays to sample far and wide – different fields, different depths, different opinions, different values, different ways of expressing the same idea….

No Time For S1 & S2 Prep?

In normal practice, S1 and S2 prep means watching the news, watching documentaries, reading the financials, reading poems, reading classics, reading editorial sections, watching video lectures, attending classical theatre….

If you’re thinking to yourself “I don’t even have time to internet memes⁹”, you won’t be alone.

So, the problem here is, you don’t have nearly enough time to gain the culture and content that will help you crush S1 and S2.

That’s if you do things the traditional way though.

Cover all essay topics, and start writing strong essays, in just 2 or 3 days. LEARN HOW

Got a Second? Use It For GAMSAT

Aside from GAMSAT prep, sleep, and commitments that require your full attention¹⁰, are the minutia of everyday life:

• Walking
• Driving
• Cooking
• Shopping
• Waiting in line
• Going to the loo
• Taking way too long on the loo from not meeting recommended dietary fibre requirements¹¹
• Going to grab a snack
• Waiting for the kettle or the microwave to do its jig
• Waiting for your laptop to restart
• Waiting for the WiFi to restart
• Walking the dog/cat/piglet/land-dwelling animal that’s in vogue to keep/shark
• Washing the dishes
• Using Tinder¹²
• Stretching and exercising
• Doing the laundry
• Waiting for Chrome to stop Not-Responding
  • Gmail is such the biggest memory hog that I’m jealous I can’t stuff that much shit into my head
• Etc.

For GAMSAT purposes, that’s all viable timber time that can be reclaimed: And the answer is Podcasts.

The variety and mobility of podcasts make them the perfect secret weapon for your GAMSAT preparation: Imagine that whenever you have time to derp, you’re edu-derping instead, and improving your S1 and S2.

The Basic Podcasting Setup

Ok, so for you to go from sad and lonely in your room, to having some audiogenic¹³ soundwaves vocalising sweet nothings onto your eardrums, you need four basic things:

1. A smartphone
2. A podcasting app
3. A pair of earphones
4. Internet connection

Now, most of these things should be readily available to you: Assuming you weren’t grounded AND home-schooled for life, I assume you have a smartphone; the podcasting app is usually included by default on the phone (or are free to download), and the earphones should still be in the box where you left them.

If your phone is on a massive data plan, you might not need WiFi to download podcasts – but if you’re a cash-strapped uni student like most Gamsters, make use of abundant free resources¹⁴ where you can.

This means you can spend no extra money and time, and literally start podcasting in the next 2 minutes:

1. Get your phone
2. Find the Podcasting App¹⁵
3. Search for some podcast channels
4. Download a few episodes
5. Start listening

If you like what you hear, subscribe to the channel: This usually means you can get new episodes automatically downloaded, but you can also set things to download the oldest episodes, and start listening from the beginning of time¹⁶.

What Podcasts Should I Listen To?

That’s up to you really.

And no, I’m not saying this as a cop-out: Everyone is familiar about different things: I have more to learn from (a) a manliness podcast than a Viking, (b) a women’s issue podcast than a lady-bits person, or (c) a cheese podcast than an enthusiast.

For the purposes of GAMSAT prep though, you should choose podcasts according to purpose.

Podcasts for Topic Familiarity

Look for podcasts about specific topics (e.g. economics, history, design), and make sure there are little to no missing episodes¹⁷. Having ensured the above, start listening from the beginning¹⁸ (from the oldest episode), and in sequence: It’s almost like treating the podcast as a textbook – let it introduce the subject, the important overarching concepts and terminology, then going through the subtopics in the best educational order, according to the expertise of the podcaster.

Podcasts for Essay Inspiration

Feel free to listen to episodes out of order, or skip between podcasts – gaps between stimulus material, and keeping seemingly unconnected topics and ideas close in mind, are what generates mental connections, and lead to inspiration and creativity.

Podcasts for Unwinding

Not everything I suggest is balls-to-the-balls ultra-high-yield cramster hijinks. You need a break at least once in a while.

And not just in the fluffy “To rest is to prepare for a longer journey ahead ❤❤❤” way: because ritalin and cocaine and NZT-48 can only get you so far: You have a stress level, willpower level, and energy level. If you get too stressed, or study too much hard stuff for too long, while skipping meals and rest, your study efficiency will tank so low, that it’ll be like trying to eat cereal using an ear-wax scoop – any extra time invested would just be a waste.

Also, the same thing happens when you listen to too many heavy podcasts in a row – you start losing focus listening – which defeats the purpose of podcasts for GAMSAT prep.

So, some of your podcasts will prioritise entertainment and relaxation over direct utility.

For me, such podcasts include The Infinite Monkey Cage²⁰, No Such Thing As A Fish²¹, The Awkward Human Survival Guide²², and The 13th Floor²³. When looking for your own, look for the following things:

• Funny

Laughter releases stress and tension²⁴, and is also enjoyable – unless you’re the fun police.

• Familiar

Exposure to the unfamiliar is what constitutes learning – and we’re taking a break from learning here. Listen to whatever topic you enjoy and find familiar already – pop culture, sports, music – and attention will come effortlessly.

• Full attention optional

There are certain topics that require you to pick up and understand every word for maximum enjoyment (e.g. poetry) or utility (e.g. law). Don’t pick these – you’re supposed to be relaxing, not scampering for the skip-back button every 15 seconds.

Conclusion

Um, so, listen to podcasts?

If you don’t know what to start with, look in the Top or New & Noteworthy sections – that way you know that the podcasts are recent, regularly updated, and probably possibly not shit.

And when you’re emotionally ready, just branch out from there!

As usual, share your thoughts and favourite podcasts in the Comments below!

Cover all essay topics, and start writing strong essays, in just 2 or 3 days. LEARN HOW

Want Loads More Tips and Strategies? Check out the FastGAMSAT ebook pack on the homepage! (Yes, that’s Snarksy on the cover) ( ^ΦдΦ^) Draw me like one of your French girls, Willeo.

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1. ∑(°Д°ノ)ノThat term is so antiquated that writing it makes me feel like I was born last century~

(^ФДФ^)ฅ☆ Oh wait, you are.

( ＾▽＾)ノ It’s like accessing Facebook on your phone and saying that you’re “using the internet”. Nowadays they just call these stations “podcast channels” (like Youtube channels). Still, it serves its purpose as a term of reference….

(^ФωФ^) …For your ancestors.

2. E.g. Side Hustle School – about various types of side gigs.

3. E.g. Hardcore History – histo-drama epics you can’t stop listening to.

4. At the time of writing, there are at least 5 podcasts about the Kardashians (Kar Dishin’ It, Official Kardashian/Jenner Apps, The K-Hole… go find the rest if you really care)

5. Cyber-security, and yes, even engineering.

6. Curling, Crochet, and Theme Parks, just to name a few.

7. Except if you’re Bruce Lee – then you thumb your nose at whatever the hell you like, Action Icon.

8.  It’s almost in a BONUS CONTENT UNLOCKED kind of way too, like the Bilingual Bonus, where you get extra enjoyment from understanding references made in a different language: I remember reading the Scott Pilgrim comic books, and the part where Knive’s Chau’s dad spoke for the first time – I lost my shit laughing, because I understood Chinese.

Fun Fact: When you have so much familiarity/expertise in a topic, it’s almost like cheating: It’s like the Mandarin-speaking students choosing to study Chinese in high school, because sometimes education is about getting good grades than about learning new and useful things (cheap bastards).

9. Or “I don’t even have enough time to not fail my uni courses”, for the more challenged Gamsters out there.

10. E.g. Sex – only if you’re a romantic though.

11. (⇀‸↼‶) Hnnng.

(^ФωФ^) You know how Dragon Ball Z characters scream when they charge-up their powers? That’s no coincidence.

(⇀Д↼‶) HNNNNNNNG

(^- ω -^) Performing normal attacks also helps to fill up the Super meter.

12. The other day, I was on the loo swiping, and a personal finance podcast episode came on: I was like I am being so constructive with my life I am *so* matching (I didn’t match, by the way).

13. Like photogenic, but for one’s voice. Candace Gibson/Keener’s (a past host of Stuff You Missed In History Class) “breathy voice”, reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, does it for me. For others, it might be most ASMRtists, Barry White, Alan Rickman, Daft Punk, etc.

14. Even if you’re paying for the WiFi, it’s likely unlimited, or massively sufficient for downloading podcasts (which seem to be a bit over 1mb per minute of content) – it’s in effect free.

15. Use the search function on your phone, and look up “podcast”. If your phone doesn’t have a podcasting app, download one from the app marketplace.

16. Not to be unnecessarily epic about things or anything.

17. Some podcasters can remove episodes (usually older ones) for different reasons: Maybe they were less professional, or don’t keep with the podcast’s later direction; or maybe the episodes become reserved for paid subscribers.

18. I do this with all my podcasts, unless I’m skipping ahead for episodes that really catch my fancy.

19. Only the most professional of practitioners knows how to make the fabulous fluid gush forth.

20. A pop science show hosted by heart-throb professor Brian Cox with boyish good looks and dreamy hair, and comedian side-kick Robin Ince (who has been mistaken for Brian’s dad, despite being 1 year younger than Brian).

21. A trivia show hosted by the “elves” (fact-researchers) of the British trivial game show QI (short for “Quite Interesting”.

22. A very NSFW show that explores all things awkward (mostly socially and sexually). There are tons of FML-worthy audience stories and questions, which the hosts (two gay guys and a girl) discuss. If you cannot handle the game Cards Without Humanity, you might be too offendable for this podcast.

23. A pop culture discussion show by two Canadians.

24. This is why ppl falling over on lame Australia’s Funniest Home Videos are considered “funny”: It’s socially awkward to fall over -> audience feels awkward seeing awkward thing -> audience laughs -> tension is broken -> audience feels better.

It also explains the girls’ reaction to guys confessing their love: If the girl doesn’t like the guy, or doesn’t like him in that way, she’ll laugh and release the sexual tension and friend-zone him. If she’s into him, she won’t release the tension, and they’ll end up planning a date or making out or something.

Bonus: Note that the romantic progression of “Friends -> Confession -> BF/GF” is commonly understood amongst Asian cultures and nice guys, whom are generally understood to be romantically and sexually ineffective. If you think the way to [interface] with a girl you like is to maybe someday pluck up enough courage to confess your love to her, you have a lot of shoddy mental programming to work on (not your fault – guys rarely start with correct info here) – start by reading this GirlsChase post.