What has happened to me:
For my first 2 years in NUS, I was very consistent in my work. I
did tutorials, attended all lectures, and make sure I understood at
least 70% of the work that was taught throughout the
semester.
When the final exams come, I managed to finish studying everything
within a month. So I thought: well, why is there a need for
consistency when I can finish studies in a month, and score
well.
I didn't understood it properly, until I went for my student
exchange. I travelled, toured, and played a lot. It was only 1-2
days before the exams that I studied. I could not fully understand
many of the concepts, nor could I 'memorise' them because the time
is too short. Yes, I passed, but it was not a good pass in my
standards. I could have done better. Fortunately for me, I only
require a pass for my modules during my student exchange; the
grades do not affect my CAP.
I totally understood the importance of consistency ever since. It
helps you understand your work earlier, and sets the foundation for
a quicker and more efficient revision before exams. It also gives
more self-confidence to approach exam materials. Imagine not
knowing how much more time you need to fully complete your
revision, the feeling of not having studied enough before enter the
exam hall, and the dreadful feeling of having done below par during
your exams. It was not that the modules were easy and hence I could
finish my earlier revisions fast; it was the fact that I have
already internalised the foundations of the modules.
The moral of the story is: Please understand your work as you go
along. Working hard is important, but understanding your work is
more important. There's no point working so hard with only half
understood.