Joan López, expert in advanced study techniques: “I’m not talking about schedules, I’m talking about planning intelligently”
The founder and director of Potencia Tu Estudio launches ‘Domina bachillerato’, a book that compiles the five rules “to study better and get top marks”.
Across Spain, thousands of high‑school students feel trapped under piles of notes, neon highlighters, and an endless cycle of exams. Joan López has a blunt message for all of them: if you’re studying nonstop and your grades aren’t rising, the issue isn’t your effort—it’s your strategy.
That’s the core idea behind his new book, Domina bachillerato: The 5 Rules to Study Smarter and Boost Your Grades, written by the founder and director of Potencia Tu Estudio, Spain’s leading academy for advanced study techniques.
With more than a decade of teaching experience and over 5,000 students trained, López has built a method grounded in learning science, practical application, and a laser‑focus on results. Now, he’s bringing that system to print.
Breaking the myth of “study more, learn more”
“This book was born to break a widespread belief: that studying well means studying for endless hours,” López explains.
Domina bachillerato is aimed at a very specific type of student: someone who genuinely works hard, puts in the time, but doesn’t see that effort reflected in their grades.
His proposal is simple—ditch outdated habits like aimless highlighting or copying summaries word‑for‑word, and replace them with a system that trains the brain to retain information efficiently.
Rather than abstract theory, the book works like a personal study coach. Through real examples, relatable stories, and straightforward language, readers learn step‑by‑step how to:
- Build a strategic study plan
- Get the most out of class time
- Train memory through active recall
- Master the material without last‑minute cramming
- Reduce anxiety without sacrificing performance
“Studying is only one part of the equation,” López says. “Knowing how to play the exam is something completely different.”
He points to a familiar scenario for many students: “You’ve probably had a moment where you knew the material perfectly, but the exam didn’t go well. Or you got a 60 when you deserved a 90. And you definitely know someone who says, ‘Ugh, I didn’t study at all,’ and then walks out with an A. It’s not magic or luck.”
His argument is clear: exams don’t always reward the student who knows the most—they reward the student who manages the situation best.
The “master rule” for exam day
In the book, López lays out a reliable framework for approaching any test “like a pro.” The keys include:
- Managing nerves effectively
- Answering strategically
- Controlling time with precision
- Starting with confidence
- Spotting and avoiding trick wording
- Keeping a cool head until the final minute
Planning with purpose—not just pretty schedules
Another pillar of the book is planning, but not the kind that fills a calendar with colorful boxes.
“I’m not talking about schedules—I’m talking about planning with intention,” López says.
For him, real strategy means reaching exam day with enough margin to breathe. His rule is simple: have all the material learned at least two days before the test.
“The day before isn’t for studying—it’s for reviewing. And if you’re still learning new content the day before, you’re in the danger zone,” he warns.
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