I got accepted to DO school, but I'm also a non-traditional applicant with some lingering questions

[shadowlightfox]

I got a call about an hour ago with the admissions dean telling me that I got accepted, and as expected I was happy at the news. However, I have some questions that I needed answered and I don't know where else to ask, not even my own relatives since they're in med school and thus too busy to talk to me.

1) I'm a nontraditional applicant, and it's been over a year since I studied for the MCAT. I feel like I may have forgotten some stuff, especially from Biology, after I stopped studying for it. But that's the problem. Should I brush up on my biology and other MCAT materials in order to better prepare for med school when it starts? Or is this a bad idea?

2) Any other way I can mentally and physically prepare myself for medical school. Any tips. Btw, I do use Anki. In fact, I've used it to teach myself Japanese, and I'm really liking it. Sadly, I discovered it very late when studying for the MCAT, and who knows how well I would've done if I had discovered it earlier.

3) I'm wondering. How exactly do students who are active in clubs find time to be in clubs and study when they're in med school? It doesn't have to just apply to clubs, also research, or community service, etc.

4) Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly does merger between AOA and ACGME mean? From what I know, DOs and MDs already had same training, and for the most hiring process in hospital prior to the merger. What exactly does this new merger bring that wasn't exactly around prior to it?

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[costales]

No, do not study anything.

 

[sylvanthus]

Absolutely do not study.

 

[shadowlightfox]

I'm sorry you thought it didn't make any sense. I just wanted to know if there was anything I can do to better prepare myself for med school as those first two questions of mine were trying to point out.

 

[shadowlightfox]

Absolutely do not study.

Wait what? I did not expect this answer at all. Could you guys explain to me why? You guys clearly know how tough medical school can be, so doesn't it make sense to better prepare yourself for the challenges ahead?

 

[sylvanthus]

It is literally impossible to prepare yourself for what is ahead. you will study wrong, study the wrong material, burn yourself out early, etc etc etc. Drink beer, go on a vacation, travel, work out. It will make little to no difference to prestudy and can be potentially harmful. Coming into medical school refreshed is the best thing you can do. But we say the same thing every year and almost everytime, people ignore the advice.

 

[shadowlightfox]

It is literally impossible to prepare yourself for what is ahead. you will study wrong, study the wrong material, burn yourself out early, etc etc etc. Drink beer, go on a vacation, travel, work out. It will make little to no difference to prestudy and can be potentially harmful. Coming into medical school refreshed is the best thing you can do. But we say the same thing every year and almost everytime, people ignore the advice.

People ignore the advice almost every time? Ah, so it means I'm far from being the first person to ask this, huh? Do they end up regretting not listening to your advice?

 

[kbeitz]

3) I'm wondering. How exactly do students who are active in clubs find time to be in clubs and study when they're in med school? It doesn't have to just apply to clubs, also research, or community service, etc.

They attend these functions while studying or during class.

Seriously though, if you want to do something you make time for it.

 

[Goro]

No, this would be foolish.

1) I'm a nontraditional applicant, and it's been over a year since I studied for the MCAT. I feel like I may have forgotten some stuff, especially from Biology, after I stopped studying for it. But that's the problem. Should I brush up on my biology and other MCAT materials in order to better prepare for med school when it starts?

Start looking up time mgt tips.

2) Any other way I can mentally and physically prepare myself for medical school. Any tips. Btw, I do use Anki. In fact, I've used it to teach myself Japanese, and I'm really liking it. Sadly, I discovered it very late when studying for the MCAT, and who knows how well I would've done if I had discovered it earlier.

They're good at time mgt. See #2.
3) I'm wondering. How exactly do students who are active in clubs find time to be in clubs and study when they're in med school? It doesn't have to just apply to clubs, also research, or community service, etc.


Everyone goes into a single match process. AOA residencies not up to snuff for ACGME will be shut down. MD grads can apply to (formerly) AOA residencies, but I am blanking on the requirement for OMM/OMT. The end result is that the more competitive specialties will probably go eventually to more MDs, and more DOs can get into current ACGME spots, but most probably in Primary Care. I predict that, as per the evolving nature of American medical education and training, that DO schools will train mostly Primary Care docs, and MD schools will most train specialists.

I repeat, Medicine evolves. At one time surgeons were not considered physicians. Don't believe me? Look that the official name of Columbia's med school.
4) Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly does merger between AOA and ACGME mean? From what I know, DOs and MDs already had same training, and for the most hiring process in hospital prior to the merger. What exactly does this new merger bring that wasn't exactly around prior to it?

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

DO NOT STUDY. If you wanna do anything, watch Netflix.

 

[hallowmann]

You don't need to study. Just be ready to hit the ground running on day 1 and not get behind. If it were me to do all over again, I'd do as much with my SO, family, and/or non-med school friends as I could. Take trips, see sights, etc.

It is literally impossible to prepare yourself for what is ahead. you will study wrong, study the wrong material, burn yourself out early, etc etc etc. Drink beer, go on a vacation, travel, work out. It will make little to no difference to prestudy and can be potentially harmful. Coming into medical school refreshed is the best thing you can do. But we say the same thing every year and almost everytime, people ignore the advice.

This.

 

[shadowlightfox]

Thanks for the answers guys. In that case, I'll spend the next few months relaxing and pursuing my hobbies.

By the way, this question is more of when medical school starts, but when's the best time to prepare for USMLE and COMLEX as a medical student? Do DO students take both? Would you have time to prepare for both of these?

 

[surfguy84]

For the love of god, do not study. When I was in your shoes last year I didn't want to listen, so I lightly studied. 110% a waste of time.

Pre studying will do you zero good when school starts.

 

[surfguy84]

Thanks for the answers guys. In that case, I'll spend the next few months relaxing and pursuing my hobbies.

By the way, this question is more of when medical school starts, but when's the best time to prepare for USMLE and COMLEX as a medical student? Do DO students take both? Would you have time to prepare for both of these?

Im starting this summer... you will have enough time to study for both. About 60% of students take both, at least at my school.

 

[kenjixshadow]

Thanks for the answers guys. In that case, I'll spend the next few months relaxing and pursuing my hobbies.

By the way, this question is more of when medical school starts, but when's the best time to prepare for USMLE and COMLEX as a medical student? Do DO students take both? Would you have time to prepare for both of these?

Don't worry about boards already. You'll have a dedicated study time in your second year. Most people start preparing for boards in the second semester of 2nd year. You should take both. Your school administrations will likely to tell you to only take the COMLEX. Don't listen to them. A good USMLE score will open more doors for you in any given specialty. If anyone tries to dissuade you from taking the USMLE, punch them in the throat. These individuals do not know what they are talking about.

Disclaimer: I do not recommend violence and I may or may not suffer from extreme biases since I only receive advice from shrewd DOs.

 

[shadowlightfox]

By the way, guys, as you clearly noticed, a lot of my questions seem "too soon" or "too ahead into the future" to ask. The reason I've been asking these questions is because I made the mistake of not making the most out of college life. I missed out on making some good friends, on having a social life, and all in all making my college life meaningful. I was also barely active in clubs, and I only focused on being a shut-in and getting good grades and that's about it.

It's just I want to make sure that I'm not running the risk of squandering my med school experience like I did when I was in college few years ago. I really don't want to make the same mistakes I made when I was in college. I want to make sure that I'm taking myself seriously in medical school and that I make the most out of it.

Another thing I'm worried about is that it's been few years since I graduated college. I'm afraid I might not be as "studious" as I once were in college, perhaps making my med school life possibly more difficult in the process? That is why I asked if it was a good idea to brush up on what I studied on my MCAT. You know, to get my brain used to studying again and being sharp as opposed to being afraid that it might turn into mush before med school starts.

 

[QualityProcess]

I would recommend learning to cook quick healthy meals, and establish an exercise routine if you haven't got one already

 

[yanks26dmb]

By the way, guys, as you clearly noticed, a lot of my questions seem "too soon" or "too ahead into the future" to ask. The reason I've been asking these questions is because I made the mistake of not making the most out of college life. I missed out on making some good friends, on having a social life, and all in all making my college life meaningful. I was also barely active in clubs, and I only focused on being a shut-in and getting good grades and that's about it.

It's just I want to make sure that I'm not running the risk of squandering my med school experience like I did when I was in college few years ago. I really don't want to make the same mistakes I made when I was in college. I want to make sure that I'm taking myself seriously in medical school and that I make the most out of it.

Another thing I'm worried about is that it's been few years since I graduated college. I'm afraid I might not be as "studious" as I once were in college, perhaps making my med school life possibly more difficult in the process? That is why I asked if it was a good idea to brush up on what I studied on my MCAT. You know, to get my brain used to studying again and being sharp as opposed to being afraid that it might turn into mush before med school starts.

Instead of brushing up on what you studied for the MCAT (which has next to nothing to do with med school work), just remind yourself if you aren't studious enough you'll fail out, never become a doctor, and have to start a new (unknown) career buried under debt...which will force you to sustain yourself on ramen, and relegate you to living with five 23 year-old-fresh-out-of-college-roommates who make fun of you behind your back and eat all your ramen....thus leaving you poor, humiliated, and starving..

You'll be fine.

 

[shadowlightfox]

I would recommend learning to cook quick healthy meals, and establish an exercise routine if you haven't got one already

Haha. About that. I only know how to make a sandwich....That's about as far as I can get so far.

 

[Mad Jack]

DON'T STUDY DO NOT STUDY JUST DON'T DO IT MAN OH GOD NO PLEASE

 

[kenjixshadow]

If you do study, then study female anatomy.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

The key to medical school is to hit it hard from day one and using that propel yourself into a routine that gets you to comfortably pass your classes.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Just because you took some time off doesn't mean you're gonna slack when you get into school. After the first few days you will be feeling like "oh crap I better study all the time or I'm gonna fail" and it won't allow you to slack.


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[AlteredScale]

Just because you took some time off doesn't mean you're gonna slack when you get into school. After the first few days you will be feeling like "oh crap I better study all the time or I'm gonna fail" and it won't allow you to slack.


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Agree. Trust me OP, they will light a fire under your butt the first day after orientation. You wont slack off because you will realize you need to kick it into high gear right then or you will fail. No studying right now. Enjoy the last bits of free time you will ever have for the rest of your life


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[NBLogical]

If multiple medical students are advising you (and others) to not study, I wouldn't study, even if it's lightly reviewing. I, too, feel like I'm "out of the loop" with my studies as I graduated 2 years ago.

Some students have recommended me to find out time management skills and to use/practice them.
I'd recommend preparing your laptop/iPad for studies such as researching video apps, PDF viewers, downloading programs to help you study (VLC Player for >1x speed videos), Duet Display, etc..
+1 for learning some new or easy recipes.
Also, maybe look into which furniture, kitchen items, bedroom items, etc. that you want to buy.

As for clubs, students at school have told me that they get involved in clubs and such after 1st year or maybe 2nd semester of 1st year. They recommend you get your studies down first before extracurriculars.

 

[IntheClouds4ever]

I am not "studying". Just going to keep reading as usual and enjoy this last summer. Next summer will be filled will volunteer activities, clinical shadowing, and research. No need to ruin this summer "gunner style" for the edge of remembering a few random facts that might correlate to the course work. Im a non-trad entering first year as well. I have the same fears as you. To me, it means you actually care about your performance and the ADCOM obviously believes you have the ability to pass.. so have a little faith and just put your time in, when it comes.

 

[ortnakas]

Haha. About that. I only know how to make a sandwich....That's about as far as I can get so far.

Learning to cook a few things would serve you really well. Teach yourself a couple casserole recipes, a couple soup recipes, and a couple crock pot recipes (in the interest of generating leftovers) and between that and your sandwiches, you'll be set.

 

[shadowlightfox]

I am not "studying". Just going to keep reading as usual and enjoy this last summer. Next summer will be filled will volunteer activities, clinical shadowing, and research. No need to ruin this summer "gunner style" for the edge of remembering a few random facts that might correlate to the course work. Im a non-trad entering first year as well. I have the same fears as you. To me, it means you actually care about your performance and the ADCOM obviously believes you have the ability to pass.. so have a little faith and just put your time in, when it comes.

I never thought about it that way. I guess that does make sense.

Learning to cook a few things would serve you really well. Teach yourself a couple casserole recipes, a couple soup recipes, and a couple crock pot recipes (in the interest of generating leftovers) and between that and your sandwiches, you'll be set.

That actually reminds me of something. It's a semi-random thought and I don't know if you know this anime/manga, but I've been reading the manga Shokugeki no Soma, which is a manga about cooking. Surprisingly the author did a lot of research on different cuisines and they're surprisingly faithful to real life. I guess I'll get all my lessons from there haha. By the end of the series you'll see me make five star styled gourmet when I'm in med school.

 

[shadowlightfox]

By the way, those of you in med school, can you give me some idea of how you utilize your time management skills, so I have an idea of where to start in terms of planning things and getting an idea of what a typical med school student's life is like?

 

[AlteredScale]

By the way, those of you in med school, can you give me some idea of how you utilize your time management skills, so I have an idea of where to start in terms of planning things and getting an idea of what a typical med school student's life is like?

Its not really terrible if you really utilize your study time efficiently. You can spend 6 hrs half studying and half on facebook, or you can soend a quality 3-5 hrs studying a day and still have a lot of free time. Exam weeks get a little busier, you have to put in full days 8-12 hrs. If you fall behind you will be adding more hours down the road.


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[Azete]

I think there's one thing people fail to recommend prior to med school: Get healthy!

Establish a workout routine, get to a healthy weight, learn to cook real food, and learn how to sleep properly. I guarantee this will improve your performance infinitely more than any pre-studying.

 

[IIIIIII]

Yes, don't study because you will do enough of that.
HOWEVER, people coming into medical school which Biochemistry, anatomy, and/or microbiology knowledge do have easier time transitioning in the beginning. If you have some free time after doing all the nonstudying things people have mentioned, I would look over some bone anatomy.
Even knowing the basics (humerus, trochlea, capitulum, olecranon fossa, soleal line, intertrochanteric crest, greater trochanter, fibular head, and etc) will help you spend a little less time memorizing them at the beginning of school year when you are overwhelmed with everything else.
Just based on my experiences. N=1.

 

[shadowlightfox]

Yes, don't study because you will do enough of that.
HOWEVER, people coming into medical school which Biochemistry, anatomy, and/or microbiology knowledge do have easier time transitioning in the beginning. If you have some free time after doing all the nonstudying things people have mentioned, I would look over some bone anatomy.
Even knowing the basics (humerus, trochlea, capitulum, olecranon fossa, soleal line, intertrochanteric crest, greater trochanter, fibular head, and etc) will help you spend a little less time memorizing them at the beginning of school year when you are overwhelmed with everything else.
Just based on my experiences. N=1.

Hmmm, this is a bit unconventional. I'm not big on anatomy yet. I'm a physiology guy. I've never taken classes predominantly on anatomy. I've taken Biochemistry when I was in college, but I don't think I remember as much amount of info as I'm supposed to.

And wow, those are just the basics? Looks like I have a lot of work cut out for me when I start med school.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Hmmm, this is a bit unconventional. I'm not big on anatomy yet. I'm a physiology guy. I've never taken classes predominantly on anatomy. I've taken Biochemistry when I was in college, but I don't think I remember as much amount of info as I'm supposed to.

And wow, those are just the basics? Looks like I have a lot of work cut out for me when I start med school.

Hahahahhahahaha you have no idea.



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[QualityProcess]

the idea of looking at bone anatomy of all things is pretty funny

 

[NurWollen]

Another problem with trying to pre-study for med school is that you'll very likely end up spending tons of time on the wrong stuff. Med school requires you to learn a very large yet very specific set of minutae. Figuring out how to identify the high-yield information you need to know takes a lot of people the better part of 1st year. It's going to be nearly impossible to do that as an accepted pre-med without any kind of frame of reference.

 

[AlteredScale]

Hmmm, this is a bit unconventional. I'm not big on anatomy yet. I'm a physiology guy. I've never taken classes predominantly on anatomy. I've taken Biochemistry when I was in college, but I don't think I remember as much amount of info as I'm supposed to.

And wow, those are just the basics? Looks like I have a lot of work cut out for me when I start med school.

It's okay. I never took anatomy and did just fine on all our anatomy practicals (scored in the 90s for most). Only took one quarter of physio in undergrad (neuro/cardiopulmonary/renal) but did just fine for physio on other aspects. As for biochem, you are going to learn all that stuff you learned in a semester in a week or less.

That shouldn't be a call to study. You aren't going study that hard and you won't know what to study unless you have a looming exam the following Monday.


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[GimpGenius]

http://www.acgme.org/Portals/0/PDFs...itionMilestones.pdf?ver=2015-12-17-152808-263

http://www.acgme.org/Portals/0/PFAs...on_Requirements.pdf?ver=2015-11-06-120641-747

http://www.acgme.org/Portals/0/PDFs/FAQ/Osteopathic Recognition FAQs.pdf?ver=2015-12-09-130033-107

Those are the main points regarding osteopathic-focused residency programs. Everything is subject to change while you're in school, so I wouldn't sweat it too much. It's going to be a whole different world when you hit your M4 year.

 

[shadowlightfox]

Another problem with trying to pre-study for med school is that you'll very likely end up spending tons of time on the wrong stuff. Med school requires you to learn a very large yet very specific set of minutae. Figuring out how to identify the high-yield information you need to know takes a lot of people the better part of 1st year. It's going to be nearly impossible to do that as an accepted pre-med without any kind of frame of reference.

That does make sense, actually, and I can see perfectly why it's not wise to pre-study based on what you said.

It's okay. I never took anatomy and did just fine on all our anatomy practicals (scored in the 90s for most). Only took one quarter of physio in undergrad (neuro/cardiopulmonary/renal) but did just fine for physio on other aspects. As for biochem, you are going to learn all that stuff you learned in a semester in a week or less.

That shouldn't be a call to study. You aren't going study that hard and you won't know what to study unless you have a looming exam the following Monday.


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I just have to learn to use those supplementary material.

Btw, is it possible to use Anki for anatomy? I don't know if Anki allows pictures, though.

 

[AlteredScale]

That does make sense, actually, and I can see perfectly why it's not wise to pre-study based on what you said.



I just have to learn to use those supplementary material.

Btw, is it possible to use Anki for anatomy? I don't know if Anki allows pictures, though.

For written anatomy where they test on the clinical aspects anatomy I think Anki could be used. For gross anatomy you learn by just being in lab IMO.

 

[Azete]

Another problem with trying to pre-study for med school is that you'll very likely end up spending tons of time on the wrong stuff. Med school requires you to learn a very large yet very specific set of minutae. Figuring out how to identify the high-yield information you need to know takes a lot of people the better part of 1st year. It's going to be nearly impossible to do that as an accepted pre-med without any kind of frame of reference.

Not that I would recommend pre-studying, but he could just watch some Najeeb. Most of it is pretty high yield with regards to med school.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Not that I would recommend pre-studying, but he could just watch some Najeeb. Most of it is pretty high yield with regards to med school.

Sure he could. However, this is his last real summer off forever pretty much. You don't need to pre study.


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[trs88]

That does make sense, actually, and I can see perfectly why it's not wise to pre-study based on what you said.

I just have to learn to use those supplementary material.

Btw, is it possible to use Anki for anatomy? I don't know if Anki allows pictures, though.

Anki allows for pictures. You do need to download an add on for it before it will let you use pictures. Instead of me typing instructions, it's easier to go to youtube and search for Anki + pictures and you'll find plenty of tutorials.

 

[niko327]

You should study as much about Grignard Reagents and their reactions as possible. Supplement this with an in-depth review of electrostatics and electrodynamics. This should put you ahead of the game when you start first semester.......No, **** no, I'm kidding. Spend time with your loved ones, travel, have fun and STUDY ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, not even the great Najeeb as others have mentioned. You'll meet him when its time.

 

[JustPlainBill]

I got a call about an hour ago with the admissions dean telling me that I got accepted, and as expected I was happy at the news. However, I have some questions that I needed answered and I don't know where else to ask, not even my own relatives since they're in med school and thus too busy to talk to me.

1) I'm a nontraditional applicant, and it's been over a year since I studied for the MCAT. I feel like I may have forgotten some stuff, especially from Biology, after I stopped studying for it. But that's the problem. Should I brush up on my biology and other MCAT materials in order to better prepare for med school when it starts? Or is this a bad idea?

2) Any other way I can mentally and physically prepare myself for medical school. Any tips. Btw, I do use Anki. In fact, I've used it to teach myself Japanese, and I'm really liking it. Sadly, I discovered it very late when studying for the MCAT, and who knows how well I would've done if I had discovered it earlier.

3) I'm wondering. How exactly do students who are active in clubs find time to be in clubs and study when they're in med school? It doesn't have to just apply to clubs, also research, or community service, etc.

4) Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly does merger between AOA and ACGME mean? From what I know, DOs and MDs already had same training, and for the most hiring process in hospital prior to the merger. What exactly does this new merger bring that wasn't exactly around prior to it?

As a non-trad also who's been where you are now -- and realize that this advice and a $1 will get you a Coke out of the machine ---

1) Yes, pre-studying is a bad idea. You have no clue what is relevant and won't be able to tell what professors consider relevant enough to test over until you get there -- you will burn out, usually within the first two months or so and then you will develop a coping mechanism (mine was to order copious amounts of spicy Chinese takeout and grab a DVD from Blockbuster after every major exam and spend the evening with no studying, watching the DVD, eating Chinese food and drinking Sam Adams Boston Lager and cap it off with a good cigar) or you'll drop out and go on about your merry way in the adventure we call life. Pre-studying ranks right up there with having your teeth removed sans anesthesia or walking up to Mike Tyson and b*(T3 slapping him upside the head in the list of dumb things to do --- right now, you should spend your time sleeping, enjoying a good book, relaxing on the beach, volunteering to spread tanning oil on the backs of nubile young lovelies, or other such activities that you enjoy.

2) See item 1 above -- if you are really motivated, start an exercise habit and clean eating now -- get a system down where you can prepare the next days meals as quickly and efficiently as possible and maximize your PT routine -- seriously, figure out the best way to get the common tasks done in the shortest amount of time -- if you spend more than 10 minutes in a shower, you're too slow -- you will need to maximize your available time but still have enough scheduled down time to keep your head straight --- you would be amazed what a good cigar and a glass of scotch can do for you after a long day of dissecting out the vasculature/lymphatics along the thoracic spine or attempting to memorize the (all together now) MEDCIALLY SIGNIFICANT spinal cord tracts.

3) As another poster said, they've learned to maximize their time and probably figured out how to study

4) Don't know, don't care, I'm a DO that went to an ACGME residency and have since kissed the AOA goodbye.

You didn't ask this one --- As a non-trad, depending on how many years of separation there are between you and your classmates, things can get a little awkward -- what's important to them will likely not be important to you -- most have been in the pipeline since high school, are used to studying, once they make the transition to medical school studying, they're pretty doggone good at it and hence have a lot of available time. If it's been more than a few years, (like 20 for me) you'll have to figure out how to get the old synapses in gear quickly -- and pre-studying will not help at this point.

I will tell you this -- if you have been selected for medical school, you can graduate -- there are about 150 people applying for each seat -- if you were selected, you can do this -- do NOT let anyone get inside your head and tell you that you can't because you are too old/young/stupid/can't study/black/white/brown/green/blue with chartreuse polka dots/goofy/uneducated/unfit/troll like because they are wrong ---

PM if you need to ---

 

[ortnakas]

Don't pre-study. At least not this far in advance. We had an anatomy quiz on day 3 or so, so checking out syllabi and starting maybe a week early isn't a bad idea, but don't ruin your second-to-last free summer ever. Enjoy sunshine and Netflix while you can.

Btw, is it possible to use Anki for anatomy? I don't know if Anki allows pictures, though.

I used Memorang, so I'm guessing you could use Anki. I didn't include pictures-- studied those separately.

 

[mspeedwagon]

I'm going to go contrary to sdn advice and tell you that you should learn how you learn best. Take a book (BRS - biochem, physio etc.) and read through a chapter. Now, if you were tasked with remembering everything you read, how can you do that most efficiently? Medical school is all about chug and spit out. The faster you can remember things, the easier med school will be. For many non-trads, this skill takes time to develop. It's amazing how well many of my classmates can do this.

As for the MCAT books, donate them. There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that I learned for the MCAT that has been helpful in med school. I'd argue it was a check box and a complete waste of time. I wish I could tell you the test material was useful, but aside from a fact here or there (that you can often learn in a few mins), it's useless.

1) I'm a nontraditional applicant, and it's been over a year since I studied for the MCAT. I feel like I may have forgotten some stuff, especially from Biology, after I stopped studying for it. But that's the problem. Should I brush up on my biology and other MCAT materials in order to better prepare for med school when it starts? Or is this a bad idea?

 

[shadowlightfox]

Wow, thanks for the added info, guys. I'll try my best to get used to either cooking and exercising, along with doing things as efficiently as possible.

 

[shadowlightfox]

Amidst all these med school concerns, though, I was wondering, is AlteredScale's advice true for most of you, or is it just him? I understood the importance of time management, but I'm surprised when he said during weeks when you're not preparing for imminent exams, you're studying 3-5 hours on average assuming it's solely studying and not using Facebook etc. nor playing catch up with the materials you've missed. It's only during the week of exams when you're shifting it up to 8-12 hours. I thought it was much worse, where you're studying all day and all night right from day 1 as if you were about to have an exam the next day.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

Amidst all these med school concerns, though, I was wondering, is AlteredScale's advice true for most of you, or is it just him? I understood the importance of time management, but I'm surprised when he said during weeks when you're not preparing for imminent exams, you're studying 3-5 hours on average assuming it's solely studying and not using Facebook etc. nor playing catch up with the materials you've missed. It's only during the week of exams when you're shifting it up to 8-12 hours. I thought it was much worse, where you're studying all day and all night right from day 1 as if you were about to have an exam the next day.

It depends on you really. Are you trying to get an "A" or are you just trying to pass the class? Hit the average? It depends on your goals that will govern how much time you spend studying. Also, some sections you're gonna have a tougher time than others based on your major and background and some topics will come easier to you.

Also, it depends on how you study. If you attend class and listen attentively the entire time (which I find extremely difficult to do, hence the reason I rarely attend class), I think that 3-5 hours/day is plenty of time if you are ACTUALLY studying those hours. However, if you don't attend class, then you're gonna need to watch the lectures (which could take 2-3 hours of you going through taking notes and trying to absorb as much as possible on the first pass. Then, after that, you would go through and try to "get it down" more. Again, this may seem like a lot to some, but this is usually what I do and it works for me with my goals. My schedule is usually study 3-4 hours the previous day material in the AM while class is going on, then watch the days lectures from 4-6pmish, then from 6-10pm, study that new material I just watched. So I guess if you add that up, I am in the 8 hours a day range (which I admit I probably only study about 80% of the time between Facebook and SDN and my wife).

However, on weekends before exams it is completely different ballgame. Most of the time my schedule is 7am-9pm or so on weekends before exams taking breaks every 2 hours or so. For our last reproductive exam we studied from 6am-7pm Saturday and Sunday. But like I said, it depends on your goals. If you want to just pass, you don't need to be putting in this much time.