Adaptive study habits

[Dilapidator]

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Coming out of high school I knew I had poor studying habits. So come my freshman year of undergrad, I routinely read the assigned reading material to prepare for class. Although I managed to pull off straight A's, I realized that it wasn't necessary to allocate the insane amount of time and effort towards studying as I had previously thought. Approaching the end of my second fall semester, I've adopted the typical "study a week before" strategy, cramming and reading notes/assigned chapters to do well on tests (honestly, I've realized that for most of my classes, as long as you read the assigned book, zoning out during lecture doesn't really impact test results). However, by utilizing this testing strategy, I'm finding it harder and harder to retain material after a test.

For many college students the aftermath of the first test usually determines what they'll have to do for the remainder of the semester to do well in any particular class (i.e. cramming schedules). However, from what I've been reading on SDN, med school practically demands extensive reviewing straight after class... everyday. Does this mean I should revert back to my ridiculous studying habits to prepare myself for med school (assuming I get accepted anywhere)? If you're a cruise-control type of student that only studies before a test, will med school beat the crap out of you?

 

[bigDee]

If you're a cruise-control type of student that only studies before a test, will med school beat the crap out of you?

I think most people, even those with high GPAs, study at the last minute before a test. The one's who get high grades have a better idea of what the last minute is than other people so they study kind of early on, but not so early that they keep up everyday with the material in every class. If that's what you need to do for med school, I guess people just learn to adapt to it.

 

[jm192]

Coming out of high school I knew I had poor studying habits. So come my freshman year of undergrad, I routinely read the assigned reading material to prepare for class. Although I managed to pull off straight A's, I realized that it wasn't necessary to allocate the insane amount of time and effort towards studying as I had previously thought. Approaching the end of my second fall semester, I've adopted the typical "study a week before" strategy, cramming and reading notes/assigned chapters to do well on tests (honestly, I've realized that for most of my classes, as long as you read the assigned book, zoning out during lecture doesn't really impact test results). However, by utilizing this testing strategy, I'm finding it harder and harder to retain material after a test.

For many college students the aftermath of the first test usually determines what they'll have to do for the remainder of the semester to do well in any particular class (i.e. cramming schedules). However, from what I've been reading on SDN, med school practically demands extensive reviewing straight after class... everyday. Does this mean I should revert back to my ridiculous studying habits to prepare myself for med school (assuming I get accepted anywhere)? If you're a cruise-control type of student that only studies before a test, will med school beat the crap out of you?

Yes and no. The hardest part for me has been figuring out when to start studying now. Two nights before a test in undergrad and I was money. Now, there's usually at least 2 tests...and each test is double the material. So...8 days in advance?! Hell if I know.

I was a crammer in undergrad, and I never retained material. And I assure you, it will SUCK come MCAT time.

Definitely develop GOOD study habits now. Don't cram a week before. HOWEVER, don't miss out on the rest of college because you spent 24/7 studying.

 

[IDreamtIChased]

Coming out of high school I knew I had poor studying habits. So come my freshman year of undergrad, I routinely read the assigned reading material to prepare for class. Although I managed to pull off straight A's, I realized that it wasn't necessary to allocate the insane amount of time and effort towards studying as I had previously thought. Approaching the end of my second fall semester, I've adopted the typical "study a week before" strategy, cramming and reading notes/assigned chapters to do well on tests (honestly, I've realized that for most of my classes, as long as you read the assigned book, zoning out during lecture doesn't really impact test results). However, by utilizing this testing strategy, I'm finding it harder and harder to retain material after a test.

I'm exactly the same way!! When the time comes, I'm hoping med school will mold my study habits to whatever works best. But right now I'm not willing to make any drastic changes (too busy and too lazy!)

But if you are a "good" student, you should try practicing and maintaining some of those healthier study habits right now.

However, in my experience, the very fact that you even asked this question on sdn means you'll be just fine in med school.

 

[SFO-IST]

If I understand correctly, you are a sophomore now. Upper division classes will be more material intensive than the classes you are taking right now, so be prepared to continue updating your strategy.

The lack of retaining material is concerning and seems to indicate a lack of enough recall. You may want to suppliment your studying with a review page. Just spend 1 hour (what's 1 measly hour?!) every week to make a tally of all you've learned in each class that week. I'm talking only review. Re-writing the concepts, diagrams, etc. It will keep the neurons active and force you to be more organized about your studying. Good luck.