Advice for handling pre-med classes?

[mgm1994]

I’m switching to pre-med from a psychology/research background and I’m nervous about how difficult pre-med classes may be—any tips on how to best study for bio, chem, and phys?

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[Goro]

Go talk to your professors for the material.
Use YouTube videos or Khan Academy
See your school's learning or education center for study tips, test taking strategies, time mgt, etc.
Find tutors.

 

[Bonne Nuit]

I’m switching to pre-med from a psychology/research background and I’m nervous about how difficult pre-med classes may be—any tips on how to best study for bio, chem, and phys?

I came to medicine from a similar background. There was definitely a learning curve when I switched to the hard sciences - it wasn’t impossible, but the difficulty threw me a little bit at first.

My hardest psych class was comparable to a moderately difficult premed class in terms of workload and time required to master the material. Be prepared to put in hours, and they will be long ones. That was the most difficult mental shift for me, I think. With the social sciences, I could pay decently close attention in class, take pretty good notes, read the chapter the night before the exam and pull 90%+ scores no problem. BCPM courses are a totally different animal - I put in HOURS of work every day to earn As. But, like anything else, you adjust to it after awhile.

You need to plan on studying and doing practice problems every day. Brush up on your math skills if you’re rusty. Go into your professors’ office hours as much as possible. Utilize learning resources on campus where necessary (tutoring, study groups, etc.) Also, consider taking a lighter science/math courseload your first premed semester, just to give yourself time to adjust.

The switch is hard, but doable if you’re motivated.

 

[deleted1005514]

Treat each class period’s material like you’ll be tested on it the next class period. Stay on top of the work, and it’s good practice for medical school.

 

[Cornfed101]

Anki

 

[GreenDuck12]

I highly recommend forming study groups ie on the second day of class ask your professor if you can make an announcement about forming a study group.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Treat each class period’s material like you’ll be tested on it the next class period. Stay on top of the work, and it’s good practice for medical school.

This is probably the most important point- so many undergrads cruise through high school by cramming the night before, and then get into college and find that longer works. Don't let yourself fall behind, ever. You don't need to master the material after each class, but since everything will build on everything, you want to know the material well enough so that you understand what's going on in your next lecture.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[mgm1994]

Thank you all! These are awesome, thoughtful responses. I appreciate your input!

 

[mgm1994]

I came to medicine from a similar background. There was definitely a learning curve when I switched to the hard sciences - it wasn’t impossible, but the difficulty threw me a little bit at first.

My hardest psych class was comparable to a moderately difficult premed class in terms of workload and time required to master the material. Be prepared to put in hours, and they will be long ones. That was the most difficult mental shift for me, I think. With the social sciences, I could pay decently close attention in class, take pretty good notes, read the chapter the night before the exam and pull 90%+ scores no problem. BCPM courses are a totally different animal - I put in HOURS of work every day to earn As. But, like anything else, you adjust to it after awhile.

You need to plan on studying and doing practice problems every day. Brush up on your math skills if you’re rusty. Go into your professors’ office hours as much as possible. Utilize learning resources on campus where necessary (tutoring, study groups, etc.) Also, consider taking a lighter science/math courseload your first premed semester, just to give yourself time to adjust.

The switch is hard, but doable if you’re motivated.

Thanks for your response! I’m wondering, did you go through a post-bacc program? If so, how did you like it?

 

[Bonne Nuit]

Thanks for your response! I’m wondering, did you go through a post-bacc program? If so, how did you like it?

Not a formal one. I took all my postbac classes as a second Bachelor’s degree student at a small state university. I really liked the flexibility and relative affordability of that option vs. a more structured premed postbac program.

 

[chemphysicsinstructor]

I’m switching to pre-med from a psychology/research background and I’m nervous about how difficult pre-med classes may be—any tips on how to best study for bio, chem, and phys?

1.) Study ahead of time, before the class begins.

2,) Get a local tutor.

3.) Work lots of practice problems, especially for gen. chem, organic, physics, and genetics.

4.) Do not take too many science classes at once.

5.) Sit in on lectures and/or watch YouTube videos.