Anyone know someone who ONLY used Review Books for all classes?

[BlondeCookie]

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Hi. I didn't think this was possible, but I thought I read recently about a med student on here who only used their notes and USMLE type Review Books for his Yr1&2 classes and was able to pass everything ok. Then, studying out of those same Review Books + First Aid was able to score pretty highly. Unfortunately, I lost the thread of that post. Is this possible? I mean, to not even use Robbins, Guyton, or other popular textbooks? Does anybody know someone who ONLY used Review Books for all their classes?

 

[tupac_don]

Hi. I didn't think this was possible, but I thought I read recently about a med student on here who only used their notes and USMLE type Review Books for his Yr1&2 classes and was able to pass everything ok. Then, studying out of those same Review Books + First Aid was able to score pretty highly. Unfortunately, I lost the thread of that post. Is this possible? I mean, to not even use Robbins, Guyton, or other popular textbooks? Does anybody know someone who ONLY used Review Books for all their classes?

Of course its' possible, you don't even actually have to use them. I only use class notes, and I do well. Textbooks, should only be used as a reference, they are way to densely packed with info. If you wanna do well in years 1 and 2, stay away from textbooks. I would use the review books, but not while you are studying your classes, focus on the class notes, but after you are done with a class, do it as a review.

 

[(nicedream)]

Of course its' possible, you don't even actually have to use them. I only use class notes, and I do well. Textbooks, should only be used as a reference, they are way to densely packed with info. If you wanna do well in years 1 and 2, stay away from textbooks. I would use the review books, but not while you are studying your classes, focus on the class notes, but after you are done with a class, do it as a review.

While I'm sure there are those that did this and did well, and probably will post saying so, I disagree with above as a strategy if you want to score highly and not just pass. While being able to regurgitate facts from review books will get you a pass, you need a broader understanding and ability to integrate material to do well. Review books alone are fine when it comes to things like micro, biochem, and maybe pharm. However, I think Robbins and Guyton are essential for breadth and integration of the foundational topics of path and phys.

 

[pratik7]

I have only used review books soo far with the exception of guyton. I own robbins but only use it for clarification of something i dont understand. I think class notes are usually pretty detailed and i use the review books to make sure i know what is important. All of the test questions at my school come from lecture notes soo you dont need a textbook if you understand the notes. I suppose you can read the textbook for all your classes but i prefer to have a life.

 

[omarsaleh66]

I only used review books during years 1 and 2. But i worked really hard, and went thru many review books, and did alot of questions. I didnt own a Robbins but I did use that Robbins Review qbook, and did alot of path questions along w decent lecture notes. It's possible, i wouldnt recommend it for everyone because it did get stressful at times.

later
Omar

 

[thackl]

Of course its' possible, you don't even actually have to use them. I only use class notes, and I do well. Textbooks, should only be used as a reference, they are way to densely packed with info. If you wanna do well in years 1 and 2, stay away from textbooks. I would use the review books, but not while you are studying your classes, focus on the class notes, but after you are done with a class, do it as a review.

This is all I did. Can't complain about the results so far.

 

[surprisedgirl]

I am curretnly a second year and ONLY have ever used review books. It is a perfect supplement to class notes because they tell you exactly what's important so you know what you HAVE to know for sure. FOr me, it just helped filter out some of the less important details in my class notes. I honored nearly all of my classes so far.

 

[fun8stuff]

Hi. I didn't think this was possible, but I thought I read recently about a med student on here who only used their notes and USMLE type Review Books for his Yr1&2 classes and was able to pass everything ok. Then, studying out of those same Review Books + First Aid was able to score pretty highly. Unfortunately, I lost the thread of that post. Is this possible? I mean, to not even use Robbins, Guyton, or other popular textbooks? Does anybody know someone who ONLY used Review Books for all their classes?

This is how most of the people who honor their classes do it. It is not really that big of a secret. There is so much volume, that you do not have time to read textbooks. Textbooks are only used for reference. I am a year 2 and have done very well by just using review books and notes. Here is what I study:

80% notes
19% review books
1% textbooks

If your school is like mine, all the answers are in the notes. If you know the notes cold, it is possible to answer every question on the exams.

 

[Taus]

This is how most of the people who honor their classes do it. It is not really that big of a secret. There is so much volume, that you do not have time to read textbooks. Textbooks are only used for reference. I am a year 2 and have done very well by just using review books and notes. Here is what I study:

80% notes
19% review books
1% textbooks

If your school is like mine, all the answers are in the notes. If you know the notes cold, it is possible to answer every question on the exams.

agreed 100%...succeeding in med school is all about studying efficiently....texts should be for when you really don't understand something that was taught or need a reference..