Bad memory + MCAT

[vxd]

Hi SDNers,

I am curious to know how people with a not-so-great memory study for the MCAT. For instance, I hate studying the Bio. section because so much generic memorization of random facts is required. I'm not sure if it's the subject matter or the way the subject is taught, but it's agonizing trying to go through the material without really understanding the why behind every little nitpicking fact or how it relates. At least that might help make it more interesting to learn. I do a little better with chem. and physics since there's at least some logic behind the problems.

My best is verbal. I can analyze and assess a problem reasonably well on the spot since I don't have to memorize or know anything about the passage beforehand. So my question is, for those who don't have such a great memory -- how do you study?

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[coralfangs]

though u dont need to memorize those bio crap for the mcat

u know ur gotta end up memorizing 10X as much once u get into medical school rite?

 

[kypdurron5]

though u dont need to memorize those bio crap for the mcat

u know ur gotta end up memorizing 10X as much once u get into medical school rite?

Hehe, what he said.

 

[mj1878]

You have to find a new way of studying that works for you. Memory is something that can be manipulated and improved. Do a GOOGLE search and see what you can come up with.

You know those people that have memorized pi out to 3,000 places? They weren't BORN with spectacular memories; they worked them out. You're not lost.

 

[McGillGrad]

Yeah I had that problem, temporarily. I stopped experimenting with THC and now I can remember all kinds of useless information again.

 

[isocrazy]

Yeah I had that problem, temporarily. I stopped experimenting with THC and now I can remember all kinds of useless information again.

lol. experimenting hahahahaha.

 

[OctoDoc]

You have to find a new way of studying that works for you. Memory is something that can be manipulated and improved. Do a GOOGLE search and see what you can come up with.

You know those people that have memorized pi out to 3,000 places? They weren't BORN with spectacular memories; they worked them out. You're not lost.

Try >21,000 places. I watched a Discovery Health channel episode on the guy who just reset the record.

 

[OctoDoc]

Hi SDNers,

I am curious to know how people with a not-so-great memory study for the MCAT. For instance, I hate studying the Bio. section because so much generic memorization of random facts is required. I'm not sure if it's the subject matter or the way the subject is taught, but it's agonizing trying to go through the material without really understanding the why behind every little nitpicking fact or how it relates. At least that might help make it more interesting to learn. I do a little better with chem. and physics since there's at least some logic behind the problems.

My best is verbal. I can analyze and assess a problem reasonably well on the spot since I don't have to memorize or know anything about the passage beforehand. So my question is, for those who don't have such a great memory -- how do you study?

If there were actually memory booster methods that worked for more than the select few that hock those memory systems, everyone would know about them and use them. Those aren't going to help you. Maintenance rehearsal is what it's all about. Recopying notes, making flashcards, quiz sheets, etc. After a while, you may see the importance of seemingly isolated factoids, and connections between previously disconnected things. But that will take a while. So until then, I say...suck it up. In med school, you are going to have to memorize tons of stuff you don't care about. All of us differ in our ability to memorize, and it depends in part of the subject. When it doesn't come easy, one has to put in more time and effort. Sometimes a lot more.

 

[KittycooMD]

Hey! I apologize for my colleagues, they're just having some fun. (ahem: McGillGrad!) 😀
Whether we all have a good memory or not, the truth is, there is a crap-load to memorize!! I also love verbal section, but that's probably because I majored in a non-science in college. Bio is my second fave though, and I think it's because I get to come up with silly mneumonics to help me remember. There's a whole post about mneumonics on this forum, but I also find it helpful to make up my own about people I know! You'd be suprised how much you remember just because it's about people or places you know so well.
Now...as far as physics?! Blech. I don't like that so much. Logic, my toe! 🙁

 

[HunterGatherer]

My memory is not that great. I can't remember if I called someone I was supposed to call, birthdays, what I ate 2 days ago, I forget to call back my friends, etc.

You should have seen all of this MCAT material at least once before you start your studies and then you are going over the same material over and over for 10-12 weeks. integrating this knowledge and using it over and over helps you retain everything for MCAT day. Then 2 weeks later you forget most of the stuff you learned like how to do bouyancy problems. 😉

I made a MCAT study plan where I went over everything 2-3 times and then concentrated on my weak areas for the last 2 weeks. A lot of study plans have you going over the material once at a slower pace and I did not feel comfortable with that.

 

[EMH]

I try to not memorize, but instead learn. The difference being always trying to put something in context of something you allready know, and seeing how it relates. I have never been good at writ memorization, I fear gross anatomy allready and I haven't even applied yet.