Class of 2020... how you doin?

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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Ashgirl said:
Are you finding you're a notecard person? Do you know about the picture inclusion part you can buy on anki? A few of my friends would insert anatomy pictures on it and cover up the parts they wanted to quiz themselves on as a way to remember anatomy things.
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I think the spaced repetition is working really well for me, as is having to consolidate information in a way that makes good notecards (I use it for all my classes). I heard about the picture inclusion but I haven't tried it yet, I was going to look into it this weekend when I have a little more time.
 
I think I'm going to start using Anki, too. I've never been a note card person, but I think that's going to be the way to go for anatomy at least. We have bone boxes we share with a partner, and last night I took ours home and just went over one bone at a time for a while and it helped a ton.
 
Just about done with the first week here. I already feel a little overwhelmed, too. That being said, I do like the material so far (though it is really early on, so that is certainly subject to change). I get the feeling that this 10 hours of anatomy per week (13 if I include the optional Friday lecture and Saturday lab) is going to begin grating on me as the weeks roll by. Everything else isn't too difficult, though I am struggling a bit with the math involved in our nutrition class just because I haven't had a nutrition class before and I've been so hyperfocused on anatomy that I feel like I'm neglecting my other eight classes. It's just the sheer volume of it all.
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
I'm not going to lie, I feel extremely overwhelmed.
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I'm sorry 🙁 Wanna talk about it? Maybe we can make helpful suggestions or something?

Caiter92 said:
I think I'm going to start using Anki, too. I've never been a note card person, but I think that's going to be the way to go for anatomy at least. We have bone boxes we share with a partner, and last night I took ours home and just went over one bone at a time for a while and it helped a ton.
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I actually found a thread about it the other day somewhere on one of the medical forums. You kind of have to work out as you go the best way to make the notecards so that they're actually useful and not too vague (I had a few where the front was so vague that even though I knew the material I couldn't recall it properly because the trigger wasn't specific enough). And make sure you're not wasting your time with stuff that you don't actually need to know :yeahright:
 
Oh, and yes, Anki is the bomb! Loved it in undergrad and I'm sure I'll love it in vet school, too!
 
SandstormDVM said:
Oh, and yes, Anki is the bomb! Loved it in undergrad and I'm sure I'll love it in vet school, too!
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If you have any tips or whatever for the best ways to use it I'm all ears, I'm still working out the kinks and trying to make sure I'm doing things as efficiently as possible 😀
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
I'm not going to lie, I feel extremely overwhelmed.
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*hugs* I'm still there, too. It's getting a bit better if I just try to think about what I need to study/learn today, but I'm still having some moments of panic.
 
WildZoo said:
I actually found a thread about it the other day somewhere on one of the medical forums. You kind of have to work out as you go the best way to make the notecards so that they're actually useful and not too vague (I had a few where the front was so vague that even though I knew the material I couldn't recall it properly because the trigger wasn't specific enough).
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Thank you! I'll look at the med school forums for tips.

And make sure you're not wasting your time with stuff that you don't actually need to know :yeahright:
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Heh. So for our phys class the prof has no notes or ppts (he just writes key words on the board on occasion), so sometimes he gets a bit off track. Thankfully he sends out objectives afterwards so we know which parts we actually need to know. Like half my notes have been stuff we don't need. He's a really nice guy though 😛
 
SandstormDVM said:
Just about done with the first week here. I already feel a little overwhelmed, too. That being said, I do like the material so far (though it is really early on, so that is certainly subject to change). I get the feeling that this 10 hours of anatomy per week (13 if I include the optional Friday lecture and Saturday lab) is going to begin grating on me as the weeks roll by. Everything else isn't too difficult, though I am struggling a bit with the math involved in our nutrition class just because I haven't had a nutrition class before and I've been so hyperfocused on anatomy that I feel like I'm neglecting my other eight classes. It's just the sheer volume of it all.
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This. And they kept saying not to get behind and stay on top of everything, but I'm finding it difficult already to study what I learned today, let alone prepare for all the stuff for the next day. Some of the people in my groups really know their anatomy, and I now wish the class I took in undergrad was more substantial than it was.

I know this won't come overnight, and I know it sometimes takes longer for me to learn things, but I just feel behind already.
 
Caiter92 said:
Thank you! I'll look at the med school forums for tips.



Heh. So for our phys class the prof has no notes or ppts (he just writes key words on the board on occasion), so sometimes he gets a bit off track. Thankfully he sends out objectives afterwards so we know which parts we actually need to know. Like half my notes have been stuff we don't need. He's a really nice guy though 😛
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I think this is the thread I was looking at before. It's allo people so of course there's unnecessary arguments but if you just kind of ignore those... 😛
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-official-anki-thread.1061415/

ETA: I found chronicidal's posts particularly helpful
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
This. And they kept saying not to get behind and stay on top of everything, but I'm finding it difficult already to study what I learned today, let alone prepare for all the stuff for the next day. Some of the people in my groups really know their anatomy, and I now wish the class I took in undergrad was more substantial than it was.

I know this won't come overnight, and I know it sometimes takes longer for me to learn things, but I just feel behind already.
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We had some people who took a summer prep course for anatomy, basically they've already done all the dissections for this semester and learned a lot of the stuff we'll need to know for lab (not for lecture, which is a whole other thing...). So, similar thing, some people really know their anatomy already. Use those people as a resource! It has been super helpful for us because we have someone who basically already knows the stuff, which makes her awesome at quizzing the rest of us and giving us tips on how to learn it (except the bones :rage: ).

And if time is an issue I would definitely focus less on the preview stuff. Sometimes you just don't have enough time to look over what is going to be lectured on the next day. It's more important to spend that time consolidating the information you've already received.

And then I guess just don't be too hard on yourself. I'm a little behind in some classes on my notecards (just couldn't focus yesterday). So I know I have to catch up on that. Doesn't mean I'm going to stay up late or not take any study breaks, because that's not healthy. Take care of yourself because none of it is worth it if you're so stressed that your brain can't function.
 
wheelin2vetmed said:
This. And they kept saying not to get behind and stay on top of everything, but I'm finding it difficult already to study what I learned today, let alone prepare for all the stuff for the next day. Some of the people in my groups really know their anatomy, and I now wish the class I took in undergrad was more substantial than it was.

I know this won't come overnight, and I know it sometimes takes longer for me to learn things, but I just feel behind already.
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This. I have run into the same thing and it left me at the end of last week feeling very overwhelmed with anatomy and feeling very behind. I was seriously questioning quitting last Thursday. (Momentary weakness but it is how I felt). However, I spent nearly all of my weekend last week working on becoming familiar with the bones and muscles of the forelimb and I can say that I feel so much better! Having just that little bit of knowledge made a world of difference!

I have also been focusing on taking one day at a time, which is difficult as I am a planner! While I know I have an anatomy exam next Friday, I am trying hard to not really think about it this soon. Not to say I am not (attempting) to keep up with the material but I am trying to remain calm for as long as possible.
 
I definitely feel overwhelmed too. It's hard to have the attention span to focus in school from 9-5 every day and then come home and continue to focus for hours studying. My studying has just been super distracted and inefficient at night. Notecards have been helping me a ton, and anatomy isn't so hard for me because somehow it just sticks.... But I am really struggling with histology. The lectures just confuse the heck out of me already, even though most of the material I've seen before. There are so many people that just seem to magically have it all together and are not struggling at all, but I know realistically they are all probably sludging through the mud equally as much.
 
twelvetigers said:
You will feel overwhelmed all the time. The important thing is to realize everyone else does too, even if they act like they aren't.
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I'm quoting this for how true it is.



Also - don't be afraid to ask for help. Most want to help you (there are always exceptions to prove the rule)
 
Yup, always overwhelmed. I laugh at the preparing for the next days stuff. Honestly, I never did. With time you do get used to the volume and can adapt....sometimes to the point of not reviewing every day.
 
You guys. I'm not super smart. And my study habits are... less than perfect. And I made it to 4th year just fine. You'll be ok. Just figure out the best, most efficient way to learn the material. And remember that there will always be some classes that are easy peasy lemon squeezy for you and some that will require a **** ton of work. You'll figure it out.
 
katashark said:
I'm so not a notecard person, it isn't even funny.
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I don't have the dedication to sit and make that many notecards.

I learn really well by talking things out
So studying with people that learn the same way, or are auditory learners (which my best study buddy was) worked great for me. But other people would get super overwhelmed. Just do what works for you
 
Abnerrs said:
I don't have the dedication to sit and make that many notecards.

I learn really well by talking things out
So studying with people that learn the same way, or are auditory learners (which my best study buddy was) worked great for me. But other people would get super overwhelmed. Just do what works for you
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Yeah talking things out/teaching/explaining things works for me. Outlines - organizing things in different ways and concept maps/diagrams are also useful. Different things for different people! And I use different things for different subjects. Also I'll tag @WildZoo since you were wondering.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Done with my first week of classes! On Fridays we just have exams and electives, and my Friday elective doesn't start until October. I'm definitely feeling overwhelmed/confused in physiology, our professor is a nice guy but he goes so fast through his lectures, and this semester is all cell and molecular physiology rather than organ systems. It seems most of my class feels the same way at least, and hopefully we'll figure it out soon considering our first exam is next Friday. :scared: Anatomy is also a bit overwhelming. I took anatomy in high school and undergrad, so I'm basically learning the bones for a third time in a bit more detail, but throwing ALL the bones at us in two days kind of melted my brain. I'm gradually re-learning how to study, and so far my class is good about helping each other out, forming study groups, etc. Oh, and I weirdly like/understand microanatomy (i.e. histology) so far, which I didn't expect. It's the one of our three major classes I'm not worried about at this point. :laugh:
 
LyraGardenia said:
Done with my first week of classes! On Fridays we just have exams and electives, and my Friday elective doesn't start until October. I'm definitely feeling overwhelmed/confused in physiology, our professor is a nice guy but he goes so fast through his lectures, and this semester is all cell and molecular physiology rather than organ systems. It seems most of my class feels the same way at least, and hopefully we'll figure it out soon considering our first exam is next Friday. :scared: Anatomy is also a bit overwhelming. I took anatomy in high school and undergrad, so I'm basically learning the bones for a third time in a bit more detail, but throwing ALL the bones at us in two days kind of melted my brain. I'm gradually re-learning how to study, and so far my class is good about helping each other out, forming study groups, etc. Oh, and I weirdly like/understand microanatomy (i.e. histology) so far, which I didn't expect. It's the one of our three major classes I'm not worried about at this point. :laugh:
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Isn't that only your second week of classes? What are they even testing you on at that point?
 
vetmedhead said:
Isn't that only your second week of classes? What are they even testing you on at that point?
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Yup, it looks like it'll be mainly review of concepts from biochem. We have 5 hours of physiology lectures each week, so we've got time to go over lots more material between now and then!

Also I think part of my dislike for this class is because all of my professor's notes/handouts are in Comic Sans. :yuck:
 
WildZoo said:
Someone tell me how to keep these stupid bone features in my brain!!!

(i love our anatomy professor though, he's awesome)
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Touch and say the name. Touch and say the name. Over and over. Engage the verbal, visual, and tactile portions of your brain all at once.
 
I'm applying this cycle! I am just about done with my applications, and was creeping on this thread and saw how overwhelming anatomy is. I haven't taken an anatomy course, so I'm extra nervous about taking it and wanted to get a textbook to get familiar with some of the concepts (I may be a little overexcited). Which book do you guys think is most helpful? I was thinking of getting Miller's Anatomy of the Dog.
 
ilikecake said:
I'm applying this cycle! I am just about done with my applications, and was creeping on this thread and saw how overwhelming anatomy is. I haven't taken an anatomy course, so I'm extra nervous about taking it and wanted to get a textbook to get familiar with some of the concepts (I may be a little overexcited). Which book do you guys think is most helpful? I was thinking of getting Miller's Anatomy of the Dog.
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Don't do it
 
DVMDream said:
Your sanity. You'll have plenty of hours pouring over and learning anatomy in vet school, don't spend what free time you do have now on that. Spend it doing something fun.
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Haha okay fair enough!!
 
DVMDream said:
Your sanity. You'll have plenty of hours pouring over and learning anatomy in vet school, don't spend what free time you do have now on that. Spend it doing something fun.
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I'm only 2 weeks in but I agree 112%. I feel like any anatomy studying I would have done beforehand (which, for the record, I did no studying over the summer and I am really really glad now that I didn't) would have been kind of... pointless? Like, I don't know, I don't feel like it would have helped me at all outside of the actual structure of the class. And I would have been angry with myself now if I spent my summer doing anatomy.
 
WardenN7 said:
I'm only 2 weeks in but I agree 112%. I feel like any anatomy studying I would have done beforehand (which, for the record, I did no studying over the summer and I am really really glad now that I didn't) would have been kind of... pointless? Like, I don't know, I don't feel like it would have helped me at all outside of the actual structure of the class. And I would have been angry with myself now if I spent my summer doing anatomy.
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every vet student/vet says this every year. Every year, pre-vets and pending vet students think we are lying.

it's just not worth it. Enjoy the time off that you have. it's scarce once vet school starts (and then actually being a vet)
 
dyachei said:
every vet student/vet says this every year. Every year, pre-vets and pending vet students think we are lying.

it's just not worth it. Enjoy the time off that you have. it's scarce once vet school starts (and then actually being a vet)
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Yep, I've definitely noticed that pattern. I'm just really glad I listened to you guys and didn't waste my summer off on studying.
 
dyachei said:
every vet student/vet says this every year. Every year, pre-vets and pending vet students think we are lying.

it's just not worth it. Enjoy the time off that you have. it's scarce once vet school starts (and then actually being a vet)
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Believe her. Don't make me look up all the old threads. But maybe we can, and then force some of the "gonna study anyway, y'all don't know what you're talking about" to come back and tell us if it helped them in the class, or if they covered an entire summer's studying in a week. I'm betting on the latter, every time.
 
twelvetigers said:
Believe her. Don't make me look up all the old threads. But maybe we can, and then force some of the "gonna study anyway, y'all don't know what you're talking about" to come back and tell us if it helped them in the class, or if they covered an entire summer's studying in a week. I'm betting on the latter, every time.
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Don't worry guys, I believe you!! I will enjoy my time off 😉
 
Finished my last day of piggy AHEMS today. I'm sad to be leaving the farm surprisingly. I feel like I just started being able to really talk to them and now we're done.

I'm supposed to fly in, I don't know, a week or two and still have no plane ticket and I don't know if I'm going. Just got back to the house in staying at and had the first non-argument conversation about it with my mom while crying. Ugh.
 
SandstormDVM said:
I have officially designated my Friday nights and Saturdays as "no study" times... I'm sitting here, watching Netflix, and already feeling kinda guilty about how I'm not studying right now. Welp. :laugh:
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You have to give yourself time off or you'll melt and die, try not to feel too guilty! 😀
 
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