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Let me share with you this. B&B is Uworld Q&A explained in videos format. You can try it out for yourself. Yes, med school is hard, but you can do it!!So as title says, I just failed the basic science class and the OMM portion of the first term (12 weeks). I cant speak for anyone else, I know they are struggling but in my case I am certain my grade is in the toilet.
For OMM we had 2 tests and 1 practical. My highest score was tbe midterm, quarantine school closures made sure that was my highest grade. For the basic science class, all our exams are board style and multi disciplinary but all I have to practice with is Kaplan ( school pays for it) but their board prep isnt quite relevant for the lecture exams. The questions in textbooks that the upper class gave us are too simple to be much help. We have 1 upper class above us but no graduates. I asked them how they passed but the vibe im getting is their tests were simpler. They said to use Boards and Beyond. I use it sometimes but it doesnt have enough detail to answer the exams if relying on it completely.
Im worried that I will get suspended now. I simply cant learn the material thoroughly enough in the limited time we have (med student class load) and answer board level questions on it. Am I stupid or is this normal for med school exams?
You're not stupid. med school is stupid hard. You were accepted to school so you are smart enough....you just haven't figured out the best way to study/learn.
B&B can be helpful, but you need more. If you're not using pathoma and sketchy you need to start using them STAT. Also USMLERx is a great tool to use, especially for 1st year. Watch the videos on the subjects you're struggling with, do the fast fact flash cards, then do the board style questions. In my experience, doing those questions was clutch...they illustrate how school is likely to write a board style question on the covered material.
Lastly, find a couple of classmates who are doing well and ask to see what they're doing differently than you.
Also, go see your academic advisor as soon as possible. You might be able to remediate if you're lucky. Or they might want you to repeat the year. Either is better than failing out of school.
This is why it's crucial to go see your learning specialists. You still have yet to learn how to learn. I'm getting the vibe that you aren't using enough, or aren't looking for that right study aids.I already asked a professor about retaking something and the response wasn't friendly. The policy here is all failing grades get reported to an intervention committee (that the professors compose) and they will reach out for an interrogation setting (it is not pleasant to put it lightly). Ive been in it before and its pure torture (its compared to military style verbal hasing. They ask questions, you answer and prepare to have whatever you say thrown back at you in the worst way possible). Then afterwards they act nice and push Kaplan problems. Kaplan board practice isnt helping me on lecture exams.
The M2 tutors have echoed that "if its not on Boards and Beyond, its not important". That simply isnt true, for this class. This is what is hurting me also, im getting conflicting info from every corner.
Professors lecture with PPs but exams are written as a collaboration with professors from other campuses. Definately 3rd order questions on this last exam. First exam was first/second order but as I prepared for that the exams got harder.
Study routine: I try to preview material, watch the lecture online later then study it. Some of the powerpoints are impossible to understand so I use supplement videos but exams are from the powerpoints so I look them over. Im a visual learner so I draw out any mechanisms and I started using Sketchy but its hard to memorize each detail and tie it in with other subjects as the exam questions do without prior practice.
Sketchy I recall after and its worked very well. Going through powerpoints is really tough. Its about an hour or so to review and I do that a few times. But I cant recall it.
I talk through but not enough apparently. I draw some as well but the details they are asking for every detail so im having trouble.
This telegraphs to me that you need help with time mgt.The OMM has practicals (and we got bo practice) abd the written had Anatomy lumped in which I didnt have alot of time to study.
Going off the description you gave, i'd say traditional. I was using Exammaster that the school paid for but its not suitable for the exam questions. I did like some of the USMLE-Rx mnemonics. I will look into their practice problems.
Next semester's main course is Anatomy without cadavers.
Without cadavers meaning you won’t be tested on cadaver images at all, or no in person cadaver labs?
If you’ll be asked clinical style anatomy questions (guy comes into ER with this dysfunction, what muscle or nerve is affected?) I highly recommend Grey’s Anatomy Review for practice questions.
Also, draw the Neurovasculature and memorize it first. It’s easier to learn big muscles but the smaller arteries, nerves and veins are harder and don’t need to be left until the end. If you’ll be tested on cadaver images but you don’t get an in person cadaver lab, you can use Rohen’s cadaver atlas or flashcards are ranatomy anki deck for active recall.
Everything in anatomy is a relationship. Know the relationships and your life will be much easier.
Im going to check that out. One of the ways I learn is drilling with anatomy quizzes. I aced 6 week anatomy blocks in undergrad that way. What is the best resource for that?
I realise this. All I did was read powerpoints and use supplement videos but it isnt suitable for these exams. My plan for the Anatomy block is to use a program that can generate anatomy quizzes.
For the powerpoint based classes, i'm still at a loss. Other posters suggested to try other students Anki decks so I will try those.
And this is something you need to be discussing with your faculty on how to solve.The course professors sent me an email saying I need to take a cumulative exam on the 30th. Im grateful for the opportunity and horrified at how to tackle the breath of information in the exam.
Sounds like you're struggling because you don't know how to spot the high yield material. Focus on what the lecturer emphasizes. If he spent 10mins on a particular diagram, you better know it cold. If he skipped over something even though it was bolded, you probably shouldn't waste too much time on it either.We do have upperclassmen tutors and I have been directed to them and I have but the curriculum was changed after they moved to M2. So the faculty is split on whether to get help from them.
Regarding review sessions, I made the mistake of asking something similar to that and was told "this is professional school, not undergrad".
I will ask if they have any tips on what to focus on, and while waiting for that I will go through the USMLE RX basic science question bank and see what gives me trouble.
I was coming here to say this but didn't quite know how to put it into words. OP, listen to this...excellent advice!Sounds like you're struggling because you don't know how to spot the high yield material. Focus on what the lecturer emphasizes. If he spent 10mins on a particular diagram, you better know it cold. If he skipped over something even though it was bolded, you probably shouldn't waste too much time on it either.
Put yourself in the position of the faculty and ask yourself, "if i gave this lecture, what would I test students on?" Don't just mindlessly do Rx, you can't afford that right now. Study high yield in CLASS material from POWERPOINTS. Outside resources are only when you're comfortable with passing in house exams first!
Incredible advice. OP^^ do thisSounds like you're struggling because you don't know how to spot the high yield material. Focus on what the lecturer emphasizes. If he spent 10mins on a particular diagram, you better know it cold. If he skipped over something even though it was bolded, you probably shouldn't waste too much time on it either.
Put yourself in the position of the faculty and ask yourself, "if i gave this lecture, what would I test students on?" Don't just mindlessly do Rx, you can't afford that right now. Study high yield in CLASS material from POWERPOINTS. Outside resources are only when you're comfortable with passing in house exams first!