Dear CurrentUSN Students. PLEASE SHARE YOUR STUDY SECRETS!!!

[Celinati]

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I have a big favor to ask you guys. For me and all other USN accepted people for the class of 2010, there is an important question, which is "How to Study?" and "How to Manage the time in such a short period of time?", and possibly "What is an efficient method of study we can go by to pass the courses?" PLEASE GIVE US SOME HINT REGARDING THIS MATTER. We are ALL So Worried.
I really appreciate your kindness guys.
Have a Wonderful Summer👍👍😀🙂

 

[vardenafil]

borrow the tests from the previous classes. i noticed that the teachers rarely changed the test questions. if they did they were generally the same 'types' of questions. this doesnt mean dont study. it just gives you an idea of where to focus your studies.

 

[Celinati]

borrow the tests from the previous classes. i noticed that the teachers rarely changed the test questions. if they did they were generally the same 'types' of questions. this doesnt mean dont study. it just gives you an idea of where to focus your studies.

THANKS ALOT FOR THE HELP🙂😉👍

 

[rxforlife2004]

Only relying on the old test = suicidal... A couple of my classmates did that before and failed so badly, especially with those pharmacotherapy classes. So just study efficiently.

People study with different styles, methods, etc...
With the first year of Pharm school = not that hard at all...just spend like 2 hours reading everyday, and u'll be fine. With second year, it'll be more intense with loads of new materials daily....

Just be focused. Only attend lectures when you think it's helpful...Otherwise, skip it like i did. Some professors don't really know how to teach besides confusing you more about the materials...With those, I rather just stayed home...staying in bed longer in the morning and studied by myself.....In fact, I started doing that around the end of first year in pharm school and did even better than showing up in class.

However, some professors are excellent. And you should show up, get serious about attending lectures with those...because it'll cut your study time to 1/2. So use your time wisely.

Don't know if my method workds or not, but i just graduated....

 

[gsinccom]

thanks all!

Any other current or former USN students out there with some advice on the matter?!

 

[Asor]

I hands down agree with Rxforlife2004 that studying only old tests is suicide. It certainly helps but not the gold key for success. You should study the material and then look at old exams to test how much you have or haven't retained and what concepts you need to work on before the big day.

As far as your first year goes it definitely doesn't come near the intensity of your 2nd year but attaining good study habits early on can only help you out later on. Everyone has their own way of studying and you will simply have to find your nitch.

Alot depends on your personal life as well. Some people are married with kids (like myself), some work insane hours--juggling study and personal life can be the biggest challenge of all. The good news is that IT IS DO-ABLE but you have to want to succeed badly enough. One of my major motivations was that nice big chunk of money I owe from loans hee hee

Try studying the material covered in class that day as soon as you can. You will find that if you try to wait last minute--it's going to suck because it all piles up on you. Remember you get tested every 2 weeks. This doesn't allow for too much time to procrastinate. I use to also make my own little "Cliff notes" if you will, of the material so that the night before the exam and early early in the morning the day of the exam I could quickly skim the major points so that they were fresh in my mind.

Again, all of us USNers can sit here and try to give you the best advice that we can but the bottom line is ONLY you will know what best works for you. Unfortunately, that just takes time and a couple of assessments under your belt to figure out.

Right now, you should focus on having a nice relaxing and fun summer. Your time to study and work will be here before you know it. Go have fun...Enjoy life.

You guys are going to do great. And if you ever need anything else, I know that anyone of us will be more than happy to help in whatever way we can. We've all been in your shoes and know 1st hand the array of emotions you are feeling... excited, nervous, anxious and a bit scared, but just like the rest of us you will get through it. One day at a time people....

Best of luck to you all and welcome to the USN familia!!! 😀

Asor

 

[Asor]

By the way, CONGRATULATIONS rxforlife2004 on graduation!!!! That is so awesome. I'm super excited for you and a tad jealous. Now, I just have to get through rotations to join that feeling of euphoria. 👍

Asor

 

[gsinccom]

Thanks Asor for the advice. All the advice we can get will help. If there is any other current or former USNers that would like to give there two cents that would be great!

BTW, did you skip class too like rxforlife did? I wonder what the professor might think of that and if it could come back to bite you?! At first the idea of skipping class seems insane but on second thought if the professors are confusing and the notes are already provided and one could spend the lecture time studying the notes on their own...then why not?
I have a friend who graduated at the top of his medical school class and is just finishing up a dermatology residency. He says he rarely attended class in medical school because there was a note-taking service and he found that just reading the notes was a more effective use of his time than attending lectures.

Anywho...thanks for everyone's help!

 

[Asor]

Hello gsinccom,

to answer your question, NO. I was always in class, however I do agree with rxforlife2004 that there are professors who aren't the best. And yes, you could probably just read the material on your own and be ok. I simply figured that if I am going to be paying a wad of money for education that I would come to class. Yes, there were plenty of times that I could have read the material on my own, however I wouldn't get the few pieces of information that the teacher might share with us that actually makes sense and that my actually be on the exam. And when you have to pass an exam with a 90% or better you will see that every little darn point and every little piece of information that you may only get if you were in class helps.

In regards to your friend who graduated top of his medical class I think that's wonderful and more power to him, but unfortunately, I am not the type of student who can just not show up to my teacher's lecture. There were at least 2 girls in my class who did the very same thing--not show up ever--> only for exams, but I can't do that. I think that it is so important to go to class at the very least to hear the stories and experiences that your teacher has gone through, it proves to be helpful in your understanding of a concept at times. But again, it is completely up to you. People do it all the time and do just fine--if it works and you feel comfortable with it, then do it.

As far as teachers getting upset about you not showing up... Yes, they take note of it but ultimately you are the adult who makes the decision to come or not come. Again, you are the one paying for the education right? I suggest that you not ask that professor for a letter of recommendation when it comes to applying for a residency if that's what you wish to do. They probably would have made a mental note that you never showed up to their class

Anyhow, that' all I really have to say about missing class. Hope it sheds a little light.

Asor

Thanks Asor for the advice. All the advice we can get will help. If there is any other current or former USNers that would like to give there two cents that would be great!

BTW, did you skip class too like rxforlife did? I wonder what the professor might think of that and if it could come back to bite you?! At first the idea of skipping class seems insane but on second thought if the professors are confusing and the notes are already provided and one could spend the lecture time studying the notes on their own...then why not?
I have a friend who graduated at the top of his medical school class and is just finishing up a dermatology residency. He says he rarely attended class in medical school because there was a note-taking service and he found that just reading the notes was a more effective use of his time than attending lectures.

Anywho...thanks for everyone's help!

 

[gsinccom]

Asor,

Thanks again for your insights.

Any other current or former USNers have advice on this topic?

G

 

[Celinati]

Thanks Alot to all of you guys!! You wouldn't believe how helpful and precious these informations are!!!👍👍May I also ask how you started off each day in terms of attending classes and catching up with materials? Were you released earlier than 3.00 PM as well?

 

[gvsk]

hey all...

well what i wanna know is how is ur student life at USN.. 8-3pm is college so how was ur student life like. I mean did u find time on a daily basis for fun, recreation and socialising.

How much are the student groups( fraternities ) involved and what are the activities that they plan out.

Any sports meets planned just for recreationg like a ping pong or tennis,.. I saw on the web site that they have an annual golf tournament

 

[eclipster]

Anyhow just wondering what textbooks we need in the first year to start with and also will the exams cover questions only from material taught in the class or will also cover everything else .Once again thank-you for your suggestions

 

[piyi]

Anyhow just wondering what textbooks we need in the first year to start with and also will the exams cover questions only from material taught in the class or will also cover everything else .Once again thank-you for your suggestions

I was told during orientation that no textbooks are required; all study material (handouts, powerpoints, etc.) will be accessible from our laptops.

 

[gvsk]

yep thats what i heard too and also the powerpoints shud be enuf for tests..

did any one contact the univ abt the laptop what kind we will be getting cos 1300$ for a DELL laptop especially is a lot i dont wanna pay 1300 for a laptop that i can get for 600$ online cos thats just ripping us off

 

[piyi]

yep thats what i heard too and also the powerpoints shud be enuf for tests..

did any one contact the univ abt the laptop what kind we will be getting cos 1300$ for a DELL laptop especially is a lot i dont wanna pay 1300 for a laptop that i can get for 600$ online cos thats just ripping us off

I was told during orientation that we have to buy the one that is available through the school. Yeah, I would much rather get a different one too; my fiance can build computers, and I know he would be able to construct a much better one than what they have to offer us. However, it looks as though we have no choice in the matter; even if you already have a laptop, you have to purchase the one from the school. I suppose they can't stop you from getting another one if you want, but that would be getting a little pricey. But I might look into it if the one they offer is really really that bad.

 

[mrsturtle]

Per Dr. DeYoung, the $1300 is not set in stone, he said it was worst case. Numbers were needed to fill out forms and send info out to students, so hopefully we will get an actual amount soon and it will be less.


Good Luck

 

[meowmeow]

the best way to study is to record and play a cd that says "i am smart" over and over all night so that when u study during the day, u will be smart.

 

[Celinati]

the best way to study is to record and play a cd that says "i am smart" over and over all night so that when u study during the day, u will be smart.

R U Serious???😱 😴Has that ever worked for U???????!!!!!!!!

 

[Ray1234]

borrow the tests from the previous classes. i noticed that the teachers rarely changed the test questions. if they did they were generally the same 'types' of questions. this doesnt mean dont study. it just gives you an idea of where to focus your studies.

How do new students have access to old tests??

 

[meowmeow]

R U Serious???😱 😴Has that ever worked for U???????!!!!!!!!

of course it works =)

 

[Asor]

How do new students have access to old tests??

Again, all you need to do is borrow the tests from the previous classes--just like vardenafil suggested. When you start school make an effort to get to know the students from the P2 class (most of the P3s will be out doing rotations so you rarely get to see them) and I'm certain that they will be more than happy to provide you with copies of their old exams. Chances are they also have copies of previous years exams as well because they did the same thing you are trying to do their P1 year. Before you know it you've accumulated a small arsenal of exams. 😀

Asor

 

[aboveliquidice]

Just curious - does USN take tests online in class? If so - how does one maintain a copy of a test? I ask because Pacific does as such - and I think having old tests would be extremely helpful...

~above~

 

[Asor]

Hi aboveliquidice,

the answer to your question is no--USN does not have online exams. The tests are good old fashion typed up exams.