Flight Plan for USMLE

[Paradidle]

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Need some advice, I'm preparing for next year's USMLE. I've got the review books. Question, how did you guys go about testing yourselves? I mean did you read through all the review books say BRS Path then do their little chapter quiz? Or did you jump to the quiz and take those first?
ALSO- with so much to review, how did you do the reinforcement of the previoulsy learned material? I mean, read chapters then quiz, then go on to a new chapter and quiz, then later in the day review, and then review the next day. How many times did you review the same material in a week? I know it's personal but like Big FRANK how would you repeat and reinforce the material? Did you guys bother makeing flash cards or flow charts or just review the printed material in say BRS? Thanks guys, there is just so much material.

 

[bigfrank]

Excellent questions. I think every person on here will have a method or strategy that worked for them and they will all differ.

For me specifically, I did not make flashcards, as that would have required countless hours that I do not have. I did find it helpful, however, to always make learning active. For example, in BRS Path, I would [some would say compulsively] highlight, underline, and make notes in the margins. This, to me, better reenforced the material than merely reading it. You will have to find a method that works well for you.

If I recall [and I think that I do], the neurobiochemical processes involving memory (glutamate, NO, etc.) necessitate that long-term memories be made through repetition. There is no "magical" way to form long-term memories that stand the test of time and difficult questions. Repetition often and early is the gold standard here.

Specifically, I did the questions in BRS Path after reading each chapter and again randomly thereafter.

Best,

 

[daisygirl]

If I recall [and I think that I do], the neurobiochemical processes involving memory (glutamate, NO, etc.) necessitate that long-term memories be made through repetition. There is no "magical" way to form long-term memories that stand the test of time and difficult questions. Repetition often and early is the gold standard here.

This would explain why I need to read things over at least four times, while also saying them out loud- I actually remember things much better when I repeat them out loud. Too bad I don't remember learning how long-term memories are made . Maybe that was first year material?

Big Frank- You really are awesome. Still posting in this forum even though step one is like a distant memory 😀 .

 

[Paradidle]

Hi Bigfrank,

I PM'ed you. Thanks for your time and info.

 

[bigfrank]

you've got a pm from me now. 👍