For first years that suck at cramming

[HLxDrummer]

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Get firecracker and flag topics as you learn them! I wish I would have done this sooner.

I started FC this summer but I am having a hard time flagging topics from last year and keeping up with second year classes/flagging those topics. I think I will still flag them all by some point next semester but it would have been so much easier if I started in first year!

If you flag them as you go it will help you study and most importantly, it will keep the info fresh. Shelf exams will be a piece of cake. Second year will be easier as well because you won't really be spending much time reviewing first year and since you know the physio/biochem/etc. well it will make path easier.

May be somewhat expensive but I would seriously consider it! Even if your class rank goes down slightly because your spending the time doing FC, you will dominate shelves and step 1!

 

[Whiskers09]

What are the other alternatives to studying for boards as you go, besides Firecracker, Anki, and First Aid?

 

[HLxDrummer]

I think you could do anything progressively as you study if you wanted but I think FC is the most efficient and easy. Anki you have to make cards which takes time and it is hard to keep all of FA in your head for two years (IMO).

 

[typicalindian]

So you're suggesting that we first years get FC right now? Is it actually that helpful?

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

You have to have a lot of discipline to keep up with those deck programs during the year. There are plenty of stories of people who started using FC/GT and just ditched it when Step 1 came around. It's certainly not a one size fits all thing, you have to figure out if it works for you.

Personally I hated the concept and couldn't keep up with it.

 

[typicalindian]

You have to have a lot of discipline to keep up with those deck programs during the year. There are plenty of stories of people who started using FC/GT and just ditched it when Step 1 came around. It's certainly not a one size fits all thing, you have to figure out if it works for you.

Personally I hated the concept and couldn't keep up with it.

I checked out the website and saw they offer a 1 month free trial. I think I'll check it out and if I like it, maybe I'll stick with it.

 

[HLxDrummer]

It just depends on your learning style but I would definitely try it. It is some work keeping up with it while your doing classes but it will pay off in the long run (once you learn something you don't ever have to revisit it). In order to cover all of years 1 and 2 in a year I am spending 1-2 hours a day on FC. If you started in year 1 it would be closer to 30 mins-1 hour/day.

If you guys have shelf exams at the end of your classes this would basically eliminate studying for that.

Keep in mind that I am one of those people that will learn something and forget it quickly if I don't keep reviewing it so it is great for me. If you have an awesome memory it may not be the best use of your time.

 

[DoktorO]

Anyone know how much Firecracker costs once the free trial is over?

 

[Shjanzey]

.

 

[Wordead]

For the amount of time firecracker takes you could probably get through big robbins, pathoma, golijan, and every damn qbank. Poor use of time, IMO.

 

[Leonidis I]

For the amount of time firecracker takes you could probably get through big robbins, pathoma, golijan, and every damn qbank. Poor use of time, IMO.

but the question is would you remember all of it.

i prefer using anki cards for stuff thats rote memorization intensive stuff like pharm, micro, biochem and sticking to qbanks for stuff thats more problem solving intensive like physio, pathophysio.

 

[Wordead]

but the question is would you remember all of it.

i prefer using anki cards for stuff thats rote memorization intensive stuff like pharm, micro, biochem and sticking to qbanks for stuff thats more problem solving intensive like physio, pathophysio.

You would have a better understanding, which is way more important. I went through FC (or GT when it first came out) and dumped it near the start of M2. Just my opinion on this, and I've posted before how much I dislike Picmonic for the same reason. I think those resources are fine if you're just trying to pass or whatever, but if you're a normal SDN student they're not the resources for you.

 

[HLxDrummer]

Ya, may not work for everyone. If I read all those resources I wouldn't remember **** when I was done. I am very good at understanding principles and concepts right off the bat though so using FC for straight memorization is great for me. I plan to finish FC near the start of the spring semester and just do maintenance questions on there while I start UWorld.

I am also doing Pathoma concurrently with path.