Highlighting TBR to Focus

[altitude]

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Does anyone use a highlighter to highlight the important concepts in TBR (or in any other prep book for that matter) during content review? If yes, has it worked/been working out well; how has it benefited you; what do you highlight; etc.?

It's been taking me really long to get through each TBR chapters (been reading then re-reading most material- essentially trying to learn every word), so I'm wondering whether any one finds that highlighting may improve focus, particularly on the main concepts, and be beneficial in getting through the review at a faster rate.

(I do realize that this will significantly decrease re-sale value, but I'm more concerned with getting through the content review before my MCAT!)

 

[Godric]

I write down/jot down notes on paper or post it notes. This way I'll have a few pages of notes to look at when I am done, and it just helps you memorize if your writing things down. (also your books resale value will drastically increase).

 

[altitude]

I write down/jot down notes on paper or post it notes. This way I'll have a few pages of notes to look at when I am done, and it just helps you memorize if your writing things down. (also your books resale value will drastically increase).

Thanks for the suggestions! I may try taking notes, but just hope that I'm don't end up taking notes on every single detail and transcribing things mindlessly.

 

[Supmed]

You might also want to try to read the chapter straight through the day before to become familiar with it. Don't focus on all the details or re-read it at that time but just go through in one pass then the next day go through and break down the details you haven't picked up easily. After ive finished my studying for the day then i read through quickly on the next days chapter. I've been doing this and it's a good way to know what you actually need to focus on and also keeps stress lower bc you are familiar with those concepts.

 

[altitude]

You might also want to try to read the chapter straight through the day before to become familiar with it. Don't focus on all the details or re-read it at that time but just go through in one pass then the next day go through and break down the details you haven't picked up easily. After ive finished my studying for the day then i read through quickly on the next days chapter. I've been doing this and it's a good way to know what you actually need to focus on and also keeps stress lower bc you are familiar with those concepts.

Pretty good idea. Are you using TBR though? As the only problem I foresee is that some chapters could be up to 40 pages long, which still could take a considerable amount of time with a straight read through.

Also, do you do the in-chapter problems during that first read through or save them for the following day?

Thanks for the suggestion

 

[Spindrift11B4]

I have been taking notes as well. I find that I have to continually remind myself to not get TOO detailed with them in order to avoid the mindless transcribing mentioned above. They help involve me more in the reading without having to read through it a second time. For me, writing something down and thinking about how to word it or organize it really helps to record it in memory better.

On the next day when I review passages from that particular chapter I just read back through my notes instead of looking at the chapter again. This has the advantages of saving time and of cutting out a lot of the background info that is useful to know, but ultimately not needed for memorization or whatever.

 

[breeniee]

For TBR Organic I read first and highlight and then I study again, taking notes. For all other subjects I just took notes. I feel like taking notes really helped because TBR books are really dense and I like having flashcards and notes to look at instead of paging through the huge book.

Right now, since I have 2 weeks until my MCAT, I've been reading all my notes before bed or once I wake up in order to refresh my memory.

I guess it all depends on how you study - for me I need the constant repetition.