I really need help.

[TheFifthEye]

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Hello...

I don't even know where to begin.

The 2nd semester of my 1st year begins in a day. And I was sitting alone with my thoughts the other day and I realized something. I really have no idea what I'm doing. Not a single clue. I passed with flying colors, but I still have no clue how to study. AT ALL. It made me feel as if I don't deserve this. And maybe I don't, but I still would like to try my best. I really want to be a doctor.

So this is my cry for help. I really need it.

I don't know how to study. I thought I was supposed to have it figured out by the end of my first semester, but I have no clue how to study. So it would mean the world to me if someone answers a few questions I have, please.

1. How do you study? (I know there is no 'golden formula' for studying in med school, but I'd like to see what worked out for others so I can try for myself.)
2. How do you get yourself to study? (Do you just do it every day, and then discipline comes with time? Or is there some other secret to it?)
3. Where do you study and for how long? (I tried studying in the library, but I also like talking to myself out loud.)
4. How do you pick your resources? And how do you not get overwhelmed? (I have cardiopulmonary coming up, and I found myself with a bunch of resources, but no idea which to pick and in what order to do them. You have the lecture itself, and there are core textbooks like Lilly's, West's, and Costanzo's. And then you have like a billion Step 1 books to correlate info with. And then you have Zanki and self made Anki cards. And you also have B&B and Pathoma. They're all excellent resources, but how do I pick while making sure I don't miss out on anything?)
5. Do you make yourself a schedule/plan? If so, how?
6. Finally, are there any study tips and tricks you would like to share or anything else to add?

It would really mean more than you can imagine to get some answers, I really am lost.

For those who answered my questions, I really can't thank you enough; and for those who didn't, thank you too for reading my post. It means a lot to me. I really need all the help I can get.

Thanks again~

 

[Nucleophile1]

Hello...

I don't even know where to begin.

The 2nd semester of my 1st year begins in a day. And I was sitting alone with my thoughts the other day and I realized something. I really have no idea what I'm doing. Not a single clue. I passed with flying colors, but I still have no clue how to study. AT ALL. It made me feel as if I don't deserve this. And maybe I don't, but I still would like to try my best. I really want to be a doctor.

So this is my cry for help. I really need it.

I don't know how to study. I thought I was supposed to have it figured out by the end of my first semester, but I have no clue how to study. So it would mean the world to me if someone answers a few questions I have, please.

1. How do you study? (I know there is no 'golden formula' for studying in med school, but I'd like to see what worked out for others so I can try for myself.)
2. How do you get yourself to study? (Do you just do it every day, and then discipline comes with time? Or is there some other secret to it?)
3. Where do you study and for how long? (I tried studying in the library, but I also like talking to myself out loud.)
4. How do you pick your resources? And how do you not get overwhelmed? (I have cardiopulmonary coming up, and I found myself with a bunch of resources, but no idea which to pick and in what order to do them. You have the lecture itself, and there are core textbooks like Lilly's, West's, and Costanzo's. And then you have like a billion Step 1 books to correlate info with. And then you have Zanki and self made Anki cards. And you also have B&B and Pathoma. They're all excellent resources, but how do I pick while making sure I don't miss out on anything?)
5. Do you make yourself a schedule/plan? If so, how?
6. Finally, are there any study tips and tricks you would like to share or anything else to add?

It would really mean more than you can imagine to get some answers, I really am lost.

For those who answered my questions, I really can't thank you enough; and for those who didn't, thank you too for reading my post. It means a lot to me. I really need all the help I can get.

Thanks again~

I want to preface this by saying two things.

1. Everyone has their own individual study method. What works for me may not work for you.
2. Some study methods are school-dependent (I'll explain what I mean)

1. I begin by watching the lecture and converting the facts in the lecture to Anki cards split up by individual lecture so I can track my percentage correct progress. I have some add-ons that give me more detailed stats. Next, I start incorporating concept maps, practice questions, and repeating the material out loud as needed. I keep track of my progress in Anki and anything that I get wrong in a practice question goes into Anki. I usually cram most of my cards the day before an exam to make sure I won't miss any small details. I also write note sheets with questions and answers the week before the exam which also helps me with any small details.

2. I set a schedule. Without my schedule, I would probably be kinda aimless if I tried to sit down and start studying. I also have a routine and I try to stick to it. The first thing I do when I sit down to study is do my Anki (both new and review cards).

3. I study at home. The library is either too cold or too hot and I don't have all my snacks with me at the library. If I get tired of being at home, I occasionally go to a coffee, cafe, or a friend's house. I study for a good part of the day but I still set aside time for exercise, relaxing, etc. The amount I study increases as exams approach.

4. My main resources are: Lectures, FA, Pathoma, and Practice questions from BRS, Robbins, etc. The lectures at my school are really good (including the PhD lecturers) so I study from those before reaching for other resources.

5. I commuted for undergrad so I got used to making a schedule. First plan your mandatory activities and then start setting aside time for lectures, Anki, etc. When you first start setting a schedule, try not to underestimate the amount of time it will take you to do Anki cards, practice questions, etc. As time goes on, you will get used to setting a schedule and you'll figure out what works for you.

6. Active studying is more efficient than passive studying. Practice Questions, Teaching Concepts Outloud, etc. > Reading from a Textbook

 

[Goro]

If you made this far, and with flying colors to boot, then you indeed know how to study.

Feeling like you're a fraud is a very common thing among smart and successful people. Look up "imposter syndrome ".

I sense that something deeper is troubling you though.

 

[SouthernGent]

Have you reached out to the departments at your school for academics and mental health? Their are great people on here like Goro an co., but it sounds like you will be best served talking to someone face-to-face; There is something deeper here.