Insight on Bio Study Techniques

[xxabi]

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Hi everyone,

So I've been studying for the MCAT and so far have had no problem with my study techniques for Physics and Chemistry - which is pretty much read the chapter, take quick notes on the equations needed and do practice problems, then review the problems and jot down notes on what I missed on those problems. That's been working out really well for me.

However, I'm stumped when it comes to Bio. First I tried typing up notes while reading the chapter, this was the most thorough way of studying since I can go back and read my notes rather the chapter, however it was SO time consuming (took me around ~5-6 hours just to take notes on one chapter). Then I tried highlighting as I read, which was enjoyable but I didn't necessarily recall all the details as well. Then I tried short handwritten notes, which made me feel like I was leaving out a ton of information and was also time consuming since writing is always time consuming.

I would love some insight on how everyone else is studying for the Bio section. I know each person studies a little differently, but maybe from y'alls feedback, I might find a strategy that works for me! (Sorry if this has been asked before, couldn't find any information regarding the new MCAT so I thought I'd try my luck!)

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[radian313]

Biology?

This is what I am doing...

Khan Videos --> Read the chapter --> Do 1/3 of the passages (usually 3-4 passages atleast) --> Take a break --> Review them and THEN WRITE YOUR NOTES

That same week, Ive incorporated review days where after a block of studying for the weekly subjects I simply do passages, and read over my annotated book margin notes etc. I do the passages (1/3 again) and review them and make notes. By the end of the week, I will have touched that specific subject 3 times. At the end of the cycle for my content review, I will move over to solely doing passages. I will again use the same method of logging my mistakes for that week, hence wil have seen the material atleast 5 times in total for that subject. Im actually using this method for all my subjects, but I feel for biology this is key.

Every other day I am reviewing my notes (which are essentially things I missed on exams) --> even stuff I got right and was shaky on, I write it in. I have 6 composition books and I review them every other day.

I also use flash cards for Bio, Biochem, and Psych since it requires some level of memorization.

If you are spending time writing notes, you'll fall behind, chances are you probably know a lot of the stuff already and hence need to focus on your weaknesses by logging them in.

Hope this helps.

 

[tturchi51]

Personally I read, then take notes, then make flashcards on anki. It's easy to make the flashcards cause you can just copy and paste them on there, or type up as you want. I also make flashcards using questions and answers (including making some from explanations). Although it is time consuming, by the time you get done you have learned, not just memorized, all the information.

 

[GCSDOC]

Hi everyone,

So I've been studying for the MCAT and so far have had no problem with my study techniques for Physics and Chemistry - which is pretty much read the chapter, take quick notes on the equations needed and do practice problems, then review the problems and jot down notes on what I missed on those problems. That's been working out really well for me.

However, I'm stumped when it comes to Bio. First I tried typing up notes while reading the chapter, this was the most thorough way of studying since I can go back and read my notes rather the chapter, however it was SO time consuming (took me around ~5-6 hours just to take notes on one chapter). Then I tried highlighting as I read, which was enjoyable but I didn't necessarily recall all the details as well. Then I tried short handwritten notes, which made me feel like I was leaving out a ton of information and was also time consuming since writing is always time consuming.

I would love some insight on how everyone else is studying for the Bio section. I know each person studies a little differently, but maybe from y'alls feedback, I might find a strategy that works for me! (Sorry if this has been asked before, couldn't find any information regarding the new MCAT so I thought I'd try my luck!)

Thanks ahead of time!

I was having the same issue retaining the basics so I decided to pick up EK Biology 1001. Just work through that entire book and you will retain the basics, highly recommend this. Good luck!

 

[radian313]

If anyone is interested i can post my schedule in pdf here since a lot of people liked it and pmed me....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RaspberrySlushy]

I really like what @radian313 said. That is pretty close to my own strategy. I don't have mine in composition books, I went with a big looseleaf binder where I ut all my notes, and I also include ones I got right for wrong reasons, or got right but wasn't sure about it. I always write it in a way like explaining to myself the concept behind something to make sure it will relate to other questions or passages I may encounter in the future.

I also like the EK 1001 for bio. It's a pretty good review.

I definitely like to mix in some passive learning into the mix, so one thing I'm doing is making playlists of lectures from bio classes. For me, bio is the class I took longest ago aside from the social science stuff. So I just have lecture audio from principles of bio, anatomy & physiology and cell bio kinda in the background when I do other things, just to get the words and concepts back in mind. I don't give it a lot of attention because some of it is really detailed but it's been nice to just have that as a way to get my mind back to bio.

Time to go read about the respiratory system.

 

[allantois]

If you took bio courses and did well in them; there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Do what has already worked for you. I never made flashcards, and I don't think figuring out how to study with them is the right time now. Learn the content however way is best for you, but don't forget to do MCAT style passages.