Learning for class, RE-learning for Boards?

[swing]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Can some of you comment on this, please?

Ok, we learn, or rather memorize, lots and lots of detailed info for class exams. While we are exposed to a fair amount of this again, and in varying contexts (like seeing Physio again in Pathophys), it seems unlikely that anyone will retain all of this over the course of the first two years.

So, we start getting ready for Boards, and realize we have forgotten, a little about some subjects, more about others, and a lot about a few.

So, we must set about to re-learn material. Here are my thoughts and questions:
Do you think it is easier the 2nd time around having learned it once before?
Will you do better in the re-learning process if you've done well initially vs not having done as well initially?
Do you ADD to what you learned initially so that Board scores reflect initial competence AND the additional material added during Board review/study?
Is there a way to maximize the first two years in order to minimze the necessity for new or re-learning, and maximize Board scores?

Sorry for the rather long, rambling post, but i'm very interested in your thoughts and experiences!

Thanks!

 

[neilc]

i am in the process now of re-learning and focusing for the boards...it seems that retention is very class dependant for me. for example, i was interested in anatomy and physiology, and i remember a lot more than i expected, i tend to do well on the practice tests even without review. biochem is a class i hated and i can't remember anything at all, based on my practice test performance.

during the semester it seems to help to study via class notes and recomended tests , and then to really hit the BRS books section by section as we finish them. and it seems that the important stuff really gets hit over and over (from phys to path to pathophys)...if i knew the stuff well, the review is simple, and i am able to add to my knowledge a bit.

my feeling is that it helps to learn everything really well for classes, and then pre step 1 just hammer the BRS and first aid to hit the covered topics. it is high yield, and i think i will be able to retain the high yield stuff for a while after this second-third-fourth time review. also, i plan to do a daily practice exam (something like 100 questions a day of q-bank) for the last 6-8 weeks. i am taking step 1 in august, and i have half of june and all of july to dedicate to step 1 prep.

there are a few subjects that i really didn't learn well (like embryo and biochem) and i am wondering what to do...should i just screw it and review the first-aid material, or take the time to read a review text try to learn the material better...any ideas?

i would like to hear the thoughts of those that have been through it (and done well, i really need to do well) what do you think of my study plan?

good luck!

 

[ktat72]

posted by neilc:
i was interested in anatomy and physiology, and i remember a lot more than i expected, i tend to do well on the practice tests even without review.

hey, neilc, physiology tends to be my weakest subject area for step 1 preparation, do you think you could help me out? Email and AOL IM: [email protected], khiladi32