NEED ADVICE please

[TotalDomination]

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Hi, so my mcat is in a month or so. I have been reviewing but feeling like everything is going in one ear and coming out the other (zero retention). Has anyone else had problems with this? Any particular ways to retain material better? I am specifically struggling with physics (optics and fluids). I would really love to hear other people's perspectives since it's kind of late in the game for me...and I obviously can't just not learn it.

Thanks,
TD

 

[SamyLSF]

Hi, so my mcat is in a month or so. I have been reviewing but feeling like everything is going in one ear and coming out the other (zero retention). Has anyone else had problems with this? Any particular ways to retain material better? I am specifically struggling with physics (optics and fluids). I would really love to hear other people's perspectives since it's kind of late in the game for me...and I obviously can't just not learn it.

Thanks,
TD

If you feel like you are having zero retention it could mean that you are not efficiently studying or you are trying to study for too long of a stretch and your brain is all like "hell nooo".

Try studying in 30 min intervals. Study 30min, 5min break, study 30min, 5min break. Etc. That works for me whenever I find that I'm not remembering anything. Keep doing as many sample questions as you can, best way to learn is by doing out the work!

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Try a completely different way of studying-- I learn best when I can write things down and make charts/tables/etc. Make flash cards and test yourself repeatedly and in different situations (on the bus, while waiting for the microwave, etc). Find a Youtube video that explains it and watch it slowly and rewind/repeat as needed. Good luck!

 

[BABSstudent]

Hi, so my mcat is in a month or so. I have been reviewing but feeling like everything is going in one ear and coming out the other (zero retention). Has anyone else had problems with this? Any particular ways to retain material better? I am specifically struggling with physics (optics and fluids). I would really love to hear other people's perspectives since it's kind of late in the game for me...and I obviously can't just not learn it.

Thanks,
TD

With physics I found that practice problems are the best way of learning. Do problems while you read and make sure you remember the equations.

 

[TheShaker]

It really depends on what way works for you. When just straight up reading doesn't work for me, I like to switch to a more active approach. Try writing down the concepts that you learn, detail it like you're answering an essay question on an exam. For the math parts, do practice problems, which is what you should be doing anyway.

 

[Dingo Mango]

You should probably start focusing on "practicing" taking the MCAT rather than continuing to hammer every science subject. Keep reviewing the stuff you have trouble with, but getting the feel of taking the whole test and building endurance is more important at this point!

 

[TotalDomination]

This sounds like a winning formula. I also have a miserably short attention span so I think this might be a better studying plan.

I am doing problems but my mind is saying "omg no more blah don't like." I do watch youtube videos to switch it up. Also I write and talk out loud to myself when I'm starting to drift off. It's not helping for some reason. I think it might be because i'm in my room "trying" to study for like 12 hours. I'm going to try this tonight: 30 mins study, 5 min break cycle times 6, take a gym break, and then repeat the cycle times 3. then sleep.