need help in how to study

[Bevo]

---

Members don't see this ad.

welp, my board prep has gone pretty bad thus far.

Getting to the situation where I really dont know what I'm doing anymore.

When I read and make notes in the margins, I dont feel like I'm retaining any of that information. I'm finding that I'm having to relearn so much of what I once knew.

Ive gone through Kaplan biochem maybe a week ago. Now I remeber 10% of what I've read.

I'm trying to get through cardiac physiology and I went back to the method of studying that I used in the past, but at this rate it'll take me 2-3 days to get through it all.

I'm just lost now.

 

[obecalp]

Hang in there, buddy. I know that you'll probably slap me upside the head, but are you getting enough sleep? Are you doing anything fun or enjoyable to relieve the stress? Cuz, it sounds like your increased stress level is preventing you from retaining info. Take an evening off...meet up with some friends...get some dinner and catch a movie.

 

[TommyGunn04]

Are you doing any questions to reinforce the material? QBank is a MUST! It's nice to see how studying pays off too...you'll notice yourself answering questions correctly because of something you read/studied a week ago, and it makes you realize you really ARE making progress. The problem is that there's so much material you never really get to the point where you feel like you know everything, so it can sometimes seem like you're working in vain and making little headway. Persevere!

 

[alfie58]

Suggestion: Do as many questions as you can. Use Kaplan Q-Bank, Exam master etc.....then do the MBNE exams as well. It is hard to start at the beginning and review everything without going to sleep or brain dead. But, doing the questions is interactive and keeps you alive during the course of it all. PLUS you will learn if you miss the question read all the detractors find out why you missed it and read up on the subject. You can do the same thing on the ones you did NOT miss because you will learn the traps they can set with the other answers.

Good luck

 

[bonefixr]

Something else to look at is that it is still REALLY early to study for Step 1 in my opinion. You are taking in new material by the truckload still. Don't expect to retain everything by memorization and hold until June. NOT POSSIBLE. The key is to set up a schedule (I would recommend starting about 8 weeks out): attack weak subjects to get in an extra rep first. Then, go through the material however you see fit. I used a systems-based approach. Schedule in time to do questions, then leave about a week at the end to do questions, review material, and RELAX. The previous post is right. Stress will makes things worse for you. Do something you enjoy along the way. Have confidence in your plan. Trust me. When its all done you'll look back and wonder why you studied so hard.

 

[Bevo]

well, thanks for the replies.

I've decided to just concentrate on path, physio and pharm.

as for being too early --- not really. I take my exam in late feb. Some might say its too early, but Ive got the time and this time is ment for studying.

I'll be taking a board prep course after the new years. I've decided its prob better for me to make sure I got the 3 Ps studied better than trying to go over everything.

I'll get the rest addressed when I go to falcon.

 

[pxz]

Look like you are already burn-out and you still have over two months to go! I suggest just take one week or two off.

 

[Bevo]

Look like you are already burn-out and you still have over two months to go! I suggest just take one week or two off.

slightly, but I really haven't studied on weekends at all. And with the holidays coming up, I dont think I'll be accomplishing much anyways.

Looking forward to watching the spurs and the suns play on the 28th!

 

[slickrikk]

welp, my board prep has gone pretty bad thus far.

Getting to the situation where I really dont know what I'm doing anymore.

When I read and make notes in the margins, I dont feel like I'm retaining any of that information. I'm finding that I'm having to relearn so much of what I once knew.

Ive gone through Kaplan biochem maybe a week ago. Now I remeber 10% of what I've read.

I'm trying to get through cardiac physiology and I went back to the method of studying that I used in the past, but at this rate it'll take me 2-3 days to get through it all.

I'm just lost now.

go enjoy the holidays and chill out... you sound like every chick at my school. everything you study is beneficial but at this point you need to build confidence. do some questions and you'll realize just how much you know and when you miss one SO WHAT.

if you're getting below 50% on q bank come feb. then you should begin crying. until then relax and rest assure that those high yield books are sticking, otherwise you wouln't be in med school

trust in brs path and q bank

peace