notes vs books

[viper2fast505]

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Well my first week is over and I feel good about it so far. I am keeping up with the material and I still have time to lift weights. But I don’t know what to think about the class notes, the professors are saying that the exams come from the notes. But, that sounds like all my other undergrad classes and I am sure there is more to the tests in medical than memorizing notes. So is there anyone else out there that knows wither or not to trust in the notes?

 

[Law2Doc]

Well my first week is over and I feel good about it so far. I am keeping up with the material and I still have time to lift weights. But I don’t know what to think about the class notes, the professors are saying that the exams come from the notes. But, that sounds like all my other undergrad classes and I am sure there is more to the tests in medical than memorizing notes. So is there anyone else out there that knows wither or not to trust in the notes?

Med school is unlike undergrad in that the texts are really meant to be secondary sources. You will rarely sit down and read this or that "assigned chapter" like you did in undergrad. Your tests will come out of the notes and lectures and powerpoints for the most part. In a lot of cases however, the notes won't make enough sense or stick without reading other things, so to that extent you may need to consult outside resources.

 

[viper2fast505]

So if i can learn from the notes, i can use the books only if I really need to (not at all I hope). All my classes in the past 3 years have been like that and I never open my books. I guess I will let my exam grades tell me if I need to read more from the book.

 

[Law2Doc]

So if i can learn from the notes, i can use the books only if I really need to (not at all I hope). All my classes in the past 3 years have been like that and I never open my books. I guess I will let my exam grades tell me if I need to read more from the book.

I can't speak for all schools (obviously) but at some places if you know everything in the notes and lecture cold (which you won't, once the pace ramps up), you have enough material from which to get an H (or A) in the course. Bear in mind that in med school you are playing in a different arena, and may find that what worked in college simply doesn't in med school. Be ready to be flexible and change things up if they don't pan out. For many, the first exam is a rude awakening. Trial and error.