Preparing for a class before it starts: Is it worth it?

[Shark7500]

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I've been thinking: I could spend the next three weeks or so reading up on some Biology and Orgo, and it would definitely alleviate some pressure in the fall, but is it worth it?

If I prepare for the classes, then I won't feel the classes to be as "intense" as they're supposed to be, but I'll probably get a better grade in the class. In the long run, will my time management and effective study habits suffer because I didn't have to study as hard as my friends during the semester?

I'm a Biomedical Engineering major who's taking 17 hours of class, working 2 part-time jobs (~15 hrs/ week), and I'm doing research (~12 hrs/ week) in addition to volunteering, ECs, etc. Oh, and I'm possibly going to be rushing / pledging this semester. And I'm in a committed relationship.

Should I set aside my ego and study before class starts? Or should I face the semester head on and hope to walk out of it a student who's a lot better with time management? I would love some advice. 🙂

EDIT: Woah. I just did a search for this. 😵. Seems like someone asks this questions once a month.

 

[CodeBlu]

Preparing... don't do it. Don't do it.


Search this topic. It's been discussed ad nauseam.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

If you really want to, get your profs syllabus and follow through it. DON'T STUDY. Just browse/read through it.

 

[eagles22]

If you wanna waste some time (and it looks like you don't have much of it) go ahead and pre-study. If you want to do the smart thing, don't. You have no idea what material will be presented in what order and what will be emphasized.

 

[Shark7500]

I already have VERY little free time. You guys are saying that pre-reading the book / getting familiar with some concepts won't really make a difference on the amount of free time I have this semester?

 

[LeoGer]

I already have VERY little free time. You guys are saying that pre-reading the book / getting familiar with some concepts won't really make a difference on the amount of free time I have this semester?

That's exactly what they're saying, and they're correct.

 

[mauberley]

I already have VERY little free time. You guys are saying that pre-reading the book / getting familiar with some concepts won't really make a difference on the amount of free time I have this semester?

I don't believe that pre-studying will make you need to study less during the year, no. I think that sort of effectiveness only comes with *years* of experience and exposure.

 

[Shark7500]

Duly noted, sirs / madams. thanks much.

In order to alleviate some pressure from this upcoming semester, basically the only thing I can do is to either drop a class or not commit to so many things. Or...develop impeccable study habits during the next 3-5 weeks. 😀

 

[mauberley]

Duly noted, sirs / madams. thanks much.

In order to alleviate some pressure from this upcoming semester, basically the only thing I can do is to either drop a class or not commit to so many things. Or...develop impeccable study habits during the next 3-5 weeks. 😀

I would recommend the bolded.

 

[CodeBlu]

I would recommend the bolded.

As would I good sir.

 

[senorsquishie]

I would like to third this

 

[Political]

One week before class starts study all the topics coming up in the week ahead, that way whenever the prof asks a question you can immediately regurgitate the answer, and are prepared for any quizes. That way not only do you get on the prof. good side as a good student but also you dont experience much burnout and everything should still be fresh in your mind.