Read this: if your GPA is 3.3 or greater

[AT03]

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My GPA is currently 3.2. After this semester, I think it will be 2.8. I realized that I?m not a quick learner as I would like to be. But this is not my fault. I usually study more than some if not all of those who score higher on the exams than I do. The truth is each one of us is genetically different. And every one is born with a different gift. So, instead of making excuses such as my GPA is low b/c the instructor is too hard or I?m taking too many units and this and that, I decided to seek the help of you guys.

If your GPA is 3.3 or greater and you know you earned it because of your hard work, would you be kind enough to take a few minutes and answer some of these questions or make your own suggestions.

1.Do you review your lecture notes on daily basis? If yes, first, how do you review it? Do you make your own questions that are based on the lecture and write it on the margins? Or do you just read line by line and pause and try to recall it? Or do you rewrite your lecture notes?

2.Do you also review your lecture notes on weekly basis?

3.Do you read the text book or other sources?

4.Do you use flash cards?

5.Do you use studying schedule? Ex. 7pm to 8pm Anatomy review, 15min break, 8:20 to 9 microbiology, 10-12pm physiology?

6.Do you study with other people in your class?

7.And how do manage your time?

 

[Pre-Dent-David]

This is what I generally do. Different things work for different people though so dont consider what others do too much when choosing study tactics.

1. No to all except I do sometimes rewrite notes before a test.

2. Generally no.

3. Text + other assigned books, or relevant material that I know of.

4. rarely-can be useful for certain things,but not many.

5. No.

6. Sometimes.

7. I do not do a great job at this.... Something I need to work on.

 

[speter33]

this is how I've been doing it for the past year. past year i had a gpa of 3.8 and for the 3 years prior i had a gpa of 3.1:

No social life or barely none
no work
no shopping/ or anything else
although i go to the gym 3 times a week that's about it
Just sit home study hard, review teacher's old exams if possible, and think of ways that those bastards will try to trick you on exams.

oh yea and don't bother rewriting review sheets, just have real good class notes

 

[Woodsy]

Originally posted by AT03
My GPA is currently 3.2. After this semester, I think it will be 2.8. I realized that I?m not a quick learner as I would like to be. But this is not my fault. I usually study more than some if not all of those who score higher on the exams than I do. The truth is each one of us is genetically different. And every one is born with a different gift. So, instead of making excuses such as my GPA is low b/c the instructor is too hard or I?m taking too many units and this and that, I decided to seek the help of you guys.

If your GPA is 3.3 or greater and you know you earned it because of your hard work, would you be kind enough to take a few minutes and answer some of these questions or make your own suggestions.

1.Do you review your lecture notes on daily basis? If yes, first, how do you review it? Do you make your own questions that are based on the lecture and write it on the margins? Or do you just read line by line and pause and try to recall it? Or do you rewrite your lecture notes?

2.Do you also review your lecture notes on weekly basis?

3.Do you read the text book or other sources?

4.Do you use flash cards?

5.Do you use studying schedule? Ex. 7pm to 8pm Anatomy review, 15min break, 8:20 to 9 microbiology, 10-12pm physiology?

6.Do you study with other people in your class?

7.And how do manage your time?

1. I only study when i have to and when I was doing really well (when I was trying), I just made sure I understood the material I learned by reading the lecture notes, textbook and kept up with the work. I find going to class also helps 😉 I sometimes write notes on the margin to refresh myself to try to summarize what I've learned to help me understand the material better. It's all about how you can understand and manipulate the concepts you learn.

2. No, only a week before the test or a few days depending on the course. You don't need to review everyday unless it is a course that is all memory. Usually my short term mem is pretty good.

3. Depending on the course, some/most courses i would read the text, esp if i missed the class, but I ALWAYS make sure i have the lecture notes since it is from those that the profs USUALLY test from esp upper year courses. But the text book is a good guide to help you supplement what you don't understand from lecture.

4. Flash cards??? No..and honestly, depending on the subject, I don't recommend them..They are a waste of time. Making your own notes to summarize I guess would help, but the lecture notes are usually pretty good if you take good notes.

5. Studying schedule- I like to have classes in the afternoons. What I do is workout in the morn, go to class or not, and study at night. Unless it is exam time or very close to test time (tests that I haven't studied a week for), then I like to study whenever I am free so long as I get my workout in hehe.. I'm a gym freak but exam time, if I don't have time, I'll skip the workout and study as much as I can. I break every now and then and I just make sure I stay focused when I'm reading. No specific schedule. Regular days just make sure I get about 2-3 hours a week for each subject on average depending on the course load. This year I have been slacking with the studying because I had to study for DATS and had other things.. But last year and the year before, I would study every day for 2-3 hours, that is usually suffice, and either take the weekends off if it is not busy or use the weekends to catch up or to read ahead if necessary or if there is a test coming up.

6. I study with other people when I really need to learn it and find it difficult to learn it myself or need someone to clear up concepts or to do an assignment. Usually I like to read first and have an idea of what's going on. Most of the time, its best to work alone unless the subject is really tough.

7. I manage my time by using a schedule planner, to mark down the things I need to do for the day. It doesn't matter to me what time I do it as long as it is done by the end of the day. This way I can anticipate emergency situations just in case something comes up and I can play around with the time slots. You can't always follow a strict time line unless what you have to do is extremely important. But high priority things should always come first. The best is to have a relatively strict schedule when you are starting out to help you manage your time until you get a "feel" for things. Then you can be less strict.


I go to the gym 4 times a week. Make sure I eat all my meals, 5-7 small meals a day except during a major test time or exams...I cook my own meals most of the time...

I talk on the phone with people...friends, girls i'm seeing, etc. Go out, go shopping every now and then.

I would go out to the bars/clubs, once every two weeks or so, just to allow myself time to vent and to get drunk...(it is very therapeutic, next to sex..)
😉

I surf the net and watch TV every now and then, follow up on sports, since I'm a big football fan. Go Rams! ( I like the Rams and Titans, though I think Patriots will win the AFC..grrrr..)

Ideally, depending on the course I like to have a week to study for it. With emphasis on the three days before the test. This way I can have an area of comfort just in case something comes up and still be prepared. Helps with long term memory too.

Just try to balance I guess...

But i do know that there are times where I just cut myself away from others just to get my work done..this is still something I have to work on, NOT doing.

SLEEP is the most important thing. Make sure you get enough of it. If you can't sleep you can't work properly. Honestly, dont' study too hard, study smart. Just make sure you understand what it is you are reading and why it is important and how it relates to the course and material covered in class. Understand the fundamentals, dont' just memorize unless you really have to.

If you are tired and exhausted, then take the night off, or do some light reading and SLEEP. Don't waste your time reading, it won't get through and you lose out on valuable sleep or fun time and you'll have to read the info again and waste even more time. It is very INefficient to do that. If you manage your time properly you wouldn't fall too behind anyways.


Oh and STUDY AT THE LIBRARY, unless you are free from distraction at home. I always study at the library unless I have to type up an assignment or something..Computers are evil..(internet)

 

[Balki]

1.Do you review your lecture notes on daily basis? If yes, first, how do you review it? Do you make your own questions that are based on the lecture and write it on the margins? Or do you just read line by line and pause and try to recall it? Or do you rewrite your lecture notes?

🙂 🙂
I wish I think any senior or a junior will tell you this not possible and probably not required. Anyway I do not even take notes in my science courses that is.

2.Do you also review your lecture notes on weekly basis?
No, see above

3.Do you read the text book or other sources?
Absolutely, I love the textbooks and they are often much more helpful than instructors. I read other sources as well, more importantly any relevant journals and online material on the subject

4.Do you use flash cards?
Not a bad Idea, I did use them in one of my SAT prep classes

The answer is no.

5.Do you use studying schedule? Ex. 7pm to 8pm Anatomy review, 15min break, 8:20 to 9 microbiology, 10-12pm physiology?

I try to do this. Extremely helpful. I don't write things down so i have to keep them in my head and plan. I deff. plan my work but this doesn't work out all the time.

6.Do you study with other people in your class?
YES! This is great especially if the groups are great people. This is extremely helpful, because I learn when I explain and then you have a chance to hear other people.

7.And how do manage your time?

THIS is HARD, when one has a demanding schedule + 30 hr working +outings+ all the other stuff. Well we all try so hopefuly it will all work out.
I don't think I am doing that good this semester i might end up with a 3.4 overall i should have about 3.6+ in my mojor and about 3.5 overall - I am happy and that is all that matters.

 

[ronmiller]

I usually re-write my notes into a compact summary form, (I usually use those little stenographer's notebooks) then study that for several days pior to the test. Usually, profs take most of the testing material from the notes, so I usually only read text to clarify something I may not understand from the notes. Another thing to note is that there is a certain learning curve for every professor. After the first exam, you will know more of what the prof expects, and where the test material comes from.

 

[spooky42]

I usually review my notes a day or two before the exam. For some classes I type my notes up.
I read the book in some classes and other have never opened the book. I dont use a fixed schedule but I do make a list of things I need done during the week and cross them out as theyre done. Studying in groups was helpful from time to time. Usually small groups of 2-4 people.

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

This may sound dumb, but it does work. I did this in undergrad and still do it now. I read my notes outloud and keep repeating statments until I FULLY understand them...not memorize them. Once you understand the material, it is in your long term memory. Memorization is only good for the short term, which will suck when its time for you to take the DAT because you will have to study more for it.

I study half as much as my counterparts here in D-school and manage good grades...meaning "B" or higher. Actually I have an exam in two hours and i'm on here 😀

 

[boyan]

My GPA is 3.5 after 119 credits. After the first year and a half my GPA was low - 2.8. This was because I DID NOT CARE about school. For the past 5 semesters it has been in the range 3.76-4.00. What did I do?
- I was attending all lectures
- I was listening to the teacher not JUST TAKEING NOTES. Make sure you understand what he is saying not just mechanically write it down. If I dont understand something I try to understand it not just memorize it.
- Do the homework and UNDERSTAND IT
- I dont take too many credits (15-16 max) so I dont burn myself.

 

[dentist2008]

I have 2 more semesters to graduate and I have 3.85 GPA.
During the years, I have used different strategies for studying. During the past years in college that I can remember, I have almost used all of different thing you mentioned.
I don't write my notes over and over. I think that is a waist of time becuase you can keep writing and not pay attention at all.
I don't even go over my notes on a daily or even weekly basis. I usually keep the dates of my tests and upcoming quizzes in a planner and try to know the test dates that are coming up. Depending on the class, I might study for it a week ahead or just the night before.
I usually don't study until a test is coming up but when I do study, I study hard. I would like to be alone in a room and have minimal noise. For something like physics or chemistry, I wouldn't mind even if radio is on and music is playing while I work problems. But if I am studying for something like biology, I wan't complete silence. I do cram. I might stay up all night and read. I try to read the notes and cross reference with book or any other book that I might have. If I don't completely understand a point, I have to find it in some book and understand it.
I don't like to attend study groups becuase I think I can study more efficiently by myself.
One thing that I have to really emphasize is that I attend all the class sessions in the semester. During the past 3 years, I have missed less that 10 sessions of all my classes. and I have attended 3 semesters a year.
I think attending all the classes and taking notes even littel notes is very important.

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

Originally posted by AT03

1.Do you review your lecture notes on daily basis? If yes, first, how do you review it? Do you make your own questions that are based on the lecture and write it on the margins? Or do you just read line by line and pause and try to recall it? Or do you rewrite your lecture notes?

2.Do you also review your lecture notes on weekly basis?

3.Do you read the text book or other sources?

4.Do you use flash cards?

5.Do you use studying schedule? Ex. 7pm to 8pm Anatomy review, 15min break, 8:20 to 9 microbiology, 10-12pm physiology?

6.Do you study with other people in your class?

7.And how do manage your time?

1. Not really. Occasionally. I take understandable notes, and briefly review around test time. I bust my butt in class though. No questions or anything.

2. This, maybe.

3. Occasionally. I hate textbooks. Usually I try to get it all in class.

4. No.

5. No, except at finals time.

6. No, except for my friends every so often.

7. Take it as it comes. Don't get far ahead, likewise not far behind.

 

[Zurich5]

1. No I never review my notes on a weekly basis, and I hardly ever ask questions. I generally sit in the back of the class, leave early, or do not attend lectures.

2.Do you also review your lecture notes on weekly basis?
Nope, but I?m sure it would be a good idea.

3.Do you read the text book or other sources?
Stopped reading the text a long time ago, not much help?most profs just want you to regurgitate what they give you anyway.

4.Do you use flash cards?
Only when I?m working on my basic English.

5.Do you use studying schedule? Ex. 7pm to 8pm Anatomy review, 15min break, 8:20 to 9 microbiology, 10-12pm physiology?
No, I just study the night before the exam, not sure if that counts.

6.Do you study with other people in your class?
Sometimes, but they usually hold me back and I have to explain everything to them.

7.And how do manage your time?
I don?t, it just always seems to work itself out.

Keep in mind that everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for the next. I know a guy who studied for literally three hours before the DAT and got a 22-20, bastard.

 

[boyan]

Originally posted by Zurich5
I know a guy who studied for literally three hours before the DAT and got a 22-20, bastard.

He is talking about me LOL

 

[KMF]

1.Do you review your lecture notes on daily basis? If yes, first, how do you review it? Do you make your own questions that are based on the lecture and write it on the margins? Or do you just read line by line and pause and try to recall it? Or do you rewrite your lecture notes?
I definitely do not review my lecture notes on any regular basis.


2.Do you also review your lecture notes on weekly basis?
No

3.Do you read the text book or other sources?
I generally do the reading after going to lectures even though professors usually say to do the reading BEFORE lecture. I get way more out of the reading if I do it after I have some sort of general knowledge about the topic, especially in science classes where class participation usually isn't encouraged.

4.Do you use flash cards?
Sometimes. I think they really help, but I don't always have time to make them. Making them is half the battle though. WRiting things down really helps me understand stuff better. I generally find that making an outline is better though because you can see the RELATIONSHIPS between things. If you have time to do both, I would encourage that.

5.Do you use studying schedule? Ex. 7pm to 8pm Anatomy review, 15min break, 8:20 to 9 microbiology, 10-12pm physiology?
If I'm feeling really overwhelmed, sometimes this method helps me, but it's really hard to actually stick to the schedule you make.

6.Do you study with other people in your class?
YES!!!!! I learn sooooo much from studying with other people in the class. Make sure you are studying with the right people though. I generally like to learn the material myself first and then maybe the day before the test, or sometimes the day of the test, I will get together with a friend and we will talk about things we don't understand and test each other. This helps A LOT!!!

7.And how do manage your time?
I'm a morning person generally, so I usually study in the morning. If i'm feeling kind of tired, I feel like working out usually gets me going. Usually after 10PM (unless it's the night before the test) it's hard for me to study and I usually use this time to go out and enjoy time with my friends. It's go to enjoy yourself as well so you don't get burnt out.

 

[ShawnOne]

Here is the best advice for getting good grades!

The answer is..... IT DEPENDS!

The trick is to find out how the teacher tests the students.

Ask yourself the following questions....

Is the test directly from the lecture?
Is the test from the book? Is the test from both?
What typle of questions does this teacher like to ask?

When you figure this out, they you can direct your precious time and keep testing yourself accordingly. Quiz yourself often. Basically, you must learn to study efficiently!! (study the right things)

I may read the book for physics 2-3 week, and never crack the book for organic chemistry (go by lecture notes only).

Also, dont fall behind. That schedule you mentioned is very helpful. and dont miss classes where lecture is important.

Good luck!

 

[critterbug]

I second Shawn's advice. Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[boyan]

I agree too. Find out what the teacher likes to ask.

 

[AT03]

It hasn?t even been 24hrs from my original post and I received 16 replies. I was expecting to get 2 or 3 replies the most. This clearly indicates that our pre-dental and current dental SDN members are very supportive of each other. And I just want to thank those who have commented so far.

 

[Rezdawg]

Originally posted by AT03
And I just want to thank those who have commented so far.

I would have loved to comment, but I have a sucky ass gpa, so I cant really give any input. But, if you can get your hands on old exams from other students, then that can be really helpful.

 

[deleted31120]

I think you study hard enough, you do way more work then i do, nut i think quality overweighs quantity. I think you need to be more critical about studying comapring contrasting , etc...

you can end up cutting half the time you study if you can't think of good questions that make you think critically go online search for tests often there are few out there with exam keys

just my 2 cents

remeber think critically not just after you study but while in lecture or while reviewing you notes nighlty weekly what ever works for you its not good enough just to memoriize A to Z, any parrot can do that!!

my 2 cents

P.S ---> DISCLAIMER : any views or thoughts conveyed are not meant to discourage other study stratagies

 

[bellhead]

One of the most important keys to success is organization. For every class you should have a three ring binder complete with folders that allow you to organise it. You have to be anal retinute on this. This is 25% of studying having your notes and study material in a organized state.
Next I usually will read the chapter of a book and take detailed notes on it the first time through. Detailed notes is anything that is in bold or definitions. I take my notes on a computer, as this is faster than writing them down and it also makes it easier to edit and add to them. Study the notes I have taken 30-60 minutes the day before class. Next goto the class, take notes and highlight the hell out of anything said. That night go back and edit your notes for that chapter. Maybe next day do the self tests in the chapter and review anything you don't know or understand. File notes in the three ring binder.
The week going into a midterm or final study your ass off. For my Freshman Biology class we had a CD with 50 chapter ?'s per chapter, a review quiz and acitivities quiz. If you could get 75% on these you would ace the test. Having all your notes meticuasally organized is key. Also some prof's take questions from these reviews. Our teacher took 20% of his questions from them. Freebees!!!
Being an adult student the most classes I have had at once while working 40 hrs a week is 3. That sucked. But organization is and was the key.

 

[rsawpo]

I am totally the same way as KMF in his study habits. The only difference, the mojor one, is that I am a "night owl," I sleep with my alarm on, not even bothered or not even hearing it for a whole hour while it rings in the mornings. But I am most productive at nights, like 2 hours after dinner til like 2-3 am.

The important thing about studying or listening to the lectures is how effectively you study and listen. i find that if i am alert and actually trying to gobble up the info the prof is teaching, writing all kinds outlines and pictures that make sense to me. I am very visual person, so if I write it in my own way while prof is teaching it saves me time to study and time to try to put all the info from lecture into some form of patttern of info. This however DOES require me to be VERY ALERT in class and after these types of concentration, I do need some 30 mins of break to either relax or do smth different (If i have class right after, then, I AM SCREWED). But we all know that this requires a MIND commitment to concentrate and pay attention while in class. As to other questions, i back KMF on every word s/he said.