Remembering MCAT Review

[puravida85]

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I am going through the entire TPR and as some of you may know, there is a lot of review material and questions/passages for each topic. I find myself forgetting previous topics that I understood really well 3 weeks ago due to the bombardment of each week's numerous topics. Now, I realize the importance of not just reading, but taking notes. But I am already 5 weeks into it and have just begun to take notes. Should I go back and reread and note the previous material? If not, what should I do?

It's mostly the little things I forget such as Beta Decays, Kinematic Equations, names of the different Gas Laws, VSEPR Theory Names, etc. What are some tips to retain as much information as possible? I understand that the test is not largely a memory exam, but without remembering the little things, it's possible to lose easy points.

 

[StarryNights]

Hey don't stress, I had the exact same problem. It's pretty normal to forget older stuff unless you've got photographic memory. I find that doing problems and passages on the topics that I just read helps me retain it a lot more. A month after studying optics, I still remember all of the equations and random facts like virtual, real, inverted, upright, etc. for each case of mirrors and lenses. Reading and understanding is important, but applying knowledge to actual problems is what really pounds the info into your head.

I took notes for Gen Chem and Physics, but didn't even attempt it for Bio (just way too much info). They are really helpful, though. I pretty much can review all of physics and gen chem info in one day just looking over my notes instead of reading the review books again. So it depends on how much time you have. If you can spare time to make notes then by all means do (if you think it'll help), if not then get cracking on those problems. GL!

 

[puravida85]

I agree about the BIO section notes. It's a waste of time, other than the Hardy Weinberg equation and some Mendelian stuff. I think I will skim through the chapters and note the things I seem to forget. The problem is that I have done a crap load of questions on those topics, yet some minor things don't seem to stick over time (which will be what I plan to take notes on). I suppose that my less then par memory will force me to allocate more time to studying for this beast of a test. Would you recommend to do practice problems from every topic weekly? Or wait until the entire review is done and than see what I can't remember? Thanks

 

[ready2rumble10]

You have to take ownership of the information presented. The best way to do this is through practice problems, but you'd still need to conduct regular review of the material. My suggestion for "making the material your own" is to create more study tools (e.g. flowcharts, flashcards, diagrams, recorded notes, etc.) to assist you in recall. Note that the study tools should not replace practice problems (completing practice problems and reviewing those should be Priority #1 and #2, IMO), but they can serve as a supplement to practice problems.

 

[J ROD]

I would recommend some learning of new material each day along with review of previous material.....

that way you stay fresh.....and eventually remember more.

It is hard to remember it all!

 

[maanya88]

For me personally taking notes is a waste of time because I end up writing a book of my own. To help retain previous information, I just look over the Kaplan flashcards that I have. Can you get hold of any flashcards? They really help.

 

[StarryNights]

I agree about the BIO section notes. It's a waste of time, other than the Hardy Weinberg equation and some Mendelian stuff. I think I will skim through the chapters and note the things I seem to forget. The problem is that I have done a crap load of questions on those topics, yet some minor things don't seem to stick over time (which will be what I plan to take notes on). I suppose that my less then par memory will force me to allocate more time to studying for this beast of a test. Would you recommend to do practice problems from every topic weekly? Or wait until the entire review is done and than see what I can't remember? Thanks

I think bit by bit, slow and steady but practicing problems every single day will help you retain info. Eventually the info will make it into your long term memory, just work hard and give it time. You can save some problems from every topic until the end for more practice. Some people have the EK 1001 set and do every third problem or so throughout, so they have material to work with later.

Also, if it is the case that you're not memorizing efficiently, make sure you're focused when you're studying. I have this verbal book addressing the bad habits of reading; if you catch yourself spacing out or daydreaming, stop reading immediately, clear your head and then resume. It sounds weird at first, but I don't daydream nearly as often anymore when I read. Like any bad habit, just retrain yourself to break it. So study effectively, and make sure you get enough sleep for your brain to recharge.

 

[puravida85]

I think bit by bit, slow and steady but practicing problems every single day will help you retain info. Eventually the info will make it into your long term memory, just work hard and give it time. You can save some problems from every topic until the end for more practice. Some people have the EK 1001 set and do every third problem or so throughout, so they have material to work with later.

Also, if it is the case that you're not memorizing efficiently, make sure you're focused when you're studying. I have this verbal book addressing the bad habits of reading; if you catch yourself spacing out or daydreaming, stop reading immediately, clear your head and then resume. It sounds weird at first, but I don't daydream nearly as often anymore when I read. Like any bad habit, just retrain yourself to break it. So study effectively, and make sure you get enough sleep for your brain to recharge.

What is the name of this book you're talking about, the bad habits of reading? I feel like whenever I do VR, if I focus, I tend to do really well because the questions and answers don't really cause me trouble. But I fall into the habit of spacing out when the material does not interest me or when the words begin to throw me off. So then I lose the main point of the passage.

 

[StarryNights]

Lol, no the book is called MCAT verbal reasoning mastery that I grabbed from a friend. Although if bad habits of reading is a real book, I'd be all over that.

 

[puravida85]

A lot of what you mentioned originally was g chem. The following link has videos for content review for both g chem and o chem and you can also download summary sheets for each topic. These may be just what you're looking for. The videos are really good too.
But as emphasized already, work a boatload of passages and continually mix in some review of old material along with the new to keep it fresh.

http://www.coursesaver.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

Thanks for the link, so far, I like it!