I agree with you about being an Independent learner 🙂
but is there a lot of reading ??? ( Especially in Chemistry and Physics )
how about the Exams - Many times I heard from college students saying that the test is not the same as what they studied for it .. does that really happen ??
I haven't taken physics yet, so I can't comment on that. Considering that fundamentally physics is math-intensive, I would imagine that there is less reading than in chemistry.
As far as chemistry - yes there is a lot of reading. Some material is more conceptual, and you'll benefit greatly by reading the textbook (quantum theory and molecular geometry come to mind).
Other material is more mathematically-oriented, so if you're talented you could probably manage to still be successful by just practicing problems, barely touching the textbook.
The amount of reading required for general chemistry, at least at my university, is definitely
not overwhelming. You can just read a little every night if you prefer. Don't worry about the amount you have to read - it's really not so bad. From what I hear, it's a joke compared to any graduate level coursework - let alone medical school.
As far as the tests and their unpredictability factor, well that depends on your professor.
Some professors will prepare you for the exams with practice tests that will be similar to what you will see on their tests, while others will be very vague about what a student should concentrate on.
The reality is this:
Some tests will be difficult no matter how intelligent you are, or how hard you studied. The keyword is
some. If you're a motivated student, you won't likely see many exam questions that "punch you in the stomach."
I have heard people say that some of their professors seem to be purposefully tricky, but I think a lot of those kind of sentiments stem from frustration.
Anyway, I don't want to scare you. Know this:
if you work hard you'll be fine! I know it all seems rather daunting now, but when you enter college and take a few tests you'll soon realize that you're going to be just fine.
It's not easy, but it ain't that hard either. You just have to work!
