Study Method

[caunyd]

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Hi. I'm having a problem with my study method. When I study something, I like to know it cold. By this I mean that I want to memorize most of the things in a book. I want to know it so well that I can recite most of what is written from memory. This is how I'm studying BRS Pathology. However, I am finding that it is impossible to memorize everything in BRS Pathology. I am constantly reviewing BRS Pathology, but I still don't know it as well as I would like. Ideally I want to memorize it inside and out. But I'm getting terribly frustrated by this memorizing strategy. There is just too much information.

When you study something, do you try to memorize everything?
Or do you read it many times to become familiar with the subject (but not have it memorized completely)?

Is my study method of memorizing things completely too much?
Is it necessary to memorize everything to do well on Step 1?
Or is it enough to just be very familiar with subjects?

I'm completely frustrated and I would greatly appreciate any advice or input. Thanks very much.

 

[brokeandtired]

You will NEVER memorize BRS Pathology. That is a lot of high yield information there, so you are right to study that well. I think I read that book like 4 or 5 times, did not memorize everything, and I did pretty good. Don't waste too much time memorizing and spend more time doing questions!
Hope that helps.

 

[caunyd]

So what do you suggest I do besides question? Should I just read things multiple times so that I am familiar with it? Thanks.

 

[Jaded Soul]

Your first step is to realize that you will not know everything on Step 1. Without understanding or the ability to apply knowledge, it will be difficult to do well. You should be asking "why" and "how" while studying instead of being so intent on just memorizing everything by brute force.

 

[caunyd]

Thanks Jaded. I have about 2 1/2 months to study. How do you think I should go about studying? And is 2 1/2 months enough time to do well on Step 1?

 

[Jaded Soul]

It's different for everyone and there's no magic guide to follow. What works for one person won't for another. Also, exactly how long you will need depends on how well you learned everything the first time around. For a starting point, there's a typical 30 day study schedule in this forum somewhere that you could modify. First Aid is a good scaffold around which to build your studying. Peruse this forum for an hour or so and you'll find a lot of advice.

 

[BigBadBix]

OP: I posted a huge message on the "How did you do on Step 1?" thread about my thoughts on study methods. I have trouble w/rote memorization, so I explained some things that helped me learn the material for Step 1 without relying just on memory skills. I hope it's helpful.