Study schedule

[drabberbadge]

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I study M-F usually around 3 - 10/11 ish
And Saturday from 4-11 and Sunday from 1-9 usually taking small breaks in between so it's not 100% continuous
Would you say that is a good study schedule or is it too overkill
I just feel like the days go so fast and there is always so much to study
What are your thoughts on how I study
What s your weekly study schedule like?
I'm taking orgo 1 and physics II together

 

[Ismet]

I don't think you're an efficient studier, so you will probably want to change your study habits. I don't study that many hours in a week unless it's close to an exam, and I'm in med school. Do you have any extracurricular activities or are you just studying whenever you're not in class?

 

[drabberbadge]

I don't think you're an efficient studier, so you will probably want to change your study habits. I don't study that many hours in a week unless it's close to an exam, and I'm in med school. Do you have any extracurricular activities or are you just studying whenever you're not in class?

No extracurricular s just studying when I'm not in class
I do take some breaks though to eat dinner once in a while
What do you consider close to an exam? Cause I have an exam like every 2-3 weeks

 

[mcloaf]

No extracurricular s just studying when I'm not in class
I do take some breaks though to eat dinner once in a while
What do you consider close to an exam? Cause I have an exam like every 2-3 weeks

No extracurriculars does not a compelling medical school applicant make.

You've gotta figure out a way to study much more efficiently so that 1) you'll actually have stuff to put on AMCAS and 2) (and more importantly) you have fun and don't hate life.

 

[drabberbadge]

No extracurriculars does not a compelling medical school applicant make.

You've gotta figure out a way to study much more efficiently so that 1) you'll actually have stuff to put on AMCAS and 2) (and more importantly) you have fun and don't hate life.

No I meant I have extracurricular s
A lot actually over te summer as well
Just not now with my classes

 

[darknight]

I think is better to study by the amount of material than specific hours.

 

[drabberbadge]

I think is better to study by the amount of material than specific hours.

There s always more to review and more to study so I am studying by material

 

[drabberbadge]

How would you suggest I change my study routine

 

[Ismet]

No extracurricular s just studying when I'm not in class
I do take some breaks though to eat dinner once in a while
What do you consider close to an exam? Cause I have an exam like every 2-3 weeks

I mean like 3-5 days before the exam, I ramp it up. But it depends on the course and how much material there is to review.

No I meant I have extracurricular s
A lot actually over te summer as well
Just not now with my classes

Yeah there's no reason why you can't have time to do ECs during the school year, unless you have to work full time to support yourself or something. Just having summer ECs is not going to cut it if you want to be a competitive applicant. Even med students have time for extracurriculars during the year.

How would you suggest I change my study routine

It's not your routine that needs to be changed, it's your study method. How do you study now? Do you read the book? Do you rewrite your notes? Do you make flashcards? Basically whatever you're doing now is not working for you, because you should not be spending that much time studying. If you need to study for that many hours in undergrad, med school will kill you. Maybe seek out academic resources at your school who can help you figure out a more efficient way to study.

 

[ciestar]

If you're just studying for general classes and you're spending that much time doing it, something is wrong. You're spending close to 60 hours a week studying, which I think is insane.

Organic does require more time than other classes, but still.
You need time for things other than studying. Have FUN, do some ECs because you'll need them.

At first I thought you were talking about the MCATs..
You just need to study more efficiently.

 

[Lucky Louie]

Join/create a study group. That's what I do. It combines a bit of social but we're also very efficient study time.

 

[Js01051]

I study M-F usually around 3 - 10/11 ish
And Saturday from 4-11 and Sunday from 1-9 usually taking small breaks in between so it's not 100% continuous
Would you say that is a good study schedule or is it too overkill
I just feel like the days go so fast and there is always so much to study
What are your thoughts on how I study
What s your weekly study schedule like?
I'm taking orgo 1 and physics II together

Dang that seems like a lot of studying. I am taking Calc, Chm, Anatomy, Biomedical Science, and two labs. I am pulling all A's and study a lot less than that. I only hardcore study when a test is two or three days away. How good are you doing on your tests?

 

[Js01051]

I study M-F usually around 3 - 10/11 ish
And Saturday from 4-11 and Sunday from 1-9 usually taking small breaks in between so it's not 100% continuous
Would you say that is a good study schedule or is it too overkill
I just feel like the days go so fast and there is always so much to study
What are your thoughts on how I study
What s your weekly study schedule like?
I'm taking orgo 1 and physics II together

Also I forgot to mention. Go out on the weekend and have fun with friends! It is such a good feeling having something to look forward too. Makes studying and school much better.

 

[darknight]

Join/create a study group. That's what I do. It combines a bit of social but we're also very efficient study time.

Study groups are efficient when you dominate the material.

 

[Js01051]

study groups are efficient when you dominate the material.

+1

 

[RosettaStoned]

I study M-F usually around 3 - 10/11 ish
And Saturday from 4-11 and Sunday from 1-9 usually taking small breaks in between so it's not 100% continuous
Would you say that is a good study schedule or is it too overkill
I just feel like the days go so fast and there is always so much to study
What are your thoughts on how I study
What s your weekly study schedule like?
I'm taking orgo 1 and physics II together

No man, just no.

 

[drabberbadge]

+1. I don't even touch the amount of hours the OP is putting into studying, and I'm also a medical student.

OP, find more efficient studying habits and enjoy life a little bit more.

Any tips? I've been doing well in class however it takes me a really long time to understand the material and I feel like if I do anything else I'm not responsible plus I'm making for 3 C s I got in freshman year and now my science gpa is a 3.3 trying to raise it

 

[BlueLabel]

No man, just no.

Best avatar on this site

 

[lucitrea]

I usually study 2-3 hours a day. I'm doing my best to get more per week.

Like everyone has been saying, have you read much about study techniques? You may be able to study less if you use them

 

[drabberbadge]

I usually study 2-3 hours a day. I'm doing my best to get more per week.

Like everyone has been saying, have you read much about study techniques? You may be able to study less if you use them

I just don't know who to balance my time at all


like for example I have a physics exam next week and I already feel so behind

 

[lucitrea]

I just don't know who to balance my time at all


like for example I have a physics exam next week and I already feel so behind

It may be helpful to make an hour by hour schedule. I know some don't like it, but it works for me.

For physics, are you doing all of the problems or just focusing on what the teacher tells you to learn?

 

[Aerus]

I study M-F usually around 3 - 10/11 ish
And Saturday from 4-11 and Sunday from 1-9 usually taking small breaks in between so it's not 100% continuous
Would you say that is a good study schedule or is it too overkill
I just feel like the days go so fast and there is always so much to study
What are your thoughts on how I study
What s your weekly study schedule like?
I'm taking orgo 1 and physics II together

I spent a total of 3-5 hours a week for Physics (depending on how close exams are). You should NOT be putting that much time into that class. Organic chemistry will take a bit of time, but NOT 50 hours+.

You need to try different ways of studying as the one you're using is clearly not working for you.

 

[drabberbadge]

I spent a total of 3-5 hours a week for Physics (depending on how close exams are). You should NOT be putting that much time into that class. Organic chemistry will take a bit of time, but NOT 50 hours+.

You need to try different ways of studying as the one you're using is clearly not working for you.

I am doing well though, that's the thing , I'm overwhelmed by amount of times out in yet I am getting good grades!

Wait total 3-5 a week?! How I do that per day!

And I'm doing all the problems in the book not only the ones he assigned

 

[drabberbadge]

It may be helpful to make an hour by hour schedule. I know some don't like it, but it works for me.

For physics, are you doing all of the problems or just focusing on what the teacher tells you to learn?

All

 

[lucitrea]

I am doing well though, that's the thing , I'm overwhelmed by amount of times out in yet I am getting good grades!

Wait total 3-5 a week?! How I do that per day!

And I'm doing all the problems in the book not only the ones he assigned

If it's working for you, I wouldn't change anything unless it's you're getting burnt out.

 

[Aerus]

I am doing well though, that's the thing , I'm overwhelmed by amount of times out in yet I am getting good grades!

Wait total 3-5 a week?! How I do that per day!

And I'm doing all the problems in the book not only the ones he assigned

Of course, if you put enough time into a course, you're bound to eventually be seasoned enough to do well on exams. But that doesn't mean your study habits are a good thing.

You should not be doing EVERY problem in the book. Doing extra problems may be helpful, but attempt only relevant ones. Not all problems given to you will be necessary for understanding the material or even acing the class.

I would focus more on spending more time trying to master the problems you're assigned. Go through it carefully and try to fully understand it. That's a much better way to approach a class.

If it's working for you, I wouldn't change anything unless it's you're getting burnt out.

Disagree. OP is spending way too much time on school. Having fun in life as well as maintaining extracurricular activities during the school year is equally important.

 

[darknight]

I bet that his study time can be cut by half if he takes a day to understand the material, search for old tests and practice. So far has worked with Calculus, Chemistry and Physics.
In Biology, try to read and understand the material. Practice with the quizzes or the question at the end of the chapter of the book.

Use Google or Youtube if your professor sucks and you don't understand the material or need to catch up. There are a lot of free resources in the internet.

The syllabus of each course is your bible. Follow it.

PM if you need help.

 

[PingPongPro]

You probably don't know exactly "how" to study. Why would anyone need that much time for studying?

Spend more time doing active learning activities (quizzing yourself, forcing yourself to explain/recite/recall whatever you are learning). If you find yourself constantly going over the same information(i.e. rereading powerpoints over and over again...), translate it onto a different medium and try to expose yourself to the material in different ways.

In undergrad, I pretty much only really studied on weekends and before tests. If you are putting in 7 hours a day right now, you are going to have trouble down the road...

 

[drabberbadge]

You probably don't know exactly "how" to study. Why would anyone need that much time for studying?

Spend more time doing active learning activities (quizzing yourself, forcing yourself to explain/recite/recall whatever you are learning). If you find yourself constantly going over the same information(i.e. rereading powerpoints over and over again...), translate it onto a different medium and try to expose yourself to the material in different ways.

In undergrad, I pretty much only really studied on weekends and before tests. If you are putting in 7 hours a day right now, you are going to have trouble down the road...

I do the book problems twice , because I feel like indont know the material well enough to do it only once
I use all resources as well
It's all overwhelming
Thank you all for your suggestions and help
Going crazy here

 

[Aerus]

I do the book problems twice , because I feel like indont know the material well enough to do it only once
I use all resources as well
It's all overwhelming
Thank you all for your suggestions and help
Going crazy here

You should not need to be doing that much. I literally spend the least amount of time on studying out of all my day to day stuff. If you learn to understand how you think and grasp material better, you can develop a much more efficient way to study. If you're spending this much time on undergraduate courses, med school will be a whole different beast.

 

[RuralPhysician8]

I am going to get it for this, but...
I personally study 30 hours a week. Why? I like it; however, it is very diverse...I might read research papers instead of the textbook, I might read a magazine, watch lectures on YouTube, browse the MCAT forums here, etc... . Granted, that may not be technically "studying". I also mix it up, I might listen to lecture while working out, cleaning, handling my pet snakes, or look through notes while having a meal. Do what works for you, some people find group work useful; however, I find it inefficient outside of lab, but n=1. I will admit that my "play time" is cut a bit by the fact I am trying to get every shift at work I can, but I can make time for the occasional movie.
60 hours a week? You have a total of 24x7=168 hours in a seven day week so that means your studying adds up to roughly 1/3 of your time. If you desire to become more efficient then you could rely on the currently supported theory that most information can be consumed at 1/4 its presented time and still be retained at a similar rate. Meaning that you can reduce 60 hours to 45 hours. Leaving a good 15 extra hours a week that could be used to for shadowing, other ECs, walking the dog, underwater basket weaving, whatever you want to spend time on.
Hope that helps at least a little, good luck.

 

[ciestar]

I'm going to try and make this post more helpful than my previous.
Anyway...after reading some of your techniques (which I still think are overkill but if that's what works for you..) I feel like I can give some more input
Granted, I'm more of a tactile learner but maybe you'll find this useful?
Okay with ochem, I honestly found it a waste to do practice problem after practice problem. Doing none at all is obviously not the way to go, but there are others ways to really start to get that stuff (depending on the topic) for instance: with stereochemistry build models so you can visually see things and practice r and s configurations that way. REACTIONS: draw them out again and again. Start out by looking at a mechanism and explain in your own words how it really works, and then try and redraw from memory but explaining each step to yourself as you learn it.

I have real no course specific suggestions for physics II. I thought this was the easier of the physics courses but the best thing for this I guess is to practice.

Now in general. In order to really know a topic you must be able to teach it to someone else. A good strategy for this is to rewrite your class notes in your own words. Blunt memorization will get you nowhere.

Study groups are also great. It really solidifies the know it so well you can teach it concept.

 

[ciestar]

And to be honest, grades are important but they're not everything. You want to pursue medicine but you don't need a 4.0 to get into school. ECs are obviously really important so id figure out some way to make more efficient use of your study time and spend some time doing other enjoyable things.

 

[McRunner]

There are tutors. Get one.

TAs have office hours. Attend them.

Professors also have office hours. Attend them.


Go for a run. Join a sport. Go to a football game. Join a club.

My God, studying 50+ hours a week is ridiculous. You will burn out.

 

[D2thaJay]

Must be nice to have all of that free time to study. Its a little harder when you are working, volunteering, and doing research.

 

[supermintyfresh]

Yeah, I agree with the general consensus that you should not be studying that much in undergrad, no matter how many courses you are taking / what school you go to / what major you are.

Try to find someone to tutor you, who have taken the course previously with your professor. They will have a good idea of what will be tested on exams (do not do every problem in the textbook because many of those are useless). Usually a lot of material in the textbook will not be covered. Look in your course syllabus for the required readings and suggested problems -- do those instead.

Besides college is a time to have fun, pursue extracurriculars, and figure out what you will do for the rest of your life! You can't fill your schedule with just studying (it will only hurt you in the long run, especially for medical schools where you have some 4.0's applying with amazing ECs).

 

[drabberbadge]

Yeah, I agree with the general consensus that you should not be studying that much in undergrad, no matter how many courses you are taking / what school you go to / what major you are.

Try to find someone to tutor you, who have taken the course previously with your professor. They will have a good idea of what will be tested on exams (do not do every problem in the textbook because many of those are useless). Usually a lot of material in the textbook will not be covered. Look in your course syllabus for the required readings and suggested problems -- do those instead.

Besides college is a time to have fun, pursue extracurriculars, and figure out what you will do for the rest of your life! You can't fill your schedule with just studying (it will only hurt you in the long run, especially for medical schools where you have some 4.0's applying with amazing ECs).

I understand what everyone is saying but I'm in a little different situation


What may also be causing me to be overly anxious is that sophomore year I got 3 Cs in bio series and chem 1completely due to uninterest and lack of studying and caring, seriously did not even know there was such a thing as science gpa!

when I realized that I m destroying my chances of pre med and after a few bad moments and drama I decided to turn things around and I did initially it was great cause I was getting results

however now my lack of social life or life at all is causing me to be ****o for cocoa puffs and I'm always in a state of fear of messing up again

 

[drabberbadge]

And I raised my gpa with 4.0 a but I tried Ochem ended with a W
🙁

First W and I took it accelerated so
Just wanted to give you reasons on my neurotic studying methods

 

[pietachok]

And I raised my gpa with 4.0 a but I tried Ochem ended with a W
🙁

First W and I took it accelerated so
Just wanted to give you reasons on my neurotic studying methods

I didn't read the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating something.

It doesn't really matter what the reasons are, you need to figure out why you need to study that much to do well in the course. Seriously, you should be able to do well with half the number of hours you're putting in. Many schools have some sort of learning specialist who can help you figure out what methods do and do not work for you.

Is there any possibility you have undiagnosed dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorder, etc.?

I'm finishing med school and I've never studied that many hours in a week -- not even for board exams.

To make any really constructive suggestions, you need to share what you are doing with all of those hours. You said "use all the resources" -- what does that even mean? Are you reading books? Are you taking notes while reading books? Are you taking 3 hours to do a problem that other students take an hour to do? You are doing something that is time consuming but not contributing to your learning .

 

[drabberbadge]

I didn't read the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating something.

It doesn't really matter what the reasons are, you need to figure out why you need to study that much to do well in the course. Seriously, you should be able to do well with half the number of hours you're putting in. Many schools have some sort of learning specialist who can help you figure out what methods do and do not work for you.

Is there any possibility you have undiagnosed dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorder, etc.?

I'm finishing med school and I've never studied that many hours in a week -- not even for board exams.

To make any really constructive suggestions, you need to share what you are doing with all of those hours. You said "use all the resources" -- what does that even mean? Are you reading books? Are you taking notes while reading books? Are you taking 3 hours to do a problem that other students take an hour to do? You are doing something that is time consuming but not contributing to your learning .

Honestly , Possibly OCD and anxiety but I'm not sure what to do to fix it
I get really anxious which turns to anger

 

[drabberbadge]

I didn't read the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating something.

It doesn't really matter what the reasons are, you need to figure out why you need to study that much to do well in the course. Seriously, you should be able to do well with half the number of hours you're putting in. Many schools have some sort of learning specialist who can help you figure out what methods do and do not work for you.

Is there any possibility you have undiagnosed dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorder, etc.?

I'm finishing med school and I've never studied that many hours in a week -- not even for board exams.

To make any really constructive suggestions, you need to share what you are doing with all of those hours. You said "use all the resources" -- what does that even mean? Are you readinig books? Are you taking notes while reading books? Are you taking 3 hours to do a problem that other students take an hour to do? You are doing something that is time consuming but not contributing to your learning .

I redo things twice over esp for physics
It's hard to get it the first time

 

[drabberbadge]

I didn't read the whole thread, so sorry if I'm repeating something.

It doesn't really matter what the reasons are, you need to figure out why you need to study that much to do well in the course. Seriously, you should be able to do well with half the number of hours you're putting in. Many schools have some sort of learning specialist who can help you figure out what methods do and do not work for you.

Is there any possibility you have undiagnosed dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorder, etc.?

I'm finishing med school and I've never studied that many hours in a week -- not even for board exams.

To make any really constructive suggestions, you need to share what you are doing with all of those hours. You said "use all the resources" -- what does that even mean? Are you readinig books? Are you taking notes while reading books? Are you taking 3 hours to do a problem that other students take an hour to do? You are doing something that is time consuming but not contributing to your learning .

I redo things twice over esp for physics
It's hard to get it the first time

I was a straight A student in high school and in college other than the science because of the 3 Cs ( never opened the book) and a W in Ochem (too accelerated )I'm in a way punishing myself for that because I want to be a doctor

 

[Aerus]

I'm in a way punishing myself for that because I want to be a doctor

With the lack of EC's you'll do, you're not going to be a doctor. Sorry for the bluntness, but this study method is not working for you.

Even if you do somehow make it to medical school with the summer EC's you have, you're going to fail out because of the greater amount of study time required than undergrad.

 

[ciestar]

With the lack of EC's you'll do, you're not going to be a doctor. Sorry for the bluntness, but this study method is not working for you.

Even if you do somehow make it to medical school with the summer EC's you have, you're going to fail out because of the greater amount of study time required than undergrad.

I concur. I said before that a 4.0 doesn't equal med school.
Don't beat yourself up over some C's.I have a W in organic chem too, I just retook it and got an A-.I ran into trouble for a few semesters (loads of excuses, it boiled down to I didn't study enough, simple.) Even so, this is complete over kill.

If anxiety/OCD is a problem, see a psychiatrist/therapist. That's their job and I cannot suggest to get help enough early before it gets worse.

Summer ECs won't be enough.I don't even know how you'll handle the MCAT.

 

[pietachok]

Honestly , Possibly OCD and anxiety but I'm not sure what to do to fix it
I get really anxious which turns to anger

That's the whole point of doctors (if you have OCD or an anxiety d/o). Go see your school's mental health services. They can also address undiagnosed learning disorders if that's what this stems from. You probably aren't going to fix it on your own.

Your writing feels really . . . frenetic? I'm not sure if this is just b/c you're of a different generation and write like this on internet forums or b/c you're typing on a phone or something. However, I suspect it reflects the same problem you are having with regards to your studying. I'm not even there in person and I feel like I want to tell you to take a deep breath and unwind.

 

[drabberbadge]

I concur. I said before that a 4.0 doesn't equal med school.
Don't beat yourself up over some C's.I have a W in organic chem too, I just retook it and got an A-.I ran into trouble for a few semesters (loads of excuses, it boiled down to I didn't study enough, simple.) Even so, this is complete over kill.

If anxiety/OCD is a problem, see a psychiatrist/therapist. That's their job and I cannot suggest to get help enough early before it gets worse.

Summer ECs won't be enough.I don't even know how you'll handle the MCAT.

3 Cs in pre reqs and W won't keep me out?
If I may ask,
Did you get into med school?

 

[xffan624]

3 Cs in pre reqs and W won't keep me out?
If I may ask,
Did you get into med school?

No W's, but I did three C's (two in orgo, and one in inorganic chem) and I got in. Do well on your MCAT, get some non-summer EC's, and you can overcome them.

But seriously, if you are studying that much in undergrad, you will be burned out by year 3 of undergrad, and you will be completely buried in medical school. The amount of content covered is significantly more than any undergraduate workload.

Talk to a counselor, maybe they can also refer you to an academic counselor that might help you be more efficient in your study skills.

 

[ciestar]

3 Cs in pre reqs and W won't keep me out?
If I may ask,
Did you get into med school?

I haven't even applied yet.
So, wishful thinking? I have a W in organic chem, but 17 credits of 400 level biology and ochem was just a bad idea from the start.

I don't know for sure, but from what I read on here...improving your grades does help.
But what you're doing allows for nothing else but school work.

 

[drabberbadge]

No W's, but I did three C's (two in orgo, and one in inorganic chem) and I got in. Do well on your MCAT, get some non-summer EC's, and you can overcome them.

But seriously, if you are studying that much in undergrad, you will be burned out by year 3 of undergrad, and you will be completely buried in medical school. The amount of content covered is significantly more than any undergraduate workload.

Talk to a counselor, maybe they can also refer you to an academic counselor that might help you be more efficient in your study skills.

by any chance were you from Cali?!

I know after reading all these responses plus thinking about it myself, I'm just overdoing it. I understand and agree with everyone it is difficult at times when I look at my gpa being around 3.3(sgpa) when I know I could've started off stronger:/ need to deal with this and control my anxiety

 

[ciestar]

What year are you anyway? If it's still early in your UG, you can really turn that around.

Anxiety can be tough to deal with, believe me, I know. But you'll actually do far better if you relax some.