Studying and neuroticism

[Leer]

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Hello everyone! I am a lurker of SDN but I decided to create an account, and here is my first question.

As is the case with most pre-meds, I am fairly obsessed with grades. This is fine with me, as I don't mind putting in the time for studying, but it's getting to the point where I don't know how to study efficiently anymore. As I get more and more material, I find that my old methods, which go into the material at extreme depth, are often far too time consuming to be practical. Not only that, but I often learn MUCH more than I am even expected to know. I'll usually go through the chapters extensively, only to find that the bullet points and some random other facts get covered (not literally, but you get what I mean). Has anyone experienced this sort of thing, and how did you overcome it?

PS: I like learning for the sake of learning, but when it comes down to it, I want time for other things too! That is why I want to refine my study habits.

 

[CoolWhipp]

use the powerpoint slides

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

Go to class and use the syllabus. If it's covered in class, it's usually important. If it's in the syllabus, it's usually required. Most of what's left in the book is interesting/supplementary information; read it and be able to understand it but don't STUDY it.

 

[em3761]

If it's in the syllabus, it's usually required. Most of what's left in the book is interesting/supplementary information; read it and be able to understand it but don't STUDY it.

👍 Also try to find people who took the class before and find out what tests are like.

 

[Holderlin]

I thought this was gonna be about fapping while you study.

Fail

 

[StudyShy]

Hello everyone! I am a lurker of SDN but I decided to create an account, and here is my first question.

As is the case with most pre-meds, I am fairly obsessed with grades. This is fine with me, as I don't mind putting in the time for studying, but it's getting to the point where I don't know how to study efficiently anymore. As I get more and more material, I find that my old methods, which go into the material at extreme depth, are often far too time consuming to be practical. Not only that, but I often learn MUCH more than I am even expected to know. I'll usually go through the chapters extensively, only to find that the bullet points and some random other facts get covered (not literally, but you get what I mean). Has anyone experienced this sort of thing, and how did you overcome it?

PS: I like learning for the sake of learning, but when it comes down to it, I want time for other things too! That is why I want to refine my study habits.

I've been there. My studying methods fluctuate from the extreme (going over multiple books on the same subject + Internet material) to just going over the notes.

 

[GooseWing]

The name of the game this semester for me will be revising my study methods. In the past, I'd rewrite all of my notes onto computer paper, resulting in these impressive study sheets. It would take me all day to make one sheet, though, and I know that method will not work in med school.
I have no idea what new methods I'll try this semester 🙁 I'll probably just end up making those study sheets again hah

 

[Janieve]

I've found that you just adjust your methods for every class.

For Gen Chem, I did tons of problems and gained an intuitive understanding of certain concepts that way. For Physics, I derive equations. Biology was primarily a visual understanding type deal - I watched videos and drew diagrams. Ochem has always been about understanding why each step of a reaction happens and keeping track of the electrons, whether by counting or by paying attention to the orbitals themselves.

I'm lucky, as my instructors usually were willing to give out sample exams that were fairly representative of what would be on the real thing and study guides that told you what you needed to know. If you can get anything like that, it's a good starting point.

Good luck!

 

[dolcissimo]

My good friend from an engineering program and I used to study similarly and he used the same method in medical school. He was very successful - scored a 243 on Step 1 and is currently in a neurology residency. His approach is to read the material once over just for a broad overview. He then rereads and takes notes - presumably focusing on the most important concepts as listed in the curriculum. Taking notes while reading is a smart strategy because it makes sure you stay engaged (and awake!). He will then review his notes before the lecture and begin generating questions that he may or may not bring up after class. It worked for him and that's how I plan on approaching the first two years.

 

[marecupi]

I used to read assigned chapters until I realized it was inefficient. My game plan for almost every class was to go over the powerpoints/notes multiple times until I felt confident with the material. Focus more on things you're having trouble with, skip over things you already know. If you're confused about something, mark it in your notes, then consult the book on that one particular area (or google search it) or ask your teacher after class or in an email. If you feel like you still need to read the chapters, go through your notes and read the parts of the chapter that follow your notes.

Before the test I would review my notes and highlight particular areas that I was still unsure of, then I would go over only those parts.

Of course, everyone's methods work best for themselves. I think good study habits develop over time, so you might have to try some trial and error until you find out what works best for you.

 

[Danlee07]

I definitely take notes once. In undergrad, I'm going to lectures. I take my notes on scrap paper/loose leaf notebook paper even though there's powerpoints or I got the same exact old notes from a previous semester. it forces me to have at least one look. Since it most likely is unorganized, I'll go through within the next few hours to organize it into a neater place i.e. my notebook for the class.with questions on the side that summarize the point (pretty much a loose version of Cornell method). That's 2 looks. Then, I just review it every time I get a new lecture. By the time of your test, you'll get 5+ looks at it.

i'd advise you though to just memorize DNA replication/translation & glycolysis since you're going to be using it...in just about every single class starting with Bio I.