Studying before school starts

[predentn]

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I'm toying with the idea of trying to get a head start on school for the fall because I want to try and make the transition into school as smooth and easy as possible. Even if it's just the first month of material for a few classes like biochemistry, micro/immunology, and physiology it seems like it would tone down the pressure on me a lot as we all get situated with our new environment.

Did any of you have the same idea and care to share your experience?

Also, I will be traveling abroad soon for over a month so I will have had plenty of time to relax before school starts. I say this because I've read in the past people suggest you not worry about anything until you get there. 🙂

 

[jackbauer!]

Do yourself a favor and don't study before school starts. You think you're doing yourself a favor, but in reality you're just wasting your time.

Relax and stay refreshed. That way when school starts you'll be motivated to hit the ground running.

jb!🙂

 

[jfitzpat]

I agree. Most professors want very specific stuff from their notes and it isn't really going to be productive to study before school starts. I had no background in the sciences (other than the required prereqs) and I did not find it that difficult.

If I were you, I'd take up woodcarving instead...

 

[JamieMac]

...I had no background in the sciences (other than the required prereqs) and I did not find it that difficult.

I'm in the same boat (only the pre-reqs + micro), and its kind of freaking me out. Especially Anatomy and Physiology...seems like its going to be tons of info crammed down my throat all at once. I, too, have considered picking up a text and pre-reading.

 

[jfitzpat]

I'm in the same boat (only the pre-reqs + micro), and its kind of freaking me out. Especially Anatomy and Physiology...seems like its going to be tons of info crammed down my throat all at once. I, too, have considered picking up a text and pre-reading.

I really wouldn't sweat it, especially in anatomy. Everyone in my class who had taken anatomy said that their undergrad courses didn't even come close to the level of detail we covered. Plus, it's not like the material is difficult, you just need to memorize a bunch of stuff. If you do that now, you'll forget it once school starts and everything starts piling up.

As for Physio, the problem there is that the topic is so huge and there is only so much a professor can cover. Therefore, what you learn is what the particular instructor thinks is important. You could spend all summer studying something that the professor will spend a day on and have only a couple of questions on the test.

Overall, the rewards are just not worth the effort. Better to enjoy your summer doing things you like. I guess if you like reading physio textbooks, go for it. Otherwise, I would kick back because first year kind of sucks (although I've heard second year sucks more).

 

[MnBr63]

I have been in the same situation. I graduated in December from my undergrad and begin dental school July 1st. I have a lot of free time and didn't want to be rusty when I get back in school. However, every time I've asked a student what I should do before I start school they have said for me to enjoy my free time, and keep my mind away from school.

 

[pmantz]

This thread comes up over and over and it always goes the same way 19/20 people tell the OP to relax and take a breather. But there is always that 1/20 (gunner) that tells the OP to buy a copy of netter's.

I agree it is pretty much useless to prestudy for dental school. Science is so expansive that its almost impossible to know what to study for a specific class let alone a specific instructor. Take histo for example, my prof always seemed to forgo any concepts on his example and would test on obscure nomenclature or some minutia which was afield from the larger picture.

I am not saying dental school is easy, but from day 1 your first class will start out like any undergrad class, the only difference is that you will fly through material. The curriculm is set up so that basically the history major and biology major have about the same advantages.(I am not demeaning the benefits to having a bio/biochem degree, just making a point)

Put school out of your mind if thats possible. Enjoy your summer, play some sports, have a margarita and take a some naps.

 

[JamieMac]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Its just one of those things...we just don't know what to expect. I believe most of my concern is derived from the fact that I am a non-science major (finance and accounting), and that others will have a significant advantage...therefore, I'm just trying to close the gap a little. It's comforting knowing that other non-science have adjusted and managed to do well.