Studying by yourself vs group Ochem/Bio

[premed2013]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I studied general chemistry with two other people, and they have abandoned me. They form their study groups on their own without telling me. It makes me mad that we made through general chemistry together with A's and they would just abandon me for no reason.

I am motivated to do well in bio and ochem which I am taking both classes concurrently this year. Can I do well in both classes if I study for both every day all day by myself or do I need to find other people to study with.

 

[hiyaman]

Boo hoo, you don't need others to do well in those subjects as long as you put in the time and do seek help (from TA and Prof or others who know their stuff) if you are struggling.

 

[Stewie32]

I studied general chemistry with two other people, and they have abandoned me. They form their study groups on their own without telling me. It makes me mad that we made through general chemistry together with A's and they would just abandon me for no reason.

I am motivated to do well in bio and ochem which I am taking both classes concurrently this year. Can I do well in both classes if I study for both every day all day by myself or do I need to find other people to study with.

You definitely don't have to find other people to do well in those classes. You also do not need to study all day every day. That would be insane. However, if you feel that you learn better in a group setting, then you should seek out other people in your class and see if they want to study with you.

 

[JimmyChitwood]

I personally hated studying in groups. Most people that study in groups sit in circles and play music and talk and get nothing done. That being said, a night or two before an organic/biochem test (the only classes where I studied more than 1 day before the test), I thought it was helpful to get together with 2-3 other serious students/friends in front of a big whiteboard and just go over practice reactions like crazy. It always helped me to do reactions and then explain them out loud as if I were teaching them. That way if you have any questions other people can help you out and you'll be suprised how many little tips you can pick up. It sounds like you are a team player, which is good, as med school is a team sport.

 

[Meerkatology]

only time i found group studying to be better than individual is doing practice questions with 1 other person.

i've found it counterproductive in most other situations but its really (obv) dependent on your personal style and what works for you

 

[Barcu]

I personally hated studying in groups. Most people that study in groups sit in circles and play music and talk and get nothing done. That being said, a night or two before an organic/biochem test (the only classes where I studied more than 1 day before the test), I thought it was helpful to get together with 2-3 other serious students/friends in front of a big whiteboard and just go over practice reactions like crazy. It always helped me to do reactions and then explain them out loud as if I were teaching them. That way if you have any questions other people can help you out and you'll be suprised how many little tips you can pick up. It sounds like you are a team player, which is good, as med school is a team sport.

I am a proponent of group studying, and this right here was my exact experience studying ochem. It is nice to have people to go over some practice problems with. Most of my studying was done on my own. However, meeting a few days before the test to do something like this was incredibly helpful and I would definitely recommend it.

Group studying can be very inefficient at times (aka most of the time). But done smartly, it can really be beneficial.

 

[Kaustikos]

I am a proponent of group studying, and this right here was my exact experience studying ochem. It is nice to have people to go over some practice problems with. Most of my studying was done on my own. However, meeting a few days before the test to do something like this was incredibly helpful and I would definitely recommend it.

Group studying can be very inefficient at times (aka most of the time). But done smartly, it can really be beneficial.

I was just a selfish ass if I did go. I'd go, ask what I wanted to know, and then left. But then again...why if I can just the professor? Maybe someone needs to explain wth the point of group studying is? You have the internet..and book and notes. 😕

 

[Barcu]

I was just a selfish ass if I did go. I'd go, ask what I wanted to know, and then left. But then again...why if I can just the professor? Maybe someone needs to explain wth the point of group studying is? You have the internet..and book and notes. 😕

Being able to teach someone the material will increase your own understanding of it, even if you think you know it.

Plus, people can explain concepts in different ways, so working in a group can help you when a book and professor cannot.

I'm not going to argue that everyone needs to study in a group all the time. You can move through material much faster on your own, and group time is not the most efficient. You need to be able to study on your own. HOWEVER, meeting with a group (AFTER studying on your own) before a test and going through a bunch of practice problems and major concepts is very beneficial.

I am convinced it can help everyone if done properly. You cannot just go to a group without studying and not contribute. In that case, it is a complete waste of time. Group studying takes effort from ALL members. If you don't want to put in that effort, then don't study in a group.

If you have never studied in a group before and want to try it. I highly suggest it. However, put in work beforehand and choose group members who will too.