Studying question.. Need Help!!!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

JoshuaGuit

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2010
Messages
683
Reaction score
3
Hi everyone,

So I'm having a huge issue while studying. I've been using a pomodoro timer to help keep my attention on work and give myself short breaks every 25 minutes of solid studying.

The main problem I'm having is that the studying time seems to last SO much longer than the 5 minute break times. The breaks seem like just a minute!

What magic is this??? Should I reimage my laptop?

Thank you for your help
 
It's called time it has a constant rate
 
Time seems to fly by faster when you're having fun/relaxing. Time often feels as though it's moving more slowly when you're working. That's just how it is. I would extend your studying time, and the amount of time on your breaks. 5 minutes at a time is not that beneficial IMO. I usually study for 1.5 hours, and then take a 20 minute break.
 
The pomodoro system is pretty cool, but also pretty arbitrary. Just use whatever length of modified pomodoro allows you to get a good amount of studying in and then have a break that feels like the right length! Just make sure your ratio doesn't swing too much towards break time 😳
 
Measuring study time in hours instead of amount accomplished is probably one of the worst things to happen to premeds since the invention of MCAT study books.
 
Measuring study time in hours instead of amount accomplished is probably one of the worst things to happen to premeds since the invention of MCAT study books.

And sense of humor apparently 🙁
 
Measuring study time in hours instead of amount accomplished is probably one of the worst things to happen to premeds since the invention of MCAT study books.

True. There are times I don't study a lot, but the time was efficient. Sometimes I feel I haven't gained much after hours of studying.
 
Put on some music. It'll help you forget about the time.
 
There is no time standard for "effective" studying. You need to create a system that works for you.
 
There is no time standard for "effective" studying. You need to create a system that works for you.

👍

My school's academic success center suggests studying for 50 minutes and taking 10 minute breaks for the best results while studying. I have done my own studying and found right around 45 to 50 minutes I begin losing interest and that 10 minute break is just enough to help me refocus for another 50 minutes. You just have to experiment and find your own system.

Also, "time flies when you are having fun." While the breaks may not be fun, they are probably more interesting and exciting than learning class material.
 
And sense of humor apparently 🙁

Sorry, it's one of my pet peeves. "I've studied 400 hours for the MCAT and I got a 23! NEED MOAR HOURS"

But hey, if it works for you, schweet 🙂. I just think that mentality is the root of premeds having trouble with life-work balance. 🙁
 
Sorry, it's one of my pet peeves. "I've studied 400 hours for the MCAT and I got a 23! NEED MOAR HOURS"

But hey, if it works for you, schweet 🙂. I just think that mentality is the root of premeds having trouble with life-work balance. 🙁

No, the thread was my attempt at a joke :-(
 
I allocate specific tasks for each study time "block" in my schedule (i.e. review problems for the first law of thermodynamics and from chapter two homework for a X minute study block) and then I take a break.

However, I study for 50 minutes per block, usually.

Taking 10 minute breaks for every 50 minutes just does not work for me. It is way too short. The engineering material I study is quite taxing but I also get fatigued easily. I feel bad about taking 20 minute breaks. But, I get a lot accomplished and I know the material.
 
I think that where you study can make this easier... if I'm in an environment with no distractions, 30 minutes or an hour of studying zooms by, and the 15 minute breaks seem long enough. Ie: at a coffee shop versus at my computer... where my breaks tend to swallow my study time whole. But I agree with what others have said, it's about what you get done, and not the time it takes.
 
Top