Studying Tips?

[DrStraggler]

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Hey guys,

So I know that the minimum studying time is like 2 hours for every 1 hour of lecture....and I actually have attempted to do that, but I get SO distracted...

I have a facebook, and a twitter....and a social life....

Any tips/tricks to lessen my craving for internet surfing? I need to focus, and getting ideas from others couldn't hurt.

ty.

 

[450gal]

My best two pieces of advice are to absolutely limit your access to the things that distract you, ie. Facebook, Twitter, websurfing... Block off time for you to study and that is your time. You aren't robbing anyone on Facebook or Twitter by not getting your work done--you're cheating yourself.

Also, I highly recommend taking one of the VAK or VARK learning style tests and finding out what kind of "learner" you are. Visual, Audio, Reading, Kinaesthetic. Once you figure out how you learn best (it is oftentimes not what you may think) you can tailor your routine around it.

Best of luck!

 

[235788]

I'll just do my studying in the library and leave my phone in my car. If i don't i'll check it every 5 mins and end up wasting time texting. Computers are another story, Its not bad if you take a 5 min break for every 30 mins or so of doing whatever your doing.

 

[DrStraggler]

The main issue I have is that I spend like 2 hours taking notes for a chapter ( a method that most of my science teachers in HS have ingrained into my mind ) but then I'm too burnt out or tired to re-read the chapter....

Should I start just reading the chapter and making flashcards instead of taking notes? To be honest, I never have time to read my 6-8 page notes anyway!

 

[orthomyxo]

The main issue I have is that I spend like 2 hours taking notes for a chapter ( a method that most of my science teachers in HS have ingrained into my mind ) but then I'm too burnt out or tired to re-read the chapter....

Should I start just reading the chapter and making flashcards instead of taking notes? To be honest, I never have time to read my 6-8 page notes anyway!

I used to think this was the way to do things until I realized that I was just wasting my time. If you aren't even going to look at the outlines you make, don't write them at all. IMO, you're much better off just reading the relevant chapter(s) before lecture and that's it. Then take notes during lecture and go back to reread things that were heavily emphasized. If you want, you can take notes on these topics.

 

[DrStraggler]

Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do from now on...just do a LOT of practice problems and make flashcards and stuff.

It's just that, I'm NOW learning how class specific studying is...what you do for one can't necessarily be repeated for another. HS really screws you over as far as that goes!

Also, for classes that aren't as important...like GENed courses (Communications, general english) that kind of stuff, is that 2 hours studying to 1 hour lecture rule still important to carry out? I'd appreciate if some sophomores/upperclassmen could shed some light on that! I don't want to misuse my time!


Guess my library facilities and I will get very well acquainted within these upcoming years!

 

[cpcc]

Try to tie it to the physiology. It will help you in the long run.
NEJM case reports help to associate it to something more than a text book page.

 

[generator]

when you study, do it without your computer. books and paper. after you've gotten some serious solid studying done then give yourself a nice break.

also i agree with chops - don't waste time outlining if you don't use it. when you study, remember you are preparing for the next exam.

 

[Doctor246853]

Hey guys,

So I know that the minimum studying time is like 2 hours for every 1 hour of lecture....and I actually have attempted to do that, but I get SO distracted...

I have a facebook, and a twitter....and a social life....

Any tips/tricks to lessen my craving for internet surfing? I need to focus, and getting ideas from others couldn't hurt.

ty.

Get rid of these.

 

[Doctor246853]

when you study, do it without your computer. books and paper. after you've gotten some serious solid studying done then give yourself a nice break.

also i agree with chops - don't waste time outlining if you don't use it. when you study, remember you are preparing for the next exam.

This. Especially if you're a guy. We seem to "accidentally" land on porn sites...🙄

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do from now on...just do a LOT of practice problems and make flashcards and stuff.

It's just that, I'm NOW learning how class specific studying is...what you do for one can't necessarily be repeated for another. HS really screws you over as far as that goes!

Also, for classes that aren't as important...like GENed courses (Communications, general english) that kind of stuff, is that 2 hours studying to 1 hour lecture rule still important to carry out? I'd appreciate if some sophomores/upperclassmen could shed some light on that! I don't want to misuse my time!


Guess my library facilities and I will get very well acquainted within these upcoming years!

Frankly I have never heard of this "rule" and it sounds like a dumb one to try to follow. Study as much as you need to, and don't worry about meeting any arbitrary time requirements. Personally, I find that I study best when I go to lecture and take detailed notes, then rewrite and condense my notes within a few hours after class for maximum memory retention. If there are a lot of things to memorize, I'll make flash cards while rewriting the class notes. I also have to modify my study methods for each class. In physics, for example, doing a lot of practice problems was key. In organic chemistry, I spent about an equal amount of time on practice problems and on memorizing reactions. In cell bio, I spent pretty much all of my time studying on memorization. Humanities courses are a different ball game because you'll often have papers instead of exams.

 

[typicalindian]

Setting time constraints is the wrong thing to do. Instead,
Set a goal for that session (ie. Finish up to X section or do problems X - Y etc)

 

[Blondiechick919]

Ayone with a Mac, download self control. Type in websites that distract you and set a time limit. No matter WHAT you do, (reboot, etc) it will not let you back on those sites until time expires. Extreme but really works!! They should make this for phones too...

 

[Felixor90]

Ayone with a Mac, download self control. Type in websites that distract you and set a time limit. No matter WHAT you do, (reboot, etc) it will not let you back on those sites until time expires. Extreme but really works!! They should make this for phones too...

There are also Firefox and Chrome browser extensions that do the same thing. What sucks is that I do a lot of studying through Youtube (video lectures, animations, etc.) but I also get distracted on Youtube with the plethora of cat videos. I wish I could block youtube videos that don't involve science. D:

 

[Morsetlis]

Hey guys,

So I know that the minimum studying time is like 2 hours for every 1 hour of lecture....and I actually have attempted to do that, but I get SO distracted...

I have a facebook, and a twitter....and a social life....

Any tips/tricks to lessen my craving for internet surfing? I need to focus, and getting ideas from others couldn't hurt.

ty.

Is this real life? 😕

 

[Doctor246853]

Is this real life? 😕

True. There is no way you can follow this rule if you are doing alot of the typical premed things (researching, clinical work, volunteering, classes, ect) I have great time management and get about 24hrs of stuying a week. That rule would make it well over 40.

 

[Neurosis]

I typically use different methods depending on the class...for example with biology I usually just read the chapter ahead of class discussion, then take notes during lecture, then go back and reread anything that didn't make sense before. For classes like chemistry and calculus/math, practice is key.

 

[redbird101989]

Frankly I have never heard of this "rule" and it sounds like a dumb one to try to follow. Study as much as you need to, and don't worry about meeting any arbitrary time requirements. Personally, I find that I study best when I go to lecture and take detailed notes, then rewrite and condense my notes within a few hours after class for maximum memory retention. If there are a lot of things to memorize, I'll make flash cards while rewriting the class notes. I also have to modify my study methods for each class. In physics, for example, doing a lot of practice problems was key. In organic chemistry, I spent about an equal amount of time on practice problems and on memorizing reactions. In cell bio, I spent pretty much all of my time studying on memorization. Humanities courses are a different ball game because you'll often have papers instead of exams.

Whats funny is that I have heard this over and over. 2 hours for every hour in class. However, having a part time job, plus everything you are supposed to do, it just doesn't work out. A lot of times you are going to be best studying during the weekend morning/afternoon - then relax in the evening.

Yes each class is different. Most of my humanities have all been read the chapter and memorize the information.

 

[moose stuff]

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead.