Weak Basic Sciences: Study Approach

[nightc2awler]

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Though this is my first post, I've been on and off this wonderful, incredibly informative forum for a few months now. Being that I just finished my basic sciences, I'm in a very stressful position, which of course is a feeling everyone here is all too familiar with, at some point or another.

I'm no different than the average student, one that has to push generally harder than most in order to achieve the same results.

From what I've read here and on other forums, collectively, I've formed the following schedule. First off, being that I intend to rely on First Aid as my final review source, I'm currently taking the organ system approach, studying each system individually, as is outlined in First Aid. Since my pathophys needs a lot of work, I'm also listening to Dr. Goljan's audio alongside Rapid Review, covering one chapter a day. I'm already 10 chapter in, though my primary focus for the time being is to be able to link together fundemental concepts, and develop the big picture, opposed to memorizing all the minute details (just yet). Once I'm through with the audio + Rapid Review (cover to cover), I will focus on Kaplan videos for the remaining disciplines, supplementing the information into First Aid, if it's not already there. I'm much more a visual learner than a bookworm, hence I plan to use Kaplan Lecture Notes only if/when necessary. Following the Kaplan videos, I intend to jump straight into question banks (USMLE Rx/world/Qbank; whichever one(s) I can manage).

All that said and done, given the fact that my general knowledge of the basic sciences is rather weak , what's the best approach for me to take? Is the above schedule efficient for someone in my position, needing to learn the material as if it's the first time? I intend on taking the exam late June or early July. Although I've read countless threads regarding various study methods, in my opinion it's all relative to how well ones foundation of the basic sciences are. Any comprehensive review text/series is substantial for those with a strong foundation, but what of those with a weak foundation? That's something that I've not seen seldom mentioned in other threads. Needless to say, any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Danlee07]

some weak self confidence you got there.

Put yourself objectively to think how much time you have with a reasonable goal. Always shoot for the 45 but realize based upon time what you'll be at.

To review content, just lay out your foundations first. Instead of learning about pathways or memorizing the steps to TCA, first just learn where TCA occurs (mitochondria) and when you need it (when pyruvate is plentiful with need of acetyl CoA... aerobic conditions). you're starving so glycogen levels go up, etc... bigger picture stuff. It doesn't help so much that you're memorizing any material, but it does help with synthesizing loads of info into associate conceptual memory which is when your brain is at optimal functioning.

Same applies to physics. Don't memorize formulas like everyone says to. But, rather, figure out how it applies and why. And always have a picture in mind for everything -- again for associate memory. For example, optical lenses require an idea of moving then object away or towards the lens and knowing the img etc. Then use the formulas for distance to figure out why the focal length is such and maybe look for problems applying it to the human eye.

You can build yourself a strong foundation doing this so that your feeling of lack will dissipate into thin air. good luck

 

[nightc2awler]

Thank you for the prompt response Danlee07. Weak confidence, maybe so. Though for me this is reality; the fact that I DON'T have a strong foundation of the basic sciences (regardless of my confidence level or feeling of lack), and that I must prepare for the biggest exam in my life, as it holds true for many of us. Please don't get me wrong however, I don't mind having to work harder than anyone else; in fact I find it helps me be more appreciative, in the end, of hard work paid off. I'd just like to present my situation as it lies, and proceed with the most practical approach, based on others who have experienced a similar situation, and in the end came out successful.

You are absolutely right in grasping the how and why, in order to build a foundation. That's exactly the reason I'm currently covering Dr. Goljan's audios, he is all for mechanisms (the how and why) and cares little for straight recall (the what), as you have mentioned learning.

I'd also greatly appreciate hearing from those who have had success on the exam, and were in a similar situation, as I'm sure with a community as large as this one, there must be a few.

 

[Rollo]

First off, I don't know what that guy is doing giving you advice on how to prepare for the MCAT in a Step 1 forum.

Now, you have a lot of time to prepare. I don't know how Kaplan videos work but why not watch their videos along with organ systems? Do their videos go by subjects, and not organ systems?

Also, you should be doing a Qbank even right now as you're making your first pass through the material. I would do questions from systems you studied that day. Maybe a block of 46 right now. You want to get comfortable with the question format and being able to link the concepts together when presented with a clinical scenario. Bottom line is you can understand the concepts all you want inside and out, but if you can't apply them to a question and correctly come up with an answer, then what's the point?

By the way, I'm starting preparing for step 1 now. I wouldn't say I have a weak foundation in basic sciences but I'm definitely not a superstar so I understand how you feel.

 

[bbydoc]

First off, I don't know what that guy is doing giving you advice on how to prepare for the MCAT in a Step 1 forum.

Now, you have a lot of time to prepare. I don't know how Kaplan videos work but why not watch their videos along with organ systems? Do their videos go by subjects, and not organ systems?

hahaha...👍

yeah, kaplan is subject based.


now I dont know how you want to integrate subjects that you dont know well.
if I was weak in basic sciences I would go with kaplan as they are pretty comprehensive. if you dont want to that because time wont permit, do at leats kaplan pharm, biochem and physio.

 

[nightc2awler]

Thank you Rollo. I intend to watch & annotate Kaplan videos based on organ systems, and follow through with corresponding questions after finishing each individual organ system. Given little time constraint, I feel I have enough time on my hands and plan on starting off with USMLERx, then later onto Kaplan Qbank, and finally uWorld towards my final exam prep. I completely agree with you in terms of starting questions ASAP, in order to apply and assess what I've covered.
And thank you bbydoc, Kaplan was always part of my original plan, being that it does encompass board material, comprehensively. I intend on covering/annotating the following subjects through Kaplan videos: behavioral, biochem, physio, micro/immuno, neuro, and pharm. For the remaining disciplines, First Aid and Qbanks should be sufficient. 👍

 

[HappyPuppet22]

hey nightcrawler, I'm in the same boat as you, but I MUST take my exam by the end of May. I was supposed to take the exam in mid-Dec, but realized I wasn't ready for it so I extended my eligibility period and it literally ends in May. I don't know why I put myself in these situations :/ I have 3 months to study for this beast and I'm going to put my all into it (Am not in school so have no excuse not to) My plan is to study 12-14 hrs/day, only taking 3 days off the whole time. I will most likely watch the kaplan vids you mentioned, do Kaplan Qbank and Uworld, goljan audio and of course first aid (2010 version). I am actually really nervous...I hope I have enough time.. Are you a US med student?

 

[Rollo]

What's your reasoning for doing 3 separate Qbanks? Why not stick to Uworld which provides detailed explanations and has been a superior learning tool for many?

Thank you Rollo. I intend to watch & annotate Kaplan videos based on organ systems, and follow through with corresponding questions after finishing each individual organ system. Given little time constraint, I feel I have enough time on my hands and plan on starting off with USMLERx, then later onto Kaplan Qbank, and finally uWorld towards my final exam prep. I completely agree with you in terms of starting questions ASAP, in order to apply and assess what I've covered.
And thank you bbydoc, Kaplan was always part of my original plan, being that it does encompass board material, comprehensively. I intend on covering/annotating the following subjects through Kaplan videos: behavioral, biochem, physio, micro/immuno, neuro, and pharm. For the remaining disciplines, First Aid and Qbanks should be sufficient. 👍

 

[nightc2awler]

Hello HappyPuppet22, this should come as no surprise, but sure enough, I'm an IMG. <- I noticed this icon just yesterday and said to myself, in what context could I use this one? Voila!

Along the lines of what Dr. Goljan mentions in his audio, this exam is NOT difficult, and I agree with him wholeheartedly. What makes it difficult for many of us, myself included of course, is getting bogged down with minute details and not having the big picture in mind. Not to mention adding in just a tad bit of nervousness makes the whole thing appear impossible! I felt the exact same way, until close friends of mine (upper semester) did extremely well on the exam, using the very same recources we are all familiar with, but each incorporating their own unique approach. That's when I came to realize, what's there to be nervous about? There are tons of users here on the forums, all of whom have had great success at this exam, and were kind enough to share their methodology. 🙂

Don't be nervous, especially in regards to time. Time is against you, it's not going to slow down, even as you sit and read this now, it's the truth! Use that to your advantage! For instance, I find I cannot sleep at night until I've met my goal for that day, and covered whatever I had planned to. It seems almost contradictory, me giving you my advice, as I posted this thread asking for advice myself, but I will say this much. In your shoes, given 3 months, I'd cover the Kaplan videos set at higher speed. I'd also run through DIT on higher speed, and cover First Aid in its entirety, within a weeks time. Then, I'd jump right into questions for the full remainder of my time.

Rollo, given adequate time, in my opinion the more scenarios (if you will) that I'm exposed to, the more familiar I'll be with what is likely to be asked given a certain topic. I've seen it as a common trend, that the greater variety of questions someone is exposed to, the better the outcome. After all, it never hurts to know more.

 

[HappyPuppet22]

Hello HappyPuppet22, this should come as no surprise, but sure enough, I'm an IMG.

So am I 🙂 Thanks for the advice, it was very motivational. I guess I'll just do my best and we shall see what happens..I don't really have a great support system (friends-wise) people just keep telling me I'm going to do fine/great just because I managed to do well in school by cramming last minute. All I hear is "just do first aid, just do first aid". My foundation is not so strong..I'm a procrastinator...and that's why I'm worried. Ok well enough of my ranting, tomorrow is a new day, thanks again 🙂 wish you all the best for your step prep...keep me posted on how you're doing!

 

[nightc2awler]

Just wanted to thank everyone who's viewed this post and shared their opinion. As of late, I've been able to study better, with more confidence, and am, in a sense, much more enthusiastic when studying. It has everything to do with the countless threads I've come across, and the exceptional advice shared by members who have had success. I'm well into my studying, and was able to develop a strict routine, based on all the advice I've read/received. God bless each and every one of you, and I pray that you all find success.

 

[peanut11]

Just wanted to thank everyone who's viewed this post and shared their opinion. As of late, I've been able to study better, with more confidence, and am, in a sense, much more enthusiastic when studying. It has everything to do with the countless threads I've come across, and the exceptional advice shared by members who have had success. I'm well into my studying, and was able to develop a strict routine, based on all the advice I've read/received. God bless each and every one of you, and I pray that you all find success.

Agreed! Great advice for me as well.