Haha, I see a lot of the same exact stuff I would post for NOVA. Graphing calculators aren't allowed. Who knows what I use now, but it is the same as half the class so probably the same one everyone else mentions...but as long as it doesn't have memory, it's not that important.
I would definitely say that anatomy was the hardest, but the reason is pretty dumb. Our professors were just "mean". They had to put a curve up after the first two tests, about 5%, just so half the class would be passing. I know so many people taking the retake, and it is the first time I find myself unable to empathize. Our tests were so nitpicky. The sad thing is, I know people want hints so that they don't fall into the same issues as, well, more than half of our class, but there aren't to many specific pointers. At Nova, at least, the ability to memorize mundane details seems to be what saves you, at least the first semester. I'd like to think that from now on, we'll start being tested on our ability to apply things, as opposed to knowing which muscles wouldn't be used to pick up your keys....
So, I said that I had an important tip for those still to embark of these four years of...fun 😉
Don't take the first few weeks easy!!!
When I first started studying, I figured it was okay to relax a tiny bit. But you will pay in the end (as my classmates having to retake a preposterous anatomy retake can attest to.) Seriously, when I think about it, if I had worked just a little bit more in the beginning, I wouldn't have had some of the stress thrust upon me during finals that I did. Sure, life doesn't have to be about constant study (though if that floats your boat, then go for it.) But a couple hours every day is not going to kill you and in the end (of the semester) you'll be grateful you did. I can't count the number of people I have talked to that I have said the same thing and are planning on turning a new leaf this semester (myself included🙂 ).
I don't think you really need to do anything to prepare for school beforehand, though if there is an area that you REALLY struggle with, taking an extra course in that subject may help. Personally, I had been out of school for awhile and never did that well in undergrad, and still managed to remain a student in good standing. So I guess what I am saying is, what is most important is what you do when you get here. That hour spent watching Grey's Anatomy just might be better studying actual anatomy. Please, please, please, don't think I am being melodramatic. I can get dozens of people to echo me on this.
