Which study tactic is better?

[AKPsiMD84]

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Should I study the science subjects one by one or study one chapter of Bio one day, physics the next, orgo, chem and back to bio... etc.

 

[craniotomy30]

This past summer, I studied all general chemistry....and I learned that this was not a good idea. I felt burnt out because waking up and knowing that I had to study chemistry everyday did not excite me. I am taking the MCAT in April, and this past winter break I studied like this:

Monday: biology
Tuesday: Ochem
Wed: Gen Chem
Thursday: physics

This was such a relief compared to my previous tactics. I will continue this method until I take my test.

 

[RSAgator]

i would suggest splitting it up. It'll keep things a lot more interesting and as a result you'll absorb material better. Regardless of your study method the newer info you'll prolly know a bit better than the older stuff, but if you can stave off burnout you'll increase your retention of everything.

 

[bodonid]

This past summer, I studied all general chemistry....and I learned that this was not a good idea. I felt burnt out because waking up and knowing that I had to study chemistry everyday did not excite me. I am taking the MCAT in April, and this past winter break I studied like this:

Monday: biology
Tuesday: Ochem
Wed: Gen Chem
Thursday: physics

This was such a relief compared to my previous tactics. I will continue this method until I take my test.

This seems like a good idea. I wouldn't split it up one chapter at a time, but one day at a time seems fine.
Good luck!

 

[xiaoyi666]

hmm, i would actually prefer to study one by one instead of splitting up. For some subjects, one chapter depends on understanding of the previous (i.e. physics). So for example if I learn a basic theory in one chapter, I would be more inclined to continue on to advanced theories in later chapters while the knowledge is fresh. This way, I can reinforce my basic knowledge while learning new material. If I spread the material out, by the 4th day when I come back to the basic theory, I might have already forgotten 30% of it (which leads to wasted time relearning it, and weaker foundation for more complex theories).

it's kind of like forging steel, you hammer one of them while it's hot and it's easier to bend. if you try to do 4 at a time, it's less efficient.

In the end, it's up to your studying style.

 

[craniotomy30]

hmm, i would actually prefer to study one by one instead of splitting up. For some subjects, one chapter depends on understanding of the previous (i.e. physics). So for example if I learn a basic theory in one chapter, I would be more inclined to continue on to advanced theories in later chapters while the knowledge is fresh. This way, I can reinforce my basic knowledge while learning new material. If I spread the material out, by the 4th day when I come back to the basic theory, I might have already forgotten 30% of it (which leads to wasted time relearning it, and weaker foundation for more complex theories).

it's kind of like forging steel, you hammer one of them while it's hot and it's easier to bend. if you try to do 4 at a time, it's less efficient.

In the end, it's up to your studying style.

I don't do one chapter at a time. I try to get in 3 or 4 everyday. I just finished all content review this way. My Kaplan class starts this week, and by doing this, I have reviewed all the content before.