Studying Tips & Tricks (Pre-Med Edition)

Hello anyone out there,

I just wanted to share a few tips and tricks that I learned along the way during my time as a pre-med student. I know it is November and the semester has already started but if you are a student who is still in high school and will be going to college this coming fall or just randomly lurking the internet looking for tips then please go on and continue reading this blog :)

Tip #1: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE

Do NOT procrastinate! Trust me...it won't do you any good if you just cram all the information your professor probably taught you for the past month in a few days. If you're one of those people who are just gifted with amazing recall or are simply a genius, more props to you. But alas, if you are like the majority of us who don't have amazing photographic memory (ahem me), it will REALLY help you to study the material a little bit every day. In the end, when finals get closer (especially when you have professors who say the final is comprehensive) it will definitely help you in the long run because you got used to studying a little bit everyday, the amount of material you need to study no longer seems overwhelming. Why? Because you already built a solid foundation for yourself. Also, cramming is only helpful for the short term. Plus as a pre-med student, think of it as practice to when you actually become a medical student.

Tip #2: Time yourself

Time yourself to see how much you are actually studying. I know when I was a student, I used to sit for hours "studying" when in reality I was just reading a page in my textbook or my notes and then looking through social media on my phone. What I'm saying is, it's easy to be distracted especially if the material you are studying is not exactly interesting. Have a timer on and time yourself to see how much you actually studied then pause the timer when you're not studying. You'll be surprised at what you see, I know I was lol.

Tip#3: Change your attitude

As a pre-med student, if you haven't already, you will face classes that will kick your but. You will feel frustrated and may want to give up. I know I felt those things (especially when I took biochemistry but hey I digress). Instead of having a negative mind set: "you can't do this" "you're not smart enough"....blah blah blah. Overcome yourself because the worst thing you can do is not even try and give yourself a chance. If you got a bad grade on your exam, brush it off and don't let it consume you. I know it can be hard but as the saying goes life moves on with or without you. Think of what you did and what you could've changed to do better. Having an open and positive mind set is important.

Tip#4: Ask for help

In high school, I hated asking my teachers for help. I was a shy kid and they just seemed intimidating. However, as I got in college and took organic chemistry...I got my first F. My whole perspective changed. It may be due to the fact that college is expensive and there was no way I was going to have to pay for this class again so I forced myself to get out of my cocoon and ask for help. This actually really made a difference in my academic performance in that class (I got an A for both the third and final exam!). I know professors can seem intimidating but go and see them if you are struggling with a concept...who will better answer your question than the person teaching it to you. Also, this will help you with establishing that bond for you...cough...letters of recommendation. Besides visiting my professor's office hours, I also asked my classmates for help. Utilize the tutoring center on your campus (my school had one and it was free to students) and join a study group with your classmates. I found that learning a concept from another perspective to be really beneficial to me and I continued to do this throughout my college career.

Tip #5: Change of scenery

Study in a place that makes you feel good or productive. Personally, I do not like studying in one place for too long, especially if it is the library cubicle. I like to go to a cafe, put my earphones on and get my study groove going. I also like studying at an open area or at a park with a lot of scenery so when I look up I see trees. I know that I am not the only one that feels that there's just something calming when you're surrounded by nature and when there's a lot of light. It makes me feel good and I enjoy studying even more.

Tip #6: Be Organized

Personally, having a planner helped me in high school and I continued to do this when I got into college. If it's not broken don't fix it right? Bad joke? Ok, I'll stop. Anyways, look at your syllabus and put all the important dates you need to know (project deadlines, research papers, exam dates). Instead of going through your syllabus throughout the semester and then forgetting that your paper is due in a week, this will really help you organize your time better and you will have a better idea of how to plan out your studying or whatever tasks you need to get done.

Tip #7: Prioritize

Studying can be a challenge. Having to sit there and focus on a material for your test instead of going out to hang out with your friends can be tough. Personally, I have had to spent longs hours in the library, studying by myself in a cubicle and it can be depressing...it may make you think why you are doing this. Especially for pre-med students where studying just becomes routine. During those times of doubt or when you just feel that medicine may not be fore you. Take a step back and re-evaluate why you wanted to go through this road the first place. Was it for the money? If so, I definitely implore you to seek another career because medicine is a long and HARD road. You will have to make many sacrifices and this is just the beginning. Medical school will be even more challenging and demanding on you. So, really ask yourself why you wanted to go to medicine. I am not saying that all you should do is study because you will burnout faster and medicine will no longer be enjoyable to you. Prioritize your time. Make time for yourself and do what you love to do that does NOT involve studying. Hang out with your friends, watch a movie with your significant other, be with your family, read a book; whatever it is that you love to do....do it.

Well that's all I got and I hope it helps! I wish you all the best of luck with your medical journey and I welcome you all to comment and share whatever tips that helped you. I know my list was pretty short so....comment away :)

#study #premed #student #medicine