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Jaihzelle
Student
Edna, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What are some hacks that I should know as a pre-med student?
I have seen a lot of hacks on TikTok for everything from studying to what a program entails. What are some of your most useful or favorite hacks?
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1 answer
Marcelo Schiavo, MBA, PMP
Project Manager
3
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Marcelo’s Answer
Hi,
To succeed in pre-med, focus on effective systems rather than shortcuts. These strategies save time, reduce stress, and boost memory:
Study Tips
- Use spaced repetition tools like Anki for subjects with lots of facts, such as biology and anatomy. This method helps you remember information long-term.
- Convert lecture notes into questions. Testing yourself is more effective than just rereading.
- Start practice problems early to identify weak spots and understand the professor's approach.
- Teach the material aloud to someone else or even to yourself. If you can explain it simply, you likely understand it well.
- Study in short, focused sessions, like 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break, to maintain concentration.
Class and Exam Strategies
- Focus on what will likely be on the test by reviewing slides, learning objectives, and practice questions.
- In subjects like organic chemistry and physics, prioritize solving problems over memorizing notes.
- After each quiz or exam, create a one-page list of concepts you missed to guide your future study.
- Use visual aids like whiteboards and flowcharts to organize complex information.
Time-Saving Habits
- Keep your phone out of reach or use blockers to minimize distractions.
- Group simple tasks together to save energy for more demanding study sessions.
- Take advantage of free resources like tutoring centers and community notes.
- Maintain a spreadsheet to track deadlines, prerequisites, and other important tasks to stay organized.
Program and Admissions Tips
- Shadow a variety of physicians to gain a real understanding of the profession.
- Document your experiences right away, noting hours, reflections, and what you learned.
- Build relationships with professors early for future recommendation letters.
- Use your school's advising office but verify their advice with experienced students.
Remember, pre-med success comes from active recall, repetition, and consistency, not flashy shortcuts.
To succeed in pre-med, focus on effective systems rather than shortcuts. These strategies save time, reduce stress, and boost memory:
Study Tips
- Use spaced repetition tools like Anki for subjects with lots of facts, such as biology and anatomy. This method helps you remember information long-term.
- Convert lecture notes into questions. Testing yourself is more effective than just rereading.
- Start practice problems early to identify weak spots and understand the professor's approach.
- Teach the material aloud to someone else or even to yourself. If you can explain it simply, you likely understand it well.
- Study in short, focused sessions, like 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break, to maintain concentration.
Class and Exam Strategies
- Focus on what will likely be on the test by reviewing slides, learning objectives, and practice questions.
- In subjects like organic chemistry and physics, prioritize solving problems over memorizing notes.
- After each quiz or exam, create a one-page list of concepts you missed to guide your future study.
- Use visual aids like whiteboards and flowcharts to organize complex information.
Time-Saving Habits
- Keep your phone out of reach or use blockers to minimize distractions.
- Group simple tasks together to save energy for more demanding study sessions.
- Take advantage of free resources like tutoring centers and community notes.
- Maintain a spreadsheet to track deadlines, prerequisites, and other important tasks to stay organized.
Program and Admissions Tips
- Shadow a variety of physicians to gain a real understanding of the profession.
- Document your experiences right away, noting hours, reflections, and what you learned.
- Build relationships with professors early for future recommendation letters.
- Use your school's advising office but verify their advice with experienced students.
Remember, pre-med success comes from active recall, repetition, and consistency, not flashy shortcuts.