I feel horrible for such a long absence, but as I just finished my final exams I will have much more free time! This blog post will describe 3 main strategies per each course I've taken this semester. My grades have drastically increased since the first semester, so I feel ready to share some tips with you :)
Chemistry:
1. videos
This is what made a 15% difference in my grade. I looked up Khan Academy, Organic Chemistry tutor and other channels for help. The huge advantage of YouTube videos is that you can speed them up, slow them down, and re-listen. Also, individuals who make those YouTube videos usually realize that you are there for clarification, and they explain the concepts very thoroughly.
Re-writing notes helps me with a mindful understanding of the material. Even though I take notes in class, they are usually messy which won't help to review.
3. practice
Practice is a vital part of everything, so I'm gonna mention it once under "Chemistry" in order to avoid repeating myself so much...Everything comes in question form, so it's only natural to prepare via practice. I highly recommend doing a practice test before you begin reviewing after you finish reviewing, and at least one a day before an actual evaluation. The point is, you can't slack off. Practice tests should really define your review period; which is ideally, not less that 5 days (6-8 hours each day of intensive review).
Biology:
1. thorough notes
Depending on a professor, he/she might ask either conceptual questions or detail-based questions. In my case, I had lots of details on my test. There's really no way to predict how they will ask the questions (because often, the professors like to test both: concepts and details), so I advise you to take extensive notes and tackle them with an assortment of understanding and memorization techniques.
2. frequent revision and pre-read
Since biology courses often have a huge load of info, to better remember it, you must revise it frequently. By frequently, I mean after every lecture. As for the pre-readings, it'll help you focus your attention better during lecture, and you will absorb the material faster.
3. practice
Math:
1. organized notes
Taking notes during lecture isn't actually enough. You should review your lectures and make a study guide consisting of definitions, formulas, and concepts. Don't include all examples into your study guide, because it will make it very messy, but be sure to include 1 or 2 most difficult questions.
2. practice
3. videos
Medical Terminology:
1. practice
2. flashcards
Working with flashcards is essential to do well in this course. I was making both: paper and digital flashcards because with digital I can review on the go and they don't get lost or ripped; however, with tangible ones, I was able to rearrange them how I wanted when I studied them. For example, I could put the 20 flashcards I absolutely don't know aside, and only focus on memorizing those. I found it hard to perform the same functions with digital flashcards.
3. exposure
Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior (Neurophysiology):
1. thorough, visual notes
This course was definitely my favorite course this year, and that's because it was so nicely structured...To keep up with all the diagrams, anatomy, and the concepts, I had to take thorough, visual notes.
3. attention
The questions we had are always tricky. One must consider every word while reading the question, and be able to pick the MOST correct answer. That obviously requires attention to details and a solid understading of the topic.
