When starting PA school, it’s likely been a few years since you studied such a brutal course load. Relearning how to learn can be difficult, but necessary for your sanity and success throughout the program. How did you study during undergrad education? Read directly from the PowerPoints, handwrite notes, type out notes, read the book, create tables, study flashcards, quizlet, anki, study in groups or alone, etc. For one course you may do something completely different than another course, for example, Anatomy vs Pathophysiology. There’s more than one way to study, but you must do what works best now and in the future.
Always study with the context of the courses in mind: Is there a final exam? Will these questions be on the PANCE? Will I need to recall this information clinically? Making notes may help to reduce going through every PowerPoint to study the material. If you have only studied from handwritten notes, then you stick with it. It also helps to recall what kind of learner are you: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic and use this to aid in your processing and retention of the material.
The most important thing about studying is to DO IT. You will not learn if you do not put the time and effort to learn the material. For many people, it will take multiple passes over the material to feel somewhat comfortable.
