As a fourth year medical student, it’s should be given that I know how to study by now. I was always a hard worker. I spent a lot of time taking thorough notes, and making flash cards, which I later learned was a waste of time for me. Taking notes is very good, but I learned that you need to write them in your own words in the most condensed way possible. But, how do you put medical terms into your own words? You can’t. So, the best thing to do, is summarize and condense as much as you can.
Flash cards are a great way of learning especially if you need to memorize a lot of facts. But, I spent a lot of time making my flash cards, and learned a lot later that there are so many different apps and pre-made flash cards that are just as good as the ones that I made. So, the hours wasted on making my own flash cards could have been better spent with learning new material or solidifying already learnt material.
I am a visual learner. I like to draw images, and charts, which help me with rapid recall and permanent memory. Also, I find that typing notes instead of writing notes is faster as I type much faster than write. Lastly, cramming does not help especially with things that I have to learn and remember for the rest of my life.
So, through four years of college and four years of medical school, I finally learned my better way to study!
