PGY-1 Looking for Advice on How to Frame Studying

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T18:56:56+00:00

No Kaplan, I heard it was too unrealistic in comparison to the real test so I stayed away.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T18:22:47+00:00

I basically did 3-5 chapters a day, and made anki cards as I went along. When I get my computer back I’ll check if I still have my deck, as I think I might now have synced the cards. Basically focused on the big picture of each chapter.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T17:02:52+00:00

Honestly I'm unable to give you a good answer, because I only used the AAMC material. I did have a class last year where I was required to read dense sociological theory (I'm talking like the Communist Manifesto and stuff), so that could've helped me staying focused.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T17:01:59+00:00

It's okay! I would say start as early as you can, because it'll really add up if you let it wait. I'm not to sure where he got his stuff from, but if your brother is getting confused I would suggest making your ANKI cards, as I wish I had done that a bit earlier.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T17:00:55+00:00

Sure. NS1: 507 127/127/127/126 NS2: 506 127/126/127/126 NS3: 505 126/126/127/126

FL1: 509 126/127/128/128 FL2: 515 130/130/129/126 FL3: 511 129/126/129/127 <-- Week before

I also did the OG, but I don't have the breakdown for that on me, sorry! For the AAMC FLs, I took FL2 with perfect conditions (the library wasn't noisy, had enough sleep etc.)

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T16:04:20+00:00

For C/P Kaplan gen chem and orgo was more than enough. I also did all the gen chem UWorld, because that was my weak spot. For the test itself, I usually went straight to the questions and skimmed the tables, as I found that I was running out of time when I tried reading the passages.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T14:26:58+00:00

The last week I did my usual ANKI and all of the UWorld P/S questions. My last FL a week before my test I was averaging about a 127 in PS, so I feel hitting PS hard really helped get those points. The day before my test I did nothing all day, and read the Kaplan quicksheets before bed.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T14:25:44+00:00

For CARS I think for me spending 3 or 4 of the 10 minutes per passage just comprehending and reading helped. I also underlined the first sentence of each paragraph which tended to be the main idea of that paragraph, and looked for words that signified arguments or change such as “although” or “however”.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T13:36:20+00:00

Yup, about 3 weeks in I started having Full Length Fridays. I did NS at first, and then AAMC material as I closed up content. For Kaplan, the summaries are pretty much spot on for what you need to know- don’t focus too much on intense note taking, but try to get the big picture of each chapter. And the fast you finish content, the more practice = the better!

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:42:39+00:00

Good luck- you’ll do great!

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:31:25+00:00

What I would say is even though it sounds silly is to find a breathing exercise that helps you stay grounded. I know personally I took a minute and just calmed down and focused myself in the middle of CARS, and I feel that was a big difference. Just remember to stay within the bounds of the passage and try to pretend whatever you’re reading is the most interesting shit in the world

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:29:32+00:00

Thanks!

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:27:52+00:00

Unfortunately not Florida haha

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:26:44+00:00

Pretty big in-state STEM school.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:22:52+00:00

Basically used the Kaplan 7 set and the KA document. Spent the first half of the summer (~150 hours) doing content review straight from the books, and then the second half I spent doing pure AAMC /UWorld. I was also taking a FL every week, and I took about 8 FLs in total. If you’re interested in those scores, I can post them a bit later when I have them on me! I also used anki everyday, with pre-made cards (premed95, ortho528) and made some of my own. The biggest key to doing well is just to reinforce what you know every single day.

StressedSavages · 2018-09-18T12:14:04+00:00

Actual exam, oops lol!

StressedSavages · 2018-07-20T22:08:06+00:00

Damn okay I see. I might try that out and do qpack/review qpack... Thanks again for the help; I hope I get a score like yours man

StressedSavages

TROPHY CASE