<p>Hey!
So i graduated high school from a normal high school. i have taken 11 AP courses during high school and have passed 1. I admit that I haven't been serious when i came to studying for Ap tests but I will definitely stay motivated and disciplined in college because I will be entering as a premed. Basically, I would like to know what type of skills is expected from pre med students before they enter college. I am not good in comprehensive material and am aware that the MCAT tests students highly upon that so what can I do to improve such skills? I and pursuing a Biology major and am dedicating this summer to review calculus, biology, and some chemistry material. How will college be like for prospective pre meds in their first year. Also, I will be taking 17 credit hours this semester it consists of gen chem w/ lab, intro to biology, English, freshman seminar, and calculus. How do i manage the course workload? I am open to any tips and advices out there!! thanks a ton!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Go to class. Don’t skip. Ever. </p></li>
<li><p>Read the material to be covered in lecture BEFORE class. </p></li>
<li><p>Go to recitation. Every. Single. Week.</p></li>
<li><p>Do your homework as soon as it’s assigned. Do not wait until the last minute to do homework. WHY? Because if you’re having problems with the material, then it’s too late to get help.</p></li>
<li><p>If you’re struggling with the material, get tutoring ASAP. Free tutors will be available thru your college’s Center for Academic Support (or whatever it’s called at your school).</p></li>
<li><p>Brush up/improve your note-taking skills. Take thorough notes during lecture. Also take thorough notes when you read assigned chapters.</p></li>
<li><p>Find a compatitible study group of fellow students to work with, esp for math. It helps having lots of different ideas/approaches to problems sets.</p></li>
<li><p>For math and chem, go above and beyond. Do extra homework and extra problem sets until you have mastered each new technique during the semester.</p></li>
<li><p>If you are having any trouble with the material or have questions in any of your classes, be sure to attend office hours of your TA or prof. </p></li>
<li><p>Find a quiet place away from distractions where you can study. This probably means not in your dorm room. </p></li>
<li><p>When studying turn off all distractions: cell phone (not put on silence–turn it off!); facebook, chat programs, music. Whatever will keep you from concentrating. </p></li>
<li><p>Set aside X hours each and every day (even on weekends) to read and prepare for class, do homework, outline papers, etc. Create a study schedule and STICK TO IT!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>~~~~</p>
<p>First year of college is huge adjustment. You will have no one to account to except yourself. Profs and TAs are not going make sure you get stuff done correctly or on time. In fact, they probably won’t care much one way or the other. Your success or failure will be entirely in your hands. Self discipline is critical. </p>
<p>OTOH, take some time to enjoy your new independence. Even the most dedicated of pre meds will not spend [most] Friday evenings languishing in the library. College is the time to experiment, meet new people, try new experiences. Just be smart about it and remember the long term goal (med school) is the important one.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you very much! I am reviewing some stuff over the summer but how can i improve my reading/comprehensive skills? as in what type of books, papers should i read over the summer. I know that the verbal section of the MCAT is very crucial.</p>
<p>One of the sources generally recommended to pre meds to improve their verbal is The Economist. </p>
<p>Really. </p>
<p>Complex material presented in non-technical terminology.</p>
<p>I agree with everything WayOutWestMom said.</p>
<p>How did u enter premed when u only passed one ap? Did u mean to say 11?</p>
<p>Premed is a term used to describe an intention to eventuially apply to medical school. Nothing else.</p>
<p>Anyone can declare their intention to be pre-med. There’s no minimum required GPA to do so.</p>
<p>(Now actually getting into med school is a whole other story…)</p>
<p>I agree with OutWestMom. I think the successful pre-med/med/physician involves discipline. Few of us can get away with less.
Dr Hack</p>