Preparing for Medical School - Page 19
TIP 11
Spread out learning
Make use of the valuable intervals between
required assignments and commit infor-
mation to memory that you expect to need
later.
TIP 12
Look for connections
Interesting things are remembered more readily;
if you have a subject that is not
especially appealing, try to find something that
is more interesting to relate it to. By
establishing a connection, you will elevate your
interest in the subject and be more
likely to remember it.
TIP 13
Be selective
In committing material to memory, choose what is
necessary or essential. Do not fill
your mind with trivia or data that does not
need to be memorized and can be easily retrieved.
TIP 14
Combine memory techniques
To secure maximal effect, memory techniques
should be combined, with one tech-
nique reinforcing another.
C. Recall
TIP 15
Unblocking
You can possibly unlock your memory by
stimulating the recall of related informa-
tion; therefore, if you cannot recall an
answer, try jotting down answers to related ques-
tions. This may cause the sought-after answer
to come to mind.
TIP 16
Determine your memory style
Determine from experience what techniques work
best for you. Also, ascertain what
memory vehicle leaves the most lasting
impression: reading, hearing, or seeing. Try
wherever possible to use the one approach that
works best for you.
TIP 17
Use your information
Repeated use will help you retain data. This is
best exemplified by one's recall of
telephone, social security, or bank account
numbers.
TIP 18
Be positive
Develop the conviction that you do not really
forget but that you simply misplace
information and all you need to do is to find
where in your memory file you stored that
needed information.
Succeeding as a Premedical Student
In the preceding section detailed advice is
outlined on various important aspects affect-
ing your potential success as a college student
in general. This section focuses on ways
to enhance your career prospects, specifically
as a college premedical student.
It is essential that throughout your college
career, you evaluate your progress at regu-
lar intervals, certainly at the end of each
semester. While doing this, it is important that
you keep abreast of the admissions criteria and
standards at medical schools that tradi-
tionally accept students from your school. To
secure this information, you may have to
tap several sources; tips on potential sources
for useful information are outlined below:
TIP 1
Make connections
Establish early contact with other premed
students, especially those on academic lev-
els above you. This may most easily be done at
premed club meetings. Discuss with oth-
ers their plans and application experiences,
where appropriate. Remember, however, that
such students, while able to relate personal
insights, may not have authoritative opinions.
If what they say doesn't sound correct, seek
clarification from your premed advisor.
TIP 2
Get information
Seek to obtain additional data (beyond that
provided in Table 6.1), regarding current
admissions criteria relative to grade point
average, science cumulative average, and
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