In no particular order a small list of essential items to help you study well:
- Lots of pens and pencils. I think I have used 20 pencils this past semester. Those cheap Bic mechanical ones that cost like 5 bucks for a box. I love them. I used pencils more than pens.
- Paper. I bought 10 packs of staples paper for $1.00 each. College ruled high quality and best of all, flat! Don’t know if you can remember something for a test? Put your notes away and start writing down everything word for word (or darn close) and compare. I am going to make up a motto: The three S’s: If you can Say it and Scribe it, then you can aSe it! It was a stretch, but it works.
- Is it time to study or is it time to browse YouTube? If it is time to study, then put away the internet (look at me the hypocrite right now), turn the cell phone OFF – sorry socialites – you’ll survive, and study! YouTube is not going anywhere, your text message from Slacker-Stan can wait.
- Eat it! Your mind melts quickly without a break and some glucose running through your veins. I try to eat something at least every two hours. By the looks of my dental belly you may think I eat every two minutes. My goal is to keep my metabolism running so I can concentrate in class or while reading a riveting perio lecture.
- Stay focused
- Don’t procrastinate. Even if you think C=DMD. The stress of waiting to the last minute sucks.
- Study with friends who keep you focused.
- My last piece of advice: Before beginning, clear your mind, take some deep breaths, lean back in your chair and stretch out your arms. Put your hands out to the side so they are in your peripheral vision. Let your arms relax, but keep your eyes focused peripherally so you can see ‘everything’ in the room. The clock, Slacker-Stan at the drinking fountain, Gunner-Gary already studying for next years exams, your notes, the ceiling, the window, etc. Let everything soak in and just RELAX. You are already in dental school. When you are ready, begin studying.
What are your study methods?
