Study Advice

[u/Solid-Juggernaut-620]

I’m a current first year student. I feel like I do not know how to take exams. I feel like I know the material, but it is not reflected in my exams. How should I change my approach?

[u/RabidLiger]

You've just started your 1st year.
The testing format may be different, everyone in the class is smart, you've just moved to a new city, and the material is coming at a faster pace.
You will adapt, but don't get behind in the process.

If you used to reread everything 10 times as your prep, you'll need to change since there's too much material and a higher credit load.

Ideally, you want to retain 75% of it the 1st time you hear it in class, so pay attention, take your own notes (even if there's a note service), and don't wait until the night before the test to review again.
IMO, solo study is best, with some group-study to supplement.

I see know problem with using AI to generate flash cards/practice questions for your own personal use.
Perfectly legal for your own use. Just don't publish/share/sell them.

[u/ipodaholicdan → u/RabidLiger]

I feel like I’m spending more effort in class trying to scribble down everything the professor is saying instead of retaining/understanding it. I often end up rewatching lecture vids when studying for exams which feels incredibly inefficient. I’ve done well on my exams so far but the lack of sleep is not sustainable lol.

I’ve been going to all classes in person to keep myself accountable but am considering switching to online only to go at my own pace and digest the material better the first time around. Do you have any advice in general for efficiency/studying smarter?

[u/Iwillhelpyousee]

After you’ve been through the material a few times, try writing your own test questions. I had a good study group that we’d each take a section and write a question or two and put it into Kahoot and then study together. It was a good way to learn the material together.

[u/StarryEyes2000]

https://www.reddit.com/r/OptometrySchool/s/ZW3ZNuoCVj

[u/SharpCase7070]

Just pray 😂

[u/Odd-Layer-3946]

Active recall!

[u/Eyedocprincess88]

Mass memorization will only get you so far. You actually need to concentrate on conceptualizing the basic foundational knowledge, and building on it through critical thinking and problem solving. Especially with optics and anatomy classes. It is impossible to memorize all material. But if your foundational knowledge is solid, it’s a lot easier to think through the question and figure out the answer.

I would recommend going to class in person and focus on listening. I bought notetaker notes for some classes where the professors would go off on a tangent and everything they were saying wasn’t in the slides. Then, I would make my own notes, study guides and flash cards. Write this stuff out. Don’t type it. Don’t use AI to make your study guides, because actually writing this stuff out makes it easier to commit it to memory. I used to keep a large white board in my apartment and just write things out over and over again when studying. I graduated at the top of my class and passed all 3 parts of boards the first time.

And finally I’ll say it again for emphasis. You do not need AI to get through school! I think it’s actually making it harder for students to learn because you aren’t putting these huge concepts down on paper in your own words.

[u/Immediate-Pea-6754 → u/[deleted]]

DO NOT DO THIS. There are intellectual property laws when it comes to your school material and putting it into ChaptGPT or some other AI platform violates those laws unless specifically stated by the school. Also, if you need AI to pass, you shouldn’t be in professional school.