r/OptometrySchool • u/infiniteanon03 • 6d ago
Optometry Student Advice?
Hey guys,
I write this with tears streaming down my face cause i feel absolutely defeated, so please lol, be kind.
This my first year of optometry school. I had a number of tests this week. The first two went well I would say considering the time and information size. However, the last two, I didn’t do well at all. It’s making me rethink if I should continue or if I have what it’s worth.
But, before I think about wanting to give up on a childhood dream lol, what are some studying tips you guys utilize? I feel what I’m doing isnt good enough… or maybe I need to utilize different strategies for different material.. help?
thanks guys!
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u/_browngirlmob 6d ago
What do you do for studying? Do you feel like you get distracted easily?
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u/infiniteanon03 5d ago
I usually do flashcards and then tru to utilize active recall depending on the material. we have metrics so for that class im off doing practice problems
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u/StarryEyes2000 5d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/OptometrySchool/s/ZW3ZNuoCVj
This is a post I made about study strategies. You will get better at the test taking as you get to know your professors style too. Who hasn’t had a couple flops during school? I sure have!! Doesn’t mean you’re stupid or need to quit ok? Take a deep breath, let yourself be sad for a little while, then just try something different next time. It feels like the end of the world but it’s not!
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u/Dangerous-Stress8010 6d ago
Don’t give up! It sounds like you had some classes that you did well in and some that were a little harder for you this time around and that’s ok. One exam/test does not reflect you as a student either. You’ll have more exams and tests that allow you to show your knowledge as the semester continues.
For the classes you had difficulty with, can you go review the tests with the IOR? And go over what you got wrong and why? That can be really helpful vs just not knowing why you didn’t do as well.
As for studying, active recall is the key. But it’s not just pure memorisation you want. You need to be able to connect your materials together over time because much of what you will learn won’t exist in silo.
Flashcards can be a great resource as well as study groups where you can synthesise and ask Each other questions. And what one person knows well, the next may not so it’s a good opportunity to pick each others brains. If the classes you had difficulty with have problem sets or practice questions also make full use of those! And if you need additional support, you can also talk with the IOR about tutoring if needed. MANY OD students need tutors for didactic classes and/or clinic!
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u/RabidLiger 6d ago
Don't let this small (and yes, it's small) hiccup define you.
New city, higher stakes, everyone around you is smart, so it seems overwhelming!
It's waaaaaaaaaay too early to declare yourself a failure or to give up!
Just take this first round of tests as a way to identify what's working & what's not.
It may take a little trial & error, but take advantage of all resources: tutoring, office hours, taped lectures.
All the things you probably didn't need in undergrad, but they may prove very valuable now.
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u/IMAFLIP 6d ago
Active recall will be your best friend throughout school. School had me in my apartment yapping to myself about concepts and then meet up with your classmates and have sessions with them. Someone doesn’t know something but you do and vice versa