PreMed Tips

Here are some tips I give to my college freshman tutees:

1. Show up to class and be present. Class is the best environment to learn information and students should take advantage of this time to focus on learning the material to the best of their ability. Being present means paying attention and utilizing the time to try to grasp the information rather than trying to learn it all on your own at a later date. Time outside of class can then be used to focus on more difficult topics and review.

2. Form a study group early on. Collaboration with classmates is a great way to test yourself and learn from others while studying! Peers may be able to explain things or remember things in a way that you hadn’t thought of before. I would recommend studying on your own and then meeting up with peers to discuss material before a test.

3. Don’t be afraid to talk to Professors outside of class! My college is a small knit community and the professors in the science department value students’ success. This may be different for bigger schools and I’m sure other individuals or activities are in place to help out students.

4. Learn how you learn best. Biology requires a lot of memorizing, so it is good to learn about what works best for you when studying. Drawing and diagrams, watching videos, re-writing out notes, pneumonics, and flash cards are all great ways to learn material. Utilize resources that the professor gives you, the tutoring center, online resources, and find out what combination works best for you! The sooner you learn how you learn best, the better, but it will take time and patience.

5. Get active in Clubs and Reach out to Upper Classman! There are various clubs at my college like the Biology Club, Chemistry Club and PASS that allow students to get involved in the sciences outside of class. This allows students to form relationships with upperclassman in the club and build their resume if they plan on applying to graduate schools.

Hope this tips helped any of you starting out on you premed journey!

XOXO,

TRE