Pre-Studying Before Coming to SABA

[huxald]

I know that there are a lot of opinions out there regarding the issue of pre-studying. I'm a first semester student here. Here are my thoughts:

Two Main Points:

You wouldn't take a trip to Brazil without practicing/trying to learn some Portuguese. You don't start lifting weights without doing a few warm-up sets. You generally don't attempt a new recipe without some sort of instructions. Then why would you not pre-study before coming to SABA?
Have fun now vs. study hard later or study some now and have relatively more fun later. I prefer the latter. The "fun" you're going to have now won't help you the night before as you're studying for your block exams; and the "memories" kinda make you homesick. However, the pre-studying you did might help you. Study a little now, so that the innevitable time wastage doesn't do too much damage. :D
If you can, read/memorize BRS Anatomy. Try to do all the questions at the back of each chapter.

Don't have enough time for that? Then Just read/memorize the chapter on the lower limb. Do the questions at the back of the chapter.

Don't have time for that? Then just memorize the muscle charts in BRS for the Lower Limb. Know Origins, Insertions, Innervations and Actions. Keep repeating them until you own the material.

Don't have time for that? Then read First things First or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and brush up on your time management skills.:p

[darkmansaad]

this is a bad idea. i tried this before i came to saba, all i got was the lowest grade of my entire saba basic science curriculum. you will stress over stuff once school starts, dont start early, please. your analogies are flawed, you lift weights maybe 5 hours a week combined, you will be studying 5 hours a night on top of an 8 hour school day minimum most of your semesters unless you are exceptionally intelligent. people have gone to medical school without studying early for the last like 500 years and have become doctors, im sure you too can manage. and lastly, what are you going to do every break, pre study for the next semester????

[gianefiasco]

this is a bad idea. i tried this before i came to saba, all i got was the lowest grade of my entire saba basic science curriculum. you will stress over stuff once school starts, dont start early, please. your analogies are flawed, you lift weights maybe 5 hours a week combined, you will be studying 5 hours a night on top of an 8 hour school day minimum most of your semesters unless you are exceptionally intelligent. people have gone to medical school without studying early for the last like 500 years and have become doctors, im sure you too can manage. and lastly, what are you going to do every break, pre study for the next semester????

haha get back to work!!

And pre studying = bad idea.

Enjoy your life while you still have one, plenty of stuff to study once you get here.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

I remember when I first got to Saba, a couple of days before class even started, there were a couple of students who wouldnt leave their rooms because they were studying lower limb. The best part was that they would look down their noses at those of us who wanted to enjoy the island for a couple of days. No, I take it back, the best part was when a bunch of those people eventually failed out.
Morale is, when its time to work, work, and when you have the chance to rest, rest.

[covarubious]

Is there any disadvantage to prestudy though? I won't even be applying until next year and am still in undergrad with pretty free summers. I have all the Kaplan books and a shiny new set of Barrons anatomy flash cards. I like anatomy and science so studying it wouldn't be a chore, it would be interesting. Did I mention the flash cards are shiny and pretty? ;) I wouldn't memorize ever period and comma but how could it heart to have some familiarity with the materials before you start?

[darkmansaad]

Is there any disadvantage to prestudy though? I won't even be applying until next year and am still in undergrad with pretty free summers. I have all the Kaplan books and a shiny new set of Barrons anatomy flash cards. I like anatomy and science so studying it wouldn't be a chore, it would be interesting. Did I mention the flash cards are shiny and pretty? ;) I wouldn't memorize ever period and comma but how could it heart to have some familiarity with the materials before you start?

It could hurt as you get burnt out like many herbs before you and get owned by numerous tests. But not having fun during the summer is not something you count as a disadvantage, apparently you havent factored in the reality that you will never have a summer break ever again once starting saba med school.

[Reactant]

It could hurt as you get burnt out like many herbs before you and get owned by numerous tests. But not having fun during the summer is not something you count as a disadvantage, apparently you havent factored in the reality that you will never have a summer break ever again once starting saba med school.

Holy Smokes!
In my undergrad, i was always in summer school doing pre-med courses and/or fast tracking and/or working on some research projects. I never had a real summer to relax. But then again, I need structure, i need work to stay alive, otherwise, I feel weird.

In short, bring it on!

[covarubious]

It could hurt as you get burnt out like many herbs before you and get owned by numerous tests. But not having fun during the summer is not something you count as a disadvantage, apparently you havent factored in the reality that you will never have a summer break ever again once starting saba med school.

It's only a few flash cards and 2 books! I'm not intending to spend every moment of the next two years locked in the attic pouring over them ;) There will be lots of time for the usual sex orgies and movie nights ;)
How would knowing the information before hand get me owned by numerous tests? I am taking a similar program in undergrad as I did in college and find I am enjoying it more and certainly understanding it more. Isn't SABA only 5 semesters? We get breaks between semesters. ;)
Sorry but I'm just curious why you have such a strong opinion about this... I enjoy science and medicine. I know it will cursing it night and day when I get there but I don't consider relaxing with a good book on a sunny day as not fun. After all, I do need a way to unwind after the aforementioned orgies and movie night ;)

[miasma]

no, don't study before you start. just don't.

[MissCrabette]

I'm not a student and this is all hearsay so feel free to skip over it. I've been told that students who studied ahead of time found themselves doing well during the first few blocks or even the whole first semester, but had more trouble with the following semesters because they no longer had the time to pre-study. If you're anxious to get started, by all means, start studying. But be aware that time will not always be on your side and you will have to deal with time constraints sooner rather than later.

[covarubious]

no, don't study before you start. just don't.

Because....

The way I see it is prestudy, not insane amounts, and when you arrive study your *** off like everybody else. lol The prestudy just give gives you a tiny bit of wiggle room to get into a groove and adjust to a new environment... Besides, its anatomy. ;) Everybody should know it, med school or no! think of all the fun you can have doing homework ;)

[darkmansaad]

ill cut u a deal, u study now...and in about 2 years when i graduate from saba im going to take a vacation to nevis and i expect you to let me stay at your apt ....deal?

[KingMo]

Well, if you INSIST on pre-studying without proper notes from the professors, you might as well do it properly. Start with Moore's Anatomy...it's quite comprehensive.

But seriously...don't do it. If you do want to do something though, do what I did. Flip through the book just to see the chapters and what topics you will be up against next semester. It helps give you the big picture before you dive into this hodgepodge of feces known as medical school. That's what I did for about 3 minutes over my breaks. And NO, 3 minutes of flipping through a book does not constitute studying, even in my world.

[covarubious]

ill cut u a deal, u study now...and in about 2 years when i graduate from saba im going to take a vacation to nevis and i expect you to let me stay at your apt ....deal?

That depends, do I get to prescreen your wardrobe? ;)

[covarubious]

Well, if you INSIST on pre-studying without proper notes from the professors, you might as well do it properly. Start with Moore's Anatomy...it's quite comprehensive.

But seriously...don't do it. If you do want to do something though, do what I did. Flip through the book just to see the chapters and what topics you will be up against next semester. It helps give you the big picture before you dive into this hodgepodge of feces known as medical school. That's what I did for about 3 minutes over my breaks. And NO, 3 minutes of flipping through a book does not constitute studying, even in my world.

Again, I wasn't planning a super structured list of course work, just basic anatomy. Kinda hard to go wrong, unless they move around a few parts before I start my time there ;) Also refresh my general knowledge of basic science... You know us old folks, if you don't use it you lose it ;)

[darkmansaad]

That depends, do I get to prescreen your wardrobe? ;)

i dont think you understand my jokes also known as veiled insults. first off ask anyone, i dont wear a shirt, ever. second of all nevis is where you are sent when you fail saba.....

[covarubious]

i dont think you understand my jokes also known as veiled insults. first off ask anyone, i dont wear a shirt, ever. second of all nevis is where you are sent when you fail saba.....

I got it I just chose to ignore it and put a positive spin on it i.e. your previous post about big shirts... But since you pointed it out... Why is somebody who is dedicating their life to helping others soo negative?
Regardless, I've yet to here a really good reason to not do a little prestudy.

[darkmansaad]

it is because a) the line between hilarity and horrible is a fine one, one i like to tread; b) its hard to laugh at yourself, its easy to laugh at others. i hope that sums up why i choose to be "negative." and im only being so negative b/c only in this way can i truly express how stupid of an idea studying in advance for a course you dont know what will be emphasized or in what manner. enjoy the pwnage when you hit 4th semester, i hope Prof L drops the bomb on your little Pre Study

[covarubious]

it is because a) the line between hilarity and horrible is a fine one, one i like to tread; b) its hard to laugh at yourself, its easy to laugh at others. i hope that sums up why i choose to be "negative." and im only being so negative b/c only in this way can i truly express how stupid of an idea studying in advance for a course you dont know what will be emphasized or in what manner. enjoy the pwnage when you hit 4th semester, i hope Prof L drops the bomb on your little Pre Study

So knowing anatomy, the bases for one class, will destroy my education into the 4th semester? Exactly how many ways can you present the human body? It is what it is. If you can show me a logical progression how going from reading up on basic anatomy will ruin my life in such dramatic ways maybe I'll believe you . ;) til then I'll get back to study for the organic chem mid term I have in the morning lol

[Boulderunner]

I cant think of a more Inefficient use of time than to try to prestudy. How will you know what to focus on? Do you have a grasp on how large a body of knowledge human anatomy is. You could study from now until you start saba and have focused on the completely wrong things. Med school is about efficiency, using your time wisely. That means enjoying the free time left to clear your head, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. You wont get to spend time with your family or anyone for a long time. You came on the forum to ask students that have gone through the process what they think If you feel that in your "experienced" opinion that you are better off than go for it. If you actually wanted to prepare for anatomy try enrolling in an undergranduate course. but then again that will only make first semester easier for you, and you may get pwned second or third or fourt or fifith.

[covarubious]

I cant think of a more Inefficient use of time than to try to prestudy. How will you know what to focus on? Do you have a grasp on how large a body of knowledge human anatomy is. You could study from now until you start saba and have focused on the completely wrong things. Med school is about efficiency, using your time wisely. That means enjoying the free time left to clear your head, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. You wont get to spend time with your family or anyone for a long time. You came on the forum to ask students that have gone through the process what they think If you feel that in your "experienced" opinion that you are better off than go for it. If you actually wanted to prepare for anatomy try enrolling in an undergranduate course. but then again that will only make first semester easier for you, and you may get pwned second or third or fourt or fifith.

what if i don't like my loved ones? lol it is still possible to have a healthy ballance between study and friends, until med school of course when your completely fucked. ;) but what would be a more efficient use of my free time? it's eather read a book, watch tv/dvds, drink, orgy... just switch recreational reading to science based, half the tv/dvds and replace with my flash cards, double drinking and orgies. mmm summer ;)

yes I asked the forum(i wasn't the initial poster) but the basic response has been just don't, enjoy life while you etc. ;) Eveybody knows med school is brutal, the amount of info to be assimilated is insane. I'm under no dilusion that if I do a little prestudy now that I'll have less work to do when I arrive. We'll all be pwned in later semesters no matter what...

The only reason I continue on with this is(besides the nasty irish stubborn streak) befor I started undergrad I took similar college classes knowing I would need high marks to get into med school. I'm in my first year of undergrad right now and have a 3.9 GPA... Would I have if I hadn't gotten a solid grasp on the material earlier? probably not. would I still be getting A's, of course, I'm just more comfortable with the material having some prior experience with it.

[Tellingitlikeitis]

My god you go on and on. Prestudy before you come than for gods sake. Nobody really cares what you do or dont anyway! I dont know you personally, but I feel like you are one of the many people I went through class with down there on Alcatraz.

[mighteemo]

I agree with tellingitlikeitsis.... if u wanna study go ahead and study, the rest of us will enjoy our study-free time with friends and family, and we'll make sure that we have everything in order for us to study well on the island... (the saba students who were on the island are trying to give you some advice... take it or leave it... as far as I can tell, darkmansaad is doing his clinicals so that should tell you that he is experienced with the studying that u'll need to do on SABA)

if you have a 3.9, write the MCAT and maybe you wont need to come to saba (and you wont have to amuse yourself by writing random posts on valuemd!)