What's a typical day like for a 1st termer...

[thedirtychemist]

From classes, to lab, studying, etc. I'm curious. I'm sure it will help future med students like me and give us ideas on 'how you guys roll' :D

[rdecastro]

8 -10 is Anatomy lecture (fridays is Embryo), 10:15-12:15 is histo, lunch til 1, anatomy (supposed to be lab, but usually an hour more of lecture) from 1-3:30 or later, then you're on your own to study all night long. The anatomy lab is pretty much open all night long for independent review (no dissecting, especially of some other groups cadaver).

Block exams are every 3 weeks, with the anatomy practical the friday before.

There are TA's for histo who will arrange a schedule with the class for reviews, and TA's (supposedly) for Anatomy that will have a mock practical the Wednesday before the real practical. I say supposedly because being a TA is imposed (on those who score 92 or better on the final) even if they don't want to, they don't get paid for it or have any reason to be there so a lot of them never (ever) showed up. Those that did show up did the mocks. Then, you get unofficial TA's, some of who really want to help - and they do. And some that really want to help, and can't explain something to save their lives. YMMV.

[miasma]

hmm...good to know, thanks. also, are the exams multiple choice (i heard some are computer based tests...which is good), or is there writing stuff? i would guess that the lab practical is written right, but how about the lecture exams?

[thedirtychemist]

Sounds like you guys barely get an hour to unwind. How much do you guys study on a daily basis?

I am personally more efficient when I study alone in a quiet place for a couple of hours.

Is the schedule about the same for the other basic science semesters

[rdecastro]

Sounds like you guys barely get an hour to unwind. How much do you guys study on a daily basis?

I am personally more efficient when I study alone in a quiet place for a couple of hours.

Is the schedule about the same for the other basic science semesters

Better bring earplugs and maybe an Ipod, then. There are few quiet places for first semester students - the dorms are noisy and so is the library.

Second semester has you in class (lecture) from 8 until 4:15 daily. Third is a little less, fourth a little more, and fifth less still.

[rdecastro]

hmm...good to know, thanks. also, are the exams multiple choice (i heard some are computer based tests...which is good), or is there writing stuff? i would guess that the lab practical is written right, but how about the lecture exams?

The lecture tests are all computer based. You take the test and get your score immediately after finishing (if you want). They are multiple choice, sort of USMLE type (sometimes).

[miasma]

The lecture tests are all computer based. You take the test and get your score immediately after finishing (if you want). They are multiple choice, sort of USMLE type (sometimes).
damn, so you get to see if you did well or not right after the exam eh? haha, i don't know if that's good or bad, lol.

[rdecastro]

damn, so you get to see if you did well or not right after the exam eh? haha, i don't know if that's good or bad, lol.

Well, sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's bad.

[miasma]

are there curves for saba classes? not to say that anyone should be riding a curve or anything, but i'm just wondering what the grading system is like. or do you just get your raw scores as the final grade? for example, get 74% on an exam = automatic fail, or are there extra points, or questions taken off, etc.? just wondering, thanks.

[rdecastro]

are there curves for saba classes? not to say that anyone should be riding a curve or anything, but i'm just wondering what the grading system is like. or do you just get your raw scores as the final grade? for example, get 74% on an exam = automatic fail, or are there extra points, or questions taken off, etc.? just wondering, thanks.

Sometimes. Depends on the test

[fleuring]

The schedule doesn't sound so bad to me. But I currently work 8-5 in a corporate world. I'm counting my blessings now that I am not going to live in the dorms - living in first and last cottage in Hell's Gate. Nice and quiet. All you Sept -06's - study group at my house!

[miasma]

All you Sept -06's - study group at my house!
i'm down with dat! :D

[thedirtychemist]

I AM SO THERE :-D

I won't be in the dormitories. I'll be getting an apt with my 'future' wife. Speaking of which.. I really need to get on the ball and find one...

I'm still in college so I have finals this week. That suuuuucks!