Curious--How many hours do you spend studying per subject?

f1ourish · Sep 19, 2008

I'm currently taking A&P I, Intro to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Probability/Statistics, and Nutrition at a community college. So far my classes aren't hard at all- the hardest is A&P, which is easy-peasy save for memorization.

So....let's see....

A&P is my focus right now. So I'll say 5-10 hours a week, including homework. For my first test I made flashcards divided into objectives (we had 20) and then I assigned certain colors for terms, definitions, examples etc., and took them everywhere to study in my spare time- on the bus, hanging with friends, in between classes, etc. I also made myself start studying early- in my first undergrad degree I was a horrible procrastinator, which just made everything more sressful. I also try to explain concepts to others- you have to be able to really understand the basic concepts to be able to do that, so it's helpful for learning. I also try to discuss things with friends because they're in pharmacy school and physical therapy school, so I figure that's a good way to learn different medical concepts. I read the chapters, take lots and lots of notes, and make sure to always pay attention in class.

For the rest of my classes, I'd say 3-5 hours per week, tops. For those I generally just listen well in class, review any study questions (esp in math), and read my notes before tests. So far it's worked fine for me, but like I said, the classes are very easy.

In general, I would suggest you try to use a variety of study methods, simply because it keeps things fresh and more interesting than, say, copying lecture notes 20 times or something.

Ooh, and I've discovered it's muuuch easier to stay on top of things if you make a list every day of things to do that day. For example, I make post-it notes and put them next to my bedroom door and rip them off when I finish something--on stressful days, it's really good to throw one of those out because it's proof I'm actually accomplishing something. It makes everything seem more manageable.

I hope some of this was helpful to you. I don't have much study experience yet, honestly, since I just started school, but yeah...good luck with everything!

txnursingqt · Sep 19, 2008

So far this semester I haven't spent too much time studying but I have been familiar with the material. I am taking A&P 2 and Microbiology this semester. My micro teacher is awesome and he gives us wonderful notes and tells us that the book is just for backup in case we don't understand something. We had our first test tonight and I think I either got an A or a very high B. He gave us 114 review questions on Tuesday night and those were most of the questions he had on the test! This test was over chemistry stuff and metabolism of organisms etc. all stuff that I had in A&P 1 and Biology so that is why it was review for me.

In A&P 2 I haven't really had to study too much yet but that is because I had the first part of A&P 2 last year and I remember most of the stuff so far. But I know the study time will be increasing!!!

I mainly use flashcards. They are my absolute best friend. I also like to use practice tests. I normally go to the practice tests on the site that came with my book. I also use alot of the sites for A&P that were recommended here on this site under the A&P sticky.

Now for lab I like to take pictures of the models and study those. I am a visual learner and memorization is pretty easy for me. I don't have too much trouble in lab. I have more problems making sure that I have the concepts straight but overall I would say so far it has been pretty easy for me. Oh, and I also try and not put things off. I have always been bad at that and for A&P I find it a must to read my chapters ahead of lecture and then again before the test.

Good Luck!!

taodepooh · Sep 19, 2008

Normally I would spend about 2 to 3 hours studying per hour spent in class, especially my science courses. Since this semester started last month I have not stuck to that and it really shows . I use class notes, the texts, and I use as many online resources as I can. In A&P I and II I also used the coloring book and flash cards I made and some I bought.

One thing I have not used a lot are practice tests. After getting my last micro test back I think I will start doing the practice tests.

Deadbob · Sep 19, 2008

I'm only taking Introductory Biology for Allied Health (bio 156) and introductory Algebra (mat092).

My bio class is an accelerated class... basically they squeezed a 16 week course into 8 weeks... this class has been a BEAR! I'm spending probably 2-3 hours a DAY studying! It's also on-line, so I'm basically reading the book, reading the on-line lecture & books while taking notes, researching things on the internet, making vocab cards & stressing about the midterm.

My math class is also on-line & I spend maybe 2-3 hours a WEEK with that.

At the moment I'm pulling a high A in the math class, & a midish-low B in bio, but that's due to a 75% late penalty for a lab I turned in. Otherwise It'd be a High B - low A. However, I still have time recover.

Glina · Sep 19, 2008

Just a few hours before each test and we have tests every few weeks. I don't study every day. I studied some more for API and BIO 156.

BellasMommyOBRN · Sep 19, 2008

it depends on how much time my little one will give me! i study constantly in my free time. i never kept an exact amount of time. but bare in mind, my little one would probably let me sit still for only about 15 minutes at a time before i had to get up. .....basically when ever i could hit the books, i did and i do!:heartbeat

Adams_Mommy_07 · Sep 20, 2008

I am taking A&P I, Stats, and Developmental Psych. I work forty hours a week and somehow I spend about an hour each night studying during the week, and about four hours on the weekend. Tests require a few extra hours of studying. So I'd say about five hours for A&P, 1 hour for Stats (easy review stuff), and 4 hours for Psych ( a lot of reading). I have a B.A. and graduated cum laude w/disciplinary honors using the same ol' techniques that work for me. Reading the information carefully making sure I understand it to the point that I can explain it to others. Once I understand the fundamentals of it, it's a done deal.