How to make an A in a 5 week A&P1 class over the summer.

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I had actually began by looking in the forum on tips and how to study, previous science classes I had done average or barely passing. I had gotten a few supplements to lightly touch before A&P1 started. I used the Dummies series for Anatomy and Physiology workbook. I also got the Anatomy made incredibly easy series book. I also got Barron's Anatomy and Physiology flash cards and the Anatomy coloring book for lab.

1)If you have a learning disability get it set up at the beginning or prior to the Summer Session starts. It moves FAST!

2) I ordered the Anatomy book for class ahead of time. I had a week before Summer Session 1, and wanted to be able to get ahead of the game. By the first day of class I had read the chapters for the first test about four or five times.

3)Tape record the lecture, but make sure it's fine with the professor.

4)Get a tutor at the BEGINNING of the class, not when you're failing it.

5)Sit upfront of the classroom, you will focus so much better.

6)Type up the notes as soon as you get it for lecture and lab.

7)Make note cards on the days you get the new material, so you don't get behind. Have it specifically be the terms and steps of cycles, functions and other stuff like that you can look at a different. The note cards with the spirals in them are the best for on the go. I keep them in my bdus at work :lol2:.

8)Write questions out of the material over and over, and think of what the professor might come up with.

9) Drawing out stuff especially during the Chemistry and Cellular Respiration section helped me out. Also, when that doesn't help Youtube is you're best friend.

10) For lab, stay until lab is actually over. If you're done with in the hour, stay the last hour and review the skeleton, muscle guy, etc. Don't leave until you know the stuff.

11)Glance at the material every chance you get. It's a summer class you move FAST.

12) Also, find out if your professor uses the book or not. I found out about after the first test my professor didn't refer to the book at all.

13) When you get closer to tests put everything you NEED to focus on one sheet or as close as you can. Some of mine had 7 pages.

14) Stay positive, go to the gym, and stay healthy.

15)Don't get drunk every night or every weekend please. It is 5 weeks you can deal with out drinking for 5 weeks.

I made it habit to study 3-5 hours a day, so that is 21-35 hours per week.

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Specializes in ED, Ortho.

Great tips, EMT89! Every single one of the study techniques you've listed have been very helpful to me when I was taking those classes. It's awesome that you've posted this stuff! :yelclap:

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Get plenty of sleep, and try not to study when you're tired--tired neurons do not retain info well. It helps to study right before going to bed or taking a nap. Neurons do their Long term storage jobs while you're sleeping, but don't be surprised if you have strange dreams. Try to study for understanding, not rote memorization. Always worked for me!

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I've lacked the sleep part lol. I've gotten 5-6 hours of sleep every night the past 5 weeks. Weekends I might get 7 hrs if I'm lucky.

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Great tips - thanks. I am doing A&P during fall term and is starting my review of bones and muscles along with my summer classes.

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When I am in the line at any drive thru I study!! Works wonders, especially when I am in the Starbucks drive thru on the way to a big test!

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I'm taking Chem right now and I envy you if you were able to still fit in exercise. My hardest thing was still trying to do normal household chores and cook food for myself and my husband.

I wake up at 7am, (today is 6am but its a test today), start work around 8am, end work at 5pm, drive to class, class ends at 10pm, drive home, do homework for next day, and repeat.

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Great advice, thanks!

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For the Anatomy part, the ONLY thing that helped me was to print off if images (in color) then put them into document protectors. Then just label everything over and over again. Do one section everyday and review the previous sections you did before.

Before I started studying this way, I got a C on the anatomy tests. After I did this, I got almost 100% and almost always the highest grade in the class.

Good luck to everyone taking these courses!!! This is one of my favorite subjects.

For physiology, whenever you are trying to learn a process, write it out in an essay. This always helped me tremendously. I was one of 2 or 3 people that got an A on the class and it was my first time taking it.

Get document protesters and start writing essays!!

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I was just offered to use a white erase board for A&P 2. Not sure if that'll help anyone else. Also, I had a folder expander and would transfer information out of my binders after tests/practicals (made my binder so much lighter). I also got note card containers to hold my note cards to save to Teas and NCLEX. I had easily 800+ note cards from A&P1 O.o

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

Thanks for the tips! I'll be taking a 5-week A&P 1 course too starting in a couple weeks and I'm really worried.

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