Stressed Out With Science Pre-Reqs: How To Retain Information?

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Hi everyone! Currently, I have 3 more semesters of prereqs to take before I start applying for Accelerated BSN Programs, but I am also very stressed out. I generally really struggle in retaining information from science classes I've tried taking notes, listening to lectures, and making flashcards but nothing really sticks in my brain. I really need advice on how to retain info from these specific classes. I'm taking A&P2 this semester, Chem & Nutrition in Spring 2022, & Microbiology in Summer 2022. I already took A&P1 but got a B in the class thankfully.

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Hello ,

 I'm in pre-nursing still , I had this problem at first. I wanted to ask , how do you take your notes do you just jot them down or do you follow like a specific note system like outline or Cornell notes? I try to organize my notes and also highlighting is very very helpful when it comes to retaining information along with color coding. Also too do you stack on your pre-reqs as well for sciences?

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I was also very stressed out while taking my pre-requisites! I would recommend using multiple learning styles to help solidify the information. I usually read and actively took handwritten notes then I watched videos on the material while adding to my notes. After that, I took quizzes on the material and read the rationales if I got anything wrong. I am half way done with nursing school now and I still use this study technique! 

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On 8/18/2021 at 1:56 AM, TheNursingdoll said:

Hello ,

 I'm in pre-nursing still , I had this problem at first. I wanted to ask , how do you take your notes do you just jot them down or do you follow like a specific note system like outline or Cornell notes? I try to organize my notes and also highlighting is very very helpful when it comes to retaining information along with color coding. Also too do you stack on your pre-reqs as well for sciences?

I've tried taking notes before but I never really had a solid system, Cornell hasn't always worked for me. I've tried active recall methods but I end up struggling on tests

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8 minutes ago, angie0809 said:

I've tried taking notes before but I never really had a solid system, Cornell hasn't always worked for me. I've tried active recall methods but I end up struggling on tests

  Have you tried a learning style quiz , I ended up taking that and it helped me a lot. Cornell is usually tricky to be honest.

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Specializes in Adult-Gero Acute Care.

Having a study guide might help to compartmentalize the information once you've clearly understood it. I would retry flashcards because active recall will ultimately help you retain that info.

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Specializes in Adult-Gero Acute Care.

^ With active recall, you also need spaced repetition to remember science info for the future! Anki is a great tool because it schedules when to review flashcards/info you're about to forget

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