Studying before your program starts?

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So, class starts in exactly 3 weeks, and I have a bookcase full of new textbooks just waiting to be cracked open...

Have any of you also thought about reading/studying before your program actually starts? Not just glancing, but actually trying to learn the stuff?

I feel like I should get a headstart on... oh, I don't know.... the dreaded A&P material? :uhoh3: hehe

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wouldn't hurt to learn the first chapter of each book, I don't suppose.

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I'm just about to start my last semester of my BSN and I find getting to know my textbooks before classes start realllly helpful. I'm very particular on my study habits, and it might seem like a waste of time to some people, but this is what I have done that works for me.

I like to tab my textbooks for each chapter. Seems silly, but it helps me to stay organized. I also write out the table of contents of my books on notebook paper and put them as the beginning of my section for that class in my binder. I like to use one binder for all of my classes so I never have to worry about not having anything!

I love textbooks that have bullet point summaries at the end of each chapter. Since I am weird, and like to read my own handwriting instead of text, I write these out for every chapter of the books that have these summaries. It is tedious, but hey whatever works right? When it comes time for tests I just pull out these summaries which helps me.

I have noticed in my classes that my profs use test questions on the companion CDs with the textbooks as well as the practice questions that are in the books. So, I type up the end of chapter review questions (typically they are NCLEX style questions when you're not in your prereq classes).

I guess I focus more on getting the mindless busywork that I find helpful done before school starts and just get organized. Once I get a syllabus from a prof I will start getting ahead on the work, but you can never predict what the prof will cover first.

You will find something that works for you, the sucky part is that it just takes time.

Oh one more thing. If the prof has not already handed out a study guide or chapter by chapter outline, etc, I write out the answers to the objectives in the beginning of the chapters. I know I'm a workaholic, but I do what works for me. I hope this helped and didnt overwhelm you...good luck!!

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Specializes in CNA/LPN.

It never hurts to get ahead by reading a chapter or two. I've been freaking out about A&P myself, so I went and bought way more supplemental learning materials than I should have - but, the only reason I'd do horrible in this class is if I just didn't utilize the material like I should have...but with the money I spent, I better make an A in A&P! I really need to, in order to keep my GPA where I want it. It always pays off to familiarize yourself with some of the material first! Good luck! :)

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I wanted to do this but my school didnt send the booklist out. I start on Sept 6th and they just mailed them out last week. But if I wouldve had the list, I definetely wouldve gotten a head start

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I wish I could, They are not giving us our books until the first day of school which is the 29th.

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Specializes in Psych, geriatrics.
I wish I could, They are not giving us our books until the first day of school which is the 29th.

:down: :mad: Boo, hiss......making you wait that long!!!

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:down: :mad: Boo, hiss......making you wait that long!!!

I know it sucks!! Big time. lol I atleast want to know what I'm getting myself into.:down::rolleyes:

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I got most of my books already, we do A/P first, so I am reading the first 2 or 3 chapters before school starts on Sept. 8th.

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Specializes in Infusion.

I don't start until Sept 20th and I am already reading the texts....I am diving right into the tough stuff...fluids and electrolytes....I figure if I can master that before class starts....It won't be as much as a struggle.

I am also going over my A&P class notes and texts and pharmacology that we had to do for pre-reqs. I was on a wait list for over 1 year....so I need to refresh myself on those!

Good Luck!

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I start my program in october, but i am going to start review my A & P notes starting this week . i am so nervous of all the works that is going to be involved!

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I think its a great Idea. ^,^ the more you learn the more easier it will be to learn the material ^,~ Good Luck!!

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