By tutoring Biochemistry II at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CU-KC) I get asked all the time, “How do I study for this class?” or “What should I focus on?” If the class was recent, I normally have a pretty good idea of what direction to point them in. However, sometimes it can become fuzzy. I would like to give you a few tips when it comes to studying for courses at Cleveland.
Almost every student at Cleveland keeps a compilation of all their notes as they go through the program, whether it is on a flash drive or in binders. I decided to go the binder route seeing as it’s a lot harder to lose. In each binder there is a compilation of all the study guides I made and used, as well as notes for each class in that trimester. When you first get to CU-KC, find a student who is in an upper tri and ask them if they have any olds notes they would like to get off their hands. Chances are if they have taken Part I Boards, which is over basic sciences, they are more than willing to part ways with those notes.
1. Next, look for students at CU-KC using Quizlet.
Quizlet is essentially an online flashcard study app. There are plenty of sets already made for each course at Cleveland; you just have to find them! While I do not like to use these to study with initially, I love them the night before an exam to quiz myself and see where I stand.
2. Repetition! Repetition! Repetition!
The more I repeated myself in a course the better the material stuck! For instance, I learned the material in anatomy courses that had a cadaver lab better than those without a cadaver lab because the lab forced me to review the material time and time again. Not only were we discussing the information as we were looking for the structures in the cadaver lab, but you also had to know landmarks and other identifying features to identify the structure you were dissecting or looking for.
3. Find a study group.
It might take you a couple of chances to find a group that you can truly gel with, but when you find one that suits your needs, you are going to first, find studying much more enjoyable, and second, they might be able to explain a concept in a different way that paints a clearer picture. Also, always remember that if you cannot explain the concept to a layperson, or in your own words, then you truly do not have a firm grasp on it yet!
4. Tutoring services are offered to students for free at Cleveland!
Do not be shy if you need additional help, we are here to help! I even use some of the tutors as just a sounding board to make sure I am focusing where I need to be.
5. A lot of people overlook just going straight to the source, the instructor.
Do not hesitate to ask the instructors questions. They want to see you succeed! Also, you will have many of the same professors for multiple courses throughout your time at Cleveland, so get to know them because they are some of your biggest supporters!
6. Lastly, time management!
It is a skill that many do not come to Cleveland with, but develop over time. Take advantage of the breaks in between classes, or when a professor releases class 10 minutes early. All those small amounts of time add up! You do not have to pull all-nighters if you can manage your time wisely.
Many students have persevered through the Doctor of Chiropractic program. These are just a few tips. Once on campus, ask other students how they studied for different courses, because we all learn a little bit differently!
