Presented By:

Eric Lai
Eric Cheng
Xuan Le
Knowing how to Study…
• First off, organization is incredibly helpful
– Get a planner, write dates on calendar
• Talk to professor about what tests
emphasize
• 95% of time  LECTURE NOTES and
COURSE PACKET!
– Textbook normally is supplemental
• Attending lecture provides clues
– Not covered in lecture – usually not covered in
tests
– Skipping lecture will make your life a little
 Reading da Material…
• Reading before class
– Lecture makes more sense, you actually know
what professor’s talking about
– Try to ask yourself questions when reading
• Do I understand this?
• If not, ASK THESE QUESTIONS DURING LECTURE!
– Try reading after class if you don’t like this
• You’re staring at words…what to do?
– Take a nap --- DON’T GO OVER AN HOUR!!!
– Take a break --- TV is okay but know your limits
– EXERCISE! After I exercise, I feel almost ready
to study--- helps clear the mind
Additional Tips When
Studying…
• Try not to study on a bed or couch
– You’ll be sleeping in no time
• Breaks are just as important; get up and
fuel up by eating light snacks
• If possible, avoid studying near computers
– AIM, checking e-mails, etc.
• Study groups work for some but not all
• For physics and math, practice redo-ing
your old HW problems before test to see if
you got it
• For biology & chemistry, don’t skip
diagrams, usually they’re more important
 Getting it Done in the
Classroom
• Sit near the front
– You’ll feel more inclined to ask questions and pay attention
– You won’t fall asleep as easily because the teacher is
watching you
• Don’t just write stuff down
– Try to understand what you’re writing down and what the
teacher’s saying
• Show some interest
– Try going into one of your boring classes, and force yourself
to be interested.  Did you learn the material better?
• Don’t be Shy
– When a professor writes you a rec, he has to differentiate you
from the 500 other students in his class.
– Speak up in class and be actively engaged ---- Asking thought
provoking questions vs. mundane ones reflects highly on your
character
 Attitude…
• Don’t get in this mentality:
– “I hate physics and will never like it. What’s the point in
taking it?”
– This sort of mindframe will make you not want to do any work
in that class
• Try to give every subject a chance; disregard
generalizations like:
– “Organic Chemistry is almost impossible”
• It may sound cheesy but “I want to learn!”
– “Want to” vs. “Have to”
– Enjoy what you’re studying  helps for MCAT
• Bad test grades should motivate you to do better
– Don’t let it get you down; past is the past
– LEARN FROM MISTAKES!
• You won’t survive 4 year with negativity == optimism
is key
• Ask for help when you need it ---mental health
Eric’s Considerations…
• Don’t get cut-throat
– You are competing against others to get into med
school but that doesn’t mean you should be a loner
– Keep your integrity
• You can have a life while being Pre-med
– College isn’t just about studying  have some fun,
meet new people
– However, know when to sacrifice your social life for
your ultimate goal of being a doctor
• Time Management/Multitasking is Crucial!
– Do you have empty space between classes?
• Go to the gym and get your daily exercise
• Find a research position
• Go to PCL and get your studying done for the day
• You can study hard or study SMART  takes up
half the time
– Normally, you don’t have to study everything that is
assigned
– Observe what professor spends most of his time on
-Go to Office Hours
-Go to Class
WHY do I need to know my professors?
Typically if you go to office hours and class you will improve your
grade, but more importantly you want that outstanding
recommendation letter. All rec-letters say good stuff so you want
them to say “This student was outstanding. He/She always
attended my office hours and showed he/she was very hard-
working.”
The office of death
Okay well not death, maybe the first time going there may be
nerve-wrecking and awkward.
IT’s really not that bad!!! Your professors are more friendly than
you think and just treat them like normal friends. Well treat them
like your best friend since hopefully they’ll write a rec-letter for
you.

Here’s the strat:

-Go to as many as you can and try going way before exams and right before
-Prepare your questions ahead of time
-Dress smart not casual (if you can)
-Ask smart, meaningful, questions

You want to give your prof the vibe that you are the most hardworking
student in the world.
•answer and ask smart questions
during class
scar
•Sit near the front where it’s
y (it’s
•Let the teacher know you exist
alive! IT’S ALIV
E!
Going to class lets them know you
work hard
Choose Wisely Young One
Things to consider
-For pre-meds: You want 2 science rec-letters and
1non-science
-Choose a teacher that seems like they would write well
(So English speaking is safest bet)
-Try to get teachers you get an A in but pick “knowing
you” over “A”
-If you want, doing research with a professor is a great
way of getting to know them
Choosing a Major

Haven’t declared a major yet?

DON’T PANIC!
Choosing a Major
• Take a wide variety of classes (i.e.
electives) to get a feel of what you like
and don’t like.
• Explore and narrow a few majors down so
that you can explore in more depth.
• Your major will not always be a
determinant or indicator of the career you
will have. Studies have shown that people
will change their careers 4-5 times over
the course of their lives, and no major
exists to prepare you for that!
Choosing a Major

• Self-assessment of your interests

– What things excite you?
– What types of jobs or careers appeal to
you?
– Not sure?? Explore your options and
resources. Think resources.
Choosing a Major

• Examination of your abilities: What

are your strengths? What are your
weaknesses?
• Examine what you value in work.
• Career exploration
• Reality Check
• Narrow down your choices and focus
on choosing a major.
Choosing a Major
• Resources:
– UT Career Exploration Center located in
Jester has peer advisors, aptitude tests,
and a library

http://www.utexas.edu/student/careercenter
has suggestions what you can do with a
major.
– Talk to upperclassmen, academic
advisors, and/or professionals in the
field you’re interested in.
Choosing a Major

• As pre-health students, don’t be

afraid to take the liberal arts classes.
• There are a vast variety of majors
that professional schools accept into
their institutions, and in some ways,
it can be advantageous.
• Take classes that make you think.