Trying to figure out how to study in medical school? At first, it can seem like rocket science, but developing an effective study routine is key to passing med school and even just surviving your first year. Before you find your footing, try out these medical school study tips to start.
To thrive throughout medical school, you need to learn how to study as a medical student—emphasis on medical! Studying in med school is a different rodeo, so your previous study methods may not be as practical as you think. Here’s how to study effectively in medical school to help you prepare for success in class and on every test.
Use Mnemonics
Chances are you’ve already used a few mnemonics in your lifetime. Mnemonics, or memorization tools, allow med students to digest the vast amount of information they need to retain. From acronyms to medical mnemonics, you can learn medical facts and details easily. Try Picmonic to get all the picture mnemonics you need to memorize med facts throughout school.
Practice Spaced Repetition
Though you may feel inclined to dedicate each study session to one topic, it’s better to interweave previously learned material into your routine. Spaced repetition is when you revisit a concept over time to increase retention. For example, Picmonic offers a daily spaced repetition quiz that uses a smart algorithm. The algorithm re-exposes you to information at spaced intervals, helping you strengthen memory pathways and avoid the forgetting curve.
Use Audiovisual Tools
Audio and visuals help reinforce medical information. Use them together and memories become much stronger! Recorded lectures, videos, podcasts, sketches, diagrams—you name it. Medical students can easily use these methods on the go or in a robust study block. Picmonic for Medicine uses concise, impactful videos with audiovisuals designed to help you learn and master topics. Using entertaining characters and storytelling, it’s one of the many ways to ensure success and avoid failing medical school.
Quiz Yourself
Exams and quizzes allow you to identify knowledge gaps, improve understanding, and practice active recall. A practice exam can help medical students prepare for the real thing, but quizzes should be implemented in each study session for efficiency. You can use Picmonic’s unlimited quizzing to reinforce learning. Quizzes are built-in to the system, and the daily-spaced repetition quiz will help you remember med facts long-term!
Find Your Ideal Study Environment
Whether you prefer to study in the great outdoors or a quiet coffee shop, your environment can affect how you study. This doesn’t mean you should stick to the same location every time. Try something new and find the best environment that works for you. Studying on the go? Download the Picmonic app for convenience.
Create Your Medical School Study Schedule
School-life balance is important, but consistency is key when studying in medical school. From class to clinicals, we understand your day-to-day is busy as it is, but cramming in a last-minute study session is not the solution!
Studying should be a part of your daily routine, and the best way to go about it is to set aside time blocks. You can even lookup study schedule examples for medical students on forums to get an idea of how this may look.
Book blocks around class and other must-haves in your schedule. Blocks should be a minimum of one hour and add up to at least two to three hours of studying a day. If you need to skip a day, don’t sweat it. You won’t have to double up on your routine with an effective study method like the one curated above.
How many hours a day should a medical student study?
Ideally, a medical student should study daily for three hours. Whether you choose to space out those hours or have a block of study time, remember to take a break if needed. Burnout is real, and we’d like you to avoid it at all costs.
What is the best way to study in medical school?
Study smarter, not harder! Along with implementing the study tips above, join Picmonic to help you succeed in med school. Through picture mnemonics, unlimited quizzing, and resources, your study routine will be on point and you’ll have everything you need to prepare for important medical exams like the USMLE!
