Winter Semester 2010

Improving Study Method

1. Linking map Noun concepts with verbs phrases
   
2. Connecting inter-relationship of Map topics
3. Verbalize/doodle Flash cards/Maps from memory
4. Story Telling Sentences drawn from examples and real-life observations
5. Improve Flash Cards: (a) Various Q&A formats, (b) Utilizing Memorization Techniques, and (c) Pics, diagrams, equations, etc
   
6. Specific improvements to each step of the study method process
   
7. 3hr Essay proven demonstration and precise timing
   
8. Increased Science interest/motivation/desire
9. Cornell method - simplify, draft
10. Cheat sheet for each completed courses
11. Introductory & end of semester email to each Prof
    
12. Mid-Term status letter to Prof
13. 3 Week at home study time agenda
14. Bridge study method to bio survival guide article
15. Prof. methods for grading tests (curves, percentile, points, etc) - semester planning!
16. Monthly Desk Calendar for tracking assignments, semester calender, etc
17. Use Apple Garage Band to download into IPod - class notes
18. Text2ipod for pic viewing: http://homepage.mac.com/applelover/text2ipodx/text2ipodx.html
19. Wireless Lazier Printer for biology/science pic copying - http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/printing.html
    
20. Mid-Term Letter
21. End of school Teacher gift
22. End of term summation/debriefing: - top 10 things to take away from course
    
23. My Supervisor Role
24. Video Podcasts (note taking) - http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/
25. FAU Biology Requirements - http://www.fau.edu/freshmanadvising/pdf/2009_2010/2009-2010_Biology_Major.pdf
26. Premed/MCAT Courses but alternative BIO Major??
27. End Of Semester Debriefing of each Subject - what ideas were the most influential and you want to take with you
28. Post poem vids on u-tube
    

Improving Flash-Card Study Method

1. Interconnect Flash Card notes
2. Add +2 sentences @ each review (mentally)
3. No "Static" review, but active
4. Must be able to verbalize / doodle Map/Flash card from memory
5. Must be able to give verbal lecture - record and playback on Ipod
6. Spice-up Flash card - use memorization techniques
7. Mini-Map and write 3hr essay
8. Ask ques that req multiple answers
   

4 Study Techniques:

1. Chapter Mapping
2. Classroom Lecture note taking (Cornell method)
3. 3Hr Essay
4. Blueprint Problem

To Do List - Winter 2010

1. Read Bio Survival Guide: http://www.biologysurvival.com/pdf/TheBioGuide_Preview.pdf
2. Learn Bio Roots vocab & How To Study Bio
3. 2008 Word: http://www.uwsp.edu/it/ApplicationSupport/appSuppDocsImages/referenceGuides/word-quick-reference-2008.pdf
4. 2008 PowerPoint: http://www.uwsp.edu/it/ApplicationSupport/appSuppDocsImages/referenceGuides/powerpoint-quick-reference-2008.pdf
5. Learn Short-Hand method - http://kitty-alana.blogspot.com/2009/09/easyscript-shorthand.html
6. 10 Key Typing: http://kitty-alana.blogspot.com/2009/10/10-key-typing-course.html
7. How to improve Flash Card Q&A formatting
   
8. Overcoming Shyness: http://thinksimplenow.com/happiness/20-ways-to-attack-shyness/
9. Learn Cornell Note Taking - http://kitty-alana.blogspot.com/2009/11/cornell-map.html
10. Read study skills on Bio, Algebra, English - http://www.muskingum.edu/~cal/database/content/
11. HOW TO READ A COLLEGE TEXTBOOK: http://www.ocean.edu/ReadColText/HowToReadCollegeTextDrJohnWeber.htm

Semester Prep - Winter 2010

Checklist:

1. Used College Textbook purchase
2. Textbook separation
   
3. 3 ring binder s/up
   
4. Desk/Google Calender
5. Time Mgt checklist
6. Syllabus Review
7. Each Subject skills review + Cheat Sheets
8. Blank Cornell sheets
9. Review study method (Cornell and self-study)
10. Prof. grading method analysis
11. Each subject unique roots vocab review
12. Lessons Learned daily Diary
13. Prof email contract letter
    

Additional:

1. How To Study College ALGEBRA: http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/index.htm
2. College Composition: http://commhum.mccneb.edu/argument/summary.htm
3. Algebra Cheat Sheet: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/pdf/Algebra_Cheat_Sheet.pdf
4. Biology Videos: http://www.learnerstv.com/animation/animationcategory.php?cat=biology
5. Biology Maps: http://fsas.upm.edu.my/~stshasan/concMAP.html
6. New Scientist Magazine (daily reading): http://www.newscientist.com/
7. Phys.Org: http://www.physorg.com/biology-news/
   

How To Impress Prof

1. Sit where the prof can clearly see your notebook & physical posture
   
2. Always show enthusiasm - sit in front row, pay attention, make eye contact, smile when in agreement, laugh when necessary, etc
   
3. Expose maps and flash cards on desk at each class sitting
4. Send email letter at beg/mid/end of semester
5. Always ask +1 ques per class
6. Each subject submit a relevant article for class discussion
7. Be the next to last to leave classroom - summarize class lecture
   
8. Be helpful, participate in classroom assignments handouts, etc
9. For every major assignment/test - ask how you must improve for a A grade
10. Smile, say hello, let the teacher know you enjoy an interesting lecture
11. Absent or late send email to prof
12. Visit prof office - hand deliver an assignment. At minimum know where she can be reached. Know where the subject department is located.
    
13. All assignment must be prof done and previewed by a 2nd party
    

Lessons Learned - Fall 2009

1. Analyze Course Syllabus
2. Introduction & commitment letter/email to each Prof beg of semester
   
3. Shuffle Flash Cards for memory recall
   
4. Create separate Flash Cards for each Test
5. Spice-up Flash Cards Q&A various formats
6. Doodle Flash Card from memory
7. Link Map by Noun Concepts and Verb linking
8. Visualize, verbalize and doodle map from memory
   
9. Use Eureka Concept to explain Topic/Sub-Topic on Map
10. Create Map from top-to-bot (not center of page)
11. Create Mini-Maps for Essay outline
12. 3 Stages to a 3 hour Essay: (1) Rough Draft (mini-map + sentences), (2) Fill-up, (3) Polish
13. Manage Time for Essay writing - do not leave project open-ended
14. Review prior Subject before next subject begins
15. Learn each Subject unique ROOTS vocab
16. Learn each Subject unique Study Skills before semester begins
17. Use cheat sheet for each subject
18. Use Cornell Note Taking Format for in-class lectures
19. Semester checklist and planning (grading methods)
    
20. Create Math problem Template for each sub-topic
21. Keep a "Lessons Learned" diary for each assignment/Test
22. Use Cheat Sheet for learning Word, PowerPt
23. 10-Key Typing Skills
    
24. Know various Memory Methods
25. Use desk calendar for time management and assignment/semester calender tracking
26. Always leave assignment on a positive note
27. Begin tough assignment same day (spend +1/2hr mapping) - will alleviate big project anxiousness
    
28. No passive memorization - must verbalize aloud, ask aggressive Q&A for many responses
29. Audit tough classes prior to taking! (speak to advisor, prof.) (Chem in summer?)
30. End Of Semester - Debrief each Subject
31. End of semester (course #II) completion - ask prof/volunteer for killer letters of recommendation for Bio, Chem, Phy, Cal, etc (what you want them to say is that they've known a lot of college students in their day but you are exceptional).
    

Next Semester To Do List - Winter 2010

1. Read 32 doctor Interviews
2. Apply for BC Honors S/ship
3. Apply for other S/ships
4. Apply for MSFT S/ships
5. Apply for Brights S/ship
6. Send Letters to Wealth Amer
7. Build MD Library - 3 MD books recommended (see past posts)
   
8. FAU MD Honors Program: http://www.fau.edu/divdept/honcol/academics_majors_premed.html
   
9. Toastmaster & Leadership Programs
10. Volunteer

Plan for FAU - Pre-Med

1. FAU non-Pre-med major: http://www.fau.edu/divdept/honcol/academics_majors_premed.html
2. FAU Pre-Med: http://www.science.fau.edu/student_services/prepro/So_you_want_tobea_doctor.pdf
3. FAU College of Medicine: http://www.science.fau.edu/student_services/preprof.html
   
4. Pre-Med Planner: http://www.placement.pitt.edu/resources/pdf/Pre-med_Planner%20.pdf
5. UM Pre-Med Planner: http://www.as.miami.edu/academics/advising/premed/2009-2010%20Premed%20Guide.pdf
6. Pre-Med Planner: http://med.fsu.edu/prehealthadvising/pdf/PreMedHandbook.pdf
7. MCAT: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/2259854/What-is-the-MCAT

Plan For MCAT (April of Junior year)

1. Vid on How I past Rhe MCAT: http://kitty-alana.blogspot.com/2009/11/mcat-advice.html
2. Examkrackers Mcat Complete Study Package
3. MCAT Past Practice Tests: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/orderingpracticetests.htm