I learned it all in anatomy by Hali

I learned it all in anatomy by Hali - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

I always thought my study skills were top notch until I took anatomy. The complexity of the material and the amount of memorization required, blew my mind. Some trial and error led me to my most effective study method yet.

First, I create my own notes on each topic/chapter in the book/lecture. Then, I create flash cards with the most pertinent information or material I struggle with. Then I study those flash cards. This is the key part- I explain the answer out loud for every single flash card. When I no longer can stand to look at the cards anymore, I put every piece of study material away and get out a big blank sheet of paper and write and draw everything I can possibly remember, explaining it out loud again as if I am teaching the material.

This study tactic gave me the edge in anatomy and many other difficult classes because I engaged several types of learning, which allowed me to remember the material and form meaningful connections between the information. Ending each study session with blank paper, also benefited me by forcing me to recall information without a single study aid.

This study method allowed me to graduate summa cum laude. So, I will continue to buy 10 packs of flash cards at a time, talk to myself out loud, use my blank paper approach before every single test, and I will always thank anatomy class for forcing me to kick my studying up a notch!