Taking detailed notes - My plan for retaining information by Jason

Taking detailed notes - My plan for retaining information by Jason - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

The study method that has helped me most with final exams is taking notes during the semester. This enables me get the most out of each class period and going through my notes throughout the semester keeps what I’ve learned fresh in my mind. Taking detailed notes and reading through them allows me to understand the material I’ve been taught throughout the semester and helps me feel more confident when it comes time to take final exams. Taking notes and continuing to go over those notes throughout the semester helps me not to procrastinate till finals and alleviates the need for “Cram Sessions” a day or two before a final. Albert Einstein said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” Since I am paying cash for my education and sacrificing time that I could be spending with my family, it’s very important to me to remember as much information as possible in school and be ready to take care of others as a Physician's Assistant. I am working very hard toward my career goals and am dedicated to become a great Physician’s Assistant who is a blessing to my coworkers and the patients we care for.

Another study method that complements taking notes throughout the semester is making 3x5 cards for terms and definitions. I take these 3x5 cards to work with me so during lunch I can study. This also helps me before finals as I can review the terms and definitions that I’ve been memorizing during the semester. Having 3x5 cards also helps me study with others, as my coworkers and wife often enjoy quizzing me using the 3x5 cards I’ve made off of my in class and homework notes. The time I have to spend with others is very limited, but the 3x5 cards provide a way for me to study and still spend quality time with my wife, family and friends. Those close to me are also interested in what I’m learning, and the 3x5 cards are fun for them and allows them to see what I’m learning and usually learn a few new things as well.

This study method of taking detailed notes in each class session of a course helps me specifically because I really do want to retain as much information as possible from each class I take. I am currently working in the medical field full time and going to school at night to be able to get through school debt free. I am currently one class away from my associates degree and am starting at University of Nevada Las Vegas in the fall to pursue my bachelor’s degree. This bachelor’s degree includes all the prerequisite classes I need to get into a Physician’s Assistant Program. Thankfully I have been able to keep full time hours till this point, but in the fall I will have to go part time at my job to be able to get the necessary classes for my degree. Going to school is a sacrifice of time I could be spending with my wife and family and is a financial sacrifice for me and my wife, and I am dedicated to acquire as much as I can from my education.