Four Ways to Study During the COVID-19 Lockdown
With Prometric test centers closed until the 1st of May and the fear of leaving home on the rise, some medical students are contemplating pushing their USMLE step exams to later dates. But as the fabric of space-time inflates before exam dates, it is now becoming difficult to maintain a positive outlook and dedication. If this struck a chord, you should know you are not alone in this situation, and just like any disaster, this will come to pass. In this blogpost we will briefly explore some good strategies and tools, so let’s get started.
1- Anki:
If you aren’t familiar with anki, it is a flashcards program that employs the principle of spaced repetition (SR). Despite its magical fact-retention powers, this is not why Anki is on our list. What puts Anki here is the surgically precise, and sometimes anxSTEPiety-inducing scheduling, AKA reviews. Reviews feel like a responsibility, and the way they pile up if you skip a day is a perfect example of positive punishment! To get started with Anki you will also need to find decks for it. Reddit is the best place to do so.
2- Using a progress tracker:
Spreadsheet progress trackers are highly versatile and customizable. Nothing is more motivating than seeing all the time and effort you have put into a specific activity. Contact us and ask for our free progress tracker. Although, if you are familiar with spreadsheet programs it is always best to create your own tracker.
3- Finding a study partner/group:
Finding someone in to hold you accountable is a great way to keep up the pace. In our experience, groups work best. Because groups implement the Swiss cheese model, if one participant has a certain defect, it is likely covered by another. You may use the comments on this blogpost for others to find you, but Facebook groups and medical subreddits have a way larger user base for sure.
4- Hiring a tutor:
Just like study partners, tutors will hold you accountable and set goals for you. Unlike study partners however, tutors are individuals who have already completed the steps they teach, therefore, tutors will have much more to offer. Tutors are also guaranteed to be professional, and adaptive to your preferred methods of learning.
The comment section is open for you to share tips or suggest strategies we have missed, and of course to find study partners. Stay positive. stay strong.