25/01/2022
Here are my 2 most important studying tips for
pharmacy students, regardless of where you are in
the program.
1. Take Good Notes
Taking quality notes during class is one of the
most important things you need to do in order to
be successful in pharmacy school. Since there are
multiple note-taking systems, it’s important to
figure out what works best for you. Examples
include the Cornell, Outline, Mapping, Charting, and
Sentence Methods.
Although one system isn’t necessarily superior to
others, experts generally agree on the importance
of staying organized and engaging in “active” note-
taking, like writing notes in your own words,
looking for answers to questions, and making
connections in the course material. Studies
suggest you’re more likely to remember and
understand information during active learning .
For me, taking notes meant bringing my laptop to
most classes and using an outline format. In other
classes, including chemistry courses, I found it
easier to handwrite notes and then compare them
with a friend’s after class.
2. Stay Organized
Staying organized is crucial to being as efficient as
possible with your limited amount of free time.
With the constant influx of projects, assignments,
labs, and exams, it’s easy to fall behind and forget
when things are due.
Keep a detailed calendar with all of your upcoming
exams and assignments, along with any
extracurricular commitments. You can then start
blocking off time on a daily basis to gradually start
studying or complete necessary work. This will
help you effectively manage your time and create
a studying routine.
For in-class notes, consider using a separate
binder or folder for each class, or if you take notes
on your computer, create separate folders for all
classes.
One of my roommates in pharmacy school kept a
sticky note on his desk with a running list of all
assignments and exams, so he could appropriately
manage his time. Another friend kept a detailed
daily planner to organize all aspects of her life.
