My fiancee is on test 6!!!

[AdamzGirl]

My fiancee is having a hard time with his averages on his tests: 86,80,83,71,75 and test 6 is tomorrow!!! he has to get an 80% average the rest of the way to keep his c school!! he's been studying really hard but his scores are going down and so are his spirits. I wish i could help him study!!!!! im going CRAZY not being able to help him!!! Anyone have any advice???? Any info on the tests would help!!!! Good Study skills...ect...Thanks!!!!:bluv:

[AndiRRT]

I can just tell you how I studied as a civilian. It worked well, as I took double schedules all through school to get finished quicker....Not sure if these methods will even be possible in Corps School, but I am glad to share.

First of all, texts are more than just paperweights or a required "school supply". When your courses are so condensed and the amount of material to keep up with is so great, you have to keep on top of the material, and one way to do that is read, read, read.

I did my studying ahead of time. This means that as we were finishing one unit or area, I would find out what was being covered next and already move on in my studying. I would read all of the text, etc, and take my own notes BEFORE we were instructed on it. That way, I went into a lecture or lab already knowing what was going on. This allowed me to focus more on the instruction instead of trying to jot down everything being taught, etc. I was also able to bring a list of questions, because any info I didn't understand after reading the books or attending the lecture, I could immediately ask my instructors.

When reading the texts.....I took notes on everything I read. By doing this, I accomplished several things. I would have to actually think about the material in the books instead of just mindlessly reading. This forced me to process the material in my mind, and taking the notes and physically writing it down increades my ability to recall everything.

Notecards.....LOL I was doing OR rounds at 5 AM-noon on odd days, hospital rounds from 6AM- noon even days, program classes directly related to my major from noon to 5 PM daily, and from 5 PM to 9 PM, pre-med requirement classes. It was NOT cute. There was no down time. there was no being sick and missing. With that many courses, 1 missed class or one night of watching tv would set me way behind schedule. And there was never a huge block of time for me to study. I couldn't devote one night to studying before a test, not only because it is a poor way to study, but I never had a full night. And there were several days where I would have 5 or 6 exams in one day. By the time I got home and settled, it would be 10 PM, so from 10p-2a, I would have to cram in enough study time for about 10 different courses. I put EVERYTHING on those notecards, bound like spiral notebooks. Those would easily fit in a lab coat pocket or purse or console of my car. Anywhere I had to wait, I'd whip them out and get some more studying done....in line at the bank, while I am waiting for them to change the oil in my car, etc. Then when I was done, I filed them away in those recipe-box looking thingies, labeled with the course. When it came time to prepare for my boards, they were all there, nice and organized, from the most basic of what FIO2 you can deliver with a nasal cannula to lung protection and pressure monitoring strategies of mechanical ventilation. Let's just say I aced my boards. LOL

Planners, agendas, whatever they are called....My life was in one of those. The precious little time I did have at home to study was planned in blocks. And I adhered to the schedule as closely as I did my class schedule, i.e from 10-11P, I am going to study physics, etc.When the time was up, I would move on to the next. That not only prevented me from trying to hurry up and cram, but it also kept me on task because I knew there was not a lot of time to play with. I know it sounds anal, but that is what I had to do.

Now I will say this, because it is my pet peeve, then I will shut up. When you go into healthcare, the idea of studying for a test just to get through THAT TEST so you can move onto the next needs to be out the window. That drove me crazy in my class mates. YOU STUDY YOUR BUTT OFF, NOT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT, BUT BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE DOES DEPEND ON IT!!!!! Not only did each test branch off of what I already knew, but my board exams made sure I remembered the tiniest detail. About 75% of my classmates have a degree with no credentials because they studied the wrong way. And I can honestly say that when working, I have used everything I have learned at least once. I may not see something for ages then have a patient show up with some uncommon condition, and I need to be able to recall one statement made in a book or class I studied years ago. I don't care whether this is civilian or military medicine, as I believe this is true for all. We have people's lives in our hands and we owe it to those people and their loved ones to ensure that we know what the hell we are doing.

Okay. That's all. I'm spent. LOL. I never went to Corps School, but I DO know a lot about retaining a lot of knowledge with very little time to do so. I hope some of it helps.

[8404]

Adamzgirl:

You can read through this thread, lot's of information regarding testing tips for NHCS.
http://www.corpsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19394

Additionally, NHCS offers special classes on effective note taking, studying tips, all the student has to do is ask for the help. I would stop placing so much emphasis about the 'C' school. I would concentrate more on successfully learning the material for his 'basic' rate of Corpsman. That is first and foremost.

[HM1(SW/AW) DRTY DAN]

Cooperative learning, AEP and personal tutors are the best way to study here. They are open every school day and the CRC’s (Computer Resource Centers) are open on the weekends also. Studying is particular to each person, what works for some will not work for others. Every tool is offered to every students, they just have reach out and take the help.

[DocLat]

You got to get through Corps School first, and that involves lots of studying. I recommend getting together with classmates who are doing well and studying in groups. The instructors are, or should be, always willing to help. I was an instructor at NSHS Portsmouth and I spent many hours tutoring students. They just had to ask. My mind reading skills dont work as good as they used to!

I do the same thing for my students now. I will help you for as long as they need it. All they have to do is ask. Unfortunatley that's the hardest part, asking for help. Usually it's asked too late and next thing you know you are sitting before the ARB!

[8404]

All they have to do is ask. Unfortunately that's the hardest part, asking for help. Usually it's asked too late and next thing you know you are sitting before the ARB!

More pearls of wisdom.

[AdamzGirl]

HE GOT A 90!!!!!!!!!! yay!!! 6 more tests to go!!!

[8404]

HE GOT A 90!!!!!!!!!! yay!!! 6 more tests to go!!!

That is excellent news, adamsgirl! Pass on this info contained in this link to your fiancee or have him register and login. There is excellent advice and tips here to help students succeed at NHCS.