Embarking on the journey of a biology major can be both exciting and challenging. As a new college student, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of reading, memorization, and the balance between lectures and independent study. Here are some tips to help you navigate your path to success as a biology major:
1. Embrace the Reading
Biology is a reading-intensive subject. It's essential to make reading your textbook a regular habit. Highlight important points and take detailed notes as you go. Don't just skim through the material; engage with it deeply to ensure you understand the concepts. There will be a lot of new vocabulary and because of this you will read slower than you've ever read before. Make sure to beware of your reading speed when you plan your studying schedule.
2. Active Note-Taking
Taking notes is more than just jotting down information. Rewrite your notes in your own words to enhance your understanding and retention. This method helps you internalize the information rather than just memorizing it. They say writing sometimes three times in your own words is the best way to take something from short-term memory into long-term, although it is annoying and many prefer typing, it worked extremely well for me. It was a long method for studying but it was what I had to do to make sure I got good grade so I didn't question it, I just did what worked.
3. Repetition is Key
Repetition plays a crucial role in memorization. Write down key concepts multiple times, review your notes regularly, and use flashcards for important terms and definitions. This practice will help reinforce your knowledge and make it easier to recall information during exams.
4. Evaluate Lecture Attendance
Evaluate the value of attending lectures. While attendance can contribute to your grade, you might find that studying independently in the library is more productive. However, be mindful of attendance policies and participation points that could affect your overall grade. I decided to forfeit the 10% attendance percentage by skipping all of my classes and using that time in the library instead. I was able to ensure I knew 100% of the information to still get a 90% in the class. If the attendance percentage is over 10% of your final grade, determine what works best for you.
5. Join Study Groups
Joining a study group can be incredibly beneficial. Discussing topics with peers can provide new insights and reinforce your understanding. It also allows you to explain concepts to others, which can further solidify your knowledge. Since I rarely attended classes, I made sure to make one friend in class that I would text all the time about in-class updates.
6. Utilize Office Hours
Take advantage of your professors' and teaching assistants' office hours. They are there to help you. Seek clarification on difficult topics, ask questions, and request additional resources if needed. Building a good rapport with your instructors can also be advantageous for future recommendations. I never built relationships with my instructors and when it came time to ask for recommendations I didn't have any one to ask. You only need to befriend at least 3-5 professors so don't make the same mistake I did.
7. Engage in Hands-On Practice
Biology isn't just theoretical; it's also practical. Actively participate in lab sessions, and if possible, seek out research opportunities to apply what you've learned. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can significantly enhance your understanding of biological concepts. Your lab-partner is probably the most important relationship you will have in college. You do not want to be stuck with a lab-partner that is a slacker, you will end up doing 90% of the work and splitting the grade.
8. Manage Your Time Effectively
Balancing coursework, labs, and study time is crucial. Create a study schedule that allows for regular review sessions and stick to it. Effective time management will help you stay on top of your studies and prevent last-minute cramming. Save time by determining what grade you need to get on each exam, and study accordingly. For example: I needed an 80% on an exam, so I only studied 4/5 chapters. I made sure I knew everything in those 4 chapters and I just guessed on the questions related to the one chapter I didn't read.
9. Utilize Supplementary Resources
Supplement your learning with additional resources such as online videos, academic journals, and biology-related websites. These resources can provide different perspectives and explanations that might help you grasp complex topics more easily. Youtube University never fails.
10. Prioritize Your Health and Well-being
Your health is just as important as your academic performance. Ensure you get adequate sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will improve your cognitive function and overall performance. It is really easy to lose your mind when you don't sleep for days and are just reading a biology textbook, so don't let that happen to you.
By following these tips and finding what works best for you, you'll be better prepared to tackle the challenges of being a biology major. Remember, the journey may be demanding, but with perseverance and the right strategies, you'll find success and fulfillment in your studies.