Transitioning from high school to college can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, especially for pre-med students. The coursework is structured differently and the responsibility of completing assignments falls solely on the student. Based on my own experience as a pre-med student in undergrad, I want to share some simple hacks and tips that you can incorporate into your study routine if you're feeling confused and don't know where to start.

Be intentional with your time

One of the biggest challenges for college students is managing their time effectively. It's easy to plan to spend four hours studying, but before you know it, that time has passed and you don't feel like you've accomplished much. Chances are, the majority of that time was spent socializing and talking to others, which is completely fine, but it's important to be intentional with your time and set specific goals for what you want to accomplish.

Use the Pomodoro Technique for focus

Some people may have a difficult time sitting down and focusing for long periods of time. To combat this, you can use the Pomodoro Technique, which involves setting a 25-minute timer and focusing solely on the task at hand. After the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break and repeat the process. This technique is a great way to stay focused and productive.

Use Anki for memorization

Memorizing can be a challenging task, but using Anki can make it easier. Anki is a program that uses flashcards and helps you memorize things using active recall and space repetition. You create flashcards on Anki, but it sets itself apart from other flashcard programs by using a spaced repetition algorithm that can help you remember things for longer.

These are just a few tips and tricks that you can incorporate into your study routine to make the transition from high school to college a little easier. The key is to be intentional with your time, stay focused, and find tools that work for you. Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed and stressed at times, but with the right mindset and approach, you can overcome any obstacle.

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