We bet you might have a bit of a sense of frustration that you aren’t studying nearly as much or as effectively as you could be. As a pre-health—pre-med or pre-PA physician assistant —school student, we’ve asked our experts how you can maximize efficiency and learn more in less time. That means you will still have time to have a life and do some of the things you enjoy.

Why should you care? 

Study habits have been found to be the most significant indicator of academic performance and play a unique role your success as a pre-health student’s academic success, according to the National Institutes of Health. 

Here are seven study hacks our pre-health student grads—now in PA or med school—say are strategies to study smarter so you’ll excel every step along the way. Shake up you study habits with these 6 study hacks for getting better grades: 

1.Find a Study Buddy

Yes, there are times when you will have to study alone, but there’s great value in working with a study buddy or study group, according to the American Association of Medical Colleges. Working with a partner or small group has several benefits:

• Having to report to a partner or group keeps you accountable.
• It’s vital to come to the sessions prepared and having done your homework.

When you study with others, you not only read the material, you speak it aloud and hear it.

2.Take Time Outs

Timing is everything when it comes to fighting procrastination, maintaining focus, and keeping productivity flowing. One of the favorite study hacks many students find essential is called the Pomodoro technique. Essentially, you focus on one task, study in 25 minute blocks and take five minute breaks according to Med School Insiders. Another suggestion, map out your daily study schedule on your phone calendar or time management system is a must.  To stay organized, use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignment deadlines, exams, and other important dates. This will help you stay on top of your workload and avoid last-minute cramming.

 3.Do the Write Thing

If you write with a pen and paper (versus typing your notes) you will recall the information better, possibly due to increased motor coordination, recommends says Med School Insiders.

4.Take Care of You

Staying healthy is one of the number one recommended pre-health study habits, according to students who are now in med or PA school. Studying can be exhausting and overwhelming. Taking breaks and practicing self-care is essential to maintain your focus and concentration. Also, prioritize your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated.

5.We Are Here for You: Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Ask questions. Instructors at HealthCareer CERTS are here for you, offering one-on-one support through text, phone, email, or chat online. You can partner with your advisor. This can help jump-start your medical education journey with program support, guidance and motivation from a personal Student Success Advisor. They’ll also offer feedback  and support because they are passionate about helping you achieve your career goals.

6.Study Up on the Sciences

Focus on your foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology studies since these are two of the hardest courses you’ll take in PA school, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants. You’ll want to hit the ground running since PA programs only have a short amount of time to teach you the graduate-level curriculum. They don’t have time to refresh the undergraduate portion of your training so you may want to consider taking a prep course.

7. Tap into HealthCareer CERTS Free Resources

• Check out our free MCAT resources. The MCAT is not just another standardized exam. The primary function of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is to determine how you will perform in medical school. Begin preparing well in advance and consider using resources like practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format. The HealthCareer CERTS’ offers free MCAT sample tests, along with free access to myriad online resources to help support your successful pathway through your medical studies.
• Resources for PA students. Simplify your PA school application journey with MyPAbox – the ultimate tool for pre-PA students. This platform streamlines the process of choosing a program by providing all the information you need in one place, including a user-friendly school match filter that helps you find programs that align with your qualifications, tools to easily track and document relevant experiences, and a built-in CASPA GPA calculator. MyPAbox makes applying to PA school easy and organized.
• Check out these tips from the American Medical Association.

Remember, it’s super important to demonstrate strong academic performance.  That’s why we are here to help you not only gain your certificate, but develop the essential study habits to become a standout candidate on your med school or PA school applications. Here’s some important things to consider:

• Go for your best. One of the most important requirements for medical school acceptance is showing you’ve had strong academic performance and mastered the MCAT entrance exam, according to U.S. News & World Report. The good news: beyond the biological sciences, and high GPA, you can boost your academic resume with a medical certificate. This extra effort and education can help you stand out in the crowd. 
• Don’t give up. Finally, let’s fast-forward to the future, you’ve mastered everything you need to do to be accepted into med school and your journey begins. HealthCareer CERTS is in your corner championing you and cheering you on. Our final piece of advice: Don’t give up. Keep your focus and commitment.  The journey through med school is filled with long hours of studying, moments of “am I good enough” doubt,  moments of triumph and moments of struggle. So don’t lose sight of the reasons that inspired you to pursue medicine in the first place.

At HealthCareer CERTS, we’re unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that you will be contributing to the healthcare workforce — both present and future — with the skills and education necessary to meet our nation’s rapidly changing health care needs. 

For more information on how to advance your healthcare career through our nationally-accredited health certificates click here.