You already know that a high GPA is absolutely necessary for medical school admissions, but don’t be discouraged if your GPA needs improvement because there is a really effective way you can increase your GPA that most premeds ignore.

Have you ever wondered what gives the star students the edge? Typically, whether they are conscious of it or not, the star students understand their learning style and shape their study habits around the way they learn most effectively.

There are three types of learners: visual, kinesthetic/tactile, auditory. Each type of learner needs to engage themselves with the material in a different way in order to earn a high GPA.

• Visual learners: You learn by seeing and looking. Often a visual learner presents themselves as a neat and tidy person who sits near the front of the classroom so they can better see lecture notes.
• Kinesthetic/tactile learners: You learn by touching and doing. Often a kinesthetic learner speaks with their hands and likes to be near the door so that they can take advantage of breaks to get up and move around.
• Auditory learners: You learn by hearing and listening. Often an auditory learner places more emphasis on the reasons for their appearance then the coordination or fashion sense of it and do well where they can hear what is going on but are not as likely to need to read lecture notes.

Your first step is simple, go to http://www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI.htm and discover which learning style matches you.

Once you have identified your learning style you can use that information to improve your GPA for medical school admissions:

• Visual Learners: Write everything down and read it many times, make diagrams or visual aids. Charts, maps, filmstrips, notes and flashcards are valuable tools. Make use of notes for frequent visual reviewing.
• Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners: Write and trace words, re-write notes, give yourself breaks, combine study with active periods. Scrap paper for rewriting down facts that you need to retain, study sheets, and lecture notes (and hand written copies) are valuable to you.
• Auditory Learners: Record and listen to lectures. If you must write lecture notes instead, read them out lout to yourself after class. Reading aloud is a potent tool that will help you retain knowledge.

Understanding your learning style and using these tips will help you on your path to a higher GPA for medical school admissions. The most important thing to note:

Whether you’re a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, you need to devote time and effort to your studies if you want a high GPA. There truly is no shortcut to bypass hard work.

Learn a competently new and unique study system for medical school that works well for all three types of learners.