Formulas in Kaplan vs. Examkracker

[Fedxup]

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So I have searched the threads and could not find anything on the amount of formulas in Kaplan vs. Examkrackers. If I missed the thread please just direct me to it and not (beat me up on SDN).

So I have both sets of books EK and Kaplan. I recently finished reading the EK chemistry. I thought I'd do EK first because it was shorter and to the point. Today, I decided to start reviewing the Kaplan. Obviously, Kaplan is more detailed but they also have more "key equations" I'd say way more than EK. So i guess what I am trying ask is that should the Ek formulas be enough or should I try to memorize all the formulas in the Kaplan books? I would just like to see what peoples opinions are who used both these books and took the MCAT.

Thank you everyone.

 

[Blueprint MCAT Tutor]

You've got a couple of choices here:

If you're bad at memorizing things, then just go with the EK equations and nothing more. They're the absolute bare-bones and will get you through the exam.

If you're okay at memorizing things, and feel more confident by knowing more equations, then memorize the KTP equations as well. That additional content will help build Test Day confidence and therefore success (even if it's irrelevant to the actual critical reading the MCAT really rewards).

If you're really bad at memorizing things, but also don't want to feel like you're "missing out" you could also hop into the MCAT Q&A board and ask about individual equations. Create a thread and post 5-10 equations and just ask the SDN hivemind, "hey guys which of these equations, if any, are worth memorizing".

Having said all of that, when it comes to memorizing equations, remember to really focus on understanding them rather than pure memorization. Over in my office hours thread I've got a post dealing with that.

 

[KaplanPatrick]

I think NextStep hit it perfectly when saying "remember to really focus on understanding them rather than pure memorization." To be honest the best prepared test takes are the ones able to take a high volume of practice questions and REALLY understand how to USE the equations. Going through and memorizing the physics/ gen chem equations is great but the KEY for MCAT success is going to be knowing when to plug them into questions.

The process of taking practice questions and going back and reviewing them will help solidify your memory of the most high yield equations! Keep up the hard work. It pays off!

Patrick

 

[Fedxup]

Thank you for the responses. I totally agree with the suggestions. As suggested, my focus has also been always been on understanding the equations rather than JUST memorizing them. Also noticed that a lot of times the equations are given on the MCAT and you just need to either plug in or manipulate them to get to the answer. But I don't expect to see the formula for finding moles, thats too basic. So thank you guys for your responses, i'll continue to focus on understand the equations memorize as much I can.