How many Equations have you Memorized?

[thomasfx10]

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I am at 30 or so. I write them down during the 10 minute tutorial before my practice exam, which takes almost the whole 10 minutes!

Every time I find new one that I missed during a practice exam, I add to it.

 

[apumic]

Memorizing equations isn't going to help you on the real thing. The real thing has precious little to do w/ knowing your equations. Good luck.

 

[MDminded]

Memorizing equations isn't going to help you on the real thing. The real thing has precious little to do w/ knowing your equations. Good luck.

Apumic ain't the oracle of the street for nothing.

 

[sc4s2cg]

Just the key ones, but I found I already knew these from previous classes.

Key as in big, red, bolded equations in EK.

 

[Ismet]

Memorizing equations isn't going to help you on the real thing. The real thing has precious little to do w/ knowing your equations. Good luck.

While I agree that memorizing equations is really the least of your worries, knowing them can definitely help you in PS. Kinematics equations for instance. There's pretty much always a question that you have to utilize a kinematic equation. I always forget at least one of them or I'm unsure of my recall, so I like to write those down. I also use the tutorial to write down circuit info, like in series I total = I1 = I2 etc. That way when a question comes up I can just glance at it and know. The main thing is to understand the equation, not just memorize what order the variables are.

 

[thomasfx10]

Memorizing equations isn't going to help you on the real thing. The real thing has precious little to do w/ knowing your equations. Good luck.

I am going to have to respectively disagree with you.

I know there is a lot of critical thinking questions and MOST of the passages do give an equation or two. However, I have burned on the AAMC's for not knowing equations, especially dealing with circuits, electromagnetism, etc ... and of course as Ismet pointed out the kinematics.

 

[gunj122]

equations are important to know. they're useful to establish cause and effect relationships between variables. please don't be foolish and disregard memorizing key equations such C=Q/V, q=mc(deltaT), etc.

mind you there are normally 13 discrete questions per science section. those 13 discretes, you should assume, are based off pure recall of concepts. just remember that a discrete question holds the same value as a passage question.

 

[apumic]

While I agree that memorizing equations is really the least of your worries, knowing them can definitely help you in PS. Kinematics equations for instance. There's pretty much always a question that you have to utilize a kinematic equation. I always forget at least one of them or I'm unsure of my recall, so I like to write those down. I also use the tutorial to write down circuit info, like in series I total = I1 = I2 etc. That way when a question comes up I can just glance at it and know. The main thing is to understand the equation, not just memorize what order the variables are.

Yes, absolutely. You should understand the relationships and using the equations can help with that initially; however, memorizing equations alone will do little. You should understand the concept of flow (i.e., current) such that there is no need to remember "I1=I2=Itotal in a parallel circuit). Likewise, only knowing C=Q/V can lead to erroneous assumptions if you don't understand why C=Q/V (i.e., what capacitance really is). Go beyond equations.

I am going to have to respectively disagree with you.

I know there is a lot of critical thinking questions and MOST of the passages do give an equation or two. However, I have burned on the AAMC's for not knowing equations, especially dealing with circuits, electromagnetism, etc ... and of course as Ismet pointed out the kinematics.

Keep in mind the AAMC tests' science sections are a very rough approximation of the current MCAT. It sounds like you haven't taken the real thing. When you take it, you'll probably find that it's not entirely what you expected. Sure, knowing your equations is helpful if you are extremely fast at manipulating variables and combining multiple equations into one, but the MCAT really doesn't give many application questions based on straight equations and when they do give equations in the answer choices, it is generally in a very convoluted form that simply knowing the equations would never get you. When I sat for the MCAT, I had all of the main equations written out in front of me. (I wrote them down during the tutorial for reference.) The problems I missed weren't because I didn't know an equation. They were missed (or guestimated, rather) because I looked at the problem and didn't feel I had time to manipulate said equation. In those cases, you are required to use your innate understand. I managed a 14-15 average on PS on the AAMC and Kaplan exams and I can tell you my (first) real MCAT score (report), while good, definitely didn't have "PS 15" written on it!

equations are important to know. they're useful to establish cause and effect relationships between variables. please don't be foolish and disregard memorizing key equations such C=Q/V, q=mc(deltaT), etc.

mind you there are normally 13 discrete questions per science section. those 13 discretes, you should assume, are based off pure recall of concepts. just remember that a discrete question holds the same value as a passage question.

On my MCATs, pretty much every single discrete was conceptual. I didn't get anything particularly calculation heavy or requiring me to remember much in terms of equations as I recall.

 

[DrBowtie]

If you are wasting time writing them all out, how well are they really memorized/understood?

 

[btc8]

I am at 30 or so. I write them down during the 10 minute tutorial before my practice exam, which takes almost the whole 10 minutes!

Every time I find new one that I missed during a practice exam, I add to it.

One. F=ma

 

[apumic]

If you are wasting time writing them all out, how well are they really memorized/understood?

That was to me I assume?
I did that during the tutorial. In reality, I never referenced the sheet (during the real thing OR during my practice tests) but I'd heard it suggested so I did it for peace of mind. I did it on some of my practice tests (about 1/3-1/2 of them) and it made no difference in my score. It was more of a ritual than anything else.

 

[Silverfalcon]

Yes, absolutely. You should understand the relationships and using the equations can help with that initially; however, memorizing equations alone will do little. You should understand the concept of flow (i.e., current) such that there is no need to remember "I1=I2=Itotal in a parallel circuit). Likewise, only knowing C=Q/V can lead to erroneous assumptions if you don't understand why C=Q/V (i.e., what capacitance really is). Go beyond equations.

I'm going to agree with apumic on this one as well. I personally find it weird too that one has to write down "I1=I2=Itotal in a series" to remember that... For me, voltage is same in parallel and current is same in series is something that I acquired from pre-reqs (and if not, in prep books) and just "know." Honestly, for PS, yes, you should know the formulas, but should you anticipate to write down every one of them? Probably not.

I mean, I don't see the point of anyone writing down all formulas under fluids because the chance is, all the formulas you need WILL be provided in the passage. And even with discretes, it will be mostly conceptual. And to add - you don't actually write that much in PS as you think. If you are writing a lot, then you are doing something wrong (and possibly running out of time).

 

[paul411]

Definitely don't go overboard with memorizing equations. You could be spending your time and effort on more useful MCAT prep (PRACTICE TESTS!).

At least for EK, the bold + red equations are all you really need to "memorize". For physics, the EK book has the important formulas at the end of each chapter as well.

 

[DrBowtie]

That was to me I assume?
I did that during the tutorial. In reality, I never referenced the sheet (during the real thing OR during my practice tests) but I'd heard it suggested so I did it for peace of mind. I did it on some of my practice tests (about 1/3-1/2 of them) and it made no difference in my score. It was more of a ritual than anything else.

No, sorry it was to the OP. Forgot to check the quote message in reply button.

As you said, you really didn't reference it and correct me if I'm wrong that if you skip the tutorial that time gets added to your break time? (I took the paper and pencil MCAT, and skipping the tutorial on Step 1 gets you 15 more minutes breaktime).

 

[apumic]

No, sorry it was to the OP. Forgot to check the quote message in reply button.

As you said, you really didn't reference it and correct me if I'm wrong that if you skip the tutorial that time gets added to your break time? (I took the paper and pencil MCAT, and skipping the tutorial on Step 1 gets you 15 more minutes breaktime).

Nope.... skipping the tutorial gets you nothing. Not doing the tutorial and just preparing mentally for the MCAT for those 10 min, however, does get you an extra break (albeit, before the exam actually begins). You can actually get a total of 20 min extra (10 min for the tutorial and 10 min for the non-disclosure agreement screen).

 

[rockstarramona]

and anyone else who would like to share...

Could you elaborate on what you see as the differences between older MCATs and more recent administrations? You seem to be implying that the test is changing (fundamentally) over time, which makes sense.

Do you believe it tests more concepts and application vs. plug and chug with equations. I'm not looking for specifics, just an idea of your views on the evolution of the test.

Also, do all of you who write down equations during the tutorial already know exactly how to take the MCAT? I haven't taken it yet, but I plan on using the time to get a feel for the CBT in that room, on that computer. I'm taking my practice tests on a mac--no highlighting function--so I will definitely like to figure out how to use everything at my disposal. What if on page 3 of the tutorial they instruct you not to hit the F9 key under penalty of voiding or death?

 

[Ismet]

I'm going to agree with apumic on this one as well. I personally find it weird too that one has to write down "I1=I2=Itotal in a series" to remember that... For me, voltage is same in parallel and current is same in series is something that I acquired from pre-reqs (and if not, in prep books) and just "know." Honestly, for PS, yes, you should know the formulas, but should you anticipate to write down every one of them? Probably not.

I mean, I don't see the point of anyone writing down all formulas under fluids because the chance is, all the formulas you need WILL be provided in the passage. And even with discretes, it will be mostly conceptual. And to add - you don't actually write that much in PS as you think. If you are writing a lot, then you are doing something wrong (and possibly running out of time).

I don't HAVE to write down those things to remember them. The fact that I know them to write them down shows that I know them. But I get major test anxiety and I tend to forget things or confuse myself even if I've studied. I felt it beneficial to write down simple things during the tutorial to put myself in the right thinking for PS, my worst section (10-11). There was a question about circuits in one of the practice tests, and I just looked at my list of equations and answered the question, not giving my brain time to second guess itself. Which it does a lot. And which kills me on tests sometimes.

Different things work for different people. If a person wants to utilize the pointless tutorial time to write out equations because it makes him/her feel better or more at peace or more in the PS zone, go for it. It won't hurt you, it can really only help you. But I do agree with what apumic says, because you have to understand WHY the equations are like that, which I did, both from my engineering physics classes and from reviewing and refreshing. The conceptual helps you more than just knowing the equations, but if you get stressed like me, having the equations in front of you can REALLY help.

 

[Ismet]

and anyone else who would like to share...

Could you elaborate on what you see as the differences between older MCATs and more recent administrations? You seem to be implying that the test is changing (fundamentally) over time, which makes sense.

Do you believe it tests more concepts and application vs. plug and chug with equations. I'm not looking for specifics, just an idea of your views on the evolution of the test.

Also, do all of you who write down equations during the tutorial already know exactly how to take the MCAT? I haven't taken it yet, but I plan on using the time to get a feel for the CBT in that room, on that computer. I'm taking my practice tests on a mac--no highlighting function--so I will definitely like to figure out how to use everything at my disposal. What if on page 3 of the tutorial they instruct you not to hit the F9 key under penalty of voiding or death?

I can't comment about older administrations...someone who has retaken the test can probably answer that.

It definitely tests more concepts and applications. In a whole PS section of 52 questions, there may be 5 that are based on just equations, and only 1 or 2 that have a little more "extensive" calculations such as calculating a limiting reagent and how much product is formed or something. The calculations aren't hard, a couple of them may take a little longer just because there are a few steps.

When I did practice tests, I wrote down some basic equations during the tutorials. I averaged a 33 on my tests. I just took the 5/20 test and did the same as I did on practice tests. I thought PS killed me (but so did many of the people who took it on that date) but VR was easy and BS was completely doable.

I don't know why you can't highlight on a mac...I use a mac and was able to highlight on Kaplan and AAMC tests. It depends on what browser you use. Chrome and Firefox don't work. You have to go back to Safari.

The tutorial on the real MCAT is exactly the same as the tutorial on the AAMC practice tests. You can completely disregard the tutorial on your test day, but definitely use that 10 minutes to relax and prepare for the 5 hour test. 🙂

 

[kehlsh]

If you are prepared, it should come out naturally when you are faced with a prepared.

People are saying you don't have to memorize them because they've basically been a second nature to them.

Obviously, you are not prepared.

 

[BME11]

i memorized about 50+ equations i helps in that some of the conceptual question as about stuff like how does viscosity of length affect the flow

if you know the Reynolds number equation BAM! easy point

 

[Ismet]

If you are prepared, it should come out naturally when you are faced with a prepared.

People are saying you don't have to memorize them because they've basically been a second nature to them.

Obviously, you are not prepared.

Obviously, you have no idea what test anxiety is or feels like.

Also, the fact that both my Kaplan instructor, who got a 42 on the MCAT, and one of my friends, who got a 40 on the MCAT, told me to write down equations during the tutorial shows that you can be prepared AND write equations.

 

[DISCOSTEW]

some test centers will not let you write in the tutorial or on your breaks. It is against the rules and they watched us to make sure we clicked to the next screens without writing

 

[kehlsh]

Obviously, you have no idea what test anxiety is or feels like.

Also, the fact that both my Kaplan instructor, who got a 42 on the MCAT, and one of my friends, who got a 40 on the MCAT, told me to write down equations during the tutorial shows that you can be prepared AND write equations.

It might be helpful to write down equations that you have the most trouble on. It's ridiculous to right down all the equations though.

 

[Silverfalcon]

I don't HAVE to write down those things to remember them. The fact that I know them to write them down shows that I know them. But I get major test anxiety and I tend to forget things or confuse myself even if I've studied. I felt it beneficial to write down simple things during the tutorial to put myself in the right thinking for PS, my worst section (10-11). There was a question about circuits in one of the practice tests, and I just looked at my list of equations and answered the question, not giving my brain time to second guess itself. Which it does a lot. And which kills me on tests sometimes.

Different things work for different people. If a person wants to utilize the pointless tutorial time to write out equations because it makes him/her feel better or more at peace or more in the PS zone, go for it. It won't hurt you, it can really only help you. But I do agree with what apumic says, because you have to understand WHY the equations are like that, which I did, both from my engineering physics classes and from reviewing and refreshing. The conceptual helps you more than just knowing the equations, but if you get stressed like me, having the equations in front of you can REALLY help.

I see what you mean. I'll agree with you that for some people, psychology plays a big factor even if you don't end up using it. I know from my experience, two physics courses (both intro level) by two different professors at my undergrad attracted different students because one professor asked you to memorize all equations for more straightforward exams, while other one had harder exams but you could write all the equations you wanted. Having said that, latter made the exam so that having equation sheet didn't help (everything really boiled down to simple equation like F = ma), but still, I heard that some people really felt better having that equation sheet.

 

[Ismet]

some test centers will not let you write in the tutorial or on your breaks. It is against the rules and they watched us to make sure we clicked to the next screens without writing

Actually, since you are taking an AAMC test, you follow AAMC's rules, not the rules of the testing center. You should have gotten it in writing from AAMC that it is okay to write equations during the tutorial, because it is unfair that you were not allowed and others were. If the rules were left up to the testing center, AAMC would have a whole mess of variables to deal with in addition to the ones they already analyze.

 

[EricMont]

Memorizing equations isn't going to help you on the real thing. The real thing has precious little to do w/ knowing your equations. Good luck.

Perfectly said. A complete waste of time.

 

[gunj122]

how about you people just do what works for you and stop patronizing everyone else. keep an open mind and realize that there isn't ONE way to do something in life.

and a side note, the OP asked how many equations he should memorize, not if he should or shouldn't.

 

[Lexicon0]

If you have the EK manuals I would just memorize the bolded equations. I think it's a good idea to take note of some of the equations you've been blanking on during exams. Just be sure to make sure you understand each equation conceptually (especially the ones you've been missing).

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

Memorizing equations isn't going to help you on the real thing. The real thing has precious little to do w/ knowing your equations. Good luck.

disagree, I think to an extent you do have to memorize equations.....it's really not that bad though. Then again this all boils down to wait type of learner you are. I learn/reinforce concepts by looking at things mathematically

 

[Doubtnichts]

I did the same thing...but mostly it was to calm myself. Kinda like a "yeah I know this..." It's much better to understand the material rather than just memorizing...30 equations sounds like you're just memorizing stuff.

 

[salim271]

What I'm getting out of this is that memorizing equations isn't wrong per se, but for each equation you memorize you should have a general understanding of why that equation works the way it does... such as why F = ma, or why capicitors in series are the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capicitors... physics is my weak point, and that portion of the test is making me more anxious than anything else.

 

[apumic]

What I'm getting out of this is that memorizing equations isn't wrong per se, but for each equation you memorize you should have a general understanding of why that equation works the way it does... such as why F = ma, or why capicitors in series are the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capicitors... physics is my weak point, and that portion of the test is making me more anxious than anything else.

You've got your cause and effect mixed up.

You don't understand what you've memorized.

You end up naturally memorizing BECAUSE you already understand the concept. In other words, you don't rote memorize the pendulum frequency equation [f=1/2PI*(g/L)^.5]. You know it because conceptually a pendulum's frequency MUST increase w/ g (acceleration decreases period) and MUST decrease with L (further to travel --> longer period). You could conceptualize the 2PI and sq rt parts as well but that probably makes sense to just know since it works for multiple systems.

Basically, the way the MCAT asks questions, you are not likely to remember the right equation if you've been memorizing crap. You have got to have it "memorized" BECAUSE you first understood it. That deep understanding is the key to a high score. It's also a key to straight As that I've noticed many students who end up as A-B students just don't get.

 

[Swagster]

I have to give apumic a big 👍 for his perspective here. I haven't memorized any formulas, but if you asked me to sit down and recall what equation I need for a given question, I can do it because I've practiced with them over and over. I'm sure I have over 100 equations bouncing around my cranium that pop out when I need them. You'll figure out which ones to know from doing practice problems.

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

You've got your cause and effect mixed up.

You don't understand what you've memorized.

You end up naturally memorizing BECAUSE you already understand the concept. In other words, you don't rote memorize the pendulum frequency equation [f=1/2PI*(g/L)^.5]. You know it because conceptually a pendulum's frequency MUST increase w/ g (acceleration decreases period) and MUST decrease with L (further to travel --> longer period). You could conceptualize the 2PI and sq rt parts as well but that probably makes sense to just know since it works for multiple systems.

Basically, the way the MCAT asks questions, you are not likely to remember the right equation if you've been memorizing crap. You have got to have it "memorized" BECAUSE you first understood it. That deep understanding is the key to a high score. It's also a key to straight As that I've noticed many students who end up as A-B students just don't get.

I think you make a sharp assumption that all people learn a certain way. Like I said I cement concepts mathematically by memorizing equations, it helps me fine on the PS section. But I can agree that memorizing without understanding the concept is stupid

 

[apumic]

I think you make a sharp assumption that all people learn a certain way. Like I said I cement concepts mathematically by memorizing equations, it helps me fine on the PS section. But I can agree that memorizing without understanding the concept is stupid

You're right that I am making an assumption; however, it's an empirically supported assumption. Basically, cognitive researchers have repeatedly shown that "depth learning" is much more effective then "rote learning." In this case, deep understanding would represent the "depth" definition (i.e., know background, understand depth of topic, do not focus on "the topic" itself -- i.e., do not focus on the equation itself but on the background from which that equation springs), whereas memorization of an equation represents the "rote" definition. Look it up if you doubt what I'm saying.

 

[EnergyDrink]

Understand the units as well as the equation.

Know your series v. parallel (V, i, R, C)

Being said, if you have to memorize that Velocity = displacement / time, its not going to help.

 

[DISCOSTEW]

Actually, since you are taking an AAMC test, you follow AAMC's rules, not the rules of the testing center. You should have gotten it in writing from AAMC that it is okay to write equations during the tutorial, because it is unfair that you were not allowed and others were. If the rules were left up to the testing center, AAMC would have a whole mess of variables to deal with in addition to the ones they already analyze.

oh i assumed it was an AAMC thing that i missed, o well, I'm happy with my score, definitely not going to complain

 

[salim271]

You've got your cause and effect mixed up.

You don't understand what you've memorized.

You end up naturally memorizing BECAUSE you already understand the concept. In other words, you don't rote memorize the pendulum frequency equation [f=1/2PI*(g/L)^.5]. You know it because conceptually a pendulum's frequency MUST increase w/ g (acceleration decreases period) and MUST decrease with L (further to travel --> longer period). You could conceptualize the 2PI and sq rt parts as well but that probably makes sense to just know since it works for multiple systems.

Basically, the way the MCAT asks questions, you are not likely to remember the right equation if you've been memorizing crap. You have got to have it "memorized" BECAUSE you first understood it. That deep understanding is the key to a high score. It's also a key to straight As that I've noticed many students who end up as A-B students just don't get.

Got it... I think that's my problem, the two classes I never really tried to 'get' were physics 1 and 2, and because my teachers were easy enough, I didnt have to and got As anyways. Up to this point my physics review has been basic, really too basic... I understand concepts at a simple level and have all the equations in EK memorized, but there is no deeper understanding behind it. I can rationalize and explain why F = ma, but I have no clue why the medium length L = n(wavelength)_n_/2, n = 1, 2, 3. It took me a few seconds to recall the equation as well, and I had to check in my head if that was right against what I've memorized...

The way I understand biology or ochem is by writing down all the information the book/teacher gives in the most concise form possible, and then go through and reread it, recite itt, and break it down in my head as pictures or examples or whatever, then rewrite it from memory, and that has always given me a deeper understanding of what I'm learning... I never really tried the process for physics, but I'm going to try it. I dont see any reason why it shouldnt work.

 

[bfarn30]

Memorize the basic, standard equations. However, keep in mind that memorizing equations is good use of your time in the following cases:
1. You understand what the heck they mean.
2. You understand the implications of the equations.
3. You can manipulate them.
4. You understand where they came from and how they relate to other equations.

What I found was that once I gained a true understanding of the information I was studying, the equations were cemented in my mind...no more memorizing per se...