Scoring 30+ will take some level of memorization, but not the really fine details. The MCAT is designed to test your ability to take concepts and apply them to new situations, but you still gotta know the concepts right? 🙂
That said, there are methods of studying more conducive to memorization than others. When I was studying and I hit a part that required a lot of fine detail learning, I'd make a mental note of it, and every so often I'd check to make sure I still remembered. At the end of every section, I'd also take a minute or two and try and recount to myself what I had just read. If I couldn't do either of these things, I'd stop and immediately reread what I had forgotten. After a while, you just stop forgetting. You don't have to use this exact method, but the key is to force yourself to keep constantly checking yourself and reviewing anything you're iffy on. You shouldn't be surprised that your fine detail memory fades after the first time you review it. The key is to keep drilling it until it stops fading (at least until test day - ha!).
If, however, you're looking to score in the high 30s/40s, detail memorization becomes much more important. There will always be a few questions that rely on you knowing a fine detail, and at that range points are scarcer and missed questions carry more weight.
Note that I do consider memorization to be one of my stronger points. At the same time, I also only studied for a month. Start studying at a better time than I did, and even if you don't think memorization is your strong suit, you'll have enough time to master the details. Good luck!
