what formulas do we have to memorize?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Sort by date Sort by votes
For general chemistry, I'll say all of them just because there aren't really that many.

For physics, I know this is highly subjective, but I would say the ones that have like 5 variables or less, and the ones commonly used in practice problems. I find that the MCAT expects you to know the basics, sometimes you might get a question or two that requires you to know an obscure formula, but that's the exception not the rule.

(I'm also assuming that you're using MCAT prep books either TPR or TBR, definitely don't memorize every formula in your text books)
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Just know the basic formulas, and more importantly what variable changes when you change something. Once you know the basic formula, you can always derive more complex ones from them.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Google "prep 101 mcat sheets". I used the chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry equation sheets that they provide - they're pretty encompassing, but I wouldn't rely on them completely. Really great references in my opinion nonetheless!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
u dun really have to memorize anything because by the time you take the exam it will be so natural to u =D
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
This is a question that comes up quite a bit, but it is difficult to answer because the list that should be memorized in anticipation of plug-and-chug problems is much smaller than the list of formulas you really should know because in physics the formulas represent conceptual understanding. I suggest you try to see the physical formulas like a language, and after a while the question of which to memorize will start to seem trivial. In each topic in physics you are presented with an idealized space where the field of reference is described by physical quantities. The simplest way to see how physical change occurs is through the formulas. Let the formulas teach you to see what changes will occur, so that you can answer questions like 'what is happening with energy?' 'what about momentum?' Use the formulas to help you translate physical ideas into everyday language, and you will find that you can anticipate what most MCAT physics questions are getting at even though there may be no direct, quantitative application of a formula toward solving it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
It's a good idea to know all the formulas from TBR books, and to be able to describe the formulas and the variables that they're made up of. Knowing the formulas is more than half the battle because 85 percent of the physics questions can be answered using one of the TBR formulas. It sucks memorizing them, but it significantly improves your scores.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
TheKDizzle said:
Google "prep 101 mcat sheets". I used the chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry equation sheets that they provide - they're pretty encompassing, but I wouldn't rely on them completely. Really great references in my opinion nonetheless!
Click to expand...

+1. Prep 101's study sheets are great. Google them!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Galatasaray said:
It's a good idea to know all the formulas from TBR books, and to be able to describe the formulas and the variables that they're made up of. Knowing the formulas is more than half the battle because 85 percent of the physics questions can be answered using one of the TBR formulas. It sucks memorizing them, but it significantly improves your scores.
Click to expand...

Do you mean the formulas that they give on the front page of each chapter? Or like every formula within the chapter
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
typicalindian said:
Do you mean the formulas that they give on the front page of each chapter? Or like every formula within the chapter
Click to expand...

I really don't think you need have every single formula that are in TBR memorized. You will need to memorize a lot of them but in my opinion it appeared to be the simpler formulas and the commonly used ones that you need to have upstairs.

And for the most part you'll get so much experience using the important ones on practice passages that you'll just know the necessary formulas when it comes time for test day.

In my opinion you shouldn't waste time memorizing 20-25 formulas that are not commonly used & complex for the MCAT. If something is really obscure and it needs to be used most of the time (<95% of the time) it will be given. Definitely know how to use every formula that is presented, especially for fluids because I think TBR introduces about 20 new formulas in that chapter but I'd say you only need to memorize 5-10 of them.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
coming back to this thread months later..

Does anybody know if we are required to memorize the formulas for motion of a spring with a mass on it or pendulum?

Ex: T = 2pi * square root of m/k etc.

Also, does anybody have any tips to memorize the kinematics equations? There's 6 of them. I have a hard time memorizing them all.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
estradiol9 said:
coming back to this thread months later..

Does anybody know if we are required to memorize the formulas for motion of a spring with a mass on it or pendulum?

Ex: T = 2pi * square root of m/k etc.

Also, does anybody have any tips to memorize the kinematics equations? There's 6 of them. I have a hard time memorizing them all.
Click to expand...


I have them on my bathroom mirror so I stare at them for 10 minutes a day while I brush my teeth. Now I know them cold!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
The best thing about using TBR for PS practice was that I was so familiar with the formula after doing two phases plus review, that I just knew them!

I had a formula book that I'd write them down in as I read as well and I'd review that book once every other day or so when I had some downtime.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
If you have Kaplan, the flash cards, and especially the laminated quick sheets are very nice.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
All you really need to know for physics is F=ma. Almost every equation in physics can be derived from F=ma.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
V5RED said:
What?

Even assuming you could derive all your equations from F=ma(you can't), that is a huge waste of time on a test where time is extremely limited.
Click to expand...
lol i was just joking. but you can derive almost all of the equations from Fnet = ma.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Overwhelmed by work, MCAT, and class. What do I do?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Pile O' Nephritis
Pile O' Nephritis
H
MCAT is in 20 days :((( What can i do to feel ready
Replies
1
Views
2K
AJS59
AJS59
T
What is the best note taking method?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Rezzurekt
R
LMAGZ
What are the best resources to study for the MCAT?
Replies
3
Views
8K
rcsurgeon
R
TheCerebralAssassin
Started UWorld today in my 2nd week of content review, but when I select certain topics to do questions for, I see topics that I haven’t studied yet
Replies
3
Views
3K
CHCl3
CHCl3
Top