MCAT Memorization List 2025: What to Learn and Proven Memory Hacks

A strong memory is a huge advantage on the MCAT—but it’s not just about cramming facts. You’ll need fast recall and the ability to apply concepts under time pressure. Use this streamlined memorization guide to target the right content, build a durable memory system, and turn recall into points on test day.

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What to Memorize by Section

Chem/Phys (Chemical & Physical Foundations)

• Core equations & relationships:
  kinematics, forces, work/energy, fluids (ρ, P, Bernoulli), gases (ideal gas law), electrostatics/electric circuits (Ohm’s law, series/parallel rules), optics (lens & mirror sign conventions), logarithms/pH, radioactive decay/exponent rules.
  
  

• Thermo & kinetics:
  ∆G = ∆H − T∆S, ∆G° = −RT lnK, Arrhenius, rate orders, half-life forms.
  
  

• Acid–base & buffers:
  Henderson–Hasselbalch, common strong/weak acids & bases, titration curves.
  
  

• Electrochemistry:
  E°cell = E°red,cath − E°red,an; ΔG = −nFE.
  
  

• Orgo must-knows:
  functional groups, acidity/basicity trends, resonance, stereochem (R/S, E/Z), key reactions (SN1/SN2/E1/E2; additions to alkenes/alkynes), spectroscopy “peaks” (IR/NMR/MS).
  
  

Bio/Biochem (Biological & Biochemical Foundations)

• Amino acids:
  names, 1-letter codes, polarity/charge, pKa-ish ranges, special cases (Gly, Pro, Cys, His).
  
  

• Proteins & enzymes:
  levels of structure, Michaelis–Menten (v = Vmax[S]/(Km+[S])), Lineweaver–Burk logic, inhibition patterns.
  
  

• Metabolism:
  glycolysis, PDH, TCA, ETC/ATP synthase, β-oxidation, FA synthesis, PPP; rate-limiting steps and key regulators; tissue fuel preferences.
  
  

• Molecular bio:
  replication, transcription, translation, codon basics, gene regulation (operons, enhancers/silencers), recombinant techniques (PCR, blotting, cloning, CRISPR basics).
  
  

• Cell stuff:
  organelles & functions, transport types, cytoskeleton, cell cycle & checkpoints.
  
  

• Hormones:
  source, class (peptide/steroid/amine), second messengers, major effects.
  
  

Psych/Soc (Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations)

• Theories & founders:
  conditioning (classical/operant), Bandura, Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Maslow, major personality theories.
  
  

• Big concepts:
  conformity/obedience, attribution errors, group phenomena, prejudice/stereotypes, culture & norms, social stratification, health disparities.
  
  

• Neurotransmitters:
  dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, ACh—primary roles.
  
  

• Research basics:
  study designs, biases, reliability/validity, ethics.
  
  

CARS (Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills)

• No rote content—memorize process:
  main idea extraction, author tone/attitude, passage mapping, inference logic, and common trap patterns.
  
  

High-Yield Equation Snapshot (starter set)

• Kinematics: v = v₀ + at; Δx = v₀t + ½at²; v² = v₀² + 2aΔx
  
  

• Forces/Work/Energy: F = ma; W = Fd cosθ = ΔK; P = W/t = Fv; U_g = mgh; K = ½mv²
  
  

• Fluids: ρ = m/V; P = ρgh; Continuity A₁v₁ = A₂v₂; Bernoulli P + ½ρv² + ρgh = const
  
  

• Circuits: V = IR; P = IV = I²R = V²/R; C_series = Σ; R_series = Σ; C_parallel = Σ; 1/R_parallel = Σ(1/R)
  
  

• Acid–Base: pH = −log[H⁺]; pOH = −log[OH⁻]; pH + pOH = 14; HH: pH = pKa + log(A⁻/HA)
  
  

• Thermo/Equilibria: ∆G = ∆H − T∆S; ∆G° = −RT lnK; q = mcΔT
  
  

• Electrochem: E°cell = E°cath − E°an; ∆G = −nFE
  
  

• Waves/Optics: v = fλ; n = c/v; 1/f = 1/do + 1/di; m = −di/do

(Adapt or expand this list as you review.)

Build a Memorization System That Sticks

i. Spaced repetition > cramming: 

schedule daily 20–30 min card sessions (new + due reviews).

ii. Active recall: 

Quiz yourself before peeking; cover up reaction schemes, redraw from memory.

iii. Chunking: 

Group related items (e.g., “acidic amino acids,” “ketone reactions,” “sympathetic hormones”).

Iv. Dual coding: 

Pair visuals (pathway maps, IR/NMR tables, circuit diagrams) with bite-sized text.

v. Memory palaces:

Place pathways, AA properties, or hormone cascades along a familiar route.

vi. One-pagers: 

Rewrite a clean, from-memory “formula/values” sheet every week—no notes.

vii. Error logs: 

After practice, record what you should have recalled; make a new card immediately.

Quick Starter Checklist (print this)

• 20 amino acids (names, codes, polarity, special cases, likely charge @ phys pH)
• Enzyme kinetics + inhibition patterns (Km/Vmax changes)
• Pathway maps + rate-limiting enzymes and regulators
• Hormones (source, class, second messenger, net effect)
• Neurotransmitters (primary functions)
• Physics “families”: kinematics, energy, fluids, circuits, optics
• Spectroscopy anchors: IR (broad OH ~3200–3600, C=O ~1700), ¹H-NMR (aromatic ~7–8 ppm, aldehyde ~9–10 ppm)
• Lab techniques: PCR steps, blotting (SNoW DRoP), chromatography logic
• Social theories & named experiments (Asch, Milgram, Zimbardo)
• Research methods: bias types, validity vs reliability
  
  

Turn Memorization Into Points

• Daily: cards + 5–10 targeted discretes.
• 2–3×/week: short passage blocks; answer with evidence from the stem/figure.
• Weekly: full-length or half-length sections; post-test, convert every “forgotten fact” into a card and review within 24 hrs.
  
  

FAQs: MCAT Memorization

#1. How much of the MCAT is pure memorization?

Quite a bit of Chem/Phys and Bio/Biochem hinges on recall (formulas, amino acids, pathways), but the exam rewards application. You’ll use those facts to reason through experiments and figures.

#2. Is the MCAT mostly memorizing biology?

Biology/biochem require heavy recall (AAs, enzymes, pathways), yet many questions are data-driven. Prioritize core facts you’ll reuse across passages.

#3. What’s the best way to memorize everything?

Use spaced repetition + active recall. Break topics into chunks, quiz yourself daily, and build a tight error log that feeds new cards. Consistency beats marathon crams.

#4. Which equations should I lock in?

Start with the snapshot above (kinematics, energy/work, fluids, circuits, optics, pH/HH, thermo, electrochem, waves). Add set-ups you personally miss in practice.

#5. Do I really need to memorize all amino acids?

Yes—names, 1-letter codes, polarity/charge, and special properties (e.g., His buffering, Pro kink, Cys disulfide). They show up everywhere.

Final Thoughts

Build a targeted list, learn it with spaced repetition and active recall, and then practice applying it inside timed passages. That combination, focused memory + evidence-based reasoning, is what turns hard-won facts into a higher MCAT score.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 15, 2025