Should I be memorizing theory, or doing problems?

Question

I'm taking the GMAT prep course Manhattan GMAT...and I've already kind of fallen behind in the studying (well...we only started last week). I keep trying to memorize all the little rules (odd/even, divsibility, prime numbers etc.). I know what it all is, it's just that I'm having a hard time memorizing everything like they suggest. In fact, I haven't even done a single problem yet! Should I just start doing problems, then refer back to the guides (the rules/theory) as needed? I'm beginning to get down on myself because I can't seem to remember all those little stupid rules, but I also want to actually get my hands into the real material

rpmodi · Answer

Yes Of course , three things you should be doing for GMAT

PRACTICE , PRACTICE and PRACTICE .

More you practice less you need to memorize these rules because then it will become part of your quant skills .

kidderek · Answer

The theory should be second nature. That way you can go through the problems quickly. If you forget a theory, such as odd times odd, you can just test it out. 3x3 = odd. No biggy. But, having those "tools" as second nature will make you not only better prepared, but also help you to control any anxiety.

lsuguy7 · Answer

I think you should buy into whatever way they want you to do it! I've never taken the MGMAT course but I'm sure they have a lot of experience the highest score out of the students in the class. Buy into your teacher and the materials if at the end of the course you aren't where you need to be, you can reevaluate the situation.

Anonymous · Answer

Try note cards. Every day at the gym I bring my note cards like a huge nerd and study them while doing cardio - and at night I put in 2 hours of studying practicing problems. I'm not one of those super scorers yet (e.g., 700+) - but I've made a considerable jump in my score and really think it's helping. So basically, you have to do both ;-)

marymayi · Answer

You won't learn anything if you're just trying to memorize formulas instead of applying them. To learn them, you've got to practice them. Pick one question type at a time and do several practice questions before moving on to the next type.

It's not a matter of memorization; it's a matter of understanding through doing.

It's not a matter of memorization; it's a matter of understanding through doing.

walker · Answer

PRACTICE, PRACTICE and memorizing will be automatic. Look at this, just for fun: 11-t62631

isa · Answer

I've found that picking one theory, studying problems to reinforce it and then repeating for others works really well. For me, I learn by practice so a reinforcement of concepts via problems is always good!

lsuguy7 · Answer

I still think if you are going to take a prep class you should buy into the system. I've read that veritas and mgmat both believe in teaching the theory first, the idea is that most students mindlessly blow through a bunch of problems and don't learn anything and waste perfectly good problems they could use the methods to practice on.

It's not like they are going to tell you to not practice ever they just want you to lean the methods first and then apply them to the practice problems.

It's not like they are going to tell you to not practice ever they just want you to lean the methods first and then apply them to the practice problems.

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Should I be memorizing theory, or doing problems?

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