memorizing all the formulas.Need help!!!

[khaykin]

So im taking the CFA level 1 in June. im on schedule if not already ahead with the pace im going with all the readings (starting reading 17 tomorrow). im doing both the EOC questions from the CFAI books and all the questions i got with my elanguides package. my only real concern is all the formulas! i need to figure out a way to effectively memorize them. should i leave it off to the end, or just constantly be reciting them? im putting them all on note cards when i finish every reading. any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[ufmba05]

I certainly think you should try to review them on a regular basis. However, keep in mind it is just as important to learn the output effects of a formula. I found a lot of the practice questions I did in preparation you could easily answer by knowing the numerator/denominator and its effect without even doing the calculation. If the numerator increases the output value increases therefore…..etc.

 

[VaR_99]

Flash cards or printouts. No magic way to remember them except to review them on a consistent basis until they stick.

 

[Black Swan]

It also helps to reread the associated text and stare at the formulas until you intuitively understand why they’re constructed the way they are. Often times I found rather than memorizing, by understanding the topic in depth I could recreate the formulas on demand. But yes, in some cases memorization and flash cards of key formulas will be necessary.

 

[effreyj]

Memorizing formulas using flashcards is not how you pass. You need to understand where the formula comes from and do practice problems.

 

[Botl435]

Trust me, I tried to memorize them for a week. Didn’t work. Best way to learn them is to do as many practice problems as you can..

 

[khaykin]

Ok so well judging from these responses it seems like doing a bit of memorizing and applying the formula itself over and over will be the best way to get it done. thank you all for your help.