Studying for your exam and trying to figure out how to memorize FINRA rules and formulas? A lot of our students at Professional Exam Tutoring ponder the same question.
In today’s post, we discuss some simple ways to make sure the obscure stuff sticks.
How to Memorize FINRA Rules and Formulas: Keep it Simple
The most basic approach that we recommend is to stick to memorizing what you don’t know. This advice can sound fairly absurd when you’re brand new to an exam, so naturally, there is some nuance.
First, this advice assumes that you’ve read the textbook already and some of it is not sticking. Next, try to take two or three full practice exams on all topics. While this may seem premature, and your scores will likely confirm that, the goal is to see what concepts stuck from the text, and what didn’t.
What we have found consistent among all students is that different things stick for different people. Certain words, definitions, and formulas, are more memorable for some than others. It can be as simple as a word that reminds someone of their dog’s name, or a phrase that reminds them of a song. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. The focus is to do what works.
How To Memorize
There is no real magic to memory work. The most common two ways that succeed with our students are: 1) Using flash cards, and; 2) Creating study notes.
For either approach, we recommend that you personalize them to your needs. In other words, do not borrow flash cards or notes from others. Ironically, using other peoples’ notes may be counterproductive. It will increase your study material, and can make studying seem more daunting (since the reality is that you have a lot more content, much of which you may not need).
Your study notes or flash cards should be very focused on areas where you are having trouble. Don’t write down definitions or rules and regs that you regularly get correct – stick to areas that stump you.
For memory work, we recommend that you try to memorize somewhere between three and five concepts per day. Each subsequent day, you should review the prior days’ new definitions. Such a “waterfall-like” approach will reinforce and solidify concepts.
Overall, memory work can be monotonous. But, we’ve often found that successful execution can easily add another 10 to 15 points on an exam – which can make all the difference. If you have any questions or want to clarify your strategy, feel free to reach out. Good luck!