An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for identifying and selecting a subgroup of memory cells for use during a programming or erasing operation, in order to execute the programming or erasing operation in less time, while avoiding over and under programming errors. Memory devices disclosed herein may include a state change/programming circuit, a counting circuit, a determination circuit, an identification circuit, and/or a subgroup selection circuit, where each of these circuits are configured to perform operations related to the overall process of identifying and selecting the subgroup of memory cells for utilization during a programming operation.