MCAT Study Tips: Anki vs Flashrecall for Efficient Prep
Flashrecall streamlines MCAT prep with instant flashcard creation from notes, PDFs, or audio. Enjoy real spaced repetition without all the tech hassle.
How Flashrecall app helps you remember faster. It's free
Anki App MCAT — And Why Flashrecall Might Actually Be Easier for You
If you’re searching “Anki app MCAT,” you probably already know that Anki is huge in the pre-med world. But here’s the truth: Anki works amazingly well for MCAT prep, but it’s also extremely time-consuming to set up.
That’s why many students end up looking for a simpler, faster alternative — and this is where Flashrecall
immediately stands out.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Why Flashrecall Might Fit MCAT Students Better
MCAT prep is already stressful enough. You don’t have time to waste formatting cards, tweaking settings, or downloading huge shared decks. Here’s why Flashrecall
is often the easier choice:
Instant card creation — paste notes, upload PDFs, or record audio from lectures, and it turns everything into clean flashcards
Real spaced repetition without touching a single setting
Clean, modern interface built for fast daily study
Perfect for active recall, which is the whole point of MCAT prep
Zero tech complexity — no note types, templates, or add-ons
If you want to spend more time studying and less time “setting up your study tool,” Flashrecall makes MCAT review much simpler.
What Anki Offers for MCAT
Now, Anki is powerful — that’s why MCAT students love it.
With Anki you get:
Flashrecall automatically keeps track and reminds you of the cards you don't remember well so you remember faster. Like this :
Detailed custom decks
Full control over intervals and card structure
Huge shared decks like MileDown, Ortho528, Jack Westin breakdowns, etc.
Proven spaced-repetition algorithms
But all that power comes with downsides:
You must learn how to configure it properly
Editing decks takes time
Some MCAT decks are overwhelming if you’re not used to Anki
Syncing and templates can be confusing for beginners
The interface feels dated compared to modern apps
Great tool, but not great if you’re short on time.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Anki (MCAT) | Flashrecall |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | High | Almost zero |
| Card creation | Manual or huge shared decks | Automatic + AI |
| Ease of use | Steep learning curve | Very easy |
| Best for | Students who want full customisation | Students who want fast, simple studying |
| Active recall | Strong | Strong, simpler |
| Spaced repetition | Strong | Strong, automatic |
Final Take
Anki is powerful for MCAT — no question. But it asks for time, tech skills, and patience, which many students don’t have during prep season.
If you want something that works immediately, keeps everything simple, and lets you study without stress, give Flashrecall
a try.
One study session and you’ll feel the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quizlet good for studying?
Quizlet helps with basic reviewing, but its active recall tools are limited. If you want proper spacing and strong recall practice, tools like Flashrecall automate the memory science for you so you don't forget your notes.
Is Anki good for studying?
Anki is powerful but requires manual card creation and has a steep learning curve. Flashrecall offers AI-powered card generation from your notes, images, PDFs, and videos, making it faster and easier to create effective flashcards.
What's the fastest way to create flashcards?
Manually typing cards works but takes time. Many students now use AI generators that turn notes into flashcards instantly. Flashrecall does this automatically from text, images, or PDFs.
How do I start spaced repetition?
You can manually schedule your reviews, but most people use apps that automate this. Flashrecall uses built-in spaced repetition so you review cards at the perfect time.
What is active recall and how does it work?
Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Flashrecall forces proper active recall by making you think before revealing answers, then uses spaced repetition to optimize your review schedule.
Related Articles
Research References
The information in this article is based on peer-reviewed research and established studies in cognitive psychology and learning science.
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354-380
Meta-analysis showing spaced repetition significantly improves long-term retention compared to massed practice
Carpenter, S. K., Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24(3), 369-378
Review showing spacing effects work across different types of learning materials and contexts
Kang, S. H. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: Policy implications for instruction. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12-19
Policy review advocating for spaced repetition in educational settings based on extensive research evidence
FlashRecall Team
FlashRecall Development Team
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