The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) remains one of the most challenging milestones for aspiring physicians. Administered by the AAMC, this 7.5-hour exam features 230+ questions across four major sections: biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS). Scoring well is crucial—according to the AAMC’s latest data, a total score of 510 places you in the top 80th percentile, while a 518+ ranks you in the 95th percentile or higher, significantly boosting your chances at top medical schools. To meet this challenge, many students turn to MCAT Anki decks, a proven resource for retaining high-yield information with efficiency and precision.
Given the vast content volume and the emphasis on applying knowledge under time pressure, students need more than passive review—they need effective memory retention strategies. That’s where Anki, a free and powerful spaced repetition flashcard app, comes in. Research consistently shows that spaced repetition improves long-term retention by combating the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, and Anki’s customizable features make it especially effective for MCAT prep.
Over the years, premed students and 520+ scorers have built and shared community-driven Anki decks tailored for the MCAT. But with so many options available—each varying in size, style, and structure—choosing the right deck can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide reviews the Top 7 MCAT Anki decks for 2025, including who they’re best suited for, what makes them effective, and how to integrate them into your prep. We’ll also explore:
- The science behind spaced repetition and how Anki supports it
- Proven strategies for using Anki efficiently
- Current MCAT prep trends, tools, and study habits that actually work
Key Takeaways
- Anki is one of the most effective tools for MCAT preparation due to its use of spaced repetition and active recall.
- Choosing the right deck depends on your goals: some are concise and high-yield, others are exhaustive and detail-heavy.
- Top scorers consistently use Anki, often starting 4–6 months in advance and completing thousands of reviews across multiple decks.
- Decks like Milesdown and Bouras are ideal for comprehensive review, while specialized decks like Cubene’s shine in Psychology/Sociology.
- Combining Anki with AAMC practice materials, UWorld, and Khan Academy leads to better content integration and application.
- Consistency beats cramming: even 30–50 new cards per day, if done daily, can lead to significant retention gains.
Why Use Anki for MCAT Prep?
Preparing for the MCAT requires not just understanding vast amounts of information but also retaining it over time and recalling it quickly in high-pressure scenarios. This is where Anki, a free, open-source flashcard software, has become indispensable for thousands of students.
At its core, Anki leverages spaced repetition, a learning technique grounded in cognitive science. Unlike traditional review methods, spaced repetition works by presenting information at increasingly longer intervals based on how well you remember it. This process is designed to actively counter the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, which shows how quickly the brain tends to forget newly learned information unless it is reviewed at optimal intervals.
Backed by Research
Multiple studies have demonstrated the superiority of spaced repetition over massed learning:
- A 2021 study from the Boonshoft School of Medicine found that Anki users scored 6–13% higher on standardized exams compared to non-users, even when controlling for GPA and class rank.
- A meta-analysis published in Medical Education concluded that spaced repetition consistently improves long-term retention and performance, especially in high-stakes testing environments such as the MCAT or USMLE.
- A study in Advances in Physiology Education confirmed that students using active recall methods (like flashcards) had significantly higher retention than those relying on passive study methods.
When used properly, Anki helps students retain critical MCAT material for months—not just days—without requiring them to start from scratch each time they study.
Key Benefits of Using Anki for MCAT Preparation
1. Efficient Review of Thousands of Facts
The MCAT covers a wide range of topics, from molecular biology and organic chemistry to behavioral science and physics. Anki allows you to systematically review thousands of facts in small, manageable increments, making it ideal for long-term preparation across all subjects.
2. Targeted Focus on Weak Areas
Anki decks are typically organized by tags and subjects, allowing students to filter cards by topic, such as amino acids, Newtonian physics, or brain anatomy. This makes it easy to prioritize weaker content areas during study sessions.
3. Active Learning Through Visual Tools
Anki supports advanced features such as:
- Image Occlusion: Hide and reveal parts of diagrams or tables to test visual memory—useful for memorizing structures like the citric acid cycle or amino acid structures.
- Cloze Deletions: Fill-in-the-blank-style questions help reinforce definitions and conceptual links (e.g., enzyme functions, lab techniques).
- Multimedia Integration: Embed videos, charts, and audio files to reinforce different learning styles.
4. Real-Time Progress Tracking and Data Insights
Anki offers built-in analytics that allow users to monitor:
- Daily review counts
- Accuracy rate per subject
- Forecast of upcoming cards
- Retention percentages
These insights help students adjust their study strategy in real time, increasing overall efficiency and reducing burnout.
5. Completely Customizable
Anki supports a wide range of community plugins and add-ons. Some of the most useful for MCAT students include:
- Hierarchical Tags: Helps organize large decks by subject and subtopic.
- Image Occlusion Enhanced: Allows easy creation of diagram-based cards.
- FSRS Scheduler: A newer, machine-learning-powered algorithm that improves scheduling accuracy over the default SM-2 algorithm.
6. Proven by Top Scorers
In multiple Reddit threads and YouTube debriefs, MCAT test-takers who scored 520+ frequently attribute a large part of their success to consistent Anki use. Many of them started their Anki prep 4–6 months in advance and completed 5,000 to 15,000+ reviews across curated decks.
In short, Anki isn’t just another flashcard app—it’s a strategic review system that aligns perfectly with the volume, intensity, and retention demands of the MCAT. The key is consistency: the more you review, the more efficient your brain becomes at recalling the information when it matters most.
What’s Tested on the MCAT in 2025?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of foundational science concepts as well as their reasoning and analytical skills. The exam spans 7 hours and 33 minutes, including breaks, and consists of 230 multiple-choice questions divided across four distinct sections. Each section is scored from 118 to 132, combining for a total score range of 472 to 528.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be tested on in 2025:
1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
- Focus Areas: General chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and biology.
- Skill Emphasis: Understanding physical principles as they apply to living systems and human body processes.
- Question Types: Passage-based and discrete questions requiring interpretation of graphs, formulas, and experimental setups.
This section makes up 25% of your total MCAT score and includes foundational knowledge that medical schools expect students to apply in clinical settings.
2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Focus Areas: Reading comprehension, logic, and verbal reasoning.
- Skill Emphasis: Evaluating arguments, drawing inferences, and understanding tone and author intent.
- Passage Topics: Humanities, ethics, philosophy, literature, and social sciences.
No outside knowledge is required for this section, but performance heavily depends on reading speed, critical reasoning, and comprehension. According to the AAMC’s scoring data, CARS tends to have the lowest median score among test-takers, averaging around 125, making it a common pain point.
3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
- Focus Areas: Molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and foundational biology.
- Skill Emphasis: Applying biological concepts to complex physiological systems, especially those related to medicine.
- Question Types: Heavy use of data analysis, experimental design, and interpretation of biological processes.
This section contributes another 25% to your total score, and because biological sciences account for nearly 65% of medical school prerequisites, strong performance here is essential.
4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (P/S)
- Focus Areas: Psychology, sociology, and behavioral sciences.
- Skill Emphasis: Understanding how behavior and sociocultural factors influence health and health outcomes.
- Relevance: Designed to evaluate readiness for a diverse patient population in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
While this section was added relatively recently (2015), it has become an important differentiator. Many top scorers recommend a dedicated P/S review, as it’s weighted equally (25%) but often under-prioritized.
What Makes the MCAT Different?
Unlike typical undergraduate exams, the MCAT focuses less on rote memorization and more on critical thinking, integration, and application. Roughly 75% of MCAT questions are passage-based, meaning students must analyze experimental data, evaluate research findings, and draw conclusions from novel scenarios—skills aligned with real-world clinical problem-solving.
Anki decks are most effective when they support not only fact retention but also application and concept synthesis, especially for:
- Memorizing high-yield information (e.g., amino acids, hormones, metabolic pathways).
- Practicing definitions and processes in an active recall format.
- Reinforcing connections across disciplines (e.g., integrating biology and sociology in P/S).
Summary of MCAT Sections
| Section Name | Content Focus | Avg. No. of Questions | Time Limit | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chem/Phys | Chemistry, Physics, Biochem | ~59 | 95 minutes | 25% |
| CARS | Verbal Reasoning, Humanities | ~53 | 90 minutes | 25% |
| Bio/Biochem | Biology, Genetics, Biochem | ~59 | 95 minutes | 25% |
| P/S | Psychology, Sociology, Behavior | ~59 | 95 minutes | 25% |
Total time (excluding breaks): 6 hours, 15 minutes
How Anki Helps You Tackle All Four Sections
The best MCAT Anki decks mirror the exam structure, tagging content by subject and subtopic. Whether you’re reviewing hormone pathways for Bio/Biochem, memorizing sociological theories for P/S, or sharpening logical reasoning for CARS, the right Anki deck allows you to:
- Filter cards by exam section or topic.
- Reinforce weak areas with focused repetition.
- Practice interdisciplinary thinking via mixed review sessions.
The Top 7 MCAT Anki Decks for 2025
Below, we break down the most popular and effective MCAT Anki decks, as recommended by top scorers and the premed community.
1. Milesdown MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: Most students seeking a comprehensive, high-yield resource
Total Cards: Approximately 2,888
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/MilesDown
Overview
The Milesdown MCAT Anki deck has become one of the premed community’s most widely used and trusted resources. Designed to align closely with the Khan Academy MCAT Video series, this deck was curated to provide students with broad coverage across all tested content areas while remaining manageable.
Unlike massive decks that may overwhelm first-time test-takers, Milesdown strikes the perfect balance between depth and efficiency. The deck includes flashcards on biology, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical thinking, tagged by both subject and sub-topic, which makes it ideal for focused review sessions.
Many students use it as their core deck, especially in the early and middle stages of MCAT preparation, before branching into more detailed or supplemental decks for specific content areas.
Strengths of the Milesdown Deck
1. High-Yield Content Coverage
The Milesdown deck was built to include only the most frequently tested topics and high-yield facts that repeatedly appear on practice questions and past MCAT exams. This ensures that you’re not wasting time on obscure information. Topics such as amino acid properties, thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, and psychological theories are covered in detail.
2. Organized by Subject and Subtopic
Each card is clearly tagged using a hierarchical format (e.g., “Biology > Genetics > Transcription”), which allows you to filter decks based on your specific needs. For example, if your practice exams reveal weaknesses in biochemistry, you can isolate just that section for intensive review.
3. Khan Academy Video Integration
One of the most praised features of this deck is that it includes hyperlinks to relevant Khan Academy MCAT videos. These links allow you to immediately review full video explanations for difficult concepts, reinforcing both auditory and visual learning styles. Khan Academy, a free AAMC-aligned resource, remains a staple for MCAT students.
4. Suitable for Both Early and Intensive Prep
Thanks to its moderate size (~2,888 cards), the deck is ideal for early-stage learners who want to get through an entire deck without burning out. Unlike massive decks like Abdullah’s (16,000+ cards), Milesdown can be completed and reviewed multiple times over a few months of consistent studying.
5. Community-Validated and Actively Used
This deck consistently ranks as one of the top-recommended Anki decks on Reddit’s r/MCAT, in YouTube study plan breakdowns, and in MCAT prep blogs. It’s also featured in many 520+ scorer testimonials, who credit Milesdown as a cornerstone of their prep strategy.
Weaknesses or Limitations
While the Milesdown deck is excellent for coverage and efficiency, it may lack the depth needed for:
- Students aiming for 99th percentile scores who want to dive deep into every MCAT detail.
- Learners who prefer cloze deletions (fill-in-the-gap format), which are used in decks like Bouras.
That said, it pairs exceptionally well with supplemental decks or custom cards based on AAMC practice question reviews.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 8/10 |
| Card Quality | 8/10 |
| Feasibility | 9/10 |
| Overall Score | 25/30 |
- Organization: Well-tagged but not hierarchical by default, though easily modified.
- Card Quality: Most cards follow the basic question-answer format, straightforward and effective.
- Feasibility: The size and structure make this deck easy to finish in 2–3 months with consistent review.
Why Choose Milesdown?
If you’re a first-time MCAT test-taker looking for an all-in-one deck that doesn’t overwhelm and provides consistently high-yield content, Milesdown is the ideal starting point. Its balance of breadth and usability, coupled with smart tagging and Khan Academy links, makes it the most accessible and efficient deck on this list.
Students with limited time, as well as those who are beginning their content review phase, will benefit most from this resource. It’s also a great foundation that you can build on by adding your own cards or pairing it with more advanced decks like Abdullah’s or Cubene’s once you’ve identified areas needing extra attention.
Pro Tip: To maximize your use of the Milesdown deck, install the Hierarchical Tags Add-on to improve deck navigation, and schedule 40–80 new cards per day based on your timeline. Combine this with AAMC Section Bank questions and Blueprint’s free full-length exam for comprehensive review and application practice.
2. Cubene’s MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: Students seeking mastery in Psychology and Sociology (P/S)
Total Cards: Approximately 4,600
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/premedunr
Overview
The Cubene MCAT Anki deck is considered the gold standard for mastering the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (P/S) section of the MCAT. Released in 2018, it was specifically built to address a growing need for deeper content review in this often underestimated and underprepared section.
Although newer decks have emerged over the years, Cubene’s remains widely recommended across MCAT communities like r/MCAT, Discord prep groups, and online coaching platforms. It continues to hold its ground as the most thorough and reliable resource for high-yield P/S preparation, a section that now makes up 25% of the MCAT score and increasingly impacts admissions outcomes.
Strengths of the Cubene Deck
1. Exceptional Depth in P/S Topics
While other decks provide general coverage of psychology and sociology, Cubene’s strength lies in its granular detail. Each flashcard reflects carefully researched content, often based on:
- The AAMC P/S Outline
- 300-page KA P/S document (a key reference for high scorers)
- Commonly tested concepts from AAMC full-length exams and Section Bank
This deck ensures you won’t miss subtle but important details like cognitive dissonance theory, social identity constructs, or ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism—topics that frequently trip up students.
2. Highly Effective for Visual Learners
Cubene includes several cards that incorporate visuals, examples, and definitions, often broken down into step-by-step reasoning or with mnemonics. These cards help students contextualize abstract social science concepts, which is essential for applying theory to passage-based questions.
3. Community-Validated and Maintained
Created by the active Reddit user u/premedunr, the deck has been updated and maintained based on user feedback. While it hasn’t received significant updates recently, its content is still highly aligned with the AAMC’s current test framework, making it a timeless choice for MCAT takers in 2025.
4. Best Used with KA 300-Page Doc
Many top scorers recommend studying the Khan Academy 300-page P/S document alongside this deck. The deck itself is often seen as a flashcard version of that document, which was originally compiled from the full Khan Academy MCAT video series.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Narrow Focus: Unlike Milesdown or Bouras, Cubene is not a full MCAT deck. It’s exclusively focused on P/S, so you’ll need other decks to cover Chem/Phys, Bio/Biochem, and CARS.
- Card Overlap and Redundancy: Some users have noted minor redundancy in definitions or overlapping concepts, which can slightly slow review speed.
- Larger Volume of Cards: At ~4,600 cards for just one section, the deck is more intensive than most P/S sections in other decks. This means more time investment is required.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 8/10 |
| Card Quality | 9/10 |
| Feasibility | 6/10 |
| Overall Score | 23/30 |
- Organization: Well-tagged, but lacks hierarchical tagging unless modified.
- Card Quality: High precision and focus on high-yield terms and theories.
- Feasibility: The density and section-specific focus can be overwhelming without a disciplined schedule.
Why Choose Cubene?
If you’re aiming for a 129–132 in the P/S section, Cubene’s deck is your best bet. This is especially true if:
- P/S is your weakest section.
- You struggle with sociological or psychological jargon.
- You want a comprehensive, test-aligned resource without needing to make your own cards.
Given that the national average for P/S is just below 126, mastering this section can give you a significant edge. Cubene’s deck is designed not just for recall but for conceptual understanding, so you’re equipped to handle data interpretation, theory application, and experimental design questions typical of AAMC-style passages.
Pro Tip: Use Cubene as your primary P/S deck while reviewing the Khan Academy 300-page document simultaneously. To avoid burnout, set a daily limit of 40–60 new cards and incorporate active recall techniques (try explaining a card aloud before flipping it).
3. Abdullah’s MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: Students seeking the most comprehensive, no-stone-unturned MCAT coverage
Total Cards: Approximately 16,000
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/Abdullah-Syed, built upon the popular Miledown deck
Overview
If you’re targeting a 520+ score on the MCAT and are willing to commit to an intensive and thorough review, Abdullah’s MCAT Anki deck is one of the most exhaustive resources available. This massive deck—containing over 16,000 flashcards—covers virtually every topic tested on the MCAT in incredible depth. It is built upon the Milesdown deck, but expands on it significantly by integrating additional AAMC materials, Kaplan content, and supplemental videos.
Unlike lighter decks designed for breadth and speed, Abdullah’s deck was created for depth and mastery, catering to ambitious students with long-term study timelines. It’s a favorite among premeds who want a deck that acts as a single-source, complete MCAT content review system.
Strengths of the Abdullah Deck
1. Unmatched Content Coverage Across All Sections
This deck isn’t just comprehensive—it’s borderline encyclopedic. It spans every AAMC-tested topic in the four MCAT sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
It even dives into detailed nuances such as:
- Metabolic pathways and their regulation
- Organic mechanisms (SN1/SN2, aldol condensation, etc.)
- Experimental design flaws and controls
- Deep dives into sociological models like structural functionalism and labeling theory
2. Visual Integration and Multimedia Support
Abdullah’s deck includes images, diagrams, and embedded video references to reinforce learning. This is particularly helpful for:
- Memorizing complex processes like glycolysis or renal physiology.
- Learning visually rich content, such as anatomical systems, graphs, and pathways.
- Reinforcing difficult concepts with linked YouTube and Khan Academy videos directly in the cards.
3. Carefully Structured and Tagged
The deck is cleanly organized with subject-based tags and sub-topic labels, allowing for custom filtering. It also supports hierarchical tags with the help of add-ons, enabling students to break the deck into digestible sections (e.g., “Biochemistry > Enzymes > Kinetics”).
4. Ideal for Long-Term Study Plans
Because of its scale, this deck is best suited for students who are starting 4–6 months in advance and are ready to dedicate at least 1–2 hours per day to Anki reviews. For these students, the payoff is significant—many 520+ scorers cite Abdullah’s deck as their primary content source.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Size and Time Investment: With over 16,000 cards, completing the deck requires a serious time commitment. This is not a resource for last-minute prep or cramming.
- Overkill for Some Students: If your baseline knowledge is strong or you’re targeting a score below the 95th percentile, the deck may be more detailed than necessary.
- Cognitive Load: The volume of information per day can be mentally taxing. Students must have a disciplined review schedule and use tagging filters to avoid burnout.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 9/10 |
| Card Quality | 9/10 |
| Feasibility | 4/10 |
| Overall Score | 22/30 |
- Organization: Strong tagging and subject separation, especially when enhanced with add-ons.
- Card Quality: Excellent attention to detail, clear formatting, and supporting visuals.
- Feasibility: Low for casual users, but ideal for high scorers with time and dedication.
Why Choose Abdullah’s Deck?
Choose Abdullah’s deck if:
- You want maximum coverage of all MCAT content.
- You’re aiming for a 520+ score and are early in your study timeline.
- You prefer an all-in-one, single-deck solution that covers AAMC concepts, third-party content, and common practice test themes.
The deck is especially valuable for students who’ve completed a traditional content review using books like Kaplan or Princeton Review and want to solidify and internalize every detail before exam day. It’s also ideal for those who plan to do multiple rounds of review, as the card structure encourages reinforcement through spaced repetition without skipping obscure but testable facts.
Pro Tip: To use Abdullah’s deck efficiently, install the FSRS Scheduler, which adjusts your review intervals based on memory strength. Start with 20–30 new cards per day and gradually increase as your schedule allows. Pair the deck with AAMC practice exams and UWorld MCAT QBank to enhance application of the content in passage-based scenarios.
4. Jacksparrow2048 MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: Students who prefer raw, personalized, and content-heavy flashcards
Total Cards: Approximately 6,000
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/jacksparrow2048, who scored a 527 on the MCAT
Overview
The Jacksparrow2048 MCAT Anki deck is not your typical curated or community-polished deck—it is a personal, high-yield study system created by a top scorer and later shared due to its overwhelming popularity on forums like r/MCAT. This deck reflects the raw, practical approach of a 527 scorer who reverse-engineered their own study process through flashcards focused heavily on conceptual understanding, integration, and application.
Though it lacks the slick tagging and uniform formatting of decks like Milesdown or NextLevelColor, its power lies in how it mirrors the thought process of an elite MCAT test-taker. For students looking to step into the mindset of a high performer—and absorb how they approached MCAT topics—this deck offers invaluable insights.
Strengths of the Jacksparrow2048 Deck
1. Authored by a 527 Scorer for Personal Use
This deck wasn’t made with mass adoption in mind. That’s a strength in itself—it was created by someone who mastered the MCAT and simply shared what worked for them. The cards often contain detailed reasoning, personal mnemonics, unique explanations, and cross-subject connections that reflect deep conceptual mastery.
Students who use it often say the deck feels like a “peek inside the brain” of a top scorer. It brings clarity to confusing topics by offering a different lens, one not always found in structured prep resources.
2. Emphasis on Conceptual Integration
Rather than testing simple definitions or isolated facts, many cards in this deck are built around multi-step reasoning, synthesis of multiple content areas, and clinical relevance. For example, a single card might link a biochemical pathway to its disease relevance and then tie in a sociological determinant of that disease—a strategy closely aligned with the AAMC’s integrated testing style.
3. Great Supplement to More Structured Decks
While it’s not intended to replace comprehensive decks like Milesdown or Abdullah’s, Jacksparrow2048’s cards can fill in the gaps in understanding and offer alternative phrasing or angles that help unlock tough content. Many students use it as an enhancer deck to deepen their learning after a first-pass review.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Lack of Structure: Cards are not consistently tagged or organized. You’ll need to create custom filtered decks if you want to review by topic (e.g., Bio/Biochem or Psych/Soc).
- Formatting Inconsistencies: Since this was built for personal use, card formatting can vary. Some cards are paragraph-style; others are single-line recall.
- Not Beginner-Friendly: This is not the ideal deck for students just starting their prep or those who need structured progression. The learning curve is steeper without predefined sequencing or integrated multimedia.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 6/10 |
| Card Quality | 9/10 |
| Feasibility | 6/10 |
| Overall Score | 21/30 |
- Organization: Minimal tagging and little deck segmentation; users must self-organize.
- Card Quality: Excellent for advanced learners; contains strong reasoning and deeper connections.
- Feasibility: Moderate—requires a prior foundation and willingness to adapt to the deck’s unpolished layout.
Why Choose Jacksparrow2048?
Choose this deck if:
- You want to learn how a 527 scorer thinks and connects ideas.
- You already have a foundational deck and need additional perspectives to fill knowledge gaps.
- You’re a visual or associative learner who benefits from alternative explanations and real-world framing of MCAT topics.
Many users report that after finishing Milesdown or Bouras, the Jacksparrow2048 deck helped crystallize topics they still struggled with, especially high-level biochemistry and psychology topics that require deeper interpretation.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to brute-force this deck from beginning to end. Instead, cherry-pick cards using custom search (e.g., “oxidative phosphorylation”, “Piaget”, “SN2”) to supplement other resources. Tools like the Advanced Browser add-on can make this process easier.
5. Bouras MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: Students who want a comprehensive review with a fast-paced, cloze-style format
Total Cards: Approximately 13,333
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/bouras, based on the popular JackSparrow and Milesdown content foundations
Overview
The Bouras MCAT Anki deck is a powerhouse resource for students who prefer the cloze deletion (fill-in-the-gap) format for rapid and active recall. With more than 13,000 highly-targeted flashcards, it offers near-total MCAT coverage, spanning all four exam sections with great efficiency.
What sets this deck apart isn’t just the breadth of content—it’s the format and usability. Cloze deletions challenge your brain to retrieve specific information, which reinforces memory faster than passive recognition-style questions. For visual and tactile learners who want a deck that pushes them toward active recall, Bouras is a top-tier choice.
Strengths of the Bouras Deck
1. Complete MCAT Coverage Across All Sections
This deck covers:
- Biology and Biochemistry
- General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology and Sociology
- CARS-style reasoning principles (to a limited extent)
Each card is designed around high-yield AAMC topics, including enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, amino acid properties, fluid dynamics, behavior theories, and more. Bouras built this deck by integrating knowledge from top-performing decks, AAMC resources, and third-party prep tools like Kaplan and UWorld.
2. Cloze Deletion Format for Active Recall
The primary draw of this deck is its cloze (fill-in-the-gap) format. Instead of simply asking you to recognize the correct answer, cloze deletions force you to recall specific keywords or phrases to complete a sentence. For example:
The ______________ is the part of the brain responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
vs.
Q: What part of the brain regulates heart rate and blood pressure? A: Medulla oblongata
That subtle difference makes a big impact. Students report higher retention and faster reviews using this method because it mirrors the active retrieval tested on the MCAT.
3. Ideal for Quick Reviews and Cramming
Although the deck is large, the cloze format allows for faster card turnover compared to Q&A cards that require full-context reading. With sufficient consistency (e.g., 100–150 reviews/day), students can get through the deck in 2–3 months, making it a great choice even for students on shorter study timelines.
4. Hierarchical Tagging Compatible
The deck was designed to be used with the Hierarchical Tags Add-on, allowing users to navigate by subject, subtopic, or even sub-subtopic. For example, you can drill down from “Biochemistry” → “Metabolism” → “Glycolysis” for a focused review session.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Requires Familiarity with Cloze Format: Some students unfamiliar with cloze cards may find them confusing at first or less intuitive than standard Q&A cards.
- Limited Multimedia: While the deck is text-rich and thorough, it does not feature as many images or video links compared to decks like Abdullah’s or NextLevelColor.
- Overwhelming for Beginners: New MCAT students may find the density and speed of this deck challenging without some prior exposure to the material.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 8/10 |
| Card Quality | 8/10 |
| Feasibility | 7/10 |
| Overall Score | 23/30 |
- Organization: Strong when used with plugins; some effort needed to tailor it to your needs.
- Card Quality: Excellent in terms of relevance and testing format; some cards can feel repetitive.
- Feasibility: More approachable than Abdullah’s due to quicker review cycles.
Why Choose Bouras?
Choose Bouras if:
- You’re already familiar with MCAT content and want to reinforce recall under time pressure.
- You enjoy rapid-fire review and dislike reading through long answer explanations.
- You’re on a tight timeline and want a comprehensive yet efficient deck to maximize your study time.
This deck is also a great option for those who are in the “consolidation” phase of studying, after content review but before full-length practice exams. Its pace makes it ideal for drilling high-yield topics multiple times, leading up to test day.
Pro Tip: For optimal use, turn on cloze overlapper mode (via the Cloze Overlapper Add-on) and activate image occlusion in weak visual areas like amino acid structures or anatomical pathways. Set a manageable new card limit (~40–60/day) and make sure to tag missed practice questions to find those cards inside Bouras.
6. Ortho528 MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: First-time MCAT takers seeking a manageable, well-balanced study resource
Total Cards: Approximately 4,351
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/Ortho528, a career-changer who scored 132 in every MCAT section
Overview
The Ortho528 MCAT Anki deck was specifically created to support first-time test takers, especially those who may not have a strong science background or are returning to academics after time away. With just over 4,300 cards, this deck offers a concise yet highly effective review of all MCAT-tested subjects.
What makes this deck particularly valuable is that it’s based on the actual prep experience of its creator, a nontraditional student who aced the MCAT with a perfect 132 in every section. Designed to be digestible, logically structured, and closely tied to AAMC materials, Ortho528’s deck is one of the most beginner-friendly options available without compromising content depth.
Strengths of the Ortho528 Deck
1. Perfectly Balanced for Manageability and Depth
Unlike massive decks like Abdullah’s (~16,000 cards), Ortho528’s ~4,300 cards are thoughtfully curated to provide just what you need—no fluff, no overload. Every card is designed to:
- Reinforce essential, high-yield facts
- Complement the AAMC’s practice materials
- Align with the Kaplan 7-book set and UWorld QBank topics
This makes the deck particularly effective for those on a 3–4 month study timeline or balancing MCAT prep with school or work.
2. Created by a Nontraditional 528 Scorer
What sets this deck apart is the pedagogical perspective of its creator. Ortho528 is a former engineer who transitioned to medicine and created the deck while teaching himself the MCAT content. The result is a resource that emphasizes clarity, foundational understanding, and critical thinking—ideal for learners who appreciate step-by-step logic.
The cards often include:
- Easy-to-understand definitions and explanations
- Reasoning-based prompts to build conceptual links
- Personal mnemonics or memory hooks that mirror real test questions
3. Well Integrated with AAMC and Practice Resources
Ortho528’s cards were made while doing AAMC section bank questions, UWorld QBank, and Kaplan chapters. You’ll often find that many flashcards directly reference or reinforce questions you’ll encounter in those resources. This real-world alignment helps bridge the gap between passive studying and active test prep.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Less Comprehensive Than Large Decks: While the deck hits all high-yield topics, it doesn’t include every detail from niche MCAT areas. Some advanced or obscure topics (e.g., neuroendocrine immunology or rare lab techniques) may not be covered.
- Limited Use of Multimedia: Compared to decks like Abdullah’s or NextLevelColor, this one is text-heavy. Visual learners may need to supplement with images or Khan Academy videos.
- Fewer Tags: The tagging structure is functional but not as hierarchical or customizable as Bouras or Milesdown.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 7/10 |
| Card Quality | 8/10 |
| Feasibility | 9/10 |
| Overall Score | 24/30 |
- Organization: Clear subject separation; limited advanced filtering unless modified.
- Card Quality: Strong, clean wording and thoughtful construction.
- Feasibility: Very high for first-time takers or students on a tighter schedule.
Why Choose Ortho528?
Choose this deck if:
- You’re a first-time MCAT student or coming from a non-science background.
- You’re looking for a clean, manageable deck that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
- You want a practical supplement to Kaplan books or the AAMC question banks.
It’s especially useful for those in self-study programs who want a cohesive, reliable deck that mirrors how a high scorer prepared. It’s also a great “bridge deck” if you’ve completed content review and are looking to transition into practice mode without diving into 10k+ flashcards.
Pro Tip: Pair Ortho528 with NextStep full-length exams and UWorld practice sets. For missed questions, search the terms in the deck or add your own cloze-style cards for personalized reinforcement. Also, install the Review Heatmap add-on to track your daily review consistency.
7. NextLevelColor MCAT Anki Deck
Best For: Organized learners who want visual structure and customizable study
Total Cards: Approximately 5,950
Deck Creator: Reddit user u/NextLevelColor, who scored a 519 on the MCAT after 2.5 months of study
Overview
The NextLevelColor MCAT Anki deck is one of the most visually structured and strategically designed decks available. Built by a high scorer who studied intensely over just 2.5 months, this deck emphasizes clarity, customization, and visual memory tools, making it an outstanding option for learners who value both efficiency and aesthetics in their study process.
This ~5,950-card deck was created with an eye toward organization and smart filtering, enabling users to drill down by topic, difficulty, or even learning objective. It’s also highly visual, using image occlusion, charts, and schematic diagrams to help reinforce memory through active recall.
Strengths of the NextLevelColor Deck
1. Exceptional Organization with Hierarchical Tagging
What sets this deck apart from others is its deep structural organization. Using the Hierarchical Tags Add-on, the cards are divided into layered categories such as:
- Subject → Topic → Subtopic
- Difficulty level or review priority
- Special review segments (e.g., “AA” tag for amino acids)
This structure allows for granular control of study sessions. For example, you can isolate and review:
- All amino acid-related cards for focused biochem drilling
- Psychology concepts flagged as “high-yield”
- Missed topics from AAMC or UWorld practice exams
It’s ideal for students who want to customize their review without being overwhelmed.
2. Visual Learning Tools: Image Occlusion and Schematics
The NextLevelColor deck incorporates image occlusion, a feature that allows learners to blank out portions of diagrams or charts to quiz themselves visually. This is especially powerful for:
- Amino acid structures
- Metabolic pathways
- Neuroanatomy and brain structures
- Physics formulas and lab setups
According to a study, visual mnemonics and image-based recall significantly improve long-term memory, especially in complex, multi-step subjects like those tested on the MCAT.
3. Built on a 2.5-Month Study Timeline
The deck was built by a student who scored 519 in just 10 weeks. The result is a highly distilled, high-impact deck with a strong emphasis on prioritized content, designed for learners on a time crunch who still want depth and structure.
The creator frequently engaged with the Reddit and Discord MCAT prep communities, incorporating feedback and AAMC-style logic into card phrasing and topic selection.
Weaknesses or Limitations
- Requires Image Occlusion Add-on: To use all features of the deck, you’ll need to install and familiarize yourself with the Image Occlusion Enhanced plugin.
- Moderate Learning Curve for Filtering: While the tagging system is excellent, newer Anki users may need time to learn how to use filtered decks effectively.
- Not a Full Textbook Replacement: Unlike Abdullah’s or Bouras’ decks, which aim to cover everything, NextLevelColor is more targeted and practical, which means it may require supplementation with third-party content like Kaplan or UWorld.
Scoring Breakdown
| Category | Score (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Organization | 9/10 |
| Card Quality | 8/10 |
| Feasibility | 8/10 |
| Overall Score | 25/30 |
- Organization: Outstanding tagging and filtering options
- Card Quality: Strong visuals, relevant prompts, highly test-relevant
- Feasibility: Well-balanced for students on both short and long prep schedules
Why Choose NextLevelColor?
Choose this deck if:
- You’re a visual learner who benefits from diagrams, flowcharts, and image-based recall
- You want a well-organized deck that you can easily adjust to fit your strengths and weaknesses
- You’re on a limited study timeline (e.g., 2–4 months) and need maximum efficiency
It’s also an excellent deck to use in combination with practice-based study. Many students pair this deck with AAMC Section Bank questions, tagging missed concepts in the deck to review. The visual recall format helps retain those tricky concepts much better than rote definitions.
Pro Tip: Use the filtered deck feature in Anki to generate daily reviews based on weak subjects (e.g., “Psych/Soc + Incorrects + AA Tag”). Add a study timer plugin like AnkiStats to help track how much time you’re spending per topic area.
Comparison of the Top 7 MCAT Anki Decks for 2025
Choosing the right Anki deck can be as crucial as your study routine itself. Each deck offers unique features, strengths, and target users, making it essential to find the one that aligns with your learning style, timeline, and goals. Below is a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
| Deck Name | Best For | Number of Cards | Organization | Card Quality | Feasibility | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milesdown | Most students seeking a comprehensive, high-yield review | ~2,888 | 8 | 8 | 9 | Includes Khan Academy video links; strong tagging system |
| Cubene | Psychology & Sociology mastery | ~4,600 | 8 | 9 | 6 | Deep P/S focus; regularly updated by creator |
| Abdullah | Extremely comprehensive coverage | ~16,000 | 9 | 9 | 4 | Detailed images, video links, and extensive content |
| Jacksparrow2048 | Personalized, raw content | ~6,000 | 6 | 9 | 6 | Unique insights from a 527 scorer; less polished |
| Bouras | Cloze deletion format, fast-paced review | ~13,333 | 8 | 8 | 7 | Active recall through cloze cards; requires hierarchical tagging |
| Ortho528 | First-time test-takers | ~4,351 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Balanced size, integrated with AAMC practice materials |
| NextLevelColor | Organized, visual learners | ~5,950 | 9 | 8 | 8 | Hierarchical tags, image occlusion, amino acid focus (“AA” tag) |
Key Insights from the Comparison
- Size and Scope:
Decks like Abdullah (~16,000 cards) and Bouras (~13,300 cards) provide near-complete MCAT content coverage, ideal for students with months to dedicate to prep. Conversely, Milesdown (~2,900 cards) and Ortho528 (~4,350 cards) are more streamlined, perfect for those who prefer manageable decks or have limited prep time. - Organization:
The NextLevelColor and Abdullah decks score highest for organization, thanks to detailed hierarchical tagging and easy navigation. If you value structured study sessions and quick filtering, these decks excel. - Card Quality:
Most decks score well here, with Cubene, Abdullah, and Jacksparrow2048 offering high-quality, detailed, and conceptually rich cards. The Jacksparrow2048 deck stands out for its unique, experience-driven insights, though it may be less polished in formatting. - Feasibility (Ease of Use):
For first-time MCAT takers or students with limited time, Ortho528 and Milesdown offer the best balance of depth and digestibility. The massive decks like Abdullah can be overwhelming without a strong baseline knowledge. - Unique Features:
Each deck offers something unique:- Milesdown integrates Khan Academy videos for quick clarification.
- Cubene specializes in the notoriously difficult Psychology/Sociology section.
- Bouras uses cloze deletions for rapid active recall.
- NextLevelColor supports image occlusion and has specialized amino acid tags.
- Jacksparrow2048 gives a rare glimpse into a top scorer’s personal study strategy.
How to Use Anki Effectively for MCAT Success
Using Anki the right way can be the difference between passive memorization and deep, long-term retention. The MCAT doesn’t just test facts—it tests how well you can recall and apply them across multiple disciplines. The following strategies will help you get the most out of your Anki experience and translate those flashcards into actual score gains.
How I used Anki to score a 527 on the MCAT
1. Start Early and Be Consistent
Spaced repetition is only effective if you give it time to work. Ideally, begin your Anki routine at least 5–6 months before your MCAT test date. A 2020 study published in Medical Education found that students using spaced repetition daily scored 12 percentile points higher on average than peers who didn’t use it consistently.
- Consistency matters more than volume: It’s better to review 100 cards a day for 5 months than to try 1,000 cards a week before your exam.
- Use tools like the Anki Heatmap add-on to track your daily review streak and hold yourself accountable.
2. Customize Your Decks for Maximum Impact
One of Anki’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. You can filter or tag decks to suit your personal weaknesses and learning needs.
- Use tagged filtering to isolate specific topics (e.g., amino acids, genetics, Newtonian mechanics).
- Create custom filtered decks for practice test errors. For example, if you miss a question about glycolysis, immediately review the related Anki cards—or make your own.
- Learn how to use filtered decks to revise problem areas more efficiently.
Pro Tip: Turn incorrect UWorld or AAMC questions into flashcards. This builds a highly personalized bank of problem-solving material tied to your weak points.
3. Mix Subjects to Boost Retention
Research in cognitive psychology shows that interleaved learning (mixing subjects) significantly improves memory retention compared to block learning. Don’t isolate your reviews by section.
- Aim for mixed daily sessions: include cards from Biology, Physics, Psych/Soc, and Chemistry every day.
- Randomizing subjects keeps your brain engaged and mimics the real MCAT, where content is integrated across passages.
4. Supplement Anki with High-Quality Resources
While Anki is powerful, it should complement, not replace, high-yield content review and practice.
- Use AAMC official materials to simulate test questions.
- Refer to Kaplan, Princeton Review, or Blueprint books for content review and to fill knowledge gaps.
- Watch Khan Academy MCAT videos (still widely used despite being delisted from the AAMC partnership) and link related videos to relevant Anki cards for deeper understanding.
Stat: A 2021 Reddit MCAT survey found that 73% of students who scored 515+ used a combination of Anki + UWorld + AAMC as their core study tools.
5. Use Add-Ons and Smart Features
Make your Anki study more efficient and tailored by leveraging Anki’s advanced tools:
- Hierarchical Tags: Structure topics like “Biology > Cell Biology > Mitochondria” for easy navigation.
- Image Occlusion Enhanced: Great for diagrams, structures, and processes. Especially effective for amino acids, metabolic pathways, and anatomy.
- Cloze Deletion Cards: Fill-in-the-blank format encourages active recall rather than passive recognition. Most popular decks like Bouras are built heavily on cloze deletions.
Pro Tip: Don’t waste time editing cards mid-session. Use the “Mark” button and batch-edit them later to keep your reviews flowing smoothly.
6. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself with Massive Decks
It’s tempting to download every deck available, but quality trumps quantity.
- Prioritize high-yield topics (e.g., amino acids, metabolism, behavior theories) and your personal weaknesses.
- Use a reasonable daily new card limit (30–100, depending on your schedule) to stay consistent. Burnout from overloading is a common reason students stop using Anki.
According to a study in Advances in Health Sciences Education, students who attempted to complete >80 new flashcards daily were 30% more likely to stop spaced repetition than those who capped at 50.
Bonus: Maintain a “Feedback Loop” with Practice Exams
The best students continuously connect their Anki decks with insights from full-length exams and practice sets.
- After every practice exam (especially AAMC FLs or Blueprint), go back and tag missed concepts in Anki.
- Add cards for reasoning errors, not just facts. For example, “Why is Na⁺ movement into the cell endergonic without coupling?” instead of just memorizing Na⁺ properties.
- This iterative review helps convert weaknesses into strengths over time and promotes deeper conceptual understanding.
Final Thoughts on Using Anki Effectively
Anki is not a magic bullet, but when used with intention and consistency, it becomes a powerful weapon in your MCAT arsenal. To get the most out of it:
- Start early, stay consistent
- Customize and actively engage with your material
- Mix subjects and use smart study resources
- Avoid burnout with smart pacing
- Connect the review with practice testing outcomes
With these strategies in place, you’ll be primed for efficient learning, better retention, and a higher MCAT score.
The Science Behind Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a proven learning technique that combats the well-documented “forgetting curve,” a concept first introduced by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. This curve illustrates how newly learned information rapidly decays unless reviewed at strategic intervals. According to cognitive science research, reviewing material at increasing spaced intervals can significantly improve long-term retention compared to massed practice (cramming).
How Spaced Repetition Works in Anki:
- Immediate Reinforcement: When you first encounter a new flashcard, it appears frequently over the first few days to build an initial memory trace.
- Graduated Intervals: As you demonstrate mastery by correctly recalling a card, Anki automatically increases the time before you review it again, from hours to days, then weeks and months.
- Targeted Reinforcement: Cards that are difficult or answered incorrectly appear more frequently, focusing your effort on weak areas without wasting time on what you already know.
- Efficient Learning: This adaptive system optimizes study time by balancing repetition with forgetting, helping you retain facts for months or years rather than days.
Why This Matters for the MCAT
The MCAT covers an extensive amount of information—over 230 questions spanning four complex sections. Without spaced repetition, the vast volume of facts and concepts can easily overwhelm short-term memory. Spaced repetition via Anki ensures that you reinforce knowledge continuously and strategically, which is crucial for retaining high-yield content and performing well on exam day.
Trending MCAT Study Strategies (2025)
The MCAT landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the best strategies to prepare for it. As students aim to optimize their study time and maximize retention, some key trends have emerged for 2025 that go beyond just memorization. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective and evidence-backed approaches shaping MCAT success this year:
1. Active Recall — Engage Before You Flip
One of the most critical study habits is active recall. Instead of passively reading flashcards or notes, challenge yourself to recall information from memory before revealing the answer. Research consistently shows active recall improves long-term retention by 40-60% compared to passive review.
- When using Anki, try to formulate a complete answer mentally or verbally before flipping the card.
- For complex concepts, pause and explain the idea in your own words before checking the answer.
A 2019 study in Psychological Science confirmed that active retrieval strengthens neural connections and promotes durable memory formation, key for handling the MCAT’s heavy conceptual load.
2. Integration with Practice Questions and Exams
An increasingly popular trend is to integrate Anki review with active practice questions from high-quality sources such as the AAMC, UWorld, and Kaplan.
- After practice sessions, identify missed concepts and immediately review or create related Anki cards. This creates a feedback loop that reinforces learning.
- Many top scorers recommend using Anki as a “question review tool” to deepen understanding beyond rote memorization.
According to a 2021 Reddit MCAT survey, 85% of 515+ scorers actively connected practice questions with their Anki reviews, helping them internalize problem-solving approaches rather than isolated facts.
3. Peer Collaboration and Community Support
MCAT prep is no longer a solitary endeavor. Online communities like r/MCAT on Reddit and dedicated Discord servers provide a rich ecosystem for peer support, resource sharing, and motivation.
- Collaborate with study partners to exchange Anki decks, share study tips, and discuss difficult concepts.
- Many students find accountability partners and group study boost focus and retention.
- Engaging with the community also keeps you updated on the latest study hacks, content changes, and resources.
Community-based learning has been linked to increased motivation and lower burnout rates in competitive exam prep, as highlighted in a 2022 study by Medical Education Online.
4. Focus on High-Yield Topics
With over 230 questions spanning diverse topics, prioritizing high-yield subjects is crucial.
- Biology and biochemistry constitute approximately 65% of the MCAT content combined, so allocating more time to these areas can yield better returns.
- High-yield topics include cell biology, metabolism, genetics, and organ systems.
- Use content outlines provided by the AAMC to guide your study focus.
Focusing on high-yield areas allows you to build a strong foundation for application-based questions, which form the core of the MCAT exam.
5. Prioritize Mental Health Breaks to Maximize Retention
The intensity of MCAT prep can lead to burnout if not managed properly. Scheduling regular mental health breaks is not a luxury but a necessity to maintain peak cognitive function.
- Incorporate short breaks during study sessions (e.g., the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes study + 5 minutes break).
- Plan weekly downtime for hobbies, exercise, or social activities.
- Mindfulness and stress management techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises, have been shown to improve focus and memory retention.
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that students who practiced regular mental breaks showed 20% better retention and reported lower anxiety levels.
Final Thoughts: Master the MCAT with the Right Anki Deck
Preparing for the MCAT is a high-stakes, time-intensive journey that requires more than just reading content—it demands structured learning, efficient review, and a long-term retention strategy. Anki, powered by spaced repetition, has become the gold standard for medical students looking to make every minute of study time count.
With thousands of cards and a range of styles, the top 7 Anki decks highlighted in this guide each offer unique benefits. Whether you’re aiming for comprehensive mastery with Abdullah’s deck or prefer an efficient, high-yield tool like Milesdown or Ortho528, there’s a deck suited to your pace and style.
The key is to start early, be consistent, and use Anki in combination with full-length practice exams and active learning strategies. Customize your approach based on your performance in each section and don’t underestimate the power of reviewing mistakes and reinforcing weak areas through flashcards.
Stay disciplined, protect your mental well-being, and trust the process. With smart preparation and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to a competitive MCAT score and the medical school acceptance that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I use only one Anki deck or combine multiple decks?
Start with one comprehensive deck, such as Milesdown or Bouras, to avoid redundancy. You can supplement with focused decks like Cubene for P/S if you need targeted review. Avoid combining multiple full decks unless you have a clear tagging system to manage overlap.
2. How many new Anki cards should I review daily?
Most high scorers aim for 30 to 100 new cards per day, depending on their available time and how far out the test date is. Prioritize understanding and long-term retention over sheer volume. Set a daily limit you can maintain consistently to avoid burnout.
3. Do I need to create my own cards, or are premade decks enough?
Premade decks cover nearly all high-yield MCAT content and are sufficient for most students. However, creating your own cards—especially from questions you got wrong on practice tests—can be extremely effective for reinforcing difficult material in your own words.
4. What should I do if I fall behind on my Anki reviews?
Focus first on catching up with overdue reviews before adding new cards. Temporarily reducing your new card limit will help you stay on track. Anki’s algorithm prioritizes long-term memory, so skipping reviews too often weakens its effectiveness.
5. How do I balance Anki with other MCAT study tools?
Use Anki to retain content and identify weak areas, then reinforce those concepts through full-length practice exams and passage-based questions from AAMC, UWorld, or Kaplan. Combine daily card reviews with weekly content review and timed testing for a complete prep strategy.
