Preparing for the MCAT is among the most challenging milestones for aspiring medical students. With over 230 questions spanning biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology, it’s no wonder the exam feels overwhelming. Achieving a competitive score—typically above 510—is essential for securing a spot in medical school. To succeed, students need study tools that maximize efficiency and retention.

This is where the Anki flashcards become a game-changer. Anki leverages spaced repetition, a scientifically proven method to enhance memory and boost retention. With the availability of premade MCAT decks, students can focus on mastering the material instead of spending hours creating their study resources.

In this article, we’ll explore the best MCAT Anki decks to simplify your preparation process, save you time, and help you ace the exam. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a comprehensive review, these decks cater to various learning styles and study needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Why Anki Is Essential for MCAT Prep: Anki uses spaced repetition to optimize study sessions, ensuring you focus on weaker areas while retaining what you’ve already learned.
  • Top Anki Decks to Consider: Decks like Bouras, MileDown, and MCAT for Victory offer a comprehensive review of high-yield topics tailored for the MCAT.
  • Time-Saving Solutions: Premade decks provide a structured approach, allowing you to dive straight into studying without spending hours building flashcards.
  • Customizable Study Experience: Anki’s flexible format enables you to create your own decks or modify existing ones to suit your learning preferences.

What Is Anki?

Anki is a digital flashcard tool revolutionizing how people study and remember information. It’s not your typical flashcard app—it’s smarter, faster, and more efficient. Anki is available both as a desktop application and a mobile app, making it accessible anytime, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or on the go. With Anki, you can study exactly what you need when you need it with minimal wasted effort.

How Does It Work?

Anki uses spaced repetition, a scientifically proven method to improve memory. Instead of reviewing all your flashcards equally, Anki keeps track of how well you know each card. Cards you find difficult will pop up more often, while those you’ve mastered appear less frequently. This way, you spend less time reviewing what you already know and more time reinforcing areas that need improvement.

Here’s a simple example:

  • If you struggle to remember the structure of a particular amino acid, Anki will prioritize showing that card frequently.
  • If you consistently recall Newton’s Laws of Motion correctly, you’ll see those cards less often, saving your brainpower for tougher concepts.

This intelligent system tailors your study sessions to your needs, making it an incredibly efficient tool for mastering the massive amount of information required for exams like the MCAT.

Why Is Anki Perfect for MCAT Prep?

Preparing for the MCAT is no small feat. It covers various subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. On top of that, you need to retain this knowledge for months and be able to apply it under pressure during the exam. This is where Anki shines.

Here’s why Anki is a game-changer for MCAT prep:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: With premade decks created by top-performing students, you can study everything from the smallest details of metabolic pathways to big-picture concepts like the nervous system’s organization.
  • Stress-Free Organization: Forget about creating your own study materials from scratch. With pre-built MCAT decks, you can jump straight into studying without the added stress of deciding what to include.
  • Time-Efficiency: Anki minimizes your time on concepts you already know and focuses your energy on weaker areas. This is crucial for MCAT prep, where time management is key.
  • Active Recall: The process of answering Anki cards forces your brain to actively recall information, a proven way to boost memory and improve test performance.

Flexible and Accessible

Anki adapts to your schedule and lifestyle. Whether you have a free hour to study or just a few minutes while waiting in line, Anki keeps your progress saved and ready to pick up where you left off. You can sync your decks across devices, so you’re never tied to one location or device. Forgot your laptop? No problem—just open the mobile app and start reviewing.

Premade Decks: A Lifesaver for MCAT Students

One of the biggest advantages of Anki is the availability of premade MCAT decks. These decks are created by students who’ve already gone through the grind, and they compile all the key topics from top resources like Kaplan, Khan Academy, and AAMC materials. For example:

  • Biology and Biochemistry: Learn complex metabolic pathways or the functions of organelles in a structured and digestible way.
  • Physics and Chemistry: Master formulas and principles through step-by-step breakdowns.
  • Psychology and Sociology: Retain high-yield concepts like the various psychological theories or stages of development.

These decks save you hundreds of hours of prep time by providing all the material you need in one place, organized and ready to use.

In short, Anki isn’t just another flashcard app; it’s a personalized learning assistant. By using cutting-edge memory science, Anki helps MCAT students manage the overwhelming amount of material they need to learn, retain it for the long haul, and feel confident heading into test day.

How Is Anki Different?

Anki stands out from traditional flashcards because it uses spaced repetition. This technique is scientifically backed and designed to optimize memory retention. Instead of reviewing material randomly or cramming everything at once, Anki presents the right information at the right time. Here’s what makes Anki so unique:

1. Personalized Learning Experience

  • Anki is like having a personal tutor that adapts to your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Every time you review a card, you can rate how easy or difficult it was for you to recall the information. Based on your response, Anki decides when to show that card again:
    • Easy cards (ones you know well) appear less frequently.
    • Challenging cards (ones you struggle with) pop up more often to help you strengthen weak areas.
  • Over time, this system ensures that your study sessions meet your needs, saving time and effort.

2. Unmatched Efficiency

  • Think about all the time wasted reviewing concepts you already know. With Anki, that doesn’t happen.
  • Anki makes every minute count by prioritizing the material you’re less confident about. This is especially helpful for the MCAT, where the sheer volume of topics can feel overwhelming.
  • For example, if you’ve already mastered amino acid structures, Anki will gradually stop showing you those flashcards and instead focus on areas like organic chemistry mechanisms or physics equations, where you need extra practice.

3. Boosts Long-Term Retention

  • The key to Anki’s success is spaced repetition, which is built around the idea that reviewing information at increasing intervals strengthens memory.
  • Here’s how it works:
    • When you first learn something new, you’ll see it more often to reinforce it in your short-term memory.
    • As you become more familiar with the concept, the review intervals get longer, transitioning the information into your long-term memory.
  • This process mimics how our brains naturally retain information. By revisiting material just before you’re about to forget it, you not only remember it for longer but also create deeper connections between related topics.

4. Avoiding Burnout

  • One of the hardest parts of studying for the MCAT is avoiding burnout. Anki helps by breaking your review into manageable chunks.
  • Instead of spending hours rereading textbooks or drowning in unorganized notes, you can rely on Anki’s algorithm to guide your study sessions. You only review what’s necessary, leaving more time for practice questions, mock exams, or even a mental health break.

5. A Smarter Way to Learn

  • Anki doesn’t just improve your memory—it also trains your brain to think critically. As you repeatedly engage with flashcards, you naturally start noticing patterns and drawing connections between concepts.
  • For example, reviewing a biochemistry card might remind you of a related topic in biology, helping you apply this knowledge in MCAT questions that integrate multiple disciplines.
Why This Matters for Test Prep

Anki’s tailored approach makes it perfect for test preparation, especially for exams as comprehensive as the MCAT. You’re not just passively memorizing facts—you’re actively reinforcing your understanding in a way that sticks. Instead of wasting time on material you already know, you can zero in on your weak points, making your study sessions highly effective.

With Anki, you’re not just preparing for the test—you’re mastering the material in a way that will help you in medical school and beyond. This is why so many students use it as their go-to study tool.

Would you like further expansions or examples to illustrate how this works for specific MCAT topics?

Is Anki Good for Test Prep?

Absolutely! Anki is an incredibly powerful tool for test prep, especially for exams like the MCAT, which demands memorization, understanding, and applying knowledge. Its unique approach to learning is what sets it apart from traditional study methods. Let’s dive deeper into why Anki is such a game-changer:

1. Retention Over Rote Learning

One of Anki’s standout features is its use of spaced repetition—a scientifically proven method to help you retain information for the long haul. Unlike cramming, which only helps you remember material briefly, spaced repetition works by revisiting concepts at carefully timed intervals. This ensures the information stays fresh in your memory.

Retention is key for the MCAT, where you’re tested on a massive amount of material spanning multiple subjects. Anki helps you build a solid knowledge foundation and makes it easier to recall complex information on test day. Instead of forgetting what you studied last week, you’ll find that the content sticks—and that’s invaluable for an exam as cumulative as the MCAT.

2. Collaborative Resources

Another major perk of using Anki for MCAT prep is the sheer availability of premade decks created by successful test-takers. These decks are often based on tried-and-tested resources like Kaplan, UWorld, and the AAMC materials, which means they’re accurate and aligned with what you’ll see on the exam.

Collaborative decks save you time and effort. Instead of spending hours creating your own cards, you can study with decks with high-yield content. Plus, these decks often include insights from other students who’ve taken the exam, giving you an edge when it comes to identifying what’s most important.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

Many MCAT Anki decks are designed to be incredibly thorough. They pull content from a variety of trusted resources, such as:

  • Kaplan: Known for its detailed explanations and strong science review.
  • UWorld: Famous for its challenging questions and detailed rationales, especially in biochemistry and physiology.
  • Khan Academy: Perfect for Psych/Soc and Biology, offering simple yet effective breakdowns of tough concepts.

With Anki, you’re not just memorizing isolated facts—you’re building a deep, interconnected understanding of the material. These decks often include diagrams, charts, and mnemonics to make complex concepts easier to grasp. Whether it’s amino acid structures, physics formulas, or psychology terms, Anki decks ensure that nothing important slips through the cracks.

4. Active Recall for Better Understanding

Active recall is a core feature of Anki and one of the most effective ways to study. Instead of passively re-reading your notes or textbooks, Anki forces you to actively engage with the material by answering questions and recalling information. This process strengthens neural connections and helps you understand the concepts rather than just memorize them.

For example, when you flip an Anki card asking, “What are the three types of enzyme inhibition?” you’re training your brain to retrieve the answer (competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive inhibition) rather than just recognizing it in a textbook. This active engagement boosts your ability to apply knowledge during the MCAT, especially for tricky passage-based questions.

5. Tailored to Your Needs

Anki’s algorithm adapts to your progress. Cards you answer correctly are shown less frequently, while the ones you struggle with appear more often. This personalized approach ensures you spend time where it matters most—on your weak areas.

For example, if you’re acing biology but having trouble with physics, Anki will prioritize physics cards for you. This tailored study method keeps you efficient and ensures your preparation across all sections of the MCAT.

6. Flexibility and Convenience

Another huge advantage is Anki’s flexibility. It’s available on desktop and mobile devices, meaning you can study anywhere—whether you’re commuting, taking a quick break, or relaxing at home. This convenience allows you to turn idle moments into productive study time.

Why It Works for the MCAT

The MCAT isn’t just about cramming facts—it’s about understanding how concepts connect and applying them in different contexts. Anki’s approach helps you achieve both. By combining spaced repetition, active recall, and access to high-quality premade decks, it offers a one-stop solution to tackle the MCAT efficiently.

If you’re looking for a study method that saves time, boosts retention, and improves understanding, Anki is a tool you can’t afford to ignore!

Creating an Anki Deck for the MCAT

One of the best things about Anki is how customizable it is. Creating your own deck lets you design a study tool that fits your learning style and focuses on the areas you need the most help with. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you build an effective MCAT Anki deck from scratch.

Step 1: Download and Set Up Anki

  • Download Anki: Go to the official Anki website and download the desktop app. It’s free and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Create an Account: Sign up for a free AnkiWeb account to sync your decks across devices, including the mobile app. This way, you can study on the go without missing a beat.
  • Install Add-Ons: Anki allows you to enhance its functionality with add-ons. Some helpful ones for MCAT prep include:
    • Hierarchical Tags 2: Organize your cards into a tree-like structure for better navigation.
    • Image Occlusion Enhanced: Great for studying diagrams and labeling parts of a system (perfect for biology and anatomy).
    • Review Heatmap: Tracks your study progress visually, which can help you stay motivated.

Step 2: Organize Your Deck

Structure is key when it comes to staying on top of your MCAT material. Here’s how to organize your Anki deck for maximum efficiency:

  • Create Subdecks: Break down the material into smaller, subject-specific decks. For example:
    • Biology
    • Biochemistry
    • General Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Psychology/Sociology
  • Use Tags: Within each subdeck, use tags to categorize your cards by topic or chapter. For instance, under Biology, you might tag cards as “Cell Biology,” “Genetics,” or “Metabolism.”
  • Color Code (Optional): Use color-coded tags or notes to differentiate high-yield topics or difficult concepts visually.

Step 3: Add Cards

Creating the actual flashcards is the most important part. Anki offers various card types to suit different learning needs:

  • Basic Cards:
    • Perfect for simple question-and-answer formats.
    • Example:
      • Front: “What is the function of the mitochondria?”
      • Back: “The mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouse, responsible for energy production via ATP.”
  • Cloze Deletion (Fill-in-the-Blank):
    • Ideal for testing your recall of specific terms or phrases in a sentence.
    • Example:
      • Sentence: “The ___ is the powerhouse of the cell.”
      • Answer: “Mitochondria”
  • Image Occlusion:
    • Great for diagrams or charts. Cover part of an image and test yourself on what’s hidden.
    • Example: Use a metabolic pathway diagram, hide enzyme names, and test your ability to recall them.

Tips for Writing Effective Cards:

  • Keep It Simple: Avoid overly complicated or wordy cards. Focus on one question or concept per card.
  • Be Specific: Use precise language to avoid confusion. Instead of asking, “What happens in glycolysis?” break it down into smaller questions like, “What is the net ATP gain from glycolysis?”
  • Add Visuals: Include images, charts, or diagrams when possible to reinforce learning.

Step 4: Optimize Your Review Settings

To make the most of Anki’s spaced repetition, tweak the default settings for better results:

  • Increase New Cards Per Day: The default is 20, but this is too low for MCAT prep. Set it to a higher number, like 999, to avoid being limited.
  • Set the “Steps” for New Cards: Adjust how frequently new cards are reviewed. For example:
    • Default: 1 minute → 10 minutes
    • Recommended: 15 minutes → 1 day
  • Adjust the Maximum Reviews Per Day: If you have a lot of material, increase the daily review limit. Start with 200–300 reviews per day and adjust as needed.
  • Enable “Bury Related Cards”: This prevents related cards (like front-back and cloze pairs) from showing up in the same study session, forcing you to think critically.

Step 5: Stay Consistent with Reviews

Consistency is everything when using Anki. Stick to a daily review schedule to reinforce your memory and prevent cards from piling up:

  • Schedule Study Time: Aim for at least 1–2 hours of focused Anki review daily.
  • Use Idle Moments: With Anki synced to your phone, you can review cards during downtime, like waiting in line or commuting.
  • Revisit Missed Cards: Pay extra attention to cards you struggle with. Anki will automatically show these more often, but make a conscious effort to review tricky topics outside of Anki.
Pro Tips for Creating MCAT Anki Decks
  • Focus on High-Yield Topics: Prioritize content frequently tested on the MCAT. Use resources like AAMC practice materials or review books to identify high-yield areas.
  • Don’t Overdo It: While adding every detail is tempting, focus on understanding the core concepts. Flashcards should reinforce learning, not overwhelm you with unnecessary information.
  • Use Premade Decks for Inspiration: If you’re unsure where to start, download a premade MCAT deck like MileDown or Ortho528. Use these as a base and customize them to your needs.

Creating your own Anki deck might take some time, but it’s worthwhile. A well-organized deck tailored to your strengths and weaknesses can make your MCAT prep more efficient, less stressful, and ultimately more successful. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your knowledge grow!

7 Best MCAT Anki Decks of 2025

While there are a lot of MCAT Anki decks out there, here are some of the best MCAT Anki decks you can use for your studies: 

1. Bouras’ MCAT Anki Deck

Bouras’ MCAT Anki Deck

Bouras’ MCAT Anki Deck is one of the largest and most comprehensive decks available, containing over 13,000 cards. This massive deck covers almost every topic you’ll encounter on the MCAT, making it an excellent resource for students who want a complete and in-depth review of the material. It pulls content from trusted sources like Khan Academy, ScienceSimplified, and various lab techniques, ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of both foundational and advanced concepts.

  • Khan Academy: One of the most popular educational platforms used in the MCAT prep community, Khan Academy’s content covers essential topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. This deck integrates their materials, giving you well-rounded coverage.
  • ScienceSimplified: This resource breaks down complex scientific topics into easy-to-understand explanations, making it easier to grasp difficult subjects.
  • Lab Techniques: Understanding lab techniques and methodologies is crucial for the MCAT. This deck includes relevant information on laboratory skills, experiments, and protocols that may be tested.

Content Breakdown:

The deck is organized so that you can focus on high-yield topics while still covering the full scope of MCAT subjects. Whether you’re studying biochemistry, biology, psychology, or physics, you’ll find relevant cards that break down each concept into manageable pieces of information.

  • High-Yield Topics: Key concepts like enzyme kinetics, cellular respiration, or neurotransmission are thoroughly covered, giving you the essential material needed to score well.
  • In-Depth Coverage: The deck doesn’t skip over less commonly tested concepts. So if you’re preparing for every possible question that might come up, this deck has you covered.

Requirements:

To get the most out of Bouras’ MCAT Anki Deck, you’ll need to download the Hierarchical Tags 2 plugin. This plugin enhances organization by allowing you to tag and categorize your cards more effectively, which is especially helpful given the deck’s large size.

  • Why Use the Plugin?: The Hierarchical Tags 2 plugin enables you to sort cards by subject, topic, and subtopic, making it easier to navigate the deck. You can also prioritize certain subjects or sections based on your needs. For example, if you’re struggling with biochemistry or organic chemistry, you can focus on those areas without getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cards.

Best For:

This deck is perfect for students who want a comprehensive, all-in-one resource. If you’re the type of student who prefers having everything in one place—from detailed explanations to high-yield facts—then Bouras’ MCAT Anki Deck is an excellent choice.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Since it’s one of the most extensive MCAT decks, it’s perfect for anyone looking to ensure no topic is missed in their preparation.
  • All Levels of Preparation: Whether you’re just starting your MCAT prep or fine-tuning your knowledge, this deck can adapt to your needs. Newer students will benefit from its foundational content, while more advanced students can use it to dig deeper into complex concepts.

In summary, Bouras’ MCAT Anki Deck is a must-have for students aiming for a well-rounded MCAT study routine. Its comprehensive content and organizational features make it a powerful tool for mastering the vast material the MCAT covers.

2. Jacksparrow2048’s MCAT Deck

Jacksparrow2048’s MCAT Deck

Jacksparrow2048’s MCAT Deck has become highly popular in the MCAT prep community, boasting 6,300 cards. What sets this deck apart is its inclusion of AAMC spoilers, which gives you a strategic advantage by providing insight into the types of questions and topics most likely to appear on the real MCAT. This deck is ideal for students looking to tailor their study sessions to the high-yield material that directly aligns with AAMC’s official content.

  • AAMC Spoilers: These “spoilers” refer to card sets based on AAMC practice materials, previewing real MCAT content. It helps target frequently tested areas so you can focus on what matters for your exam day.
  • Content Coverage: With over 6,000 cards, the deck covers a wide range of topics across all sections of the MCAT, from biology and chemistry to psychology and critical analysis skills. It provides a balanced approach to mastering both the content and the questions you’ll face.

Content Breakdown:

Jacksparrow2048’s deck is carefully curated to ensure that it focuses on high-yield material—topics with the highest probability of appearing on the MCAT. The deck comes in subject-specific categories, allowing easy navigation and efficient studying.

  • High-Yield Topics: This deck prioritizes subjects most frequently tested on the MCAT. Key areas like biochemistry, organic chemistry, and psychology are covered in-depth, emphasizing their high-yield aspects.
  • Targeted Learning: By including AAMC spoilers, the deck helps you focus on what you really need to study. If you’re running out of time before your test, this deck will ensure you’re focusing on the material that will impact your score most.

Unique Features:

One of the standout features of Jacksparrow2048’s MCAT Deck is the strategic focus on high-yield AAMC content, making it an excellent resource for targeted studying.

  • AAMC Alignment: Including spoilers gives you insight into AAMC’s approach to the test questions, helping you identify and prepare for the exact types of material you’re most likely to encounter on the real exam.
  • Comprehensive but Focused: While it includes a broad range of MCAT topics, this deck is tailored to ensure students don’t waste time on less important details. It’s all about honing in on what’s most likely to appear on test day.

Best For:

Jacksparrow2048’s MCAT Deck best suits students who want a mix of traditional and unconventional study resources. If you’re looking for a deck that gives you a solid foundation while helping you hone in on high-yield material, this is for you.

  • Targeted, High-Yield Study: If you focus on the most frequently tested material and want to maximize your study time, this deck will help you achieve that.
  • AAMC-focused Prep: For those who want to use AAMC practice materials as a guide, this deck aligns well with their official content, directly connecting you to what you’ll face on the real exam.
  • Experienced and Advanced Students: Because of the focused, high-yield content, this deck works well for students who are already familiar with the basics and want to hone in on specific areas that will most likely be tested.

In summary, Jacksparrow2048’s MCAT Deck is a great resource for targeted study. Including AAMC spoilers and focusing on high-yield content allows you to optimize your time and efforts, ensuring you’re fully prepared for what you’ll face on test day. Whether you’re an experienced MCAT student or need an extra push in your prep, this deck will help you maximize your results.

3. MCAT for Victory Anki Deck

Best free mcat anki decks

The MCAT for Victory Anki Deck is a highly effective study tool designed to offer a complete review of all MCAT subjects, focusing on clarity and ease of use. With 3,800 cards, this deck provides a thorough yet manageable amount of content, making it a great option for students who want a structured review without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material. One of its standout features is the color-coded format, which enhances visual learning and makes it easier to absorb and retain information.

  • Complete Subject Coverage: The deck covers all the major MCAT subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Each subject is organized and broken down into digestible sections, ensuring you don’t miss anything critical.
  • Focus on High-Yield Topics: The deck is carefully curated to highlight the most frequently tested concepts and high-yield topics that have the highest impact on your MCAT score. By focusing on these key areas, the deck helps you maximize your study time.

Content Breakdown:

The MCAT for Victory Anki Deck offers a balanced approach, providing a complete review while avoiding unnecessary details that could overcomplicate your studies.

  • Color-Coding: One of the most useful features of this deck is the color-coded cards. Each color corresponds to a specific subject (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics), making it easy to focus on one area at a time or quickly switch between subjects as needed. This visual organization not only aids in learning but also helps with retaining information.
  • Concise Explanations: Each card is designed to be straightforward and to the point, helping you quickly grasp and retain complex concepts without getting bogged down in excessive detail.

Best For:

The MCAT for Victory Anki Deck is ideal for students who prefer a visually organized and well-structured study experience. If you find color coding and visual cues helpful in retaining information, this deck will be a great fit. It’s also perfect for those who want a balanced yet thorough review of all MCAT subjects without diving too deep into less essential material.

  • Visual Learners: If you respond well to color-coded systems and prefer visual aids to enhance memory retention, this deck’s structure will help you learn more efficiently.
  • Well-Rounded Review: Students who want an all-encompassing review of the MCAT without feeling overwhelmed by an excessive number of cards will benefit from the carefully curated 3,800 cards. It’s an excellent option for staying focused on high-yield material while ensuring you cover everything necessary for test day.
  • Moderate to Experienced MCAT Prep Students: Given its concise and manageable card count, this deck works well for those who are past the initial stages of studying and want a more streamlined yet complete review.

In summary, the MCAT for Victory Anki Deck is a great choice for students who are looking for a visually appealing and well-organized study tool. Its color-coded cards and balanced content make it easy to follow and retain essential MCAT material, ensuring an efficient study experience.

4. MileDown’s MCAT Anki Deck

MileDown’s MCAT Anki Deck

MileDown’s MCAT Anki Deck is a well-structured and effective resource for MCAT preparation, especially in Psychology/Sociology. This deck is based on the renowned Khan Academy Psych/Soc document, including over 2,900 cards. If you’re aiming to master the essential psychological and sociological concepts tested on the MCAT, this deck provides you with targeted coverage and an organized study approach.

  • Khan Academy Psych/Soc Document: This document is one of the most popular and widely used resources for MCAT prep, providing a detailed overview of the Psychology and Sociology topics covered in the exam. MileDown’s deck pulls directly from this material, offering a comprehensive breakdown of key topics.
  • Organized and Structured: The cards are well-organized to facilitate your study process, making it easier to follow the structure of the Psych/Soc content without feeling overwhelmed.

Content Breakdown:

The deck focuses primarily on the Psychology/Sociology section of the MCAT, which can be a challenge for many students due to its vast array of concepts and terminology. MileDown’s deck provides a clear structure to help you work through these topics efficiently.

  • Core Psychology and Sociology Concepts: You’ll cover topics such as memory processes, neurotransmission, sociological theories, and social structures. The deck provides detailed explanations to help you internalize these concepts.
  • Easy-to-Digest Cards: Each card is concise yet informative, breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized pieces that are easier to memorize and understand.
  • Linking Concepts: The deck does a great job of connecting psychological theories with real-world examples, which can help make abstract concepts more relatable and easier to apply on the MCAT.

Requirements:

To make the most of MileDown’s MCAT Anki Deck, you’ll need to download the Hierarchical Tags 2 plugin. This plugin helps you keep track of the many cards in the deck by categorizing them according to subject, topic, and subtopic.

  • Why Use the Plugin?: Given that this deck focuses on Psychology and Sociology, the Hierarchical Tags 2 plugin allows you to easily organize and prioritize your study material. You can track your progress in specific areas of Psych/Soc, such as memory theories, mental disorders, or social interactions, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Best For:

MileDown’s MCAT Anki Deck is ideal for students who are already familiar with the Khan Academy Psych/Soc document and want a structured review of these topics.

  • Focused on Psych/Soc: If your primary goal is to ace the Psychology/Sociology section, this deck offers a deep dive into these subjects, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for every possible question.
  • Structured Review: The deck’s organization helps students follow a structured approach to studying. It’s especially beneficial for those who prefer focusing on one subject at a time rather than trying to juggle multiple subjects simultaneously.
  • Efficient Study for Psychology/Sociology: If you’ve already covered the basics of Psychology/Sociology in your studies and just need to solidify your understanding, this deck is a fantastic tool for reviewing key concepts and reinforcing your knowledge.

In summary, MileDown’s MCAT Anki Deck is a great resource for students who want a targeted, structured review of Psychology and Sociology content. With its strong foundation in the Khan Academy document and the added benefit of organizational tools, this deck provides a streamlined approach to mastering the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT.

5. Ortho528’s MCAT Anki Deck

Ortho528’s MCAT Anki Deck

Ortho528’s MCAT Anki Deck is an ideal resource for beginner MCAT students, offering a more manageable size with approximately 4,000 cards. Despite its smaller size compared to some of the more extensive decks, it provides an excellent foundation for those just starting their MCAT prep or those who want to supplement other study materials. The deck draws from trusted sources like Kaplan Biochem and Examkrackers, two widely respected MCAT prep materials that cover a broad range of subjects.

  • Kaplan Biochem: Known for its high-quality biochemistry content, Kaplan provides in-depth explanations of key concepts that are central to the MCAT. This deck includes their material to ensure you’re well-prepared for biochem-heavy sections.
  • Examkrackers: Examkrackers is known for its clear, concise, and high-yield material. This deck integrates their content, helping you focus on the most important topics for the MCAT.

Additionally, the deck includes helpful images to reinforce the material, making it especially useful for visual learners. These images aid in understanding complex processes, like metabolic pathways, molecular structures, and experimental setups, which are often critical for scoring well on the MCAT.

Content Breakdown:

Ortho528’s deck is carefully organized to ensure that it covers essential topics in a way that’s not overwhelming for beginners. Here’s a look at some of the key features:

  • Core Subjects: The deck includes content across all MCAT subjects—biochemistry, biology, chemistry, and psychology/sociology—focusing on high-yield material. This ensures you’re reviewing the most important concepts in a manageable format.
  • Concise Cards: With a more focused set of cards, you won’t waste time on overly detailed or niche information. Instead, you’ll review core concepts and high-yield facts, which are crucial for acing the exam.
  • Visual Learning: Including diagrams, charts, and images makes it easier to understand difficult concepts. For example, pictures of amino acid structures, metabolic cycles, or neurotransmitter pathways can help solidify your understanding and memory retention.

Best For:

Ortho528’s MCAT Anki Deck is ideal for visual learners and students new to Anki. If you struggle with retaining complex information without visual aids, this deck is a great option.

  • Visual Learners: The deck’s use of images and diagrams is particularly beneficial if you learn best by seeing things. The visual components help make abstract ideas more tangible and easier to memorize.
  • Beginner MCAT Students: If you’re just starting your MCAT prep, this deck is a fantastic way to build a strong foundation. It provides the essentials without overwhelming you with too much detail, which can sometimes be the case with larger decks.
  • Students New to Anki: Anki can be daunting at first, but this deck is beginner-friendly. With fewer cards and focusing on key concepts, it’s a manageable entry point into using Anki for MCAT prep.

In summary, Ortho528’s MCAT Anki Deck is a fantastic starting point for new MCAT students or those who need a more visual study approach. Its focused coverage, along with the inclusion of images and diagrams, makes it an excellent choice for beginners aiming to build their MCAT knowledge from the ground up.

6. NextLevelColor’s MCAT Anki Deck

NextLevelColor’s MCAT Anki Deck is an excellent choice for students who want to focus on high-yield topics with a deep dive into specific subjects, especially biochemistry. This deck is primarily built around UWorld material, which is a gold standard in MCAT prep. UWorld’s practice questions and explanations are well-known for their detailed, in-depth coverage of concepts that are critical for the MCAT.

The deck emphasizes amino acid structures, a topic that is frequently tested on the MCAT, and includes other high-yield subjects such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The deck helps you solidify these foundational concepts and challenges you to apply them in a clinical context—perfect for the MCAT’s focus on concept application.

  • UWorld Material: UWorld is renowned for its detailed explanations and rigorous approach, and this deck incorporates those elements into the Anki format. You’ll encounter high-quality questions and answers that reflect the challenging nature of the MCAT.
  • Amino Acid Structures: Since the MCAT often tests your knowledge of amino acid properties, structures, and their roles in biochemistry, NextLevelColor’s deck gives this subject extra attention, ensuring you can identify amino acids in different contexts.
  • High-Yield Topics: The deck is designed to cover the most commonly tested topics, ensuring that you focus on what matters most.

Content Breakdown:

The deck is well-structured to help you learn efficiently. While it focuses on biochemistry, it also spans other MCAT subjects, including physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Each card is carefully designed to reinforce key ideas, making it a great resource for active recall and conceptual understanding.

  • Amino Acids and Proteins: The deck goes into detail on the structure, properties, and functions of amino acids and proteins—vital knowledge for both the MCAT and a future medical career.
  • Biochemistry: The deck helps you build a strong foundation in biochemistry, emphasizing metabolic pathways, enzyme kinetics, and molecular biology—core areas that are repeatedly tested.
  • Organic Chemistry: You’ll also find a wealth of cards related to organic chemistry, focusing on reaction mechanisms and molecular interactions, key components of the MCAT exam.

Requirements:

To ensure full functionality and maximize your study experience, you’ll need to install several plugins when using this deck. These plugins enhance your ability to organize and review material effectively.

  • Why Use Plugins?: The plugins improve the Anki interface by adding extra features, such as better organization of cards, support for advanced card types, and other enhancements that make studying more efficient. This is especially important when working with a deck as comprehensive and complex as NextLevelColor’s.
  • Recommended Plugins: Some essential plugins include the Hierarchical Tags 2 plugin for improved tagging and organization, as well as Image Occlusion Enhanced if you prefer to study with visual aids, especially for subjects like amino acid structures.

Best For:

NextLevelColor’s MCAT Anki Deck is best suited for students who need to focus on high-yield, advanced topics like biochemistry. If you’re already familiar with the basics of the MCAT and want to challenge yourself with more complex material, this deck is perfect for you.

  • Biochemistry Focus: This deck is an ideal choice for anyone needing a deep dive into biochemistry, particularly regarding amino acids, protein structures, and metabolic processes.
  • High-Yield Topics: It’s also great for students who want to strengthen their understanding of high-yield topics that are frequently tested on the MCAT.
  • Advanced Preparation: If you’re looking to build upon your existing knowledge and tackle the more difficult areas of the exam, NextLevelColor’s deck provides the detailed review and advanced content necessary for success.

In summary, NextLevelColor’s MCAT Anki Deck is an outstanding resource for students who need an in-depth review of high-yield biochemistry topics and complex MCAT material. With UWorld’s content as its foundation and the focus on key areas like amino acids and metabolic pathways, this deck is tailored to help you succeed on the exam. The added plugins and structured content make it an effective and efficient study tool for advanced MCAT preparation.

7. RebopBebop’s MCAT Deck

RebopBebop’s MCAT Deck is built entirely around Kaplan review materials, making it a great choice for students who prefer or are already using Kaplan as their primary study resource. Kaplan is well-known for its comprehensive MCAT prep books and practice tests, and this deck captures the essence of their materials in Anki flashcards. The deck offers a structured approach that covers all major MCAT topics—from biochemistry to psychology—making it a well-rounded tool for your test prep.

  • Kaplan Content: The deck is derived directly from Kaplan’s MCAT prep books, so you’re getting material that aligns with one of the most respected MCAT study resources.
  • Well-structured: With clear and concise flashcards, this deck focuses on both high-yield topics and important concepts that will help you on exam day.

Content Breakdown:

RebopBebop’s MCAT Deck provides a solid balance of concept-heavy cards and test-prep-focused content, ensuring that you’re ready to tackle both the content and the application of knowledge needed for the MCAT.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: The deck covers subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology in-depth. Kaplan’s materials are known for their detailed explanations, and this deck captures those explanations in flashcard format, allowing for easy review.
  • Concept Application: Unlike some decks that only focus on memorization, RebopBebop’s deck includes cards that encourage you to apply your knowledge—something the MCAT requires. You’ll get cards that ask you to not just recall facts but to think critically about how they apply to different scenarios.

Requirements:

The great thing about RebopBebop’s MCAT Deck is that it is user-friendly and doesn’t require any additional plugins. You don’t need to download extra features or tweak settings for it to work effectively. Simply install Anki, download the deck, and you’re ready to go!

  • No Plugins Needed: This makes the deck an excellent option for students who are new to Anki or want a straightforward, plug-and-play solution.
  • Easy Setup: You can dive right into studying without the need for a complex setup or additional features, ensuring you can maximize your study time right away.

Best For:

RebopBebop’s MCAT Deck is ideal for students who rely heavily on Kaplan resources for their preparation. If you’ve already worked through Kaplan’s books or online resources, this deck provides a seamless way to reinforce the material. It’s especially well-suited for students who want a no-frills Anki deck that stays true to Kaplan’s structured and comprehensive study approach.

  • Kaplan Fans: If you like Kaplan’s approach to MCAT prep, this deck is tailored specifically to reinforce that method and ensure you’re mastering the material.
  • Straightforward Users: Students who want an easy-to-navigate deck without the need for extra features or plugins will appreciate how simple this deck is to use.

In summary, RebopBebop’s MCAT Deck is a fantastic option for students who are fans of Kaplan and are looking for a straightforward, well-organized study tool. Its focus on Kaplan content, combined with the ease of use, makes it an excellent addition to your MCAT prep arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the other common questions out there about the best MCAT Anki decks: 

Is Anki good for MCAT prep?

Anki is one of the best MCAT prep courses. The platform uses effective learning techniques as part of its design to help students retain more information for the test. However, the MCAT is about more than just memorizing info. You won’t excel at the MCAT without knowing how to apply the information you learn.

Is Anki free?

Anki is free to use as both a desktop and web application. You won’t have to spend any money to download the app or to take advantage of the library of MCAT study decks on the platform. 

What MCAT Anki deck is the best?

While most students combine a few Anki decks for review, the MCAT for Victory deck is the most popular due to its size and reliance on many different review books during its creation.

Summary

Mastering the MCAT requires hard work, dedication, and smart study strategies. Anki’s flashcard system, with spaced repetition, helps optimize learning and retention. You can use pre-made decks like Bouras’, MileDown’s, or MCAT for Victory. Alternatively, you can create your own tailored to your needs. Anki can make your MCAT prep more efficient and less stressful.

Incorporate these decks into your study routine and stay consistent. Complement them with active learning methods to boost your chances of success. Sync your progress across devices and use Anki’s offline functionality for uninterrupted studying. With the right approach, your MCAT preparation will be streamlined and efficient. This will help you reach your goals and ace the exam!