Studying for the MCAT is not a walk in the park. This exam covers many topics, and in order to achieve a competitive score, you must put in the extra time, effort, and hard work.
However, there are ready-made materials that can help you study. An example is MCAT flashcards; many test-takers will attest to their effectiveness.
This article will discuss the best flashcards for the MCAT. We will also share tips on how to use them to study better and improve your MCAT scores. Let’s get started!
What are MCAT Flashcards?
One of the most well-liked study methods is the use of flashcards.
MCAT flashcards come in two forms: paper flashcards and digital flashcards. Regardless of your version, MCAT flashcards contain questions on one side and the answer/solution on the other.
Except for the CARS section, you can study for the remaining MCAT sections using flashcards. This includes biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology topics.
Paper Flashcards or Digital Flashcards for MCAT Preparation?
Premed students often favor physical resources and materials over digital ones. They prefer having an actual book, paper, and pen to anything other than a computer or an iPad. The one advantage to using physical resources is your own personal taste for learning; there is no significant additional advantage.
On the other hand, digital flashcards and applications will give you questions based on an algorithm that repeats questions you might have missed or found more challenging. In addition, some digital flashcard websites offer an almost limitless supply of flashcards, the ability to track your progress, and a more personalized approach to learning. This is incredibly practical because no one must constantly carry about 3,000 paper flashcards.
So it really comes down to your preference and your study habits.
What are the Benefits of Using MCAT Flashcards?
As mentioned previously, flashcards are indeed effective when it comes to studying for the MCAT.
We have listed them below if you are thinking of using flashcards but are a bit hesitant because you are unsure of their benefits.
How Should You Use Flashcards to Prepare for the MCAT?
Whether you already use or plan to use flashcards for your MCAT preparation, it is crucial to ensure you are using them properly to maximize results.
Here are a few tips we can give you as to how to use MCAT flashcards for optimum results:
Use Your Flashcards for Brief Periods
We advise using your MCAT flashcards for no more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time before taking a break. Resuming your study after a 10-minute break is advised.
We recommend interval learning. Spending too much time on a subject might be detrimental. Utilize other MCAT prep materials when you are not using flashcards.Follow Your Study Plan
Maintaining a routine that enables you to review your flashcards every day, even for a short while, is essential. Therefore, please feel free to carry these flashcards with you so you can use them whenever necessary.
Furthermore, you should use your MCAT flashcards as often as possible. Repetition is crucial with these flashcards to promote retention.
Mix It Up
By mixing the cards, you can prevent your brain from predicting which flashcards will come next. Flashcards aid in memory retention through repetition, but you should continue challenging your brain.
However, do not mix the cards all at once. You can mix up a few at the beginning and increase the number depending on how you are progressing as days go by.
Set Aside the Cards You Already Know
Once you have mastered a specific topic or concept, exclude that flashcard.
As the MCAT exam day approaches, you want to focus on your weaker areas. So, keep working through the material you need to become more familiar with after you have mastered the concept or answer on the flashcard.
When Should You Use Your MCAT Flashcards?
If you are considering studying medicine, you should begin utilizing flashcards to help you learn as early as your freshman year. This guarantees that all the details you are learning are preserved from memory when you sit for your exam.
Once you have started using MCAT flashcards, you are free to use them anytime; you can allot at least 20 – 30 minutes daily for your flashcards.
We advise doing 20–40 flashcards daily, depending on how much time you have to study daily. However, if you do not have enough time, focus on test-type practice. When you have 5 to 10-minutes of free time, you may also use flashcards to get in some extra content review while you are on the road.
Bear in mind, nevertheless, that you need to use flashcards regularly. Doing so will help for better memory retention.
Remember also that flashcards only aid in memory retention. You still have to apply what you have memorized in relevant contexts. Finally, take note that the MCAT is not a test of memorization.
10 Best Flashcards for the MCAT Preparation
There is an abundance of MCAT flashcards available, and choosing the best one can be tricky. You have to consider many factors to decide which flashcards are worth buying.
Don’t worry! We have your back, and below is a list of the best flashcards for the MCAT. Check them out!
6 Best Digital MCAT Flashcards
Anki MCAT Flashcards
The free app Anki MCAT uses a flashcard display technique. On this app, you can create your own flashcards or use a built-in feature to share decks of flashcards with others. In addition, you can import MCAT flashcards from another person's deck onto your Anki account.
However, this implies that you depend on other users' integrity. Pre-made decks may work for others but not for you.
These flashcards are created by previous MCAT test-takers, and they have different learning styles from you. So, when you decide to use Anki MCAT flashcards, beware of this.
If you want to know the best Anki cards for the MCAT, please check out this link:
Brainscape MCAT Flashcards
You can make flashcards with the Brainscape program and study them online. Using Brainscape, you can learn topics quickly and effectively as Brainscape applies adaptive learning to these flashcards.
They have teamed with Blueprint Review to provide personalized MCAT flashcards. As you cycle through these cards, the software will optimize which questions you should see next.
When you respond to questions, you can rate the difficulty of the flashcard question on a scale of 1 to 5. This is one of the best features of Brainscape MCAT flashcards.
But remember that to access more flashcards, you must upgrade to a premium app. If you are using Brainscape’s flashcards because it’s free, upgrading means paying extra. If you are on a tight budget, this can be a problem.
Magoosh MCAT Flashcards
Utilizing the Magoosh app, you can access more than 230 flashcards that make up the Magoosh MCAT flashcards.
You can download them using Wi-fi and then practice with them while on the go without using your data. This is what users love the most about Magoosh flashcards.
You can access their flashcards for free if you are already enrolled in a Magoosh MCAT prep course. These flashcards are handy and simple to use. The flashcards are stacked according to the subject and arranged depending on the difficulty level.
Additional Reading:
MCATforMe MCAT Flashcards
Free MCAT flashcards are available from MCATforMe in a wide variety, and they are meant to be utilized in combination with their MCAT study strategies.
Although they only offer flashcards for 4 subjects; biology, physics, general and organic chemistry, MCATforME offers a comprehensive deck that will be enough to prepare you for these four subjects.
Unfortunately, you cannot sign up for their free study plans at the time of writing. However, even though you will not be able to use these flashcards on any specific app platform, you can still utilize them. They are digital flashcards that can only be accessed through their website.
Union Test Prep MCAT Flashcards
Union Test Prep has the least number of MCAT flashcards on this list, with only 50 flashcards to offer. However, some students still claim that these flashcards have helped them study for the MCAT. Therefore, you can use their flashcards along with the other flashcards on this list.
They have 10 flashcards for each of the four sections of the MCAT and additional 10 flashcards for scientific inquiry and reasoning skills.
You should download these flashcards if you intend to use them so that you can practice without using any data and bring them anywhere with you.
Varsity Tutors MCAT Flashcards
Varsity Tutors have tens of thousands of MCAT flashcards, and the good news is that they are all free!
They have flashcards for biology, chemistry, physics, social sciences (sociology), and behavioral sciences (psychology). The flashcards are arranged according to categories and subjects.
But what users love the most about Varsity Tutors is their MCAT verbal flashcards. These flashcards are intended for the MCAT CARS section and are designed to improve your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical skills.
However, one disadvantage of using Varsity Tutors flashcards is that since there are a lot of flashcards in one deck, sometimes a thousand, you need to answer them in one sitting, or you have to start again from the first question when you go back to that deck.
Nevertheless, Varsity Tutors offers one of the most comprehensive MCAT flashcards on this list.
Additional Reading:
4 Best Paper MCAT Flashcards
AAMC MCAT Official Flashcards
AAMC, being the administering body of the MCAT, offers one of the most effective flashcards in the market. Costing only USD 10, it is a steal and a must-have for every MCAT test-taker.
A total of 150 discrete practice questions are included on AAMC flashcards, which are 5.5" by 4.25" and have a question and the answer printed on opposite sides.
The categories of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology each have 25 AAMC flashcards.
Being a paper flashcard, you have the option to bring them with you everywhere you go, just like the other three succeeding MCAT flashcards on this list.
Barron's MCAT Flashcards
With dimensions of 4.5" x 2.75," Barron's flashcards are a little thicker and bigger than Kaplan's.
Barron's MCAT flashcards cover biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology.
Compared to Kaplan's, these flashcards are more portable for travel because they have holes and a keyring to make carrying them simpler.
Purchasing Barron’s MCAT flashcards include online practice exams, which is a nice bonus.
Additionally, test-taking strategies are provided, making your preparation even more thorough and effective. Finally, at USD 20, Barron’s MCAT flashcards are a great deal.
Additional Reading:
Kaplan MCAT Flashcards
Kaplan has 1,000 MCAT flashcards you can use while preparing for the MCAT. They cover all subjects required for the MCAT, except for the CARS section.
When you buy these cards, you also get access to their app, which lets you access all of the online flashcards. This app is perfect if you want to view these cards from your phone or tablet while connected to Wi-Fi.
Although the questions on these flashcards are helpful and excellent for reviewing ideas, they should not be considered a stand-alone MCAT preparation tool.
If you have not already, we advise buying a comprehensive MCAT prep course and taking full-length MCAT practice tests.
Additional Reading:
- Kaplan Review MCAT Books Review
- Kaplan Review MCAT Preparation Course Review
- KAPLAN MCAT Private Tutoring Review
Princeton Review MCAT Flashcards
Princeton Review flashcards were created by experts in MCAT preparation, making them reliable study aids. In addition, they cover all MCAT topics so that you are completely ready for the test.
They are eye-catching, which encourages students to engage in more active learning. Princeton Review flashcards have a total of 550 flashcards.
In addition, the set has access to an additional "drill card" deck of review cards online and a physical box containing a deck of "content review" cards, organized by subject and subcategory.
It may be a bit more expensive than Barron’s and AAMC’s flashcards, but investing in Princeton Review flashcards isn’t a bad idea if you have extra money to spare.
Additional Reading:
- Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Books Review
- The Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Course Review
- The Princeton Review MCAT Tutoring Review
Additional FAQs – Best Flashcards for the MCAT
Are Flashcards the Best Way to Study for the MCAT?
However, since they focus on memory retention, applying the information to relevant contexts is required. Therefore, you should incorporate MCAT flashcards into other MCAT preparation methods to get the optimum results.
Are Magoosh MCAT Flashcards Good?
However, just like other MCAT flashcards, it would be unwise to rely on flashcards only while you prepare for the MCAT. Instead, it is recommended that you mix MCAT flashcards with other prep resources you have to get your desired MCAT score.
To help you achieve your goal MCAT score, we take turns hosting these 
