Spaced repetition: how to use flashcards properly in exam season

Flashcards are one of the best-researched study tools there is, but only when used with spaced repetition: reviewing each card just before you'd forget it. Here's how to get it right.

Why spacing works

Every time you successfully recall something, the memory gets stronger and lasts longer. Spaced-repetition apps such as Anki schedule each card based on how well you remembered it last time. Easy cards come back in weeks, hard ones tomorrow. You spend your time on what you don't know yet.

Cramming the night before can get you through an exam, but most of it is forgotten within days. Spacing makes it stick for the next module, which often builds on this one.

Writing cards that work

• One fact per card. "What are the three stages of mitosis and what happens in each?" is really six cards.
• Ask, don't state. The front should make you retrieve something, not just recognise it.
• Keep answers short. If the back needs a paragraph, split the card.
• Add context where terms are ambiguous: "(Economics) What is elasticity?"

Generating cards from your material

Writing cards by hand is valuable but slow. FilePro's AI flashcards create 10, 20 or 40 cards from your slides or notes, one concept per card with concise answers, which is a good starting deck. Review the cards, delete any you don't need, and add your own for anything your lecturer stressed.

Importing into Anki or Quizlet

Cards download as a CSV with Front and Back columns.

• Anki: File → Import → choose the CSV → set the field separator to comma → map column 1 to Front and column 2 to Back.
• Quizlet: Create a set → Import → paste the rows from the CSV (open it in a spreadsheet first).

A sustainable routine

Twenty minutes of reviews a day is enough for most courses. Add new cards each week as lectures happen, rather than all at once before exams, and track your weekly study sessions in the Student Center.