MedSchool Companion vs Anki: Which Study Tool Is Right for You?

Choosing the right study tools is crucial for medical school success. Two popular options—MedSchool Companion and Anki—take different approaches to learning. This comparison will help you decide which is right for you (or whether to use both).

Overview of Each Tool

Anki

Anki is a free, open-source flashcard application that uses spaced repetition. You create flashcards (or download pre-made decks), and the algorithm schedules reviews at optimal intervals for long-term retention.

MedSchool Companion

MedSchool Companion is an AI-powered study platform that transforms your lecture materials into quizzes, podcasts, and more. Rather than creating flashcards manually, AI generates practice questions from your uploaded content.

Feature Comparison

Feature	MedSchool Companion	Anki
Content creation	AI-generated from uploads	Manual or pre-made decks
Time to set up	Minutes (upload and generate)	Hours (create/customize)
Question format	Clinical vignettes	Any (typically Q&A)
Audio learning	Yes (podcast feature)	Limited (audio cards)
AI chat support	Yes	No
Spaced repetition	Quiz-based	Core feature
Cost	Subscription	Free (desktop)
Customization	Limited	Highly customizable
Pre-made content	Your lectures	AnKing, etc.

When to Choose MedSchool Companion

MedSchool Companion is ideal if you:

• Want to study your specific course content, not generic board review
• Do not have time to create flashcards manually
• Prefer clinical vignette-style questions over simple Q&A
• Want audio learning for commutes and exercise
• Value having an AI tutor available for questions
• Prefer a ready-to-use solution over customization

When to Choose Anki

Anki is ideal if you:

• Want maximum control over your flashcard content
• Prefer classic spaced repetition with individual cards
• Want access to extensive pre-made decks (AnKing, etc.)
• Are comfortable with technical setup and customization
• Prefer free software
• Enjoy the process of creating your own cards

The Case for Using Both

These tools are not mutually exclusive. Many students use both effectively:

• MedSchool Companion for course-specific content and audio review
• Anki for board-focused spaced repetition with AnKing

This combination gives you the best of both worlds: efficient AI-generated content for your classes and comprehensive board review through established Anki decks.

Time Investment Comparison

Consider your available time:

Anki Approach

• Creating cards: 1-2 hours per lecture
• Daily reviews: 30-60 minutes
• Deck maintenance: Ongoing

MedSchool Companion Approach

• Uploading and generating: 5-10 minutes per lecture
• Taking quizzes: Variable (your choice)
• Audio learning: During existing activities (commute, gym)

MedSchool Companion trades customization for efficiency—you save hours on content creation but have less control over the exact format.

Learning Style Considerations

If You Learn Best Through:

• Repetition and drilling: Anki's spaced repetition excels
• Clinical reasoning: MedSchool Companion's vignette-style questions
• Audio/verbal processing: MedSchool Companion's podcast feature
• Active creation: Making your own Anki cards reinforces learning
• Time efficiency: MedSchool Companion's automated generation

Integration Strategies

If using both tools:

1. Use MedSchool Companion for in-course studying: Upload lectures, generate quizzes, listen during commutes
2. Use Anki for board prep: AnKing or similar decks for Step 1/Step 2 content
3. Cross-reference: When MedSchool Companion quizzes reveal weak areas, add those topics to focused Anki review

Cost Considerations

• Anki: Free on desktop, paid on iOS ($25 one-time)
• MedSchool Companion: Subscription model

Consider the value of your time. If MedSchool Companion saves you 5 hours per week on flashcard creation, the subscription may pay for itself in time savings alone.

Common Concerns Addressed

Will AI-generated questions be as good as my own flashcards?

Quality varies, but MedSchool Companion's questions test clinical reasoning in ways that simple flashcards often do not. They are different, not necessarily worse.

Can I export MedSchool Companion content to Anki?

The platforms are separate. Use each for its strengths rather than trying to combine them.

Is Anki really free?

Yes, the desktop version and Android app are free. The iOS app costs $25 (one-time), which supports the developer.

Final Recommendation

There is no universally correct choice. Consider:

• Your available time
• Your learning style
• Your stage of training (preclinical vs. clinical)
• Your budget

Many successful students use MedSchool Companion for course-specific studying and Anki for board review. Try both and find what works for your unique situation.

Start your free trial at medschoolcompanion.com to see if AI-generated content fits your study style.