Using Anki vs. Custom Flashcards for Actuarial Exams
Comparing Anki's spaced repetition software with handwritten or custom digital flashcards for exam preparation.
Anki's Advantages
Anki is free software that automatically schedules card reviews using a spaced repetition algorithm. Cards you find difficult appear more frequently while easy cards are shown less often. This optimizes your review time by focusing on material that needs reinforcement. Anki supports LaTeX for mathematical notation, making it suitable for actuarial formulas. Shared decks for some actuarial exams are available online, though creating your own cards produces better learning.
Custom Flashcards
Handwritten flashcards have a distinct advantage: the physical act of writing engages motor memory and forces you to process the information actively. Custom digital cards in apps like Quizlet offer convenience and portability. The main disadvantage of non-Anki systems is the lack of intelligent scheduling, meaning you must manually decide which cards to review and when. For most actuarial candidates, Anki's algorithm is worth learning since it automates the spacing decision and ensures you review material at optimal intervals throughout your study period.