Most students have likely used handwritten flashcards at some point in their education. However, far fewer students have tried learning with a digital flashcard app. Anki is perhaps the most well-known example, used by millions worldwide. However, recent research has reinvented digital flashcard learning and combined it into a single user-friendly app called "Retain." But what exactly is Retain, and how can it help you achieve better grades with less effort? Here are ten reasons why this is the case:

1. Learning through creating question-answer pairs

When you create your own flashcards, you take on the role of a teacher, which requires a deep understanding of the material. This approach forces you to engage thoroughly with the content before you can effectively craft questions. The process of writing these questions not only helps you master the material but also encourages critical thinking, as you must carefully evaluate each answer. This type of learning prepares you optimally for exam questions and reduces the risk of merely memorizing information without truly understanding it.

2. Never forget exam-relevant content

With your deck of flashcards, you have all the information you need for your exam in one place. Traditional study methods, such as cramming, often lead to missing or forgetting crucial exam content. Our intelligent algorithm, on the other hand, ensures that by the time your exam arrives, you’ve mastered all the cards and haven’t overlooked any essential knowledge. This way, you can approach your exams with confidence.

3. All-in-one solution

With Retain, you can sit back and simply press "Learn" every day. Our algorithm adjusts the frequency with which you see flashcards based on your performance. Cards that you struggle with appear more often, while those you’ve already mastered show up less frequently. If you can’t study for a day, the algorithm automatically adjusts and optimizes your study plan in the background. This ensures that you reach your learning goals stress-free and on time for the exam.

4. Learn anywhere, anytime

Whether you’re in the park, on the subway, in the library, or at home – with Retain, you can learn anytime and anywhere. All you need is an internet-enabled device. Our app is available on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, giving you the flexibility to adapt your learning to your daily routine and needs.

5. Faster learning through spaced repetition

Instead of resorting to a marathon cramming session right before the exam, Retain allows you to study more effectively by starting a few days earlier and spreading out your learning (hence the name “spaced repetition”). Spaced repetition is proven to be 50% more efficient than traditional study methods like re-reading material until it’s mastered. Retain’s optimized intervals, based on the latest research, boost this efficiency by another 20%, helping you learn the content faster and with less stress.

6. Long-term retention of knowledge

The key to long-term knowledge retention lies in the spaced repetition techniques integrated into Retain. This method ensures that information is consolidated in your memory over extended periods. Unlike conventional study methods, where knowledge is quickly forgotten, our spaced repetition algorithm allows you to retain material for months, if not years. While this may be less relevant for students, it’s still beneficial to recall certain definitions effortlessly during your first job interview.

7. Faster learning with active recall

Active recall challenges you to retrieve information actively and without assistance – you see a question and must generate the answer from memory. This method is highly effective in ensuring that you’ve genuinely understood and internalized the material. Many students rely on passive review, which can lead to unpleasant surprises during exams. Retain uses active recall to help you thoroughly test and solidify your knowledge, ensuring you’re fully prepared by exam day.

8. Quick retrieval of knowledge

By consistently practicing question-answer pairs with Retain, you develop a mindset directly tailored to exam requirements. This approach enables you to retrieve information quickly and efficiently, leading to faster responses during exams. Some users even report completing exams in half the allotted time thanks to the efficient preparation provided by our app.

9. Transparent tracking of progress

With Retain, you always have a clear overview of your learning progress. The app uses advanced statistical algorithms to model how well you’ll know each flashcard by the time of your exam. You can monitor this proficiency for each card and deck. This transparency helps you be honest with yourself and adjust your study process accordingly. It allows you to avoid surprises and focus on areas that still need improvement.

10. Customizable learning goals

Retain offers you the flexibility to tailor your learning to the type of exam you’re preparing for. Different exam formats require different study strategies. For multiple-choice exams, where recognition is more critical than free recall, it’s often less important to be able to retrieve content from memory. In such cases, you can adjust your learning approach to save time. Unlike other learning apps that offer generic study plans, Retain provides a personalized learning plan based on the specific type of exam.

Better grades with less effort? You've just learned 10 reasons why this is possible with Retain. Compared to apps like Anki, Retain not only makes learning more efficient but also more personalized. Retain combines the core concepts of traditional intelligent flashcard apps (which rely on spaced repetition and active recall) with the latest insights from learning science, allowing you to save up to 20% more time. Join hundreds of students who have already discovered how to achieve better grades with less effort. Start today and experience how effortless and effective your studies can be!

Best regards from the Retain co-founders
Tobi, Marco, Ilyas