Introduction
Have you ever reviewed a topic one day, only to forget it a week later? This isn’t a sign of failure—it’s how memory works. Our brains naturally forget information unless it’s reviewed at the right intervals. That’s where spaced repetition comes in. Used by top-performing IB and AP students, this technique maximizes retention by revisiting material at scientifically proven intervals. In this guide, you’ll learn how spaced repetition works and how to apply it for exam success.
Quick Start Checklist
- Learn the forgetting curve and how spaced repetition combats it.
- Use digital tools like Anki or Quizlet for efficient practice.
- Apply active recall instead of passive review.
- Schedule reviews across weeks and months, not just days.
- Combine spaced repetition with past papers for exam mastery.
The Forgetting Curve
German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered the forgetting curve, which shows how quickly we lose information after learning it:
- After 1 day: ~50% forgotten.
- After 1 week: ~80% forgotten.
But when you review material just before forgetting, the memory strengthens. Each review makes the curve flatter, meaning you retain knowledge longer.
How Spaced Repetition Works
Spaced repetition schedules reviews at increasing intervals:
- 1st review: 1 day later.
- 2nd review: 3 days later.
- 3rd review: 1 week later.
- 4th review: 2–3 weeks later.
This “spacing effect” ensures you review information just as it’s about to fade, locking it into long-term memory.
Tools for Spaced Repetition
- Anki: Customizable digital flashcards with built-in spaced repetition.
- Quizlet: Easier to use but less customizable—great for group sets.
- Notion/Obsidian Plugins: For students who prefer organizing notes with integrated review systems.
Paper flashcards work too, but digital systems save time and automate intervals.
Applying Spaced Repetition in IB and AP
- Languages: Vocabulary retention improves dramatically with spaced flashcards.
- Sciences: Use cards for definitions, formulas, and processes.
- History/TOK: Test yourself on key concepts, case studies, and thinkers.
- Math: Combine formula recall with practice questions.
Active Recall + Spaced Repetition = Success
Spaced repetition is most powerful when paired with active recall—testing yourself instead of passively rereading notes.
- Instead of reading your IB Biology notes, quiz yourself on flashcards.
- Instead of highlighting AP US History chapters, test key events on cards.
This forces your brain to retrieve information, strengthening memory pathways.
Building a Spaced Repetition Routine
- Create flashcards after each lesson or unit.
- Review cards daily using your app’s algorithm.
- Add cards from mock exams or past papers.
- Stick to the routine—consistency matters more than intensity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Creating cards that are too detailed (keep them short and specific).
- Ignoring cards you get wrong instead of focusing on them.
- Cramming instead of trusting the spaced intervals.
- Giving up after missing a few days—just restart.
RevisionDojo Tip: Start Small
Don’t overwhelm yourself with 500 cards at once. Begin with one subject or topic, build momentum, and expand gradually. Small, consistent practice beats massive, irregular review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is spaced repetition better than cramming?
Yes. Cramming may work short-term, but spaced repetition ensures long-term retention—crucial for cumulative IB and AP exams.
2. Do I need special apps to use spaced repetition?
No, but apps make it easier. You can replicate the method with paper flashcards and a calendar, though digital tools save time.
3. How soon before exams should I start?
The earlier, the better. Ideally, start months before exams. But even starting a few weeks before will improve retention compared to last-minute cramming.
Conclusion
Spaced repetition is one of the most effective, science-backed strategies for IB and AP success. By reviewing information at increasing intervals and combining it with active recall, you can transform your memory and exam performance. The key is consistency—small daily reviews add up to massive long-term gains.
Call to Action
Want to make your revision smarter, not harder? RevisionDojo offers guides and strategies to help IB and AP students use spaced repetition, active recall, and past papers effectively. Explore our resources today and take control of your learning.
