In these days of Netflix, Youtube, and social media, it’s a wonder anyone gets any studying done. Technology might have made us more prone to distractions, but, with the right tools, it can actually help us succeed. We’ve compiled a list of the best study apps out there; whether you’re in need of organization, memorization, or just a more creative way to study, there’s an app for that! And best of all, they’re all 100% free!
1) Quizlet
No list of study apps would be complete without the reigning champion, Quizlet. A digital twist on the classic flashcard memorization method, Quizlet is home to countless study sets, all created by students like you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can create your own flashcards, and test yourself after with fun review games and comprehensive learning sets and practice tests.
2) Study/Coffitivity
When you’re studying in a noisy environment, it can feel almost impossible to get anything done. That’s where Study comes in. Simply download the app, plug in your headphones, and select from a range of calming soundscapes that will block out all background noise. For those that are more distracted than aided by absolute silence, check out Study’s antithesis: Coffivity. Coffitivity provides you with a comforting loop of ambient coffee shop noise. There’s even an online version!
3) Evernote
For the visual learners out there, this one’s for you. Evernote allows you to create aesthetically pleasing notes and study guides with a variety of tools, including colored labels, sounds, and images. You can organize your notes into virtual “notebooks” and access them from your phone, tablet, or computer.
4) Easy Study
Sometimes, simple is better. If life is overwhelming you with important dates and deadlines, it might be time to download Easy Study. With Easy Study, you can create a basic, color coded timetable where you can track your various assignments, subjects, and tests you need to study for.
5) GoConqr
If traditional Quizlet study guides aren’t really your style, this creative app is perfect for you.
You can use GoConqr to create everything from mind maps to Venn diagrams to flashcards and quizzes.
6) Flora
This one-of-a-kind app takes the idea of “app blockers” (see number 7) and turns it on its head. Instead of blocking out other apps, Flora rewards you for keeping your phone open to it. When you start studying, you open the app and “plant a seed.” As long as you keep the app open on your phone (while you’re presumably studying), your seed will grow into a tree, and keep growing until you close out of the app. The more trees you grow, the bigger and better your forest...and the more studying you successfully get done!
7) Self Control to Focus/ Cold Turkey
If you find yourself constantly distracted by your socials when you’re supposed to be studying, don’t worry, there’s an app for that! With Self Control for Focus, you can block certain apps for a designated amount of time. Bye bye Snapchat and Instagram!
For the computer version, check out Cold Turkey. It’s a free desktop app that allows you to select sites you want blocked for a specific chunk of time. You can also create a “whitelist,” for the sites you should be going on during your study sessions.
8) Memrise
For memorizing a lot of information, like state capitals or the periodic table, Memrise is a must-have. This app lets you create visual mnemonics that will help you memorize even the most complicated formulas, graphs, and maps. Skeptical of its claims? You shouldn’t be- it was co-founded by a top World Memory Championship competitor.
9) Exam Countdown
The app is exactly like what it sounds- a tracker for all your upcoming tests and deadlines. It’s a simple, easy-to-use app that allows you to keep track of all your exam and homework dates. You can also create “countdown” timers for all your different deadlines.
10) Itunes U
Okay, okay, so it’s not a study app per se, but Itunes U is a great resource for fascinating lectures from top universities like Harvard and Stanford. Want to learn about philosophy, Shakespeare, or how to code? With access to free, quality educational content through Itunes U, the world is your oyster!
At Bright Bird Tutoring, we strive to make learning fun. Through one on one tutoring, tailored, customizable lessons, and a contagious passion to help you learn, you are guaranteed to succeed with our tutors! Check us out at brightbirdtutoring.com, and on Facebook at Bright Bird Tutoring Co.