TOP PICKS | 26 TOOLS
Apps and Websites for Test-Prep and Studying
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Tools to Prep for Specific Tests
Membean
Deep, data-driven vocabulary tool challenges learners
Bottom line: Membean has the potential to push students and grow their vocabulary while providing teachers with data they'll love.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free to try Pricing starts at $6 per student for a large district, but can be as high as $20 per student.
SAT
Trustworthy, practical SAT prep from the makers of the test
Bottom line: Kid will gain confidence as they review practice tests, videos, and SAT advice.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free, Paid Online practice questions, study tips, and a practice test are available for free on the site. Students can also purchase the "Official SAT Online Course" for $69.95 or choose from several study DVDs and books for $21.99-$31.99.
SAT Vocab by MindSnacks
Variety is key in charmingly effective SAT vocab app
Bottom line: Upgrading to the full version gets you great games and a thorough word list for SAT vocab prep.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free, Paid The free version includes one lesson with only 20 SAT prep words. Once unlocked for $4.99, it includes 500 words. The All Language Pass costs $17.99.
The Official ACCUPLACER Study App
Solid test prep features representative questions, detailed feedback
Bottom line: A good tool for quick study, but look elsewhere for detailed info about test strategy and scoring.
Grades: 8–12
Price: $2.99
College Passport - SAT Edition
Good SAT review, iffy college-search guidance
Bottom line: A neat concept with useful features, but the college search's tonal bent and content undermine the app's seriousness.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
SAT Word Slam
Creative SAT prep mixes humor with well-researched word lists
Bottom line: Laughing while learning proves effective for learning words in this witty vocab app.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free - $3.99
General Prep and Practice Tools
CK-12
Super STEM resource with highly accessible content
Bottom line: Making STEM content accessible to kids with different learning styles, CK-12 could be the key to mastery for some students.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
Khan Academy
Missions boost learning with balance of focus, freedom to explore
Bottom line: A solid resource for Common Core math instruction as well as foundational knowledge in a number of other subjects.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
NRICH
Untangle robust math problems for all ages; plenty of teaching support
Bottom line: It's an excellent classroom companion that can be implemented quickly with little adjustment and a high probability of success.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
A+ Spelling Test
Spelling practice app meets expectations, doesn't exceed them
Bottom line: An option worth considering for students needing to build their spelling skills at home or in the classroom.
Grades: 1–6
Price: Free, Paid $0.99 to unlock full content including sharable lists, list importing, 400 spelling lists, and 6,300 words.
ExploreLearning Gizmos
Vast array of science and math simulations impresses
Bottom line: This powerful and extensive set of math and science tools puts the learning in students' hands.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free to try, Paid Free accounts allow access to a rotating collection of free Gizmos, as well as a preview of all Gizmos for up to five minutes a day. School and district licenses available; pricing available upon request.
StudySync
Superb ELA resource has comprehensive coverage, tons of supports
Bottom line: StudySync offers a complete core literacy program for secondary schools, making it easy to recommend, especially for teachers new to digital platforms.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free to try A one-year subscription is $16.47 per student. The student reading and writing companion bundles cost $111.24 and are available per grade level as a 6-year subscription.
Tinycards -- Learn with Fun, Free Flashcards
Gamified flash cards feature great built-in content, spaced repetition
Bottom line: A smart, easy-to-use, and surprisingly fun way to study and review.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
Mathalicious
Toughest palates can't resist appetizing look at real-world math
Bottom line: Easy-to-deliver lessons use real-world topics tweens like.
Grades: 6–12
Price: $320 annual subscription per teacher Sliding scale: $10, $15, or $20 per month -- pay what you can.
Quizlet
Flexible study aid supports learning at home, school, and on the go
Bottom line: A quality study tool for learning and memorizing facts; extensions to support higher-level thinking would be a nice addition.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free, Paid Free account supports eight classes but includes ads. Plus version ($19.99 per year) removes ads and allows unlimited classes. Plus accounts also include image uploading, voice recording, and full access to diagram set features. The $34.99/year Teacher version includes all Plus features, plus progress tracking, Quizlet Live customization, and faster access to Quizlet customer service. Purchase 2+ Teacher subscriptions at a time for 20% discount.
StudyAce
Flash card app gamifies rote memorization; some cool features
Bottom line: An attractive though potentially spendy way to make studying feel more like a game.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free to try, Paid $4.99â$23.99
Sugarcane
Remix studying with simple do-it-yourself games
Bottom line: While this study tool promotes fun fact practice, it's most effective when students make their own games.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
That Quiz
Simple design, customizable quizzes make test practice tolerable
Bottom line: It's free, easy to use for both teachers and students, and, although basic, a pretty solid way to gather classroom data.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Virtual Nerd
Flip a classroom with these quality video math tutorials
Bottom line: High-quality math and physics tutorials are a great classroom supplement, plus they're aligned to Common Core standards.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free, Paid
Brilliant
Challenge top students with adaptive math and physics problems
Bottom line: This leveled physics and math problem site can be an exciting challenge for passionate students, but may be too much for struggling students.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free to try, Paid Limited intro courses are free. Premium subscriptions are $9.99 per month (if billed annually), $24.99 per month (if billed monthly), and $599.99 for a lifetime membership. Pro subscriptions are $29.99 per month and add Q&A features.
PrepFlash
Turn any content into a flexible study aid
Bottom line: Students will benefit from the ease of creating study materials, but getting beyond surface knowledge will take concentrated effort.
Grades: 7–12
Price: Free
Vocabulary.com
Surprisingly addictive quiz game adapts as students play
Bottom line: Teens can learn new words in a variety of contexts as they play a surprisingly addictive game.
Grades: 7–12
Price: $2.99
Albert
Flexible, interactive test-prep practice for high school and beyond
Bottom line: A variety of question types and on-the-spot analytics help teachers individualize test-prep practice.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free to try, Paid $11-$59 per subject for individuals; $325-$500 for classrooms with 40-100 students; $1,250-$1,750 plus $5 per seat for schools.
HippoCampus
Multimedia lectures and simulations good for supplemental instruction
Bottom line: This one-stop shop for free distance learning resources is a reliable place for enrichment or remediation.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
Number2.com
Free, encouraging test-prep site makes practice more lively
Bottom line: With friendly feedback that's rare in the test-prep world, this free site is comprehensive, responsive, and easy to use.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free
Synap
Study tool supports good habits, works best for older students
Bottom line: A solid concept, but Kâ12 students and teachers might be better served by other free apps' features.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free, Paid Premium subscription is $3â$4 per month.