TOP PICKS | 25 TOOLS

Apps and Websites for Test-Prep and Studying

Whether it's the SAT, ACT, AP, or GED -- or even just an old fashioned test or quiz -- exams can induce anxiety in both students and teachers. While there's no love lost for them, tests are a reality. Students need help tackling them effectively and confidently, and teachers need help getting students prepared, especially for studying at home. These great apps and websites for test-prep and studying take some of the pain out of drill-and-kill, giving students the targeted practice, reference resources, and study skills they need to conquer high-stakes tests.

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Tools to Prep for Specific Tests

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

AP Exam Prep English Language and Composition

Extensive test-prep tool; feedback facilitates independent study

Bottom line: Provides a thorough and effective option for independent study or diagnostic checks.

Grades: 9–12 Price: $9.99 Lite version includes Quick Review and Multiple Choice questions as well as one Free Response exam simulation.

AP Exam Prep World History

Extensive, versatile, no-frills review tool for serious AP students

Bottom line: This versatile and extensive review tool for the serious AP student includes a variety of effective study aids.

Grades: 9–12 Price: $11.99

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

ExploreLearning Gizmos

Vast array of science and math simulations impresses

Bottom line: This powerful 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 5 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 $4.99–$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

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.