In a world where new apps for students come out every month, choosing the right tool to help you succeed can feel like a game of chance. But fear not! I’ve tried and tested many apps and these are my top ones, based on four critical categories: time management, learning tools, problem-solving assistance, and overall versatility. 

Best All-Around Learning Platform: Khan Academy (Free) 

I have been a frequent user of Khan Academy since the 8th grade, using it over the summer to prepare for the courses I would take the following year. It is a non-profit founded in 2008 by Salman Khan with video lectures and sample problems translated into almost 40 languages. The classes are taught by professionals in the field and go through high school-level material. The best part is that it is completely free. The learning starts from level 0. Then, students go over the basics, increase complexity, make sure they have learned all the steps, and stay focused. The lectures are usually very short and are around 2-10 minutes long. After, students are asked 5-10 questions that increase in difficulty. On top of that, Khan Academy is a place I can trust because the College Board is linked to the program. Plus, it is more targeted towards math and science-related topics. 

Most Engaging Learning Tool: Quizlet ($8.00) 

While many people use Quizlet for its flashcards to memorize information, there are also many other features. For example, “Match” is a timed game where you match terms with their definitions, competing against others who are also playing. Another new feature is “Blocks,” which is where you play a Tetris-like game and are periodically asked questions—although, this feature is temporary and it is unclear when it will be removed. My favorite feature is “Learn,” which starts with asking you multiple-choice questions, and then asking you the same question, but now you have to type the answer. Also, while you can make your own study set, there are many pre-made sets you can use, though these are mainly for humanities courses. The downside to these features is that they are not free, so if you want to use Quizlet for more than five minutes a day, you will need to subscribe and pay $8 a month. 

Best STEM Helper: Wolfram Alpha (Free)

For anyone tackling complex math or science problems, Wolfram Alpha is a step-by-step computing engine that is a game-changer. It handles advanced subjects such as multivariable calculus, matrices, and more. The platform provides formulas for specific topics in subjects like physics, chemistry, and algebra, and guides you through the problems by helping you on the step you are stuck on. It also includes an SAT/ACT mode, offering help with practice questions. Additionally, the app has a knowledge database, covering everyday topics, famous figures, and more. 

Best Time Management App: Evernote ($10.83)

During the summer of my freshman year, I was determined to get my life organized, and I tried several apps to help manage my time. Over the years, I’ve found that Evernote (personalised version) was the most intuitive and versatile time-management tool. Its main dashboard, called “Home,” is fully customizable, putting your most important tasks on the front page. You can create folders to organize your work and add shortcuts to frequently accessed documents. I particularly love the timer feature, which helps you track how long you’ve been studying for if you are tracking work hours. However, keep in mind that some advanced features are only available with certain paid plans. I use the “personal” plan, and have never found a need to buy the more expensive ones. 

Image source: Khan Academy, Quizlet, Evernote, and Wolfram Alpha