Learn about the 13 must-have study apps for college students. Find out how to leverage these mobile study apps for college students to boost grades and increase success. Find out more about iTunes University, Dictionary.com and other valuable applications today.
When people say "there's an app for that," they're probably not kidding. Here are 13 of the best study apps for college students out there.
1. iTunes University
Looking for free lectures and other content from some of the most prestigious schools in the country to improve your studying? iTunes University is just for you. In fact, there's a chance your own professors distribute their lectures through this portal.
Harvard and Stanford are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the universities from which content is posted. This means if you're struggling in a course at your local college or university, hop on the app to get a lowdown on whatever topic you find challenging for further discussion and explanation from leading instructors.
Content on this study app is available in text form, audio, and video.
Platform(s): Apple iOS
2. iStudiez Lite/iStudiez Pro
Are you the type of person who needs a GPS to help guide you where you're going? You're not alone.
Much like a GPS for transportation purposes, iStudiez Lite can help you map out your semester so you know what path lies ahead.
If you use the free iStudiez Lite study app, you can manage up to 5 courses each semester. This includes managing the assignments and exams you're required to complete in each course, along with instructor contact information. You can even set up alarms to help you keep track of everything.
iStudiez Pro is a very inexpensive version that lets you use push notifications and removes the limitations of the free version.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Mac OS (computers)
3. Dictionary.com
With over 2 million words, not only is this app handy for definitions, but you can also find synonyms, antonyms, word origins, and so much more with just a few taps on your smartphone screen.
Through in-app purchases, you can gain access to a medical dictionary for any science majors out there, an encyclopedia, and lots of other features.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
4. Coursera
Looking to gain an edge in one or more of your college courses? The answer just might be Coursera.
This is both a mobile app and a website from which students – or any learner – can access a wide variety of course materials. These materials come from various colleges and universities.
If you want to either supplement what you're learning in class or get a jump on certain topics before your professors cover them, this app and site can be a tremendous resource. You can simply search through documents and other materials, or you can embark on full-fledged courses via the Coursera portal.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
5. Quizlet
Flashcards are an old-fashioned yet very effective way to study, memorize, and learn new concepts.
This study app for college students for general studies on a large array of academic subjects has millions of flashcard sets for users of all levels. Plus, you can create your own flash cards, which are customizable to fit whatever you're studying.
Add pictures and audio to your flash cards as well to make studying a little more engaging. Additionally, you may be able to import the content you create within Quizlet into other flashcard apps.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
6. MyScript Smart Note
This app will allow you to handwrite notes right on your favorite tablet of choice. Then it can literally transform your handwriting into digital text. Experts say it's the smartest app for being able to recognize all types of handwriting, and it can even pick up on written words in several different languages.
Believe it or not, you can even edit the handwriting you insert into the app. There are also options to include elements like images, audio files, and PDFs if they are stored in a cloud-based system like Dropbox.
For additional features, you can spend a few dollars to expand the app's functionality.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
7. Evernote
Widely considered one of the most useful apps for college students, Evernote is perfect for taking notes in class and then organizing them for studying purposes. From bookmarking to clipping and everything in between, you can manipulate the notes you take to fit the most effective study method for you.
Evernote also comes with plugins for your device's web browser and is compatible with other mobile apps.
Upgrade the free version for more storage space.
Platform(S): Apple iOS, Google Android
8. Documents
If you're a student taking several college courses, you're likely dealing with a number of different files from each course. These may be notes you've typed up, PDFs your instructor has assigned you to read, term papers you're writing, or other course materials of importance.
Documents is an app that lets students organize and easily access their files from practically any device. If you use Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, or a similar service, this app can be a lifesaver.
In addition to accessing files, you can quickly edit or annotate Microsoft Office files, PDFs, and a variety of other file formats.
Looking for an app that shows you all of your files in one place? Documents is tailor-made for you.
Platform(s): Apple iOS
9. Scanner Pro
Combining convenience and helping the environment is a win-win for everyone. That's why Scanner Pro is one of the best apps for college students.
Scanner Pro is designed to scan and capture any printed documents you have, such as class notes and assignment sheets. You can then save these captured images as PDFs.
Plus, you can convert the PDFs into editable files, allowing you to make notes or add annotations or references to various documents.
Platform(s): Apple iOS
10. RefMe
Citing sources and formatting them into a proper style can make you pull your hair out.
Not to worry – you can keep your hair. As always, technology can come in and save the day. RefMe is an app that will help you easily create citations in your term papers by scanning the barcode of a book with your smartphone's camera and then assembling a citation for it. No matter if you're using MLA, APA, Chicago, or another style guide, this app knows exactly how to format the information for you.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
11. Duolingo
Learning a foreign language in college? Duolingo makes learning languages fun through a neat game. You can learn English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Irish, Dutch, Danish, and Swedish.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
12. Tinycards
If you need to commit certain information to memory, Tinycards is a handy flash card study app that can help you do just that. The "decks" of cards within the app can cover a broad array of subjects, and the app recognizes what you know – and what you need to brush up on as you shuffle through each card.
Platform(s): Apple iOS
13. Wolfram Alpha
This study app is basically an in-depth search engine. Are you struggling with calculus? Do you want to know how many Americans live in Spain?
Wolfram Alpha provides a quick search tool for both simple and complex questions you may have throughout your college studies.
Platform(s): Apple iOS, Google Android
What other apps have you used to help you study? Tell us about them in a comment below.