Best Apps and Sites for College Prep

Last updated: November 18, 2021

The journey to get college-ready begins long before high school graduation. Standardized test scores, scholarships, and essays start to dominate kids' days as early as middle school. Students may start to think about what helps their chances and how to submit applications, and they may find opportunities to beef up their experience. But don't worry: You don't have to go it alone. Check out these resources to help your kid find funding, boost test scores, write solid essays, develop strong time-management habits, and practice important life skills for when they're on their own.

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Forest: Stay focused, be present Poster Image
APP

Forest: Stay focused, be present

age 12+

Watch focus grow, have real-world impact with visual tool.

Mobile Learning & Study App Poster Image
APP

Mobile Learning & Study App

age 12+

Multiple-choice prep for nearly every test; not much more.

SAT Vocab by MindSnacks Poster Image
APP

SAT Vocab by MindSnacks

age 12+

9 fun ways to practice; purchase needed to unlock full app.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid , Free (Education)
Streaks Poster Image
APP

Streaks

age 12+

Form or break habits, track progress daily with sleek tool.

uVocab - Vocabulary Trainer Poster Image
APP

uVocab - Vocabulary Trainer

age 12+

Challenging practice app for SAT and ACT prep.

Evernote Poster Image
APP

Evernote

age 13+

Organization tool helps kids manage their digital lives.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac , Android , Chromebook , Windows app Free to try , Paid , Free (Productivity)
Purdue Online Writing Lab Poster Image
WEBSITE

Purdue Online Writing Lab

age 13+

One-stop site for writing help is a good resource for teens.

RaiseMe - College Scholarships Poster Image
APP

RaiseMe - College Scholarships

age 13+

Use this handy tool to log achievements, earn scholarships.

Study.com Poster Image
APP

Study.com

age 13+

Thousands of videos for learning, test prep, college credit.

LinkedIn Poster Image
WEBSITE

LinkedIn

age 14+

Teens should think twice before posting an online resume.

Shmoop Poster Image
WEBSITE

Shmoop

age 14+

Clever study materials for teens merge humor and learning.

SoundNote Poster Image
APP

SoundNote

age 14+

Cool study aid syncs written notes with recorded audio.

Any.do: To-Do List, Calendar, Reminders & Tasks Poster Image
APP

Any.do: To-Do List, Calendar, Reminders & Tasks

age 15+

Multi-function, powerful organizer best for teens, adults.

SAT Poster Image
WEBSITE

SAT

age 15+

Trustworthy SAT prep from the folks who make the test.

The College Fair Poster Image
APP

The College Fair

age 15+

Browse slick feed to find college info with some flaws.

DREAMer's Roadmap Poster Image
APP

DREAMer's Roadmap

age 16+

Find scholarships, college info for undocumented students.

Scholly Poster Image
APP

Scholly

age 16+

Find scholarships, preview essays with targeted search tool.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid , Free (Education)
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Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.