With final exams on the horizon, students across the country are going to need every weapon in their arsenal to come out on top. Luckily, most of you already have the key to academic success sitting right in your pocket.
As such, here’s a rundown of different phone apps that can keep your mind and body sharp for the upcoming exam season.
Also, all of the apps mentioned here can be downloaded for free, so there shouldn’t be any hesitation to at least give them a trial run.
Study
If you’re having trouble staying focused because of loud roommates or distracting siblings, this app from the Sound Agency is just what the doctor ordered.
Study can provide you with soothing sounds and background music that are scientifically designed to lock you into focus.
To accomplish this, the application flaunts a 45-minute soundscape that will help you power through that tedious chapter you’re dreading to read.
The app also allows you to put the soundscape on repeat to allow for more of a continuous flow of information into your brain.
—Zainab Al-Mehdar
Quizlet
The time is coming when most students will be drowning in paper notes and flashcards. But fret not, Quizlet will help you sort through the mess on your bedroom floor and surely spare you from the panic of organizing your physical notes.
Simply put, Quizlet allows students to make their own electronic flashcards, or choose from a ton of sets created by others.
And that’s just the surface. It also provides effective review tools like quizzes and study games.
You can also add in additional images and audio to listen to when you’re on the go, which can be super handy if you have to commute across town for your final exam.
—Zainab Al-Mehdar
7 Minute Workout
Most experts recommend that you should take a short break after around 45 minutes of continuous studying. What better way to fill this time then with a quick workout?
7 Minute Workout is the perfect way to facilitate this function, since it is designed around the idea of getting your blood pumping and endorphins rushing in a short period of time.
While this app flaunts 72 different exercise routines, none of them require any equipment (except a chair), which—coupled with its simple instruction tutorials—makes it the perfect workout tool for newbies.
However, the custom workout features are complex enough so that veterans can get in on the action as well.
—Kyle Darbyson
Nike+ Running
At this point in the academic year, there’s no shame in running away from your problems, especially since a good jog has been known to boost your brain power.
If you’re looking to get the most out of this activity, Nike+ Running is probably your best bet since it expertly records and catalogs the distance, time, pace, and location of your every run.
The makers of this app also know how to tap into positive influence that music has over your athletic performance, since they offer up a “Powersongs” feature, which kicks in whenever your pace is slacking and you really need a fire lit under your ass.
This app’s social media functionality also comes in handy, since one of the best “get fit” motivators out there is watching your friends get more attractive while you’re still struggling to get out of sweatpants.
—Kyle Darbyson
