4 Best Free Apps for SAT and ACT Prep

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Kristin Fracchia

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Woman looking at phone in one hand, writing on notebook with other hand representing best apps for free ACT and SAT prep - image by Magoosh

You know that a good SAT or ACT score can open doors to scholarships, college admissions, and other honors. But if you’re like many students, you might be wondering if taking a long and expensive class or paying for a private tutor are the only ways you can get a high score. Thankfully, with the technology that’s available today, quality test prep doesn’t have to be only for those who can afford it. Read on to get our list of the best apps for FREE ACT and SAT exam prep!

What are the best apps for free SAT and ACT prep?

 

  1. Best for Memorization: Magoosh ACT and SAT Flashcards

    2. ACT Flashcards: Apple Store / Google Play
    SAT Flashcards: Apple Store / Google Play

    Yeah, these are ours, so we are a little biased, but really, we think they’re great :).

    ACT Flashcards from Magoosh were designed by experts on the test and updated for the latest content on the ACT. They cover the essential English, math, and science knowledge students need to know and are a confidence-boosting supplement to practice questions. Our SAT Vocabulary and Prep Flashcards are similarly designed to cover SAT vocabulary words, writing, and math concepts that you need to succeed on the exam.

    The apps are built with a smart algorithm that adapts to you; once terms are mastered they are removed from the pool so you can focus on the concepts you still need to learn. Your progress is synced across devices so you can switch between phone, iPad, and web for convenient studying wherever you are.

  2. Best for Overall ACT and SAT Prep: Khan Academy

    3. Apple Store / Google Play

    Khan Academy’s slogan is free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere, and this makes it one of the best companies out there for no-cost learning. The Khan Academy’s official partnership with the College Board for the redesigned SAT means that it has significantly expanded its resources for SAT prep. However, the best use of the Khan Academy app for ACT and SAT prep is the general math video lessons covering all of the topics on these tests. So whether you need to brush up on ratios, complex numbers, or coordinate geometry, a quick video lesson on the Khan Academy app may be all you need to set you on the right path.

    Note: Since College Board’s study app, Daily Practice app, is no longer supported, College Board recommends students use the Khan Academy app for comprehensive, free exam preparation.

  3. Best for SAT and ACT Reading Prep: Vocab Genius

    4. Apple Store

    Vocab Genius applies the best of cognitive science to help you learn vocab fast; this will help you not only on the ACT or SAT, but in the rest of your studies as well!

  4. Best for ACT and SAT Math Prep: Math Brain Booster

    5. Apple Store

    Even though you can use a calculator on both the ACT and SAT, mental math is still an essential skill for the high-scoring student to master. Math Brain Booster improves your attention span, reaction time, and mental sharpness by challenging you to solve different arithmetical tasks within a time limit. It’s fun, streamlined, and very effective as a free exam preparation app.

 

Want more free resources to boost your SAT and ACT prep? Check these links out for SAT prep games to switch up your studying, a free SAT practice test and a free ACT practice test to help you get ready for test day!
 

Author

  • Kristin Fracchia

    Dr. Kristin Fracchia has over fifteen years of expertise in college and graduate school admissions and with a variety of standardized tests, including the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT, with several 99% scores. She had a PhD from the University of California, Irvine, an MA degree from The Catholic University, and BA degrees in Secondary Education and English Literature from the University of Maryland, College Park. She was the recipient of the 2013 Excellence in Teaching Award and the Chancellor’s Club Fellowship from the University of California, Irvine. She’s worked as a high school teacher and university professor, as an independent college and graduate school admissions counselor, and as an expert tutor for standardized tests, helping hundreds of students gain acceptance into premier national and international institutions. She now develops accessible and effective edtech products for Magoosh. Her free online content and YouTube videos providing test prep and college admissions advice have received over 6 million views in over 125 countries. Kristin is an advocate for improving access to education: you can check out her TEDx talk on the topic. Follow Kristin on LinkedIn!

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