Studying abroad is a dream for many students around the world. Being a complicated and stressful process, it requires a lot of organization, knowledge of the academic situation of a particular university, as well as excellent English or other language skills. However, thanks to technology, this is still a dream that can become a reality. Numerous apps and digital platforms are designed to manage the application process and make things easier.
This article presents the most popular and widely used research apps, testing apps, and application process apps that can help reduce stress and make the application process easier.
College Choice and Research Apps
If you want to find the ideal college abroad, make your search easier and filter your options, the apps on the following list are your solution.
Unifrog
It is an app that cultivates students at various universities and shows them the universities that are currently available. It provides sample locations, acceptance rates, academic program trends, and tips on how to make your recommendations look.
College Board's BigFuture
Developed by the College Board, BigFuture is a robust tool for researching universities in the United States. The app allows students to conduct detailed searches using criteria such as major, location, and acceptance profile. BigFuture also provides information on financing and helps estimate the total cost of attending the desired university.
UCAS
For students wishing to study in the UK, UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is essential. The website and app provide information about UK universities and courses and help students apply. The UCAS app allows students to manage every step of the application process, from choosing a course to preparing and submitting documents.
Apps for preparing for standardized tests
Many international universities require international students to take standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, or GMAT. Fortunately, there are many apps that offer preparation for these exams.
Magoosh
Magoosh is one of the most popular test prep apps. The platform offers courses and study materials for TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and more. The interface is easy to use, and performance statistics help students track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a popular educational platform that offers SAT preparation. The app offers expository videos, practice exercises, and full-length simulations. Khan Academy allows students to personalize their learning by choosing areas that interest them most or areas they struggle with.
IELTS Prep App
This official British Council app offers specific preparation for IELTS, one of the most important English proficiency tests. It includes practical reading, writing, listening and speaking exercises, with sample answers and expert advice. Ideal for those who want to get used to the exam format.
Organization and time management apps
The process of applying to foreign universities is intensive and requires organization, as you need to manage deadlines, documents, recommendations and more. There are apps that help simplify this organization.
Trello
Trello is a useful project management tool for organizing the steps of this process. Users can create “boards” and “lists” for each step of the application process, such as college searches, essays, score submissions, and recommendations. The visual interface makes it easy to track progress, and notifications help remind you of important deadlines.
Notion
Notion is a multi-purpose app for notes, tasks, and information storage. It is widely used to create pages with information about desired universities, including requirements, deadlines, and required documents.
Google Keep
For those who prefer something simpler and faster, Google Keep is a great option. The app allows you to create to-do lists, jot down ideas, and save important links. It integrates with Google Drive, making it easy to share data and access files from any device.
Essay Writing Apps
Many academic programs abroad ask for letters of recommendation, personal statements, or motivational essays. Some tools can simplify the writing and editing of these documents.
Grammarly
Grammarly is a useful grammar and stylistic review tool for writing in English, even if it’s not your native language. In addition to correcting grammatical errors, the app suggests improvements to style and tone, ensuring that your essay is clear and persuasive.
Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor specializes in improving the clarity and readability of texts. It highlights long, confusing sentences for simplification, helping to make your personal statement clearer and more impactful.
ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid provides a detailed analysis of your essay’s style and consistency. It suggests improvements to make your essay more appealing and formal, increasing your chances of standing out in the admissions process.
Networking and mentoring apps
Having a network of alumni, mentors, and admissions experts can be incredibly helpful. Some apps help applicants connect with people who have already been through the process and can offer valuable advice.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be useful for connecting with alumni from foreign universities. Networking can help you gain insights into the application process, university life, and career opportunities. Additionally, maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile is important for building a professional online presence.
CollegeVine
CollegeVine offers personalized mentoring, connecting applicants with experts who provide feedback on their applications. The platform also has an active online community where students share experiences and questions, as well as an admissions simulator that estimates the chances of being accepted to different universities.
ZeeMee
ZeeMee allows students to create multimedia profiles to complement their applications. Many students use ZeeMee to showcase their extracurricular activities and projects in a more dynamic way. Some universities accept the ZeeMee profile as an official part of the application.
Conclusion
With proper planning and the right tools, applying to college abroad can be a lot less stressful. Apps like Unifrog, Magoosh, Trello, and Grammarly can help you with every step of the process, from choosing a university to preparing for exams. Plus, platforms like LinkedIn and CollegeVine can help you make valuable connections and increase your chances of success.
Using these tools can not only make the process more organized, but also significantly increase the chances of a successful application.
