Exam season can be overwhelming, with endless topics to cover and so much material to organize and retain.
But the right resources can make a world of difference.
With countless books, apps, and tools available, choosing the best ones for exam preparation can be a challenge.
The good news?
With a curated selection of the most effective resources, you’ll be well-equipped to handle your studies and maximize your results.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best books, apps, and online tools for exam prep, with tips on how to select the resources that match your learning style and study needs.
Why choosing the right resources matters
Not all study materials are created equal, and choosing the right resources is critical to your success.
The best tools will align with your test’s format, cover the subjects you need, and match your preferred learning style — whether that’s reading, practicing problems, or watching instructional videos.
When you know how to select materials that support your strengths and fill in any knowledge gaps, you’ll be better prepared and less stressed as exam day approaches.
1. Books for exam preparation
Let’s start with the classics.
Books are still a trusted and reliable resource for exam prep.
The right ones can provide not only essential knowledge but also effective study strategies and practice questions.
Here are some must-have books for different exam types and subjects:
“The Princeton Review” and “Kaplan” Series (Standardized Tests)
For students preparing for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or LSAT, books from The Princeton Review and Kaplan are excellent.
These publishers provide comprehensive guides that cover all sections of the tests, strategies for each question type, and practice exams that mimic the real test experience.
Wondering why these are so popular?
Princeton Review and Kaplan books are designed by experts who understand the format and nuances of each test.
They provide tips for pacing, strategies for guessing, and techniques to approach tricky questions.
“Barron’s” and “CliffsNotes” Series (Subject-Specific Exams)
When it comes to mastering subject-specific content like AP exams or SAT Subject Tests, Barron’s and CliffsNotes are standout options.
These books are known for breaking down complex topics into digestible summaries, followed by quizzes and practice exams that help you review and reinforce key concepts.
Pro tip: Focus on reviewing the summaries and taking the practice quizzes after each chapter. Studies show that active recall — quizzing yourself — is one of the most effective ways to retain information long-term.
“Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning” by Peter C. Brown
Looking to refine your study habits?
“Make It Stick” dives into the science behind how we learn and retain information.
This book isn’t a study guide for specific exams. In addition, it’s packed with evidence-based techniques that can transform your study sessions, from spaced repetition to self-testing and interleaving practice.
2. Study apps for effective exam prep
In today’s digital world, study apps make exam prep more accessible, interactive, and efficient.
Whether you’re looking to create flashcards, track your study habits, or simulate test questions, these apps are must-haves for your study toolkit.
Quizlet
Quizlet is an incredibly versatile app that lets you create digital flashcards and quizzes. Thus, it’s perfect for subjects that require memorization, such as vocabulary, formulas, or historical dates.
This app also has a feature called Quizlet Learn, which customizes your study sessions based on your progress. As a result, you spend more time on areas you’re struggling with.
Why it’s great: Flashcards are a proven tool for active recall. Plus, Quizlet’s interactive quizzes and games keep you engaged and test your knowledge in a fun, efficient way.
Anki
For students who prefer a highly customizable flashcard experience, Anki is a top choice.
Anki uses spaced repetition, presenting you with difficult cards more frequently and easy cards less often.
This helps boost retention and is ideal for preparing for exams with a large amount of information, such as medical or law school exams.
Want to take it to the next level?
Try making cloze deletion flashcards, where parts of a sentence are blanked out. This technique, used by many Anki enthusiasts, enhances active recall even more effectively.
Forest
Do you struggle with staying focused during study sessions?
Forest is a productivity app that helps you stay off your phone while studying.
The concept is simple: each time you want to focus, you “plant a tree” in the app, and if you stay off your phone, your tree grows.
By the end of a study session, you’ll have a forest that shows your progress.
Why it works: Forest uses positive reinforcement to build focus and reduce distractions. It’s also based on the Pomodoro Technique, where you study in intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by a short break, which helps prevent burnout.
3. Digital Tools for Organization and Planning
Organizing your study materials and planning out your exam prep timeline are critical to effective studying.
Here are some digital tools that will help you manage your study schedule, organize your notes, and keep track of your progress.
Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace where you can create study plans, take notes, organize your tasks, and even track your study progress.
Many students use Notion to make study dashboards where they can keep track of their assignments, upcoming exams, and goals.
Why use Notion?
This tool’s flexible layout allows you to customize your workspace to suit your study style. Plus, there are countless free templates designed for students, making it easy to get started even if you’re new to Notion.
Trello
If you’re a fan of visual organization, Trello is a great choice for creating to-do lists and tracking your study progress.
Each subject or topic can have its own board, where you move tasks through stages like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed.”
Trello is ideal for students preparing for multiple exams and juggling various assignments.
Wondering if it’s effective?
Well, Trello’s kanban board system has been shown to improve task completion rates and organization. This allows you to focus on one task at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything at once.
Google Calendar
A study schedule is essential for exam prep, and Google Calendar is a simple but powerful tool for managing your time.
You can create a study schedule with reminders and allocate specific time blocks for different subjects. This ensures that you stay on track and avoid last-minute cramming.
Tip: Set up recurring study sessions for subjects you need to review often. Breaking study time into smaller chunks across days can improve retention and prevent burnout, a technique known as distributed practice.
4. Websites for extra practice and knowledge
Accessing additional resources and exercises outside of your core study materials can give you a comprehensive understanding of topics and reinforce what you’re learning.
These websites are ideal for gaining extra practice in various subjects.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes across a wide range of subjects, from math and science to history and economics.
It’s perfect for brushing up on weak areas or exploring new topics that may be on your exam.
Why it stands out: Khan Academy breaks down complex topics into digestible, step-by-step lessons that cater to visual and auditory learners. Plus, it’s free!
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
If your exams involve essay writing, Purdue OWL is a fantastic resource for improving your writing skills.
The thing is that this site provides comprehensive guides on grammar, writing techniques, and citation styles. That’s how it helps you craft well-structured, professional essays.
Fun fact: Good writing skills are essential for many exams, even if they aren’t explicitly writing-based. Being able to clearly explain concepts in short answers or essays can give you a competitive edge.
Wolfram Alpha
For math, engineering, and science students, Wolfram Alpha is an invaluable tool.
This computational engine solves complex equations and provides detailed explanations of each step. Therefore, it’s ideal for understanding complex concepts and solving practice problems.
Why it’s effective: Wolfram Alpha goes beyond just giving answers. It helps students learn the process behind calculations, which is crucial for math-intensive exams.
5. Tools for taking breaks and reducing stress
Let’s face it: exam prep can be stressful. That’s why you need to take breaks and manage stress effectively.
Here are some tools to help you stay refreshed and relaxed.
Headspace and Calm (Meditation Apps)
Stress and anxiety are common during exam prep, but meditation can help.
Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations and breathing exercises specifically designed for stress relief.
Just a few minutes of meditation each day can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
Pro Tip: Try a 5-minute meditation session before or after a study session. Studies show that meditation can increase concentration and improve memory, which is why it’s a perfect addition to your study routine.
Spotify (Focus Playlists)
Music can enhance focus, especially when studying repetitive or straightforward material.
Spotify has a wide range of “focus” playlists, from classical to lo-fi, that can keep you concentrated without being too distracting.
Interestingly, listening to music at a low volume can help maintain focus and improve productivity, especially for repetitive tasks.
However, instrumental music is generally better, as lyrics can be distracting during reading or writing tasks.
6. Video-based learning platforms for visual learners
Finally, if you’re a visual learner, video-based platforms can be a valuable resource.
Videos can break down complex concepts into easily digestible lessons, making them perfect for difficult subjects or when you need a deeper explanation.
Here are some top video resources:
- YouTube Educational Channels: Channels like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and The Organic Chemistry Tutor offer in-depth videos on various subjects, including math, science, and history.
- Coursera and edX: Both offer free and paid courses taught by university professors. These courses can provide a structured approach to learning specific subjects, like calculus, economics, or physics.
- Magoosh and Kaplan: Both companies offer video lessons for standardized test prep. Magoosh, for example, has GRE, GMAT, and LSAT video lessons, while Kaplan covers SAT, ACT, and MCAT, among others.
Video-based learning is especially helpful for visualizing difficult concepts in subjects like math and science, where step-by-step examples can make a big difference.
Conclusion: Choose your resources and start preparing
With the right combination of books, apps, and tools, you’ll have everything you need to approach exam preparation effectively and confidently.
Each resource on this list serves a unique purpose, from building foundational knowledge with books to organizing your study plan with apps and practicing self-care.
Yes, exam season doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
You just need to select the resources that work best for you, set a study plan, and stick to it. That’s a recipe for tackling your exams and performing at your best.
Good luck, and remember — effective preparation starts with the right tools.