Some of the apps prepare you for standardized aptitude or language tests, such as GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS, while others improve your essay writing or presentation skills for the admission interview. Here is a top 10 list of some of the best apps for preparation on the go:
Ready4 GMAT (iOS, Android)
Ready4 GMAT is one of the most popular GMAT preparation apps and it certainly has a lot to offer – there are over 1,000 verbal and quantitative questions, hundreds of available flashcards as well as customisable tests. The School Matcher function finds B-schools that are best suited for your goals while the Top Schools List allows you to browse over 100 MBA programmes and see how your estimated GMAT score compares to the average results for these schools. The app is free to download, but full functionality is unlocked through in-app purchases (Android) or a Premium Account (iOS). Candidates that will be taking the GRE exam should download the “Ready4 GRE” app.
Official Guide for GMAT Review (iOS, Android)
If you are preparing for the GMAT, downloading the official app from the creators of the exam should be a no-brainer. It gives you get access to authentic exam questions with full answer explanations, in-depth math and grammar reviews, performance analytics, valuable test-taking tips and even a handy exam date countdown. A definite plus is that the app works offline. One thing to bear in mind: the “starter” app includes a limited amount of content and unlocking all the resources requires a one-time purchase of USD 29.99.
Magoosh GMAT Prep & Practice (iOS, Android)
Magoosh is a company that offers online preparation for several standardised tests. This particular app allows you to make full use of their GMAT content on the go. You can practice exam questions, watch tutorials, track your progress and plan for your studying. There’s even the option of getting tutor help. The app is free to download, but you get access to all the questions and videos only if you sign up for a “Premium” plan. Magoosh also publishes the GRE Prep & Practice, TOEFL Prep and IELTS Prep apps.
The Official GRE Guide (iOS only)
If your business school of choice accepts the GRE test, you may want to check out the preparation app from the maker of the test, ETS. It gives you access to real test questions with answers and explanations, plus useful tips and strategies. The so-called “Starter Pack”, priced at USD 4.99, features only 25 verbal and 25 quantitative reasoning questions and 2 analytical writing tasks. However, the “Expansion Pack” (USD 19.99) adds many more questions as well as other content. The app also allows you to choose between single or multiple question types and provides specific functionality to track your progress.
Check out: 12 Free GRE Preparation Resources
TOEFL Go! (iOS, Android)
While there is simply a multitude of available apps for TOEFL preparation for both iOS and Android devices, you can count on the official app from the creator of the test to deliver great authentic content. This is very much the case with the aptly named “TOEFL Go!”. While the free app is limited to sample content only, in-app purchases allow you to add more Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing practice tests. The app has a specialised section with useful tips for exam takers as well as the option to register for the TOEFL iBT test.
EduSynch TOEFL® Prep (Android only)
EduSynch prides itself as the “first adaptive training platform for the TOEFL iBT on the Web and on your Android device”. Their app features more than 1,200 reading and listening questions while an additional licence gives you access to full-length simulations designed to simulate the actual exam. For an additional cost, there are personalised evaluations for the speaking and writing simulations done by TOEFL certified professionals. A great feature is the global ranking system that lets you see how your score fares against that of people from all over the world.
IELTS Skills (iOS, Android)
Keeping the IELTS Skills app on your smartphone’s home screen is a great way to practise and improve your English language proficiency on the go. It combines all four skills needed for the exam – Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing – into a single app. The exercises are interactive and there are special sections for hints and tips to increase your score. A great feature is the ability to record yourself as you answer the oral exam. There’s a free version of the app with samples of all 4 skills, but the complete version will set you back USD 5.99.
IELTS Word Power (iOS, Android)
A great range of vocabulary can be the difference between a good and a great score in any language test. This is where the IELTS Word Power app comes in. It offers over 100 questions to help build up your vocabulary as well as useful links to find the nearest British Council IELTS test centre. The British Council (one of the creators of the IELTS test) publishes it, so rest assured you can trust the quality of the content. Probably the single best feature of the app: it is completely free on both iOS and Android and there are no distracting ads.
Essay Writing Guide (iOS, Android)
Essays are a critical part of the application process that should not be underestimated. One great resource in this regard is the Essay Writing Guide, available as a USD 2.99 download. While not specifically geared towards future Master’s or MBA students, it is an essential reference tool for any essay writer. The app is intuitive and easy to use, organised around four interface wheels called Content, Style, Organisation and Mechanics. What makes it extremely useful are the in-depth explanations of the different writing concepts, supplemented by examples and instructions.
Peacock - Mock Interview Prep (iOS, Android)
This app helps you prepare for the “final frontier” of your B-school admission process – the interview. It has an enormous question bank with over 1,200 questions on different topics as well as a dedicated section on MBA interviews. Another reason why this app made our list is the simply great Timed Video Recorder function that allows you to record your answers and review them later. The app is free on Android (ads supported) and USD 1.99 on iOS.
When it comes to preparation for business school admission, there is certainly no lack of excellent online and offline tools and resources. However, using apps on your smartphone or tablet has the distinctive advantage of them being constantly available to you. While you shouldn’t necessarily use apps as your only resource for preparation, they can be a really useful supplement and a great chance to brush up on your skills while on the go.
Check out: Free Online GMAT Study Material
Comments