aNote Lite (free, deluxe version is $3.99): The lite version of this app is almost as useful as the deluxe version. The free version is like the pre-loaded note app on steroids. There are folders including: ideas, study, shopping and to-do list. The app makes it easy to organize numerous otherwise confusing notes.
Dictionary.com (free): This app is a portable version of the Random House Dictionary. Students can search a word, and not only see the meaning, but have it read out loud to them, just like on the website. The application comes with a thesaurus and word of the day. For anyone looking to expand their vocabulary, this app is a desideratum (look it up).
Idiom Dictionary ($1.99): This app has everything but the kitchen sink, meaning that pretty much anything and everything has been included. It has more than 3,000 idioms and their meanings, as well as an alphabetical search engine and a keyword search. This comes in handy when looking to spruce up a term paper or just impress a friend.
Yahoo! Sportacular (free, Pro version is $1.99): For all hardcore sports fans, this is the go-to app. It includes coverage of events in almost every sport division. Not only that, but it can send instant notifications of specific events like scoring plays, game start or red-zone situations. By creating custom groups, students can also track their favorite players or fantasy teams.
ArithmeTick (free): This app is a challenging math game that allows students to solve addition, subtraction, division and multiplication problems before time runs out. Each correct answer results in ten points and additional time. Adjustable difficulty levels are available as well, ranging from Easy to Genius to Einstein. While some may cringe at the thought of practicing math for fun, it is a great way to exercise the brain and think without stressing out.
No Fear Shakespeare by SparkNotes (free, have to buy each additional play desired): This app is the portable version of the popular website SparkNotes. It includes full text of all 154 of Shakespeare’s sonnets and the first scene of 18 of his best known plays. It has plot summaries, historical facts and choice Shakespearean insults from each of his plays. Also, when it’s downloaded, buyers get one full play of their choice and can purchase more plays or buy all 18 classics for a certain price.
