6 Best PSAT Prep Apps for On-the-Go Studying That Mirror the Exam

Your teen’s schedule is a masterpiece of logistics—a whirlwind of school, sports, music, and maybe even a part-time job. Now, the PSAT is on the horizon, and finding a two-hour block for studying feels impossible. The good news is that the best preparation can happen in the small pockets of time they already have, right on their phones.

Choosing an App That Mirrors the Digital PSAT

Remember when tests were all about a No. 2 pencil and bubbling in ovals? Those days are gone. The PSAT is now a fully digital, multi-stage adaptive test, and preparing for the format is just as important as reviewing the content. An app that "mirrors the exam" doesn’t just have similar questions; it replicates the digital experience.

This means the app should have a built-in graphing calculator (like Desmos, which is used on the real test), a way to flag questions for review, and an annotation tool. Most importantly, it should simulate the adaptive nature of the test. The digital PSAT presents two modules per section, and a student’s performance on the first module determines the difficulty level of the second. A great prep app will mimic this structure, giving your child a true feel for the test’s flow and pacing.

Getting comfortable with these digital tools in a low-stakes environment is a huge confidence booster. It removes the friction of navigating an unfamiliar interface on test day, allowing your student to focus all their mental energy on the questions themselves. The goal is to make the platform feel like second nature.

Khan Academy: Official, Free PSAT Practice

If you’re wondering where to begin, start here. Khan Academy is the official practice partner of the College Board, the organization that creates the PSAT. You simply can’t get any closer to the source material, and it is 100% free.

This isn’t just a random assortment of questions. Khan Academy offers a full diagnostic and personalized practice plan based on your child’s specific areas for improvement. If they’ve taken a previous College Board test, they can link their account and get an instant, data-driven study guide. It pinpoints weaknesses and serves up targeted lessons and quizzes.

For families navigating the high costs of test prep, Khan Academy is the ultimate resource. It provides a rock-solid foundation of official content without the financial investment. Even if you decide to supplement with a paid app later, every student should have Khan Academy as their home base for PSAT prep.

Magoosh SAT Prep for Video-Based Learning

Does your teen’s attention drift when reading dense explanations, but they can watch video tutorials for hours? If you have a visual or auditory learner, Magoosh is an excellent fit. While branded for the SAT, its content is perfectly suited for the PSAT, as the tests cover the same skills.

Magoosh’s strength lies in its massive library of short, digestible video lessons. Each practice question comes with a video explanation that walks students through the problem step-by-step. This is invaluable for kids who need to hear and see a concept broken down to truly grasp it, especially for tricky multi-step math problems or nuanced grammar rules.

This app is ideal for the student who learns best from a teacher but needs the flexibility to study on their own schedule. It’s like having a friendly, expert tutor in their pocket, ready to explain a tough concept whenever they get stuck. It turns passive screen time into active, engaging learning.

Kaplan SAT Prep for Live Online Instruction

Some students thrive on the structure and accountability of a traditional class. They need scheduled meeting times and the ability to ask a live instructor questions in real time. For the family whose schedule is too packed for an in-person course, Kaplan’s app brings the classroom to them.

Kaplan is a giant in the test-prep world for a reason. Their app provides access to their well-regarded "Live Online" courses, taught by experienced instructors. This is far more than a simple question bank; it’s a structured curriculum delivered on a flexible platform. Students can interact, ask questions, and get immediate feedback.

This option is a significant investment, but it’s the right one for the student who struggles with self-motivation or benefits from direct instruction. It bridges the gap between purely independent app-based study and a formal tutoring commitment, offering the best of both worlds for the right kind of learner.

Princeton Review for Timed Practice Sections

Your child might be a math whiz or a grammar expert, but do they freeze up when the clock is ticking? The PSAT isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a test of performance under pressure. The Princeton Review’s prep tools are laser-focused on building the strategic skills needed to master the clock.

While many apps offer practice questions, The Princeton Review excels at simulating the timed environment of the real exam. Their app features numerous timed drills, section-specific practice, and full-length tests that help students develop an internal sense of pacing. They learn how much time to spend on easy questions versus hard ones and when to make an educated guess and move on.

This is the app for the student who knows the material but isn’t seeing their scores reflect it. Mastering pacing is a skill, and it requires practice just like any other. This tool helps turn academic knowledge into a high score by preparing students for the relentless pressure of the timer.

Varsity Tutors for On-Demand Expert Help

Picture this: Your teen is diligently working through a practice set on their own but hits a complete wall on a specific type of geometry question. They’re frustrated, and their study session is about to derail. You don’t need a full course, just a quick, expert explanation to get them unstuck.

This is where Varsity Tutors shines. Their platform offers a unique on-demand tutoring feature, connecting students with a live expert in minutes. It’s the ultimate lifeline for the independent studier who occasionally needs targeted support. Instead of wasting an hour spinning their wheels, they can get a 15-minute clarification and get right back to productive work.

This service works as a powerful supplement to other study methods. It empowers students to take charge of their own learning while giving parents peace of mind that help is available the moment it’s needed. It’s an investment in efficiency, preventing small roadblocks from becoming major sources of frustration.

PrepScholar for Adaptive, Personalized Study

Is your child spending time practicing skills they’ve already mastered? For the student and parent who want the most efficient path to a better score, PrepScholar’s adaptive platform is the gold standard. It’s designed to ensure every minute of study time is spent as effectively as possible.

PrepScholar begins with a comprehensive diagnostic to create a detailed map of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. From there, it generates a completely customized study plan, focusing their time and energy precisely where it’s needed most. The program continually adjusts as they progress, introducing new concepts only after they’ve demonstrated mastery of the prerequisites.

This approach is perfect for the student who is motivated to improve but needs a clear roadmap. It eliminates the guesswork of what to study next and builds a strong foundation by shoring up weak areas first. It’s about studying smarter, not just longer, which is a lesson that serves them well beyond the PSAT.

Integrating App Study into a Balanced Routine

Having the right app is only half the battle. The real key is integrating it into your teen’s life in a way that feels helpful, not burdensome. The beauty of these tools is their ability to turn "wasted" time into productive micro-study sessions.

Encourage the idea of "study snacking." Instead of scrolling through social media while waiting for the bus or during a break between activities, they can knock out a 10-question quiz. These short, consistent bursts of practice are often more effective than infrequent, multi-hour cram sessions. They keep the material fresh and build momentum without leading to burnout.

However, remember that app study should complement, not completely replace, other forms of preparation. It’s still crucial for your child to take at least two or three full-length practice tests on a laptop or desktop computer. This simulates the physical reality of sitting for a two-hour exam and builds the mental endurance they’ll need on test day. The goal is a balanced approach that builds both knowledge and confidence.

Ultimately, the best app is the one your child will actually use. By matching the tool to their learning style and schedule, you’re not just preparing them for a test; you’re giving them ownership over their learning and building skills that will last a lifetime.