The countdown to the start of a brand-new school year is on, and EducationQuest is here to talk tools and tech that can help you be successful. We sat down with Jason Combs, director of marketing and technology at EducationQuest, to discuss apps that can help you stay on top of everything from assignments to mental health.

Tackling the Biggest Challenges

Students often struggle with managing their time, staying organized, and juggling the many demands of school, especially during key transitions like moving from high school to college. Jason notes that whether it’s adjusting to new teachers, navigating a different class schedule, or getting used to digital platforms, the feeling of overwhelm is real.

Many students also experience anxiety about academic expectations and the volume of tasks coming their way. Fortunately, technology can help—if you know where to look.

Go-To Apps for Staying Organized

Jason recommends Google Calendar as a must-have tool. It’s a great way to keep track of classes, deadlines, and other responsibilities in one place. Plus, sharing calendars makes coordinating group projects or family commitments much easier.

Pair that with Google Tasks or Google Keep for to-do lists and notes. These integrate seamlessly into the Google ecosystem and help keep projects from slipping through the cracks.

Staying Focused (When the Internet Wants to Distract You)

Staying focused can be hard with so many digital distractions. Tools like Forest use gamification to reward you for staying off your phone. As you concentrate, a virtual tree grows. If you exit the app early, the tree will wither.

Notion is another excellent tool for staying productive. You can build custom dashboards for school, work, or personal projects. Jason recommends it for students who like flexibility and want an all-in-one workspace.

Help for Writing and Studying Smarter

When it comes to writing, Grammarly is a go-to tool for editing and improving your work. It checks grammar, spelling, tone, and clarity. It’s perfect for polishing essays or emails to professors.

Students can also benefit from Quizlet, which helps with memorization and study prep. Flashcards, games, and collaborative learning features make it a favorite across age groups.

Mental Health Tools to Stay Grounded

Jason stresses the importance of caring for your mental health, especially during a busy school year. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations and breathing exercises to reduce stress.

Don’t overlook something as simple as a mood tracker or journaling app. Just checking in with yourself can go a long way in maintaining balance.

A Final Tip: Pick What Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Jason encourages students to try out a few apps and stick with the ones that truly support their unique learning style and lifestyle. The goal is to create a tech setup that works for you, not one that adds more stress.

By Jeannine Phelan