No matter what topic we may encounter as we compose Nerdify reviews, it always deals with portable electronic devices and the different applications that a person can download to check on the latest news or to quickly calculate something. These handy mobile apps became a part of our daily routine, which is not surprising if one considers an amount of available information and the tasks that have to be done on time. In order to make your lives easier, we have compiled a list of 7 apps that you should definitely check out in 2020:

Wunderlist

If you want to bring some order to your daily tasks and the college assignments, nothing beats this handy organizer. It allows you to manage your responsibilities in a convenient way. Regardless of what may be in your plans, it helps with anything from the usual shopping preferences, prices, course deadlines list, subtasks, notes, notifications, and synchronization across every device in your list. The app has a pleasing interface, so it is easy to learn how it works even if you find it challenging to install something new.

Audio Memos

You might have heard about the Notes application that allows you to record the lectures or even the sports events in audio format. This time Nerdify reviews came across an amazingly professional audio recorder application. Meeting the highest standards, it has lots of powerful options that most journalists use in their work. You can easily capture personal interviews, university lectures, local community meetings or simply record yourself when you need to make your class presentation perfect. While this app is aimed at advanced users, it is rather simple and the interface is much better than it is the case with some less powerful apps. The best part about Audio Memos is that it provides special color codes for each recording, so you can get it sorted by every date or subject.

Headspace

If you need to relax and get rid of anxiety, this app offers several meditation courses that you can join. Even if you have tried to get some peace and it did not work before, give it a try. A reason why it works is that you have clear and short instructions, so one can feel the benefits anywhere without too much trouble. For example, there is a course that helps you to sleep better or the one that boosts your productivity. While taking not more than ten minutes during the break or when you feel comfortable, it helps to have a brighter outlook and takes away the stress.

Alarmy

While this entry may sound funny and unnecessary, Nerdify reviews geeks found out that 2 out of 3 students snooze late without an alarm clock that either fails or is not set right. This little application is incredibly loud and has several ringtones that will pick you up in the morning because you won’t be able to sleep without shutting this awful thing off! The best part about Alarmy is that you can choose among several alarms, so it can remind you about an important test (or a great movie) during the daytime as well. At the same time, there is an option where you have to shake the phone well for the alarm to stop because some of us may glide the finger to stop it and continue with the sweet dreams land. Trust us, Alarmy will wake you up!

Trivia Crack

If we would only tell about planning and exam alert apps at Nerdify reviews, things would quickly get boring. What about some fun? Welcome the Trivia Crack mobile game! It is an application that lets you compete with people from all over the world. You can train your brain, communicate with your roommates and show your special skills. The game can be stopped at any time, so it fits just right for the college students during the break when your time is short.

Dragon Dictation

A great free application that lets you translate speech to text. As a speech recognition solution, it supports all existing mobile platforms and does not take much memory. If your lecture recording is unclear or you need to understand the text from an online video, it will help you out. If English is not your first language and you need assistance, download this free app and learn!

Brainscape

It is the mobile education environment where the flashcards on diverse subjects help you memorize things, save time, and learn. You can create your own cards from the textbooks or download different subjects and tests created by other people from the vast online library. Nerdify reviews have often used this wonderful application to find inspiration and discover unusual presentations that help save time and learn from the subject’s key facts.

This time Nerdify decided to speak up on a kinda tuff theme: a decision to drop a class.

When a college student feels like dropping a class, the moment comes with an endless stream of questions, apprehension, uncertainty, and stress. It does not matter whether you have registered for a class that was not exactly what you have expected or you cannot cope with a part-time job and doing well in each class, – you still want to know when (and if!) a decision to drop the class has to be made. The choice is never an easy one because it may feel like you have given up your future and failed. No, it is not the case and it does not mean that you are not smart enough! On the contrary, it is an important decision that a student can make due to a variety of reasons. The question is in how will it affect the graduation schedule, financial aid, and your life in general.

Dropping a Class or Withdrawing?  

Before we dive into the depth of decisions and the reasons, let us learn the difference between dropping the class and withdrawing, which is not always the same! The difference is that the majority of colleges and universities have a clear policy, which allows for two week period to add or drop the class at the start of each semester. It is a period that allows you to schedule your classes and carry out the changes without a penalty. If you choose to drop the class during this particular period, the class will not appear on your official transcript list. In other words, there will be no sign of your enrollment anywhere. However, there is one thing to keep in mind that relates to financial aid program! If the class is dropped, there is a return of funds policy that may come in power in most cases. Now when the two weeks period is over, your action is defined as withdrawal, which is an entirely different matter! To cut the long story short – your official transcript list will have a “W” mark next to the class you have withdrawn from.  

Some Things to Be Aware Of:

If you choose to withdraw from the class or drop it, as most students still refer to the practice, you should be aware of the following:

• It is possible that you will be charged for tuition fees in certain conditions, so make sure to review the terms and conditions before you make a final decision.
• Keep an eye for specific dates and the deadlines that you have to follow! Make sure that your schedule with the other classes is not affected by the change.
• Your overall progress may be affected in case you do not have a sufficient amount of study hours.
• While you will have a “W” on your graduation transcript if you withdraw from the class, a “W” grade in any class dropped will NOT affect your GPA!
• In order to receive a financial aid from your college or university, you have to complete at least 70% of your classes taken successfully. It means that F or W is defined as unsuccessful, unlike D or anything better!
• You need at least twelve credit hours to be considered a full-time student. Do not ever drop below 12 credit hours, so you do not find yourself in a situation without insurance and financial aid!
• Check with your college or university about special class dropping policy in terms of your progress through the semester and other rules that may be applicable!

Before You Drop The Class:

Before you decide to drop the class and implement changes to your life and professional career, always talk to your college advisor first! One of the crucial reasons to do so is that they may be aware of specific implications and future challenges that you may not even know about! As you talk to the advisor, make sure that you ask these questions to help both of you to decide what to do and see whether it is right or wrong:

• Will dropping of this particular class affect my graduation date and an overall academic schedule?
• Are we dealing with a prerequisite course that a student can only take once a year?
• Is this particular class necessary for graduation this year? In other words, if you already two semesters close to graduation date, your decision may affect the day.
• Will dropping of this class affect my financial aid support and the scholarship?
• Will I have fewer credits in total? If so, how will it affect my financial state and is there a funds return policy?
• Will dropping a class influence my full-time student status? It is always better to ask because it affects your applicability for financial student aid and a scholarship among other things your college or a university may offer!

Now it is only you who can decide whether you should drop a class or not, therefore, ask yourself these three simple questions:

• Why do I want to drop the class and what is the true reason for that?
• Can I settle down the issue without dropping?
• What kind of help and what changes do I need to continue with the class?

While it is hardly possible to list all the reasons that may be suitable or not suitable for dropping the class, it is most likely because the class seems to be “too difficult” or you “have to work and just cannot manage it all”. No matter what your particular case is, let us deal with the aforementioned situations and see what can be done.

You are trapped in a situation when you have to work way too much to keep yourself going or to earn a little extra. The first case is a reason to ask for additional financial aid if you are determined to do your best academically, but financial struggles get in the way. Now the second case is not really worth ruining your studies because it is much wiser to avoid dropping the class and focus on your long-term goals instead of treating yourself with additional earnings. Ask yourself about what matters more to you, but remember that it is your life and that studying well always rewards you in the future!

Now the second case is when the class seems to be too difficult or not what you have expected it to be. If it is the first case and things seem unclear to you, remember that dropping a class is not the best solution since you can ask your university tutor or a college professor for help. A bit of a guidance and a list of your concerns addressed may help you to receive that missing link to feel better about the class and see all the benefits. Challenge yourself and try to learn more about the class while you can! Still, if the class is really not what you thought it would be, talk to your academic advisor to weigh in all the pros and cons, read of the possible consequences, and do what you feel is best!

Several Valid Reasons to Drop The Class:

• You need to drop the class in order to maintain your scholarship.
• You do not have sufficient time to complete the class due to personal circumstances.
• Dropping the class will not damage your overall academic progress.
• You have a sufficient amount of credit hours and you can safely switch the class and make changes, while there is a “two weeks” period.
• You are dealing with a military duty.
• Adding a different class will be more beneficial to you!

Do not forget that when you struggle with a particular class, there are still special rescue courses that usually start in the middle of a semester! However, if you have to deal with an illness or major changes in your life, the best thing you can do is withdraw from all classes entirely. Likewise, with the military duty, you can apply for special programs that meet your situation and allow you to receive all the necessary credits.

Even if you decide to drop the class and have already talked to your college or university advisor, always sign up for the rescue class and give it one more chance! Trust Nerdify, talking things out always helps to see the situation clearer and do what’s best for you!

Unless you are one of those home-schooled students or have already received a degree by joining an online course, distance learning will seem intimidating and confusing at first. Most students complain that distance learning differs by having more tasks and responsibility because you are not one of many learners in the classroom and have to prove that you have mastered something. Moreover, an average online campus is not easy to master and takes some time to learn. Thankfully, there are tricks that will make your distance learning fun and less stressful!

Use Scheduling Apps. This simple fact is repeated over and over, yet remote learning is impossible without a good planner application like Bounty Tasker or the famous EverNote. Both solutions have a calendar, reminders, color codes for diverse task types or courses, and a way to synchronize the app with the majority of famous apps. Bounty Tasker lets you turn your plans into a game and receive awards. Learn as you gamify your experience and reward yourself for achievements!

Engage in Collaboration. Since we are already away from each other, which is more than relevant now, organize your own or participate in already existing collaboration projects where you can study and learn in a group of people. Be it a Psychology major or even Mechanical Engineering, create Skype sessions among the students, become a team leader, talk to each other, and learn in a fun way!

The Outline Trick. We all know how challenging it is to keep sane with all these lengthy digital books and a number of links that have to be checked upon. As you start with an online assignment, create an outline. In simple terms, use it as an intro for your task where you create a description and write down the thesis, if relevant. Include keywords, author names, good quotes, just anything that will help you remember the most important.

A Personal Backup Plan. Since the majority of distance learning happens online, remember to have a backup of all your files. For example, you can use DropBox to keep all your documents safe. This way you can always return and have a look through the files. Alternatively, add the Scannable app to keep all your handwriting safe and clear. Now the fun part begins when you create an Instagram channel where you tell of your learning experience and become an influencer for students like you!

Free Online Courses. You may say something within the lines of no more homework. However, there is some academic fun you can join! Check out Coursera or Udemy for great free courses where you can double your major’s key concepts. It always helps to understand what you learn without grades or any deadlines when you have additional instruction. Join Academic Earth for free online video lectures from the best world’s universities. It is a good alternative to the boring assignments as you can sit back and watch when and what you can!