There are more phone applications out than ever before, ranging from ridiculous and fun to actually insightful and helpful. In a time where almost all high school students seem to have smart phones it can be hard to filter out the useless apps from the beneficial ones. They can range from handy note taking applications to free places to download classic books frequently assigned in class. Here we break down a few smartphone applications that can actually be useful for back-to-school.

MyHomework: If you have a hard time keeping track of due dates and class schedules this is the app for you. Organize and stay on top of class schedules and upcoming assignments, with color-coding according to due dates. This app syncs with your desktop, keeping your iPhone and computer on the same page as far as what’s due.

Evernote:  Evernote lets you type and organize notes, photos and voice memos from your iPhone to the Internet. All can be accessed anytime, anywhere from the Evernote application or the Evernote website, where the company offers free desktop access for Apple and Windows PCs. Notes can be tagged and are searchable so you can find them easily later. It’s a great way to keep class notes close by at all times.

gFlashPro: A flash-card application that allows you to use Google Spreadsheet or Microsoft Excel to create decks of cards, which can even contain sound clips or YouTube videos. gFlashPro also links to a flash-card directory, enabling you to share and download premade decks with anyone at any time.

Graphing Calculator: Remember those giant Texas Instruments calculators that everyone was required to buy? Now there is an app for that. The app has an expanded scientific calculator along with the ability to graph multiple equations and e-mail the results.

Dictionary.com: With almost 400,000 definitions and a thesaurus, cut down on book costs and weight with this handy app.

Arm yourself with these apps, your new school supplies and fresh high school apparel this school year and you’ll be ready to go.