Comparison

Common App vs ALEKS Prep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Common App

Manage your college applications on the go. This app offers a secure and streamlined way to apply to over 1000 colleges, research financial aid options, and access guidance from counselors, all from your mobile device.

Highlights
  • Apply to 1000+ colleges
  • Research financial aid
  • Get counselor advice
  • Secure application process
  • Mobile convenience
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Simplify your college application experience with Common App for mobile. Common App for mobile provides you with the same secure, streamlined application experience you’ve come to expect from Common App online, all from the convenience of your mobile device. The app seamlessly integrates with the first-year desktop experience — allowing you to apply to more than 1000 colleges, research financial aid, and get advice from counselors. Common App for mobile is free and easy to use. Download the app to navigate your entire college application journey.

About

ALEKS Prep

Features
Read full description

Walk into the ALEKS math placement assessment ready. ALEKS Prep 2026 gives you 875+ practice questions with a clear explanation for every single answer, so you don't just memorize the right choice - you understand the concepts behind it. Built for candidates preparing for the ALEKS math placement assessment. WHY IT WORKS Passing isn't about cramming. It's about repeated, targeted practice across every objective the test tests - then reinforcing exactly what you got wrong until it sticks. - 875+ questions written to match the real test's style and difficulty - An explanation on every answer, so each question teaches you something - Full coverage of every section: Whole Numbers & Fractions - Percents & Proportions - Algebra - Geometry - Trigonometry - Pre-Calculus STUDY YOUR WAY - Daily Plan that sizes itself to your test date and keeps you on pace - Quick 10 for a fast review between study blocks - Timed Mode to build test-day speed and stamina - Smart Review using spaced repetition to resurface weak spots - Full-Length Practice Test that simulates the real thing - Missed Questions queue so nothing slips through - Custom Quiz to drill any section on demand TRACK YOUR PROGRESS - Pass probability that updates as you practice - Accuracy broken down by section - Streaks to keep you consistent - Test countdown WHO IT'S FOR Students preparing for the ALEKS math placement assessment. START TODAY Your test date isn't moving. Start a free trial, take your first Quick 10 today, and watch your pass probability climb. --- SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS Full access is available through an auto-renewing subscription: - Weekly: $3.99 - Monthly: $10.99 A free trial is available for new subscribers. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your App Store account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Terms of Use: https://hermesdigitalbr-spec.github.io/aleks-legal/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://hermesdigitalbr-spec.github.io/aleks-legal/privacy.html

Screenshots

Common App4 screens
ALEKS Prep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Common App at none against ALEKS Prep's 2. Common App also leads on chart position (#26 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). ALEKS Prep's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 9 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ALEKS Prep sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Common App asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Common App ships an update every 9 months, ALEKS Prep every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Common App versus ALEKS Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCommon AppALEKS Prep
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (673 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews22.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings673 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#26 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Common ApplicationHermes Inteligencia Digital Ltda

Bugs and requests

Common App

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • White screen on login
  • App doesn't load past logo
  • Redirects transfer students to website

Requested features

3 requests
  • Keep user logged in for longer
  • Increase text box size
  • Add back button navigation

ALEKS Prep

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Common App

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

ALEKS Prep

Subscriptions2
  • ALEKS Prep Weekly$3.997 Days
  • ALEKS Prep Monthly3 Days trial$10.991 Month

Questions

Is Common App free?
Common App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ALEKS Prep free?
ALEKS Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Common App or ALEKS Prep have ads?
Neither Common App nor ALEKS Prep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Common App or ALEKS Prep?
Common App ships an update every 9 months, and ALEKS Prep every 2 weeks. Most recently, Common App was updated on October 13, 2026 and ALEKS Prep on October 12, 2026.

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