Preparing for the ACT is crucial for securing a spot in your dream college and obtaining scholarships.
With so many options available, it’s important to find a prep course that suits your learning style and schedule.
This guide will help you navigate through the 12 best ACT prep courses to boost your scores. Whether you prefer live classes, on-demand lessons, or personalized tutoring, there’s a course tailored just for you.
1) PrepScholar ACT
PrepScholar ACT is a top choice for many students aiming for high scores.
It offers a comprehensive online program with over 100 hours of instructional material and more than 4,300 practice questions.
This extensive library helps you cover all sections of the ACT, including the essay.
One unique feature of PrepScholar ACT is its 4-Point Increase Guarantee.
If your score does not improve by four points after using their program, they offer a full refund.
Customization is another strong point.
Their program adapts to your individual strengths and weaknesses, providing targeted practice to help you improve.
This ensures that you focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
In addition, PrepScholar provides options for 1-on-1 tutoring.
You can choose packages that offer 4, 12, 20, or 36 hours of tutoring.
This can be very beneficial if you need personalized guidance.
PrepScholar is also noted for its affordability compared to private tutors or in-person classes.
Online learning can save you both time and money without sacrificing quality.
To summarize, PrepScholar ACT combines comprehensive content, a score-increase guarantee, and personalized learning.
It is designed to help you succeed on the ACT through a blend of thorough preparation and targeted practice.
For more details, visit the PrepScholar ACT page.
2) Magoosh ACT
Magoosh ACT is one of the top online ACT prep courses available today.
It offers an affordable option for students, with most plans costing less than $130.
This makes it a great budget-friendly choice compared to other costly prep courses.
The course provides a comprehensive study plan that includes practice questions, video lessons, and full-length practice exams.
You can study at your own pace and access materials from your computer or phone, making it very convenient.
Magoosh stands out for its promise of improvement.
They claim you can see a 4-point increase in your ACT score after using their program.
This is thanks to their detailed lesson plans and effective practice exercises.
Another benefit is the flexibility it offers.
With 12-month access to the platform, you have plenty of time to prepare and study.
This is great for those who prefer to spread out their study sessions rather than cramming last minute.
You only need to dedicate about 20 minutes a day to see results.
This makes it manageable even for busy students who have other commitments.
The course content is regularly updated based on performance analysis from thousands of test takers, ensuring you get the most relevant and effective materials.
The Magoosh ACT course also includes personalized progress tracking.
This helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement.
It’s designed to be adaptive to your learning style and progress.
For more details, visit Magoosh ACT Prep.
3) Kaplan ACT Prep
Kaplan offers a variety of ACT prep options to fit different learning styles and needs.
You can choose from self-paced online courses, live online classes, and private tutoring sessions.
The online courses are flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace.
They include on-demand video lessons and practice questions to help you understand key concepts.
For students who prefer a more interactive experience, the live online classes offer real-time instruction from expert teachers.
You can ask questions and get immediate feedback during the lessons.
If you need more personalized attention, Kaplan’s private tutoring might be the best option.
You can select from 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 hours of one-on-one tutoring.
This ensures you get focused help on the areas where you need it most.
Kaplan also includes official ACT practice tests as part of their prep packages.
These tests help you get used to the format and timing of the actual exam.
Another feature is the customizable question bank.
With over 2,000 official ACT questions, you can practice specific types of problems to improve your skills.
Kaplan has a partnership with the makers of the ACT, which adds credibility to their prep materials.
They even offer free resources to help you get started.
Choosing Kaplan for your ACT prep provides a well-rounded and flexible approach to getting ready for test day.
4) The Princeton Review ACT
The Princeton Review ACT offers courses designed to boost your score.
The program provides personalized study plans to fit your schedule and learning style.
The robust course structure includes full-length practice tests, in-depth review sessions, and targeted drills.
You get access to over 140 video lessons crafted by experts.
These lessons cover all ACT subjects, helping you tackle weak areas.
The Princeton Review’s feedback system analyzes your performance and suggests where to focus your efforts.
Their ACT course boasts over 1,200 practice questions and 137 drills.
You can practice these as many times as needed to feel confident.
The interactive live sessions with skilled instructors are highly engaging and make learning easier.
Many students have reported significant score improvements.
For example, one family mentioned their children collectively raised their ACT scores by 11 points after taking the course.
The Princeton Review has a strong reputation and is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on Google reviews.
Students often praise instructors like Dr. Zahra Dejahang for making complex topics more accessible.
Flexibility is another advantage of The Princeton Review ACT.
You can choose from various course formats, including live online classes and self-paced options.
This program is well-regarded for its detailed study materials and effective teaching strategies.
Whether you want structured classroom learning or the freedom to study on your own, The Princeton Review has a course to suit your needs.
5) ACT Online Prep
ACT Online Prep is the official prep course developed by the creators of the ACT.
This course offers an engaging and interactive way to study.
With this course, you can customize your study plan to fit your schedule and learning style.
One of the standout features is the personalized learning path.
Based on your initial diagnostic test, the course tailors recommendations to help you focus on areas that need improvement.
This targeted approach can help you make the most of your study time.
The ACT Online Prep includes interactive lessons that cover all sections of the ACT: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
These lessons include explanatory videos, quizzes, and practice questions to reinforce your learning.
You can also review explanations for the questions you get wrong.
The course provides full-length practice tests to simulate the actual exam experience.
These tests help you get familiar with the test format and timing.
They are valuable for building your test-taking stamina and identifying any lingering areas of weakness.
Additionally, ACT Online Prep offers a mobile app.
This feature allows you to study on the go, ensuring you can keep up with your prep even during a busy schedule.
The app syncs with your online account, so you can seamlessly switch between devices.
Another benefit is that it includes progress tracking.
You can monitor your improvement over time and adjust your study plan as needed.
This helps you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
If you want a reliable and flexible prep option, ACT Online Prep could be a great choice.
For more details, visit ACT Online Prep.
6) TutorMe ACT
TutorMe ACT offers a unique approach to test preparation with its fully animated, self-paced online course.
This format helps keep you engaged and makes learning feel less like a chore.
The course is backed by a 10-day satisfaction guarantee, giving you peace of mind as you start your prep.
One standout feature of TutorMe is the 1-on-1 online tutoring that complements the course content.
Personalized assistance can make a big difference, especially if you struggle in specific areas.
The tutors are experienced and offer targeted help aimed at boosting your ACT scores.
The platform also promises a comprehensive prep experience with in-depth coverage of all ACT subjects.
You’ll have access to resources that help you understand the main concepts tested on the exam.
This includes a variety of practice problems and full-length practice tests to simulate the real ACT experience.
For more information, you can visit the TutorMe ACT prep course.
7) Varsity Tutors ACT
Varsity Tutors offers flexible ACT test prep options tailored to different learning styles.
You can choose between one-on-one sessions or join a small group.
This allows you to pick the setting that suits you best.
Personalized study plans are a key feature.
Private sessions offer complete customization, helping you focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
If you prefer a collaborative environment, small group sessions might be more engaging.
Interaction with peers can be beneficial and make the learning process more enjoyable.
Varsity Tutors also combines live expert instruction with an asynchronous test prep app.
The app includes a question bank, practice tests, and other resources to help boost your score.
Additionally, there are free diagnostic tests available.
These shorter versions of the ACT help you quickly identify areas that need improvement.
Varsity Tutors stands out for its vetted, experienced instructors.
You can expect high-quality teaching, which is crucial for effective ACT preparation.
Choosing Varsity Tutors can be a strategic move to increase your ACT score and build confidence.
The range of tools and resources available cater to different needs and preferences, making it a solid option for many students.
8) PowerScore ACT
PowerScore ACT offers both online and live course options.
You get access to expert instructors who are experienced in preparing students for the ACT.
The live online classes provide an interactive experience.
You can ask questions in real-time and receive immediate feedback.
This is great if you prefer a classroom feel from the comfort of your home.
Materials include comprehensive workbooks and practice tests.
These resources are designed to reflect the actual ACT format, helping you get familiar with the test structure.
If you choose the on-demand online option, you can study at your own pace.
This format includes recorded lessons and extensive practice materials.
It’s perfect for students who need flexibility.
For additional support, PowerScore provides one-on-one tutoring.
Tutors can tailor their sessions to focus on your specific weaknesses, helping you improve more effectively.
Customer support is available if you have questions about your course or need help with materials.
They have a dedicated team ready to assist you.
For more information, visit their ACT Live Online Course Welcome Page.
9) UWorld ACT
UWorld ACT is known for its extensive question bank.
With over 4,100 practice questions, you can get a thorough understanding of the test format and question types.
The questions are similar to what you will see on the actual test, which helps you build confidence.
Performance tracking and analytics are key features of UWorld ACT.
These tools help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
You can monitor your progress and adjust your study plan based on real-time data.
UWorld offers various subscription options.
You can choose from a 30-day, 90-day, six-month, or one-year plan.
Prices range from $49 for the shortest duration to $129 for the full year.
These flexible options allow you to pick what fits your needs and budget.
If you prefer digital learning, UWorld ACT might be perfect for you.
The platform is entirely online, making it accessible anytime and anywhere.
This can be a significant advantage for busy students.
A unique feature of UWorld ACT is its self-assessment tool.
This tool provides a score predictor, helping you gauge your readiness for the exam.
By knowing where you stand, you can focus your efforts more effectively.
Although UWorld ACT doesn’t offer many promotional discounts, its prices are competitive.
Even without discounts, the value you get for the cost is significant.
This makes it an appealing option for many students.
For more details, you can visit UWorld ACT to explore all the features and plans they offer.
10) Manhattan Prep ACT
Manhattan Prep offers a comprehensive approach to ACT preparation.
They are known for their high-quality instruction and customizable courses.
This flexibility allows you to tailor your study plan to fit your specific needs and goals.
The instructors at Manhattan Prep are highly qualified.
They typically score in the top 1% of ACT test-takers.
This ensures you get guidance from someone who truly understands the test.
Their online ACT courses provide the same thorough instruction as their in-person classes.
You will have access to homework, practice tests, and other helpful resources.
This is ideal if you prefer studying from home.
Some students might still prefer the traditional classroom setting.
Manhattan Prep offers in-person courses for this reason.
Both options use the same curriculum, ensuring you get the same level of education no matter your choice.
Flexibility in scheduling is another key benefit.
Whether you have a busy school schedule or other commitments, Manhattan Prep can accommodate you.
This makes it easier to fit ACT prep into your life.
If you need additional support, Manhattan Prep provides free consultations.
You can speak with an expert to discuss your needs and get personalized advice.
This can help you create an effective study plan.
Manhattan Prep is highly customizable, which is one of its strengths.
Their courses are designed to help you achieve your highest possible score on the ACT.
Their reputation and quality of service make them a top choice for many students.
You can learn more about their offerings and course details on the Manhattan Prep ACT website.
Their combination of expert instructors, flexible options, and personalized support sets them apart in the test prep industry.
11) Testive ACT
Testive ACT offers a unique approach to test prep.
Their courses focus on one-on-one weekly coaching calls.
This allows for personalized guidance and accountability.
The course includes online practice questions and video lessons.
You can access these materials anytime, making it flexible for busy schedules.
Testive believes in individualized attention.
Unlike other courses with large online classes, Testive’s method helps high school students with targeted support.
Many students find the one-on-one coaching particularly helpful.
Coaches provide regular feedback and help set study goals.
This can keep you on track and motivated.
Testive’s platform is user-friendly.
It’s designed so you can easily track your progress and see improvements over time.
For more information, you can visit the Testive ACT Review.
12) Barron’s ACT
Barron’s ACT prep book is known for its comprehensive approach.
It covers all the areas tested on the ACT, including English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing.
One of the strengths of Barron’s ACT is its detailed content review.
You get clear explanations and step-by-step solutions to problems.
This can help you understand difficult concepts more easily.
The practice tests included in the book are also very helpful.
They simulate the actual test environment, helping you practice under real exam conditions.
This can be great for building your test-taking stamina.
Barron’s also offers strategies for tackling different types of questions.
These tips can help you improve your time management and accuracy during the test.
Barron’s ACT stands out for its high-difficulty practice questions.
If you can handle these tough questions, you will likely find the actual test easier.
For those aiming for top scores, Barron’s ACT 36 is an excellent choice.
It includes practice questions that are even harder than those on the ACT, preparing you for any challenge that may come your way.
More about it here.
This prep book’s user-friendly layout makes studying more manageable.
Information is well-organized with sections clearly marked, so you can quickly find what you need.
In summary, Barron’s ACT is a reliable resource for comprehensive review, challenging practice questions, and effective test-taking strategies.
Learn more about it here.
Understanding the ACT Exam
The ACT exam is crucial for college admissions and scholarships.
It assesses your readiness for college through specific subject areas, and your scores can impact your educational opportunities.
What the ACT Exam Covers
The ACT exam consists of five sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section.
- English: Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
- Mathematics: Includes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Reading: Measures reading comprehension through passages and related questions.
- Science: Tests interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in natural sciences.
- Writing (optional): Requires you to write an essay analyzing a given issue.
Each section is scored separately, then averaged for a composite score.
Importance of High Scores on the ACT
High scores on the ACT can open doors to many opportunities.
- College Admissions: Many colleges use ACT scores to make admission decisions.
- Scholarships: Higher scores can qualify you for merit-based scholarships.
- Placement: Some schools use ACT scores for placement in college courses, skipping introductory classes if you score high.
Performing well on the ACT can enhance your resume and provide financial benefits through scholarships, reducing the overall cost of college.
Effective Study Techniques for the ACT
Using targeted study techniques can make a huge difference in your ACT score.
It’s important to manage your time well, take practice tests regularly, and strike a balance between studying and taking breaks.
Time Management Strategies
One of the most important parts of studying for the ACT is managing your time.
Create a study schedule that fits your routine and stick to it.
Break your study sessions into smaller chunks of time to avoid burnout.
Dedicate specific times for each section of the ACT: English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Use a timer to help you focus during these sessions.
Understanding how much time you have left on each section during the test is crucial, so practice completing sections within the allotted time.
Practice Tests and Their Benefits
Taking practice tests is key to improving your ACT score.
Practice tests help you become familiar with the format and timing of the ACT.
They also highlight your strengths and weaknesses, so you know where to focus your study efforts.
After completing a practice test, review your answers carefully.
Identify the types of questions you missed and revisit those topics.
This will help you avoid making the same mistakes on the real exam. Full-length practice tests simulate the actual test day experience, which can help reduce anxiety.
Balancing Study Time and Relaxation
While studying is important, so is taking time to relax.
Overloading yourself can lead to stress and burnout, which can negatively affect your performance.
Schedule regular breaks during your study sessions to rest and recharge.
Make sure to get enough sleep each night, especially in the days leading up to the test. Physical activity can also help reduce stress, so consider incorporating exercise into your routine.
Find activities that help you unwind, such as reading a book, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as studying.