9 Best ACT Prep Courses in 2024 (Expert Reviewed)

If you are looking for the best ACT prep courses in 2023, there are several options to consider, including:

1. PrepScholar – Best On Demand Program
2. Prep Expert – Best for Last-Minute Prep
3. Kaplan – Best Live Online Class
4. Princeton Review – Best Overall
5. Magoosh – Best for Extended Prep Time
6. ACT Official Prep – Most Affordable
7. Testive – Best for 1:1 Learning
8. UWorld – Best for Drilling Questions
9. ClearPath Advantage – Best for Personalized Attention

When choosing your ACT prep course, you must consider your budget, learning style and how much time you have until your ACT exam date.

The primary purpose of the American College of Testing (ACT) exam is to assess a student’s readiness and suitability for college programs.

A candidate’s ACT results offer colleges a common data point, which can be used to compare the academic preparedness of candidates applying from different high schools.

As such, a candidate’s score on the ACT could impact which colleges they can apply to study at and the degree courses they can apply for.

According to the ACT, it takes most students two to three attempts to achieve their desired ACT exam result. The purpose of ACT prep courses is to help candidates feel better prepared for the test, as this could mean they are able to achieve a better score on the first attempt.

In this article, you can find out more about some of the most popular ACT preparation courses and use this to make an informed decision on the right ACT prep course.

Reviews of the Best ACT Prep Courses

With so many options available online, it can be difficult to know which ACT prep course to choose.

Here is our overview of some of the best ACT prep courses. All details, including prices, are correct at the time of writing.

PrepScholar offers customized study plans, a score improvement guarantee (terms and conditions apply), a diagnostic test to assess starting skill level, interactive lessons and resources, realistic practice tests, detailed tracking and analytics and expert instructors.

All of the resources are offered via an accessible online platform, which allows students to study at a pace that suits them and plan their studies around their existing schedule or commitments.

Free trials are offered for some of PrepScholar’s ACT prep packages.

PrepScholar offers the following ACT prep packages:

• Complete Online ACT Prep: $397 (plus a five-day free trial)
• Complete Online ACT Prep + Admissions Bootcamp: $595
• Instructor-Led Classes + Complete Online ACT Prep: $895
• 1-on-1 Online Tutoring + Complete Online ACT Prep: From $995

All of the options above include the “4-Point Guarantee”, which guarantees a minimum of 4 points of improvement.

The most comprehensive package is the 1-on-1 Online Tutoring + Complete Online ACT Prep course, which includes:

• Self-adaptive program offering 70 skill lessons and over 4,300 realistic practice questions with explanations. This program covers all test sections but is designed to keep students focused on the areas they need the most help with.
• Six official ACT exams to check progress and test skills
• Customized weekly Prep Plan
• Over 60 hours of online Prep Content
• 1-on-1 tutoring with a Premium Tutor – choose a package to suit your needs, from 4 to 54 hours of tutoring support
• Admissions Bootcamp

The Complete Online ACT Prep is the most budget-friendly option available from PrepScholar.

If your ACT exam date is very soon, Prep Expert’s Unlimited Prep package is one of the best ACT courses for last-minute preparation.

Some of the main benefits of choosing this package from PrepExpert include the ability to speak to expert instructors with extensive knowledge of the ACT, access to comprehensive test content, interactive online learning features, realistic mock exams, personalized feedback, flexible access to resources and a supportive learning environment.

The Prep Expert Unlimited Prep (1-year access) costs $2,999 and includes:

• Unlimited access to all SAT & PSAT courses
• Unlimited access to all ACT courses
• Eight hours of private tutoring for any subject or test
• $1,000 scholarship guarantee

The Prep Expert website indicates that the total value of this support is $10,600. If you are unsatisfied with the course during the first 30 days of accessing the resources, you can obtain a full refund without questions.

Furthermore, the Prep Expert website indicates that students will have unlimited access to all Prep Expert ACT prep courses for 12 months.

Resources include ACT prep strategies that are proven to improve ACT scores, answers to ACT questions from the top 1% of ACT instructors, over 100 courses available throughout the year, and the option to choose as much or as little support as required to suit the needs of the student.

Here is a list of the courses included:

• Eight-week Capstone ACT prep course
• Six-week Flagship ACT prep course
• Self-paced Video ACT prep course
• ACT Weekend Review
• ACT Video Answer Solutions

If the student does not receive at least $1,000 in scholarship offers after completing the program, Prep Expert promises to give a $1,000 scholarship check to the college of their choice.

When enrolled in the Prep Expert program, students have access to the VIP Unlimited Prep Member Experience phone number and email support available seven-days a week.

Kaplan has partnered with ACT to offer an ACT prep course, which means you will study with top-rated ACT teachers and have access to official ACT practice questions.

Kaplan’s ACT prep content covers all sections of the test. It also includes realistic practice tests and personalized study plans. Some of the courses available through Kaplan include a score improvement guarantee.

Here is an overview of Kaplan’s ACT prep packages.

• Live Online: $449–$549
• Self-Paced: $119
• Online Tutoring packages: From $749

The Live Online option includes:

• Access to the virtual classroom, which you can access from anywhere
• Top-rated ACT teachers on camera
• Off-camera teachers available to answer questions inside a private chat screen
• Strategy sessions
• 16 hours of live online instruction resources
• Five official ACT practice tests
• Customizable question bank (Qbank) with over 2,000 official ACT test questions
• Preparation e-book
• Access to resources for six months

The Self-Paced option is more budget-friendly and includes:

• 30 on-demand, teacher-led sessions
• Five official ACT practice tests
• Customizable question bank (Qbank) with over 2,000 official ACT test questions
• Access to resources for six months

If you want private tutoring support, this is available through Kaplan in blocks of 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 hours.

You can also access over seven hours of on-demand video lessons, five official practice tests, the customizable Qbank, and personalized homework assignments from your tutor.

Princeton Review offers a wide range of ACT prep course options to suit every budget. You can choose anything from a fully comprehensive prep course to on-demand tutoring, payable on an hourly basis.

Choosing a Princeton Review ACT prep package means you will have access to expert instructors, tailored course materials, full-length practice tests and a score-improvement guarantee (terms and conditions apply).

Princeton Review offers a range of ACT prep packages:

• ACT 31+: $1,949–$2,199 (Available online and in-person)
• ACT 34+ Tutoring: $354–$420 per hour (Available online and in-person)
• ACT Essentials: $649–$949 (Available online and in-person)
• SAT & ACT Self-Paced: $499 (Available online)
• Private Tutoring: $175 per hour (Available online and in-person)
• On-Demand Tutoring: $39.99 per hour (Available online)
• On-Demand College Essay Review: $59 (Available online)

The most comprehensive package is the ACT 31+ course, which provides a money-back guarantee if you do not score at least 31 or over (or add five points to your starting score).

This course includes:

• 36 hours of live instruction
• 24/7 on-demand tutoring
• In-person/LiveOnline support
• 4 proctored tests
• One year of access to all resources (including ACT and SAT)
• Paper and pencil materials shipped to you
• Access to Parent and Student Portal Apps
• ACT/SAT Advantage Sessions

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Princeton Review Essentials ACT Prep Course includes:

• 18 hours of live instruction
• In-person/LiveOnline support
• 3 proctored tests
• One year of access to all resources (including ACT and SAT)
• Paper and pencil materials shipped to you
• Access to Parent and Student Portal Apps
• ACT/SAT Advantage Sessions

ACT Official Prep is a set of books providing official ACT prep resources and subject guides. If you prefer to learn using written materials, this could be the best choice for you.

ACT Official Prep is considered to be the most reliable and authentic ACT preparation resource, and the content is updated regularly to ensure it remains current and relevant.

You can buy the full set for $84.47 (price correct at time of writing), which includes:

• The Official ACT Prep Guide 2023–2024 (The Big Red Book)
• The Official ACT English Guide, 2nd Edition
• The Official ACT Mathematics Guide, 2nd Edition
• The Official ACT Reading Guide, 2nd Edition
• The Official ACT Prep & Subject Guides 2023–2024 Complete Set, which includes details of what to expect on the day of your test, official ACT sample questions, reading passages and a key term glossary

When buying this course, you will have access to the online preparation materials for one year after activating your PIN code.

These books contain official ACT practice questions and full explanations for all sections of the test. Buying the set also means you will have access to the Official Prep Guide digital course, which includes over 400 online flashcards, a customizable online test bank, and mobile app access so that you can study on the go.

If you are sitting the optional Writing (Essay) part of the ACT test, you will have access to official sample essay prompts and the ACT scoring criteria to help you understand what graders will be looking for when reviewing your written work.

The Magoosh ACT preparation program is budget-friendly compared to some other options.

This test prep course provides access to useful resources that cover all sections of the ACT exam, including the optional Writing section.

It also includes video-based lessons to explain key concepts and strategies, which some learners might find helps them to understand and retain information more effectively.

Magoosh also provides access to a comprehensive question bank with detailed answer explanations, mock ACT test papers, a score predictor tool, mobile accessibility, adaptive learning features and email support.

Some packages include a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your progress following completion of the program.

Magoosh offers the following ACT prep packages:

• Self-paced – 12 months premium access: $129
• Guided study – 12 months premium access plus live classes: $399

The Premium course from Magoosh includes the following features:

• 12 months of online access to resources
• Practice questions and exams
• Mobile app
• Free trial
• Video lessons
• Video and text question explanations
• Money back guarantee with no questions asked
• +4 point increase guarantee (terms and conditions apply)
• Study plans
• Flashcards
• Quiz mode and customized practice

Testive offers a personalized, technology-driven approach to ACT preparation.

The main features include personalized learning resources, a dedicated ACT coach, realistic practice tests, interactive functionality, and 24/7 access to learning resources and materials.

Some of the Testive ACT prep packages include a score improvement guarantee, which means you could receive a refund or extra support if your score does not improve as expected.

Testive offers a range of ACT prep packages, including:

• Self-paced study package from $99 per month
• Guided Study package from $499 per month
• Custom Tutoring from $250 per month
• Flexible packages (price on application)

The Self Paced package is the most cost-effective option and suitable for students who want to prepare for the ACT independently.

It includes:

• Thousands of practice questions, which are tailored to the student’s strengths and weaknesses
• Access to the adaptive learning platform, allowing you to practice when it suits you
• Up to eight practice tests with detailed score reports
• One test review session with a test prep expert
• Four check-in sessions per month with an expert tutor
• Personalized answer explanations

If you are looking for additional support, the Custom Tutoring package includes all of the above plus:

• Unlimited test review sessions with a test prep expert
• Personal attention and regular check-ins with an expert ACT tutor
• Flexible weekly tutoring meetings (60 to 90 minutes)
• Personal instruction to cover every content area on the ACT exam
• Support to develop academic maturity and college study skills
• Comprehensive textbook, which covers all areas of the test
• Additional practice tests

UWorld is renowned for its high-quality practice questions and explanations, realistic ACT mock tests, adaptive learning platform, detailed diagnostic reports, useful score predictor tool and accessible user-friendly platform.

UWorld is focused on question drills, and the practice exams aim to reinforce content knowledge, helping students feel fully prepared on the day of the test.

UWorld offers a variety of subscription packages for ACT prep support, including:

• 30-day access package – $69
• 90-day access package – $99

One of the main benefits of choosing UWorld is the ability to access the resources and content at a time that suits you.

While UWorld is certainly one of the most affordable options for ACT test prep, you will need to have sufficient self-motivation to benefit from it.

Both packages include access to over 2,100 practice questions written by expert ACT teachers with easy-to-understand explanations to provide detailed information on each answer choice.

The platform also includes performance-tracking features. The 90-day option also includes a self-assessment with a score predictor.

Seven-day free trials are offered if you want to try out the platform before committing to buying access to it.

If you prefer to learn live, ClearPath Advantage is a great option to consider as it includes access to online small-group or one-to-one teaching sessions on a twice-weekly basis.

Each class offered by ClearPath Advantage is 90-minutes long and held twice weekly for a six-week block.

Students can either choose classes that take place during weekday evenings or at weekends. If you choose one-to-one classes, you can schedule classes at times that work around your other commitments.

In addition, each class offers regular interaction between students and the class teachers. Features such as a chat box, live video, microphone and whiteboard are all included in the virtual classroom.

These small-group online classes are designed for three to four students with similar strengths and weaknesses. Students are allocated to classes after completing an initial placement test, which is used to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Since the classes are small, teachers have time to work with students outside the classroom sessions to help with questions or talk about ACT test strategies.

The one-to-one option is best for students looking for personal attention during classes. If you are committed to extracurricular activities outside of school or do not have a consistent weekly schedule, this is likely the best option.

Teachers adopt a mentor-style role, which means they are available to answer students' questions outside of the class sessions. Progress reports are offered regularly and used alongside student feedback to help tailor the following class.

The Small Group Course costs between $1,875 and $2,575 and includes:

• 18 hours/six-week course with two to three other students
• Twice weekly classes (1.5 hours per class)
• Live video teaching sessions with interactive features
• 10 to 15 practice ACT tests
• Personalized course designed in line with student’s needs (based on the initial assessment)
• Teachers who scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT exam
• Unlimited access to teachers outside of the classroom sessions

The one-to-one course costs between $2,495 and $3,175 and includes:

• 18 hours of live instruction over a six-week period
• Twice-weekly meetings, 1.5 hours each
• Flexible scheduling to suit the needs of the student
• Live video teaching sessions with interactive features
• Teachers who scored in the 99th percentile
• 10 to 15 practice tests

What Is the ACT?

The ACT exam is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States.

This exam contains four main sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. Some colleges require candidates to complete the optional Writing (Essay) section.

Each of the main ACT test sections is scored between 1 and 36.

The Writing (Essay) section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.

Aside from the optional Writing section, the ACT is a multiple-choice test.

The ACT exam is one of the two main standardized tests used for this purpose, with the other option being the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).

Many colleges accept ACT scores as part of the admissions process. In most cases, colleges consider ACT results alongside other important factors such as high school GPA, letters of recommendation and details of extracurricular activities.

Why Use an ACT Prep Course?

The ACT is well known for being challenging. If you choose to sit the test without preparing for it, you probably won’t achieve the score you are hoping for. This could have an impact on the college you can attend and the degree you can study for.

Many students preparing for the ACT use study guides, practice tests and preparation courses to help them feel ready for the ACT test. There are many resources and prep books available online that can be used to aid your ACT preparation.

Most online ACT prep courses include study materials, revision guidelines and practice tests.

When you choose an ACT prep course, these resources are likely to be more comprehensive and focused. It can also be helpful to have access to all of your ACT preparation resources in one place, as this makes it quicker and easier to find what you need.

A standardized test preparation course is the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT.

Here is an overview of the main benefits of using an ACT prep course for your ACT exam preparation.

Provides Structure to Your Study Plan

Most of the online ACT prep courses include a structured study plan. This is designed to guide you through the main content of the test.

It also includes preparation strategies to help you make the best use of your time.

These resources are a great way to stay organized and focused on your end goal.

Enrolling in an ACT prep course helps to provide a sense of accountability to keep you motivated and on track with your study schedule.

Helps You Learn the Test Format

Most ACT prep courses include access to one or more ACT practice exams. These are designed to simulate the real-life experience of sitting the ACT exam.

Practicing answering real-life questions under timed exam conditions should boost your confidence when it comes to the test format.

Improves Your Time Management

Completing ACT practice tests will also help you to improve your time management, as you will learn to pace yourself appropriately throughout each test.

In addition, the full ACT test (including the optional Writing section) takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete.

However, if you are not required to take the Writing section, the test normally takes about two hours and 55 minutes.

Helps You to Concentrate on Areas Requiring Improvement

Many ACT prep courses are designed to address a student’s individual strengths and weaknesses.

This means students are able to concentrate on the parts of the test where they require the most improvement without neglecting other aspects of the test.

Teaches Strategies to Help You on the Test

Most ACT prep courses teach students strategies to help with approaching the different question types on the exam.

These strategies can also be used to improve time management and minimize errors.

Provides Access to ACT Experts

Many ACT prep courses include support and teaching from experienced instructors with extensive ACT testing process knowledge.

Enrolling on an ACT prep course means you will have access to all of their insight, tips and strategies for improving your ACT test score.

Expert instructors can also give feedback on your ACT test performance, pinpointing areas where you need to improve.

Some prep courses include the option to track your overall progress, allowing you to make adjustments to your study plan.

Finding the best ACT test prep course for your individual needs is important.

You should consider the following factors when choosing an ACT prep course:

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The ACT exam is known for being a difficult test. Enrolling in an ACT preparation course can be an effective way to ensure you gain entry to your chosen college and are able to study your preferred subject at degree level.

The best ACT prep course for you will depend on your budget, learning needs, goals and the timescale available to complete the exam.

When choosing an ACT prep course, it is important to research multiple different options before making a decision. This research might include reading reviews and testimonials and speaking to former students.