ACTBest courses
Summary: Best ACT prep resources (2025)
Every year, over one million students take the ACT, each taking a crucial step to strengthen their college applications and advance their academic careers. As competition for top ACT scores, particularly those in the coveted 90th percentile or above, intensifies, students dedicate months to mastering the exam. After a comprehensive review of today's best ACT exam prep providers, we've found that Achievable offers the most effective ACT study guide, delivering personalized, score-boosting strategies tailored to each individual's learning needs. For students seeking an all-in-one online ACT prep course loaded with resources to maximize their review, Achievable's adaptive platform empowers test-takers to master every topic covered.
The ACT is structured around three core sections: English, Math, and Reading, each designed to assess fundamental academic skills and overall college readiness (with an optional Science section and essay for those aiming to stand out). Achieving a high ACT score requires more than just subject knowledge; the test measures critical thinking and problem-solving skills under strict time limits, making thorough and targeted ACT preparation necessary. Consistent test practice builds familiarity with the ACT's digital format, as the exam is now primarily administered on a computer. Unlike other adaptive standardized tests, such as the SAT, the ACT maintains a fixed structure, so the difficulty of each section is independent of prior performance. This means students should prepare for a steady escalation in question complexity and be ready to tackle advanced problems as they progress.
When preparing for the ACT, students face a wide range of options, from traditional ACT prep books to dynamic online courses and personalized tutoring. To truly excel on this important test, you need a program like Achievable that blends expertly crafted content, real-time progress tracking, and data-driven strategy adjustments within a user-friendly platform built for today's learners. Choosing the right prep solution can feel overwhelming, which is why we've curated a list comparing top-rated vendors, allowing you to confidently select the one that best suits your goals.
Our list includes trusted names like Princeton Review, Kaplan, PrepScholar, and Magoosh, along with Achievable. Each vendor offers unique benefits tailored to different study preferences and timelines. We highlight each provider's standout features and incorporate authentic user insights to help you identify the most effective ACT prep resource for your learning style. For optimal results, we advise supplementing your prep with official ACT materials to gauge progress alongside third-party resources. A flexible, guided course like Achievable introduces much-needed structure to your ACT preparation, offering comprehensive content reviews, proven test-taking strategies, and score improvement plans that deliver real results.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
How we evaluated these resources
In this guide, you'll find our top picks for ACT prep courses, featuring providers with innovative online learning platforms, comprehensive video-based instruction, and high-quality physical study materials. The courses on our list were carefully selected to accommodate a wide range of schedules, learning preferences, and budgets. Each ACT study guide and prep program was evaluated using the following criteria:
- Cost
- We considered whether ACT prep courses, study guides, and supplementary resources are competitively priced in relation to the quality and depth of instruction they offer.
- Variety
- The best ACT prep courses deliver extra value through diverse resources, such as interactive flashcards, live online classes, and digital practice tests, to enhance your preparation experience.
- Coverage
- Effective ACT study materials should deliver a thorough review of every section of the exam. Our top picks include both all-in-one ACT prep books and targeted resources to address specific subject areas, ensuring complete readiness.
- Accessibility
- Leading ACT prep course providers prioritize user-friendly instruction and clear strategies that support learners at every skill level. Each ACT study guide is designed to accommodate different learning styles for optimal results.
- Community feedback
- We examined real student reviews and testimonials to determine which options are most highly recommended. Feedback highlights what test-takers value in practice exams, detailed study guides, and full-length test simulations.
- Score improvement
- Consistent use of these recommended study guides and completion of the full study courses below can help you achieve your target score within a realistic timeframe, providing structured guidance every step of the way.
For each provider featured in our ACT prep courses roundup, we detail must-have tools, standout features, and any potential drawbacks to help you compare options objectively. Refer to our comprehensive guide below to find the ACT learning system that best fits your needs, empowering you, your child, or your students to excel on this pivotal college admissions exam.
Achievable tops our recommendations, noted for its expertly designed, easy-to-follow ACT curriculum, its modern, tech-forward platform, and its innovative use of memory science woven throughout the program.
Best overall: Achievable ACT
- Achievable ACT's 100% online study program was built for the modern student. Its intelligent, AI-driven platform continuously monitors your performance and adjusts your study plan for maximum effectiveness.
- Achievable comes with everything you need to excel on the test, including an interactive online textbook, study aids, and tons of practice exams, all in a single, affordable package.
- Innovative study tools and detailed progress analytics are built directly into the platform
- Clear, engaging textbook content accompanied by video walk-throughs
- Course content written by veteran test prep and college counselors
- Problems from each section are broken down step-by-step for maximum understanding
- Test-taking tips and key strategies are woven in throughout the course
- Materials designed for busy students who thrive at self-paced study
- Seamless, user-friendly experience on both desktop and mobile
- One full year of unlimited access
- A generous money-back guarantee for added confidence
- No live instruction
- No physical textbook (though printable materials are available)
- Hundreds of review questions
- 3+ full-length, realistic ACT practice exams
- Scoring and question categorization data for 10+ official ACT exams
- Interactive study planner
- Accompanying video lessons on key topics
- Shift podcast episodes filled with valuable college admissions guidance and advice
- ACT tutor directory and virtual support
- Active online learning community
Achievable's ACT course is a leading option for ACT exam prep, delivering a fully online, interactive, and highly effective study platform. For students who have struggled to boost their ACT scores despite repeated review, Achievable's adaptive approach sets it apart from other prep solutions, offering a smarter way to achieve real results.
What gives Achievable an edge over traditional test prep and competitors is its powerful memory-based study system, proven to enhance retention and minimize study time. Acting as your digital ACT tutor, Achievable's robust performance tracking tools monitor your progress and dynamically adjust your review strategy for optimal results. Whether you need help with complex math topics like operations with fractions or want to improve reading speed and comprehension skills, Achievable customizes quizzes and practice tests to target your specific areas for growth. Unlike static, chapter-based ACT prep courses, Achievable's personalized learning technology pinpoints the exact content you need to focus on. With its engaging learning method and adaptive memory techniques, you can build an ACT study routine that's both motivating and effective at reinforcing long-term retention.
Furthermore, the complete Achievable ACT package provides everything you need to improve your ACT scores efficiently: an interactive online textbook far more effective than most print prep books, hundreds of targeted practice questions, full-length ACT practice exams, a comprehensive study planner, an AI-powered tutoring tool, and a wealth of additional resources. Achievable's course is 100% online and self-paced, making it ideal for busy students who need flexibility: learners can speed-run through mastered sections and zoom in on those that require more attention. With one year of unlimited course access for under $130, Achievable makes mastering the ACT accessible and straightforward. The course also comes with a money-back guarantee, offering outstanding value compared to other ACT prep providers. When you need a reliable partner to help you reach your target score for college admissions, Achievable stands out as an exceptional choice.
“Welcome to a learning program that learns from you. Achievable is a unique ACT prep course that combines expert content with adaptive learning technology.”
“One of the coolest features of this course is its infinite pool of math practice problems. Basically, Achievable has taken the foundational templates of all math problems tested on the ACT and uses software to input random variables. This ensures that you get a fresh set of questions each time, offering a dynamic and engaging study experience.”
Bottom line: Achievable empowers you to raise your ACT scores faster and more effectively than all of the alternatives on the market. Leave generic textbooks and outdated study methods behind and opt for a modern, results-driven learning program that's packed with innovative tools instead.
Most well-known brand: The Princeton Review ACT
- From reliable study guides to hours of professional, one-on-one tutoring, The Princeton Review offers test preparation options for various kinds of learners.
- Princeton Review's curriculum is structured around its top-selling and well-rated ACT prep books. Self-paced study programs and ACT classes help bolster preparation beyond just reading the text.
- Detailed score analyses dashboard for all programs
- Lots of online videos and bite-sized content reviews
- Flexible options available for students looking for additional instruction
- Lots of practice questions with helpful explanations
- Courses anchored by Princeton's high-quality printed materials
- The self-led option does not come with the book included with purchase
- Complicated and expensive package tiers with varying access periods
- Practice tests may not be the most accurate reflection of the College Board's exam
- Limited refund options, even for packages with score guarantees
- Full-length practice exams (amount varies based on package)
- Live online instruction, depending on the package
- Private tutoring is also available
The Princeton Review ACT prep program offers a wide range of course formats tailored to different learning preferences and schedules. Their entry-level Self-Paced Princeton Review ACT course gives students access to comprehensive online video lessons, interactive drills, and several full-length practice ACT exams, all available at an affordable price. For those seeking a more structured approach to ACT preparation, the Essentials course package includes live online instruction (such as 18 hours of live classes), printed study materials, and additional proctored ACT practice tests. At the advanced level, students can choose intensive packages like the ACT 31+ program, which features 36 hours of live classroom instruction and a money-back score improvement guarantee, or the highly personalized Princeton Review ACT 34+ tutoring option for one-on-one support. Simply buying one of their prep guides, either a complete prep book, a section-specific study guide, or an extra practice question booklet, is also an option for self-motivated students.
What distinguishes The Princeton Review ACT prep from competitors is the platform's well-structured and comprehensive curriculum, various flexible learning options, and score guarantee. The course video lessons are concise, engaging, and consistently followed by reinforcing drills and practice questions designed to optimize retention. With multiple full-length practice ACT tests and detailed, personalized performance analytics available on the Princeton Review online dashboard, students can effectively assess their strengths and target weaknesses. However, it's important to note that the upper-tier Princeton Review ACT prep packages (such as courses with live instruction, tailored tutoring, or guaranteed score results) come at a significantly higher cost than the self-paced plan. Some students have also commented that Princeton Review's ACT practice tests feel more challenging and less representative of official ACT material.
“I didn't get the study packet, but I got the Princeton Review book. For me, it was harder than the real ACT, but the Math section was basically the same and really good practice.”
“Some of the questions on the practice tests are not very 'ACT-like,' but they do still assess ACT and/or critical test-taking skills.”
Bottom line: The Princeton Review ACT program remains a trusted resource in college admissions exam preparation, recognized for its diverse course offerings and printed study guides. These high-demand ACT prep options command premium pricing, and some students may find their textbook- and classroom-based study methods to be outdated.
Most customizable: Kaplan ACT
- Kaplan employs top instructors to record and teach live college preparation courses, offering personalized, module-by-module instruction for students who excel in online learning environments.
- Like The Princeton Review, they offer a range of study options, from a self-study course to one-on-one tutoring to their popular "Kaplan Advantage" bundle package.
- Popular live course supplemented by other tools
- No shortage of resources and self-assessments for a thorough ACT review
- Textbooks can be purchased separately for students who don't want to commit to a full course or who need extra practice
- Kaplan College Advantage package can be customized to add one-on-one tutoring, college advising, AP course prep, and more
- College Advantage also comes with SAT prep
- Less expensive than other live online courses from established providers
- Self-paced lessons do not come with a prep book
- Fewer features than their SAT courses
- Many learners took issue with Kaplan's practice exams and scoring methods
- Some students didn't find the live courses "worth it" and recommended sticking to self-paced instruction
- 35 on-demand, teacher-led lessons (self-study course)
- 3+ full-length practice tests
- Comprehensive QBank of 2,000+ questions
- 6-month access period
- ACT teachers for the live online course are 99th percentile scorers
- KapAdvisor 24/7 AI support (College Advantage)
- Digital performance dashboard
Kaplan ACT prep offers a diverse range of flexible study formats designed to accommodate various learning styles and academic needs. With a self-paced, on-demand Kaplan ACT prep course, students receive access to more than 30 concise, teacher-led video lessons, a customizable question bank featuring over 2,000 official ACT questions, and multiple authentic full-length ACT practice tests. For those seeking additional support, the Kaplan ACT prep Live Online course offers approximately 16 hours of real-time instruction led by expert, 99th-percentile ACT instructors, along with a comprehensive question bank, official practice exams, and robust study materials similar to those found in the self-paced option. Budget-conscious students can also purchase one of two ACT prep books for a fraction of the cost of a full class (note that the self-study package does not automatically come with a textbook included). For students wishing to use Kaplan for preparation on other exams, such as the SAT or AP tests, and have access to additional study tools, the College Advantage program is an option.
Students who prefer tailored learning can choose Kaplan ACT prep's private tutoring packages. These individualized sessions are fully customizable in terms of hours and combine focused tutor-led meetings, on-demand video lessons, thousands of official ACT practice questions and exams, plus personalized homework assignments. A major strength of Kaplan's ACT prep program is its partnership with ACT, Inc. (the creators of the ACT), ensuring all practice questions and full-length tests are sourced from past ACT exams. However, some online students have noted issues, specifically that Kaplan ACT prep's scoring curves on practice tests may not always accurately reflect the results of the real exam, leading some to question the accuracy of their predicted scores. Many students recommend supplementing Kaplan ACT prep with more current, official free ACT practice tests for a more comprehensive approach.
“This was great prep for the ACT. It gave real strategies for each section that actually work! It broke down the types of questions in each section of the test and how to approach them, which is key to answering the questions efficiently in a timely manner. I definitely recommend this to boost an ACT score.”
“The scoring guide Kaplan uses for its practice tests is wildly inaccurate and overly harsh…Kaplan's tests are not a good predictor of your actual ACT score.”
Bottom line: Kaplan ACT prep empowers students with a wide array of options, from in-depth self-paced programs to dynamic live classes and personalized study tools. Still, some learners report dissatisfaction with Kaplan's practice test scoring methods, feeling these scores do not always reflect their actual ACT test day performance.
Largest question bank: PrepScholar ACT
- PrepScholar is a newer test preparation platform that specializes in undergraduate and graduate admissions test preparation and practice assessments, offering several packages for the ACT.
- PrepScholar's signature program is their Complete Online prep package, featuring a digital platform that uses performance algorithms to track students' strengths and weaknesses throughout the course.
- With over 2,800+ practice questions, PrepScholar offers one of the most generous QBanks
- Guided study recommendations throughout the course
- Options for both self-directed adaptive learning and live instruction
- 4-point score increase guarantee
- Expensive price rivals more established test prep companies
- Study plans are fairly set in stone, rather than being flexible or amenable to section-specific reviews
- Smart diagnostic test
- Customized weekly prep
- 60+ hours of prep content
- Up to 36 hours of live classes
PrepScholar ACT prep stands out with its online-first model designed for effective and customized ACT preparation. The signature "Complete Online ACT Prep" package begins with a diagnostic test to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, then automatically builds a personalized week-by-week ACT study plan tailored to your needs. This adaptive PrepScholar ACT program includes dozens of targeted skill lessons, offered in both text and video formats, thousands of realistic ACT practice questions, and several official, full-length ACT practice tests. All content is regularly updated to reflect the latest "Enhanced ACT" format, including new lessons, updated questions, and optional Science and Writing sections, ensuring that everything you study through PrepScholar ACT directly matches the current exam.
For learners seeking additional structure or support, PrepScholar ACT also provides live online ACT classes in small groups led by top-scoring instructors, as well as individualized one-on-one tutoring packages. The live online PrepScholar ACT courses blend interactive classroom learning with the same adaptive online materials for a guided experience, while tutoring provides customized lesson plans and homework assignments that address your specific goals. Notably, PrepScholar ACT backs its program with a "+4-point improvement" guarantee on your composite ACT score (subject to eligibility requirements). Our favorite feature of PrepScholar's program is the sheer number of practice questions: altogether, students have access to almost 3,000 problems through the online platform. This combination of flexible online learning, robust quizzes and exams, and options for live or support makes PrepScholar ACT a compelling choice for ambitious test-takers who want a customizable path to improve their ACT scores.
Many students report significant score improvements using the PrepScholar ACT program, especially appreciating the wide library of practice questions and the targeted lesson format. However, it's important to note that PrepScholar ACT courses are on the higher end in terms of price, particularly when compared with other high-quality self-paced ACT prep options available on the market. Some students also reported other issues, such as technical difficulties on their platform and a lack of flexibility in content reviews, which are important factors to consider when investing in a test prep program.
“There are 52 categories, and you have to get a 90%+ on a quiz on each category, plus do the practice tests they assign you in order to complete the program. In my opinion, they give great advice on the Science section. Everything is well thought out and explained thoroughly.”
“PrepScholar does help quite a bit, but I dislike the way I can't focus on just 1 or 2 particular sections. I say sign up if you don't think you're gonna put in the time by yourself and if you have no idea where to start.”
Bottom line: PrepScholar ACT's extensive question bank and adaptive prep resources help students address specific weaknesses, while their live courses provide even more hands-on guidance. Although PrepScholar advertises itself as a truly personalized ACT experience, some students found their platform to be less adaptable and user-friendly than they had hoped.
Best video-based course: Magoosh ACT
- Magoosh is an online test preparation provider known for its informative college admission guides, a wide range of digital tools, and flexible study options.
- The affordable, self-paced study package is ideal for busy learners; however, the course may need to be supplemented with additional resources for a truly well-rounded review.
- 250+ video lessons for visual learners
- Many questions are accompanied by video explanations
- Curated study schedules
- Live instruction available
- Mobile-friendly app
- Practice tests are overly wordy and complex at times
- Many of their videos and resources can be accessed for free, which makes it less necessary to purchase the full course
- 1,300+ practice questions
- Up to 4 practice tests
- Data-driven score prediction and smart progress tracking
- Online help from ACT tutors
- 16 hours of supplemental instruction on key topics (Guided study package only)
- Score improvement guarantee
Magoosh ACT prep stands out for its fully online, self-paced format, making it a flexible choice for students seeking comprehensive ACT preparation. The Magoosh ACT program centers around an extensive library of video lessons, realistic practice questions, and several full-length ACT practice tests. With the core self-study plan, students gain access to 250+ expertly crafted video lessons covering every ACT section, along with 1,300+ practice questions, each accompanied by detailed text and/or video explanations tailored to the ACT exam. Magoosh ACT materials are consistently updated to align with the latest ACT test formats. Students benefit from a customizable progress dashboard, a performance-based score predictor, and structured study schedules and planners designed to keep ACT prep on track.
For those who prefer a more guided approach, the Magoosh ACT "Premium + Live/On-Demand Class" package includes all self-study resources plus 16 hours of instruction, either live or recorded, led by experienced instructors, many of whom are 99th-percentile ACT scorers. While being one of the more affordable ACT prep options, Magoosh ACT also offers valuable features, including responsive email and tutor support, flexible scheduling across digital devices, and a notable "+4-point score improvement guarantee." Although many students find Magoosh effective for breezy content reviews, some note that its practice exams and question phrasing can be more complex than the actual ACT; therefore, supplementing with other review materials may be beneficial. The instructional material itself may also lack the depth needed for some students to be fully prepared for the exam.
“I tried Magoosh for ACT and liked the video explanations. Kaplan feels more like a textbook, so it depends on how you learn.”
“The practice questions were 10X harder than the actual ACT questions.”
Bottom line: Magoosh ACT is an accessible and budget-friendly test prep solution ideal for students who excel with video-based learning. To maximize results and ensure exposure to authentic ACT content, learners using Magoosh ACT should consider supplementing their practice with additional review resources that more closely mirror the official exam.
Why Achievable is the top choice for ACT preparation
Achievable's ACT prep course offers a cutting-edge, user-friendly learning platform designed to make studying for the ACT exam more effective and less stressful than traditional test prep options, including well-known legacy providers. The comprehensive ACT program from Achievable combines a full-length curriculum with reliable digital study tools, all at a competitively priced value, delivering a top-tier ACT prep solution.
The interactive and adaptive online platform acts as both an expert ACT instructor and a supportive tutoring resource, guiding you step-by-step through each test section and precisely identifying the areas where you need targeted improvement.
Here's how Achievable stands out among ACT prep courses:
- Achievable: Adaptive, intelligently responsive ACT study plans that automatically adjust to your strengths and weaknesses through advanced learning analytics
- Others: Generic, static programs largely lacking meaningful personalization
- Achievable: Memory science-driven study techniques proven to boost retention and recall of critical ACT test material
- Others: Outdated review strategies that can make it difficult to attain steady progress
- Achievable: Clear, student-friendly digital textbooks crafted in an accessible language, suitable for all test-takers
- Others: Overly dense, complicated content that increases the difficulty of a challenging exam
- Achievable: Modern, mobile-optimized platform designed for seamless ACT prep across any device, anywhere
- Others: Traditional test materials that limit flexibility for students needing on-the-go study options
With Achievable's expertly developed ACT study materials, robust data-driven tracking, and fully personalized online support, you receive the optimal strategy to build exam confidence, maximize your study efficiency, and greatly improve your likelihood of acing the ACT on your first attempt.
Why choosing the right test prep course matters
There are numerous options available when it comes to choosing the best ACT prep courses, each designed to help you achieve your highest possible score through expert study materials, ACT practice test offerings, and strong student support. As you build your ACT study plan and assess top providers, be sure to keep these prep strategies in mind:
- Determine if you learn best in a structured environment or if a self-paced, visually engaging online course is a better fit for your study preferences
- Review your test dates and allocate sufficient time each week to your ACT study plan to ensure you're fully prepared before exam day
- Set concrete goals for your target score, whether that means striving for the top percentile or increasing your score by a specific margin
- Make sure your chosen ACT prep courses include full-length digital ACT practice tests that replicate the latest exam format and exam difficulty
To begin your ACT preparation with maximum impact, use an initial diagnostic ACT practice test to identify your baseline score. This information will help tailor the depth and focus of your study plan. Additionally, consult recent ACT admission statistics from your target colleges to establish the score range you'll need for competitive applications. By selecting a proven ACT prep course, you can dramatically increase your preparedness and boost your prospects for academic success.
Wrapping up
When comparing today's top ACT prep courses, focus on each program's unique strengths, the overall quality of its study materials, and the availability of realistic ACT practice tests. It's also important to weigh the total cost alongside each provider's history of strong student outcomes. Set a clear target score and research your options thoroughly, paying close attention to features such as score guarantees, interactive digital tools, live instruction or tutoring, and regularly updated content. No matter which ACT study plan you choose, make sure to incorporate official digital learning resources, rely on reputable and up-to-date study guides, and apply proven test-taking strategies to maximize your progress.
After evaluating all the leading choices, we've determined that Achievable offers the best overall ACT exam prep based on all the factors listed above. Its personalized, convenient, and highly effective approach provides exceptional value. Plus, the course comes equipped with everything you need to improve your score, eliminating the need to worry about choosing the right package tier or expensive add-on. With Achievable, you'll benefit from streamlined study materials, reduce the time needed to prepare, and significantly improve your chances of reaching your target ACT score. Best of luck as you begin your ACT prep journey and choose the course that fits your needs!
