The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test that is required for admission to most colleges and universities in the United States. It is a three-hour exam that consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. A good score on the ACT can help you get into the college of your choice and qualify for scholarships.
If you’re planning to take the ACT, it’s important to start preparing early. One of the best ways to prepare is to use a prep book. There are many different prep books available, but not all of them are created equal. Some prep books are better than others at helping students improve their scores.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best ACT prep books on the market. We’ll compare their features, prices, and effectiveness. We’ll also provide tips on how to use a prep book effectively.
Features to Look for in an ACT Prep Book
When choosing an ACT prep book, there are a few key features to look for:
- Comprehensive coverage: The prep book should cover all of the material that is tested on the ACT.
- Practice questions: The prep book should include plenty of practice questions so that you can get a feel for the types of questions that you will see on the test.
- Explanations: The prep book should provide clear and concise explanations of the correct answers to the practice questions.
- Up-to-date content: The prep book should be up-to-date with the latest changes to the ACT.
- Reasonable price: The prep book should be reasonably priced so that you don’t have to break the bank to prepare for the test.
Top ACT Prep Books
Based on the features above, here are the top ACT prep books on the market:
- The Official ACT Prep Guide (2023-2024): This is the official prep book from the ACT, Inc. It is the most comprehensive prep book available and includes eight full-length practice tests.
- ACT Prep Black Book (2023-2024): This prep book is known for its in-depth coverage of the ACT. It includes six full-length practice tests and a wealth of practice questions.
- Kaplan ACT Prep Plus 2023 (2023-2024): This prep book offers a comprehensive review of the ACT and includes six full-length practice tests and personalized study plans.
- Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep, 2023 (2023-2024): This prep book offers a comprehensive review of the ACT and includes seven full-ength practice tests and a 10-week study plan.
- McGraw-Hill’s ACT Elite 2023 (2023-2024): This prep book offers a comprehensive review of the ACT and includes six full-length practice tests and adaptive practice questions.
Prices of ACT Prep Books
The prices of ACT prep books vary depending on the publisher and the features that are included. Here is a general overview of the prices of ACT prep books:
- Official ACT Prep Guide: $39.99
- ACT Prep Black Book: $34.99
- Kaplan ACT Prep Plus 2023: $29.99
- Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep, 2023: $29.99
- McGraw-Hill’s ACT Elite 2023: $29.99
Effectiveness of ACT Prep Books
Studies have shown that using a prep book can significantly improve your ACT score. One study found that students who used a prep book for 20 hours improved their scores by an average of 3.3 points.
Another study found that students who used a prep book for 40 hours improved their scores by an average of 5.6 points.
If you’re serious about improving your ACT score, using a prep book is a great way to do it.
Tips for Using an ACT Prep Book Effectively
Here are a few tips for using an ACT prep book effectively:
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start using a prep book. The more time you have to prepare, the better your chances of improving your score.
- Be consistent: Make sure to study for the ACT for a little bit each day. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, it will make a big difference in the long run.
- Take practice tests: Practice tests are a great way to get a feel for the types of questions that you will see on the test. Take as many practice tests as you can and review your answers carefully.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Use the practice tests to identify your weaknesses. Once you know what areas you need to improve, you can focus on those areas in your studies.
- Don’t get discouraged: The ACT is a challenging test, but it’s not impossible to improve your score. If you work hard and follow the tips above, you can improve your score and get into the college of your choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using an ACT prep book:
- Don’t try to cram everything in at once: It’s important to pace yourself and spread out your studying over a period of time. Trying to cram everything in at once will only lead to frustration and burnout.
- Don’t just read the material: Reading the material is important, but it’s not enough. You need to actively engage with the material by taking practice tests, answering questions, and reviewing your answers.
- Don’t get discouraged: The ACT is a challenging test, and there will be times when you feel frustrated. Don’t get discouraged. Just keep working hard and you will eventually see results.
FAQs
Here are a few FAQs about ACT prep books:
- How long should I study for the ACT? Most experts recommend studying for the ACT for at least two months. If you have more time, you can study for longer.
- How often should I take practice tests? You should take as many practice tests as you can. The more practice tests you take, the better prepared you will be for the real test.
- What is the best way to review my practice tests? When you review your practice tests, focus on the questions that you got wrong. Try to understand why you got the question wrong and what you could have done differently.
- How can I improve my ACT score quickly? There is no quick and easy way to improve your ACT score. However, by following the tips above, you can improve your score over time.
- What is the best ACT prep book for me? The best ACT prep book for you depends on your individual needs. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and choose a prep book that will help you improve in the areas where you need the most help.
- How much does an ACT prep book cost? The price of an ACT prep book varies depending on the publisher and the features that are included. However, most ACT prep books cost between $20 and $40.
Conclusion
Using an ACT prep book is a great way to improve your score and get into the college of your choice. Follow the tips above to use your prep book effectively and achieve your desired score.