Preparing for the ACT is hard enough, but throw in the need to choose from numerous online resources, and the task becomes even more overwhelming. When you have a sheer volume of things to read, you should identify which matters and which is not so important. And just like a workman is only as good as their tools, a student’s resources can make a significant impact on their ACT results.
Still, you might wonder how to find practical resources for ACT prep online and which ones are best for you. That’s exactly what this post will address. Strap in and enjoy reading.
Challenges of ACT Prep
There are so many ACT study resources out there, which is great. But you will quickly find that things are not always as they seem. Here are some challenges you might face:
- Useless materials. Sometimes, you may find that practice materials are outdated while others are just made up. This is why you should always get your ACT prep material from the official sites and take practice tests on credible web pages.
- Lack of personalization. Only a few sites offer AI-driven ACT practice test tools that give you access to relevant material, real questions, and tailored feedback to help you improve your scores. Well, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal?” It turns out that spending lots of time on practice tests is not a guarantee of progress. What does guarantee you decent progress is choosing practice tests with great variety and completing them consistently.
- Inability to track the prep process. In fact, without a proper tracking and feedback system, some students end up spending too much time on the same topics. This is like going around in circles, and it’s hard to get ready effectively this way. So, you must know how much progress you have made and what else you need to do.
How Do You Find the Best Online ACT Prep Resources?
The good news is that there are online ACT prep resources that are well-aligned with the tests. They are designed by expert educators or instructors with decades of experience tutoring students for the SATs and ACTs. Wondering how to find them? Try the following options:
- Trying a Google search. Googling for words like “best ACT prep” or “best online ACT resources,” you’ll get many options. But you can’t just click on the first one on the list and call it a day. Instead, check the sites, their reviews, their teaching style, and other important things before settling for one that suits your needs best. Be sure to check the official ACT website, as that’s where you get the most accurate materials and info. Then, you may supplement it with materials from other sources.
- Asking a trusted teacher or counselor. They have seen students come and go, most of them writing these tests. They probably have the information you need and will be more than happy to help. Chances are they also know helpful study tips.
- Checking with students who have written the tests. Some people prefer to go with recommendations from people they know. Besides, your peers probably have a better idea of your fears around the ACT test preparation, and their experience may be just what you need (especially if they succeeded). Keep in mind that what worked for one person may not necessarily work for you. Your learning style may be different, so be sure to consider that before making any decisions.
ACT Prep Online: Best Paid and Free ACT Prep Resources
Online preparation for a standard test like ACT can feel daunting, so you must have the right mindset to succeed. The task can become a challenge if you are not sure which free ACT prep resource to choose, so here are some of our favorites.
#1 Juni Learning
🌟 Trustpilot rating: 4.6
💵 Pricing range:
- Private 1-on-1 online course; $275/month
Juni Learning takes a more personalized mentorship approach to help you get ready for your ACT. Juni Learning matches you with an instructor who fits your preferred learning style. Thus, you can make fast progress in preparing for your ACT.
#2 PrepScholar
🌟 Trustpilot rating: 4.5
💵 Pricing range:
- Free ACT consultation test
- Complete ACT online prep: $397
- Instructor-led classes + complete online ACT prep: $895
- 1-on-1 online tutoring + complete online ACT prep: $995
PrepScholar focuses on helping you improve your results as efficiently as possible. They offer a customized weekly study plan that allows you to study smartly and achieve better results. Like for any website on this list, consistency is just as important as the amount of time you spend studying.
#3 Princeton Review
🌟 Trustpilot rating: 4.4
💵 Pricing range:
- Some free online courses on test strategies and a full-length practice test
- ACT 34+ tutoring: $359 per hour
- ACT 31+: $299 per hour and $1,849 for the full program
- Essentials: $299 per hour and $649 for the full program
- Private tutoring: from $175 per hour
Over the years, the Princeton Review helped many students build strategic study plans and get the scores they need for their dream colleges. In addition to the courses listed above, they have more programs that allow students to choose between in-person and online classes and decide if a self-paced class suits them better. You can try out the free courses first and take the free test to understand if this is the right option for you.
#4 Magoosh
🌟 Trustpilot rating: 4.3
💵 Pricing range:
- ACT self-paced prep courses: from $129
- Premium live classes: $399 one-time payment or $99 monthly
With an easy-to-follow study plan, you can sign up for a tutoring program designed to help you ace your tests. Be sure to check out the options carefully and choose the one that is right for you.
#5 Act.org
🌟 Trustpilot rating: 2.2
💵 Pricing range:
- Free ACT study guides, practice tests, and more
You might think that the ratings are not reassuring, and for any other site, this may be right. But this is the official ACT website. Who can better provide the resources you need for your test prep ACT than the body creating the questions themselves? So, even if you decide to go with one of the paid courses, it’s a good idea to take advantage of this free resource, too.
Conclusion
ACT preparation online can be intense for anyone, but there’s no need to be overly anxious. As long as you have the right resources and study well, you will be ready to tackle that test. Be sure to verify the authenticity of study materials, their relevance, and how well they are aligned with your goals.