If you’ve started prepping for your ACT, you’ve probably noticed how overwhelming all the information can be. You have to look through countless online courses and read through dozens of prep books, not knowing if they’re actually worth it.
So, to save time and money during your stressful prep times, here’s a list of the eight best ACT prep books. Each of them is unique and will undoubtedly help you get ready for your upcoming test. So, without further ado, let’s see what the best ACT prep book is.
1. The Official ACT Prep Guide
The only book that was written by the makers of the ACT exam, The Official ACT Prep Guide features five full-length practice tests. On Amazon, you can get the book in paperback and on Kindle with actual ACT forms that have been used in the past few years.
In addition to the five tests, the book also gives detailed explanations for every answer. You’ll also get some practical advice on how to improve your score in every section of the ACT. The Prep Guide also has an additional 400 questions that you can answer online.
You will also get to see what the most common mistakes are and how to avoid some pitfalls during the exam. What’s more, the book will give you some tips and tricks on how to prepare for the ACT.
2. ACT Prep Plus 2020 from Kaplan
Kaplan has managed to create an extremely detailed and interactive ACT prep book. And just like the previous prep guide, you can get it as a paperback version or on Kindle, and it includes five detailed practice tests. One of the tests is printed in the book, while the other four are online.
When you complete one of Kaplan’s official ACT practice tests, you’ll get a score and an analysis. That way, you can see exactly what you did right and which areas you need to improve in. Kaplan also has a SmartPoint system to help guide you towards the most popular questions and topics on the exam.
If you get the book from Kaplan, you’ll also have one-year access to their online center. There, you can find some additional practice quizzes and video tutorials. What’s more, you’ll get detailed subject reviews and expert strategies from Kaplan’s former students.
3. The Guide to ACT Math by Jacob Brezinski
If you feel like you have every part of the ACT pretty much down, but math is giving you a headache, you should check out Jacob Brezinski’s Guide to ACT Math. It includes over four hundred practice math questions and detailed answers. You’ll also get to complete six prep math tests that cover every single topic.
What’s more, when you buy the book, you’ll have access to ninety instructional videos, to go along with every topic. If you buy the book on Kindle, you can create your own cheat sheets, navigate sections, and take notes.
Brezinski’s book also comes with downloadable and printable geometry problems and ACT formula sheets. After every section, you will also get tips and tricks on practicing and preparing for the ACT.
4. ACT Essay from The College Panda
If you’re having trouble expressing yourself in an essay, you should consider buying the best ACT prep book for essays from The College Panda. In it, you will find detailed instructions and guides on how to write the perfect ACT essay. Also, you’ll get their essay template and a few samples to help you get started.
The prep book features some advice on what to do if all else fails and how to avoid the most common writing mistakes. What’s more, College Panda will give you five essay prompts that you can use to practice for the ACT.
Also, in the book, you can find ten high-level words you can use in every single essay you write. Of course, you can get the book both on Kindle and as a paperback version.
5. ACT Prep Black Book by Mike Barrett
The ACT Prep Black Book, which is now in its second edition, is the best ACT prep book for those working on a tight budget. On Amazon, you can find it for Kindle and in paperback, and you can even get a sneak peek of the book before you buy it. The Black Book explains exactly how the ACT works and what it takes to get the best results in the shortest time possible.
Now, for the book to make sense, you need to use it in combination with the Official ACT Prep Guide. The Black Book will give you detailed explanations and walkthroughs for every question that appears in the official prep book.
You’ll also find the answers for three practice tests from the Official Guide. In essence, the Black Book will show you every possible trick you can use to get ahead in your ACT prep.
6. SAT and ACT Grammar Workbook from Barron’s
The Workbook from Barron’s is a great choice if you want to learn the tricks to passing English on your ACT. It will help sharpen your skills and put them to the test with dozens of intricate quizzes.
In the first few chapters, you’ll get detailed explanations of grammatical functions and terms. Then, you’ll be able to learn about the 24 most common grammar questions that appear on the ACT and SAT.
The majority of the questions look exactly like those you’ll find on the test. Of course, you’ll also be given the answers and explanations for each of them. In the final chapter of the best ACT prep book from Barron’s, you’ll get some tips and advice on writing the perfect essay.
7. ACT Reading Practice from Integrated Educational Service
The prep book from IES will teach you how to be both accurate and attentive while reading, without wasting any time. It will give you the best techniques to improve your reading scores and refine your methods.
First, you’ll learn about the four different passage types of your ACT Reading section. The passages include: Natural Science, Humanities, Literary Narrative, and Social Science. Once you’re familiar with those, you’ll get some tips and techniques to help you pass your ACT reading section with flying colors.
You will also get ten complete practice tests to help improve your test-taking skills. Also, with the self-assessment part, you’ll be able to figure out where you excel and what you need to work on. The only downside to this prep book is that as of right now, you can’t get it on Kindle.
8. Cracking the ACT from Princeton Review
With 831 pages of tests and quizzes, Cracking the ACT from Princeton Review is one of the most comprehensive prep guides on the market right now. In the book, you’ll get questions and drills for every single section of the ACT. What’s more, this prep book features a total of six practice quizzes, two of which you can find online.
After each chapter, you’ll see a short summary that you can use as your personal cheat sheet when you’re revising for the test. On Amazon, you can find the book in paperback and on Kindle. Also, you can find a preview of the book before buying it to see how well it fits your needs.
In Conclusion
There you have it — the top eight ACT prep books on the market right now. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide, you should get the Official ACT Prep Guide. You can also get Cracking the ACT or the Black Book.
But if you just need to work on one of the ACT sections individually, you can take your pick from any of these ACT prep guides. No matter what you need, you’re sure to find the best ACT prep book for you here.