10 Best ACT Prep Books 2025 in the United States

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2024-2025 is a comprehensive resource designed for students in grades 10 to 12 preparing for the ACT exam. One of its major strengths is the extensive content coverage, which includes 9 full-length practice tests that mimic the actual exam format, helping students get accustomed to the test's structure and timing. Additionally, the book features 400 digital flashcards and an online course, which can be very beneficial for interactive learning and reinforcing key concepts. The detailed answer explanations for each practice test question are another positive aspect, aiding in understanding mistakes and improving performance.

The test-taking strategies included in the guide can help students develop effective approaches to tackle different sections of the ACT, which can be particularly useful for first-time test-takers. However, the extensive nature of the book, with 1120 pages, might feel overwhelming for some students. The book's physical weight of 4 pounds and its large dimensions (8.5 x 2.8 x 10.8 inches) might make it less portable and convenient for on-the-go study sessions. Some users may also find the difficulty level of the practice tests challenging, which could be discouraging rather than helpful.

Despite these drawbacks, the supplemental resources like the online course provide added value, making it a robust tool for thorough ACT preparation. Those who prefer a structured, comprehensive approach to studying will likely benefit the most from this guide.

The 'ACT Total Prep 2025' by Kaplan is a comprehensive resource for students preparing for the ACT, particularly those in grades 11 and 12. A major strength is its extensive content coverage, with over 2,000 practice questions spanning all sections of the ACT. The inclusion of six full-length practice tests is a significant advantage, allowing students to simulate actual exam conditions multiple times, which can help with time management and test familiarity.

Each practice question and test is accompanied by detailed answer explanations, which is beneficial for understanding mistakes and improving performance. Additionally, the book offers test-taking strategies, providing practical advice on how to approach different question types and manage test anxiety, which can be particularly helpful for students who may find standardized tests challenging. The difficulty level of the questions is designed to mirror the real ACT, preparing students effectively for the actual test.

The book's bulk - with a weight of 3.3 pounds and 1,000 pages - might be cumbersome for some students to handle. Published by Kaplan Test Prep, a well-respected name in the test prep industry, this book is reliable and thorough, but potentially overwhelming for those looking for a more concise and portable study guide.

The ACT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective ACT Strategies Ever Published is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping high school students prepare for the ACT. The book excels in providing detailed strategies for tackling each section of the test, making it a valuable resource for those looking to improve their test-taking skills. Its approach focuses on understanding the test's design and using that knowledge to answer questions more effectively. This can be particularly beneficial for students who are aiming for high scores and want to understand the underlying structure of the ACT.

The book's strength lies in its in-depth answer explanations. Each practice question is accompanied by a thorough breakdown, helping students learn from their mistakes and grasp the rationale behind each answer. This aspect can help build confidence and improve problem-solving skills.

In conclusion, the ACT Prep Black Book is best suited for students who are serious about mastering the ACT's structure and strategies. It offers valuable insights and detailed explanations but may require supplementation with other resources for additional practice material.