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USA: Best Books for ACT Preparation

The ACT test is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors who are planning to attend college. However, anyone who is interested in attending a college or university that requires or accepts the ACT may take the test.


The ACT is important because it is one of the factors that colleges and universities consider when making admissions decisions. The test assesses a student's knowledge and skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The scores on the test are used to evaluate a student's readiness for college-level coursework and to compare them to other applicants.


It is not necessary for all students to take the ACT. For example, students who plan to attend colleges or universities that do not require or accept the ACT may not need to take the test. Additionally, some colleges and universities are test-optional or test-flexible, meaning they do not require standardized test scores for admission. However, students should always check the admission requirements for the colleges and universities they are interested in attending to determine if the ACT is necessary.


If you identify that you need to take ACT test, then Here are some of the best books with reviews for ACT preparation:

  1. The Official ACT Prep Guide 2021-2022 - published by ACT

  2. Barron's ACT Premium Study Guide - by Brian W. Stewart and Carla Kirkland

  3. Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep, 2022 - by The Princeton Review

  4. Kaplan ACT Prep Plus 2022 - by Kaplan Test Prep

  5. ACT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective ACT Strategies Ever Published - by Mike Barrett and Patrick Barrett

  6. For the Love of ACT Science: An innovative approach to mastering the science section of the ACT standardized exam - by Michael Cerro

  7. Cracking the ACT with 6 Practice Tests, 2022 Edition - by The Princeton Review

  8. ACT Math & Science Prep: Includes 500+ Practice Questions - by Kaplan Test Prep

It's important to note that everyone has different learning styles and preferences, so it's best to research and choose the book that suits your needs and study habits the best. The Official ACT Prep Guide is the only official guide to the ACT, which is published by the makers of the test themselves, ACT, Inc. The latest edition of the guide, the 2021-2022 version, is a comprehensive resource for students preparing for the ACT exam.

The book contains five full-length practice tests, along with detailed explanations for every question. In addition to the practice tests, there are also tips and strategies for every section of the ACT, including English, Math, Reading, and Science, as well as a section on the optional Writing test. The guide also includes information about the format of the test, scoring, and registration.

The Official ACT Prep Guide is highly recommended by teachers, tutors, and students, and it is the most widely used ACT test preparation book. Many students find the practice tests in the book to be highly representative of the actual exam and helpful for identifying areas of weakness. The explanations for each question are also praised for being clear and thorough. The price of the book is typically around $30, making it a relatively affordable option for students. The 2021-2022 edition of the guide is the most current version available and is highly recommended for students preparing for the ACT exam. Barron's ACT Premium Study Guide is a comprehensive book that provides students with an in-depth review of all the sections of the ACT exam. The book is popular among students, and around 25% of ACT test takers use it for their exam preparation.

The book is well-structured and contains six full-length practice tests, which are similar to the actual ACT exam. In addition to the practice tests, there are also detailed explanations of the answers, as well as tips and strategies to help students improve their scores. The book covers all the sections of the ACT exam, including English, math, reading, science, and the optional writing section.

The feedback from students who have used Barron's ACT Premium Study Guide has been generally positive. Many students have found the practice tests to be very helpful, as they provide a good idea of what to expect on the actual exam. The detailed explanations of the answers are also appreciated, as they help students understand where they went wrong and how to improve.

The price of the book is around $30, which is relatively affordable compared to other ACT study guides. Overall, Barron's ACT Premium Study Guide is a great resource for students looking to improve their scores on the ACT exam. Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep is a comprehensive guide designed to help students achieve their best score on the ACT. The book includes in-depth reviews of each ACT section, as well as strategies and practice questions to help students feel more confident on test day. According to a survey, a significant percentage of students preparing for the ACT use Princeton Review materials, and many students report that the strategies and practice questions in this book were helpful in their test preparation.

One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on strategy. The Princeton Review provides clear and concise advice on how to approach each section of the test, including time management tips and how to eliminate incorrect answer choices.

The book also includes six full-length practice tests, which is a valuable resource for students who want to simulate test day conditions and gain familiarity with the test format. In addition, the book provides access to online resources, including additional practice questions and video tutorials.

However, some students have noted that the book's practice questions can be slightly more difficult than those on the actual ACT. Additionally, the book's price can be considered high by some students, especially considering the additional cost of online resources. Overall, Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep is a solid choice for students who want a comprehensive study guide with detailed strategies and ample practice tests. The book retails for around $40 USD. Kaplan ACT Prep Plus is a comprehensive study guide for students preparing for the ACT exam. It provides a detailed review of all sections of the exam, including English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The guide also includes practice tests and online resources to help students improve their scores.

According to Kaplan, a significant percentage of students preparing for the ACT use their study materials, including Kaplan ACT Prep Plus. The feedback from students has generally been positive, with many students finding the guide helpful in their preparation for the exam.

Kaplan ACT Prep Plus is available in both print and e-book formats. The print version is priced at around $39.99, while the e-book version is priced at around $24.99. Additionally, Kaplan offers online resources such as access to practice tests and video tutorials, which can be purchased separately or as part of a package with the study guide. "The ACT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective ACT Strategies Ever Published" is a comprehensive guidebook for ACT test takers that covers everything from the basics to advanced strategies. The book is authored by Mike Barrett, an experienced ACT tutor who has helped thousands of students achieve high scores.

While it is difficult to determine the exact percentage of students who use this book, it has received widespread praise in the test prep community and is considered a top resource for ACT preparation. Many students have reported significant score improvements after using this book. The ACT Prep Black Book focuses on teaching students how to approach the test strategically, rather than simply memorizing facts or formulas. The book provides detailed explanations of the ACT's structure and scoring system, as well as tips for tackling each section of the test. It also includes over 600 practice questions and multiple full-length practice tests.

One of the strengths of the ACT Prep Black Book is its focus on individualized study plans. The book encourages students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and tailor their study plans accordingly. It also emphasizes the importance of practice, providing students with ample opportunities to apply the strategies they've learned.

The price of the book is around $35, which is relatively affordable compared to other ACT prep resources. Overall, "The ACT Prep Black Book" is highly recommended for students looking for a comprehensive, strategic approach to ACT preparation. For the Love of ACT Science is a highly recommended book for students who are preparing for the science section of the ACT exam. The book is written by Michael Cerro, an experienced science teacher and test-prep expert. It presents an innovative and effective approach to mastering the science section of the ACT exam.

The book has received high praise from students and teachers alike. It has been highly recommended by several test-prep experts and has received positive reviews from students who have used it to prepare for the ACT exam. The book is highly rated on online retail websites and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The book is designed for students who want to improve their ACT science scores. It provides detailed explanations of the science concepts that are tested on the ACT exam and includes numerous practice questions and tests. The book also includes tips and strategies for improving test-taking skills and maximizing scores.

The price of the book is around $25, which is reasonable considering the amount of useful information it contains. It is widely available in bookstores and online retailers. The book is used by a significant percentage of ACT test-takers, as it is considered one of the best resources for ACT science preparation.

Overall, For the Love of ACT Science is an excellent resource for students who want to improve their ACT science scores. It is highly recommended by test-prep experts and has received positive feedback from students who have used it to prepare for the exam. Its reasonable price and availability make it a great investment for students who are serious about improving their ACT scores. "Cracking the ACT with 6 Practice Tests" by The Princeton Review is a comprehensive guide to preparing for the ACT. It includes in-depth reviews of all four sections of the test, along with six full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations.

This book is widely used by students preparing for the ACT, and is one of the most popular test preparation resources available. It is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear explanations and helpful strategies for tackling the test. The practice tests are also highly praised for their accuracy and helpfulness in preparing for the actual exam.

One downside to this book is that some students have found the practice tests to be more difficult than the actual ACT, which can be discouraging. Additionally, some students have reported errors in the answer keys or explanations, so it is important to double-check your answers.

The price of "Cracking the ACT with 6 Practice Tests" varies depending on the format and where it is purchased, but it typically ranges from around $20 to $30. Overall, this book is a solid choice for students looking to prepare for the ACT and improve their scores. The ACT Math & Science Prep book by Kaplan Test Prep is a comprehensive guide to help students prepare for the Math and Science sections of the ACT. The book includes over 500 practice questions, detailed explanations of concepts, and strategies to help students improve their scores.

A significant percentage of students preparing for the ACT use Kaplan's study materials, including this book. The book has received positive feedback from students who found it helpful in their ACT preparation. Students appreciate the clear explanations of concepts and the ample amount of practice questions that help them identify their weaknesses and improve their performance.

The price of the book varies depending on the format and the retailer. The paperback version is priced around $25, while the Kindle edition costs around $15. Some online retailers may offer discounts or bundle deals for Kaplan's ACT study materials. Overall, the ACT Math & Science Prep book by Kaplan is a useful resource for students who want to boost their performance on the Math and Science sections of the ACT.




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