6 Best ACT Prep Books With Practice Exams to Boost Your Score in 2025

If you’re aiming to boost your ACT score in 2025, choosing the right prep book can make a significant difference. With a variety of resources available, it’s essential to find those that offer not just practice exams but also effective strategies. Each book has its unique strengths, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the top six prep books that could elevate your test performance.

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2025 – 2026

If you’re gearing up for the newly redesigned ACT exam, the Official ACT Prep Guide 2025 – 2026 is an essential resource for you. This guide features a book and online course tailored to the updated format, including four official practice tests reflecting the new structure. You’ll notice fewer Math questions and a tighter time limit, which can impact your strategy. While the answer explanations are detailed, expect some limitations, like outdated answer sheets and no new questions. Despite these drawbacks, many users report score improvements, making it a valuable tool in your ACT prep arsenal. Just be aware of its limitations.

Best For: Students preparing for the redesigned ACT exam who seek updated practice materials and strategies.

Pros:

• Offers four official practice tests that reflect the new ACT format.
• Detailed answer explanations help clarify concepts and strategies.
• Many users report score improvements after using the guide.

Cons:

• Contains outdated answer sheets, leading to potential score inaccuracies.
• Lacks new questions, limiting the variety of practice available.
• Some discrepancies in question types and sections compared to official ACT guidelines.

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2024-2025: Book + 9 Practice Tests + Digital Flashcards + Online Course

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2024-2025 stands out as the ideal choice for students who want a thorough and structured approach to ACT preparation. This all-encompassing guide covers Math, Reading, and Writing with clear explanations and practical strategies. You’ll benefit from nine practice tests—six in print and three online—mirroring the actual ACT format to boost your confidence. While the user-friendly layout simplifies studying, some users report confusion with online access. Although this guide is affordable and packed with resources, keep in mind that previous editions may overlap in content. Overall, it’s highly recommended for effective ACT prep.

Best For: Students seeking a comprehensive and structured approach to ACT preparation that accommodates all skill levels.

Pros:

• Comprehensive coverage of Math, Reading, and Writing with clear explanations and practical strategies.
• Includes nine practice tests that closely resemble the actual ACT format, boosting student confidence.
• User-friendly layout and additional resources like time-management tips enhance the studying experience.

Cons:

• Some content in this edition overlaps with previous versions, limiting new material for returning users.
• Confusion with online access and test numbering may hinder effective study time management.
• Explanations in some sections, particularly English, could be clearer for better understanding.

Complete Study Guide for the ACT® Exam

Designed for ambitious students with limited time, the Complete Study Guide for the ACT® Exam stands out as a top choice among ACT prep books. It offers over 3,000 practice questions and 10 real practice tests, ensuring you’re well-prepared. You’ll benefit from smart strategies, weekly goals, and a stress-free study plan. Daily practice sessions of just 5-10 minutes help close knowledge gaps and boost your confidence. While some users report flaws in practice tests and content access issues, many appreciate the structured approach that fosters consistent study habits. In just two weeks, you’ll likely notice an increase in your confidence and readiness.

Best For: Ambitious students with limited time who want a structured and efficient study plan for the ACT® Exam.

Pros:

• Offers over 3,000 practice questions and 10 real practice tests, providing extensive preparation.
• Encourages consistent study habits with daily practice sessions of just 5-10 minutes.
• Users report increased confidence and better preparation within two weeks of study.

Cons:

• Some users find flaws in practice tests, including inaccuracies and incorrect answer keys.
• Access to additional practice tests is gated behind QR codes, causing delays in obtaining materials.
• Mixed reviews indicate varying experiences with content quality and overall effectiveness.

The Official ACT Prep & Subject Guides 2025-2026 Complete Set

For students aiming to excel on the ACT, the Official ACT Prep & Subject Guides 2025-2026 Complete Set stands out as a valuable resource. Created by the test makers, these guides offer extensive content and practice questions that mirror the actual exam. However, some find the material dry and lacking in engaging visuals. While the guides claim to support the new Digital and Enhanced ACT, many users feel they’re outdated. Instead of purchasing individual subject guides, consider opting for the extensive book, which provides four practice tests—though be aware one test may be identical to a free online version.

Best For: Students looking for a comprehensive resource directly from the makers of the ACT to prepare for the exam.

Pros:

• Provides practice questions that closely resemble the actual ACT exam.
• Includes official practice tests to enhance confidence and test understanding.
• Offers extensive content coverage across multiple subjects.

Cons:

• Material can be dry and lacks engaging visuals, making studying feel tedious.
• Concerns about being outdated, particularly regarding the new Digital and Enhanced ACT format.
• Individual subject guides are not updated, which may lead to confusion in preparation.

ACT Exam Prep: The Ultimate Guide with 10 Full-Length Tests and 1000+ Questions

If you’re aiming for a top score on the ACT, “ACT Exam Prep: The Ultimate Guide with 10 Full-Length Tests and 1000+ Questions” might be your best choice. This all-inclusive guide offers 10 full-length tests and over 1000 questions to help you master the exam’s English, Math, Science, and Reading sections. Well-organized reviews and effective test-taking strategies make studying straightforward. You’ll find real practice tests with both printed and online access, enhancing your familiarity with the test format. Users rave about the clear explanations and valuable tips, making this an essential tool for your ACT preparation.

Best For: Students preparing for the ACT who seek a comprehensive study resource to enhance their test-taking skills and knowledge across all subjects.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Content: Offers 10 full-length tests and over 1000 questions, covering all ACT sections.
• Effective Strategies: Provides focused reviews and test-taking strategies to improve performance.
• Variety of Practice Materials: Includes both printed and online practice tests for better format familiarity.

Cons:

• Volume of Material: The extensive amount of content may feel overwhelming for some students.
• Limited Advanced Techniques: May not cover advanced strategies for students aiming for exceptionally high scores.
• Potential Cost: Depending on the edition, the price may be a consideration for budget-conscious students.

WorkKeys Secrets Study Guide – Exam Review and Practice Test for ACTs WorkKeys Assessments

The WorkKeys Secrets Study Guide serves as an excellent resource for those preparing for the ACT’s WorkKeys assessments, especially if you’re seeking a focused approach to improve your scores. Users appreciate the practice tests that help pinpoint areas needing improvement. While the guide excels in Math and Graphic Literacy, some feel the Workplace Documents section could use more depth. Many success stories highlight how dedication and the guide’s insights led to impressive scores. Although some topics may need more coverage, the guide effectively supports your preparation efforts, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the exam ahead.

Best For: Individuals preparing for the ACT’s WorkKeys assessments who want a focused study approach to enhance their scores.

Pros:

• Effective practice tests that help identify areas needing improvement.
• Detailed sections on Math and Graphic Literacy provide valuable insights.
• Many users report successful outcomes attributed to the guide’s content and study strategies.

Cons:

• The Workplace Documents section is limited and lacks depth.
• Sample questions do not adequately reflect those on the actual test above level 5.
• Some users feel certain topics require more coverage and resources.

Factors to Consider When Choosing ACT Prep Books With Practice Exams

When you’re picking ACT prep books with practice exams, you’ll want to take into account several key factors. Look for content quality and relevance to guarantee it aligns with what you’ll encounter on the test. Additionally, the variety of practice tests, user-friendly design, cost, and accuracy of explanations can make a big difference in your prep experience.

Content Quality and Relevance

Choosing the right ACT prep book hinges on content quality and relevance, especially if you want to maximize your study time. Look for books that include practice tests closely resembling the actual ACT format; this familiarity builds your confidence. Make sure the content offers clear explanations and step-by-step problem-solving techniques to enhance your understanding. It’s essential that the practice questions are up-to-date, reflecting any recent changes in the ACT format. Additionally, consider the variety and depth of resources available, such as the number of practice tests or supplementary materials like online courses. Finally, check user reviews for insights on the book’s effectiveness in improving scores and addressing common challenges you might face during the ACT.

Practice Test Variety

Finding a prep book with a variety of practice tests can greatly enhance your ACT preparation. Look for books that offer multiple practice tests in both printed and online formats to suit your study style. A greater number of unique tests helps you avoid rote memorization, improving your adaptive test-taking skills. Detailed answer explanations are essential, as they pinpoint areas needing improvement and clarify misunderstandings. Additionally, consider prep books that provide immediate feedback on online tests, allowing you to quickly assess your performance and adjust your strategies. Finally, choose materials that mirror the actual ACT format, including updated question counts and answer choices, to guarantee you’re effectively preparing for the current exam structure.

User-Friendly Design

How can a user-friendly design enhance your ACT prep experience? A clear layout and organization in your prep book make studying less overwhelming, allowing you to navigate sections with ease. Look for practice tests that closely mimic the actual ACT format; this builds your confidence and includes detailed answer explanations to help you learn from mistakes. Effective prep books also provide additional tools like time-management strategies and pacing guides, which can greatly improve your performance. Quick reference materials, such as answer keys, allow you to check your work efficiently. Finally, interactive elements or visually appealing formats can make your learning experience more enjoyable and engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your preparation journey.

Cost and Accessibility

A user-friendly design is just one aspect to contemplate when you’re evaluating ACT prep books; cost and accessibility can greatly influence your study experience as well. Consider the price range, as some books offer extensive resources without breaking the bank, making them accessible to more students. Look for guides that provide both printed and online practice tests; this dual format caters to different learning preferences and boosts convenience. Check for unique practice tests to avoid repetition from previous editions. If you’re in a hurry, fast delivery options are essential for last-minute prep. Finally, verify the online resources are easy to navigate to prevent wasting precious study time on technical issues.

Accuracy of Explanations

When choosing ACT prep books, the accuracy of explanations plays a vital role in your learning journey. Accurate explanations help you understand the reasoning behind correct answers, allowing you to learn from mistakes and boost your performance. Some books, however, provide unclear or misleading explanations, especially in the English section, which can hinder your progress. It’s essential to select materials that offer detailed answer explanations for practice questions; this enhances your grasp of important concepts and strategies. Discrepancies in answer keys, particularly in math sections, can lead to confusion about your performance. Look for resources that align their explanations with official guidelines to guarantee you’re receiving accurate and relevant information for your test preparation.

Updates and New Formats

Selecting the right ACT prep book requires more than just accurate explanations; you also need to take into account updates and new formats introduced in the testing structure. Since the ACT underwent significant changes in May 2025, including a reduction in Math questions and fewer answer choices, your prep materials must reflect these updates. Many existing books may not include practice questions that align with the new guidelines, limiting their effectiveness. Additionally, discrepancies in practice test content can lead to confusion and misalignment with what you’ll encounter on the actual exam. Make sure to choose prep books that are current and accurately reflect the latest ACT format to maximize your preparation and boost your score effectively.

Supplemental Resources Available

To maximize your ACT prep, consider the supplemental resources that accompany the prep books you choose. Many books offer online courses, digital flashcards, and mobile apps, providing you flexibility in your study routine. Look for interactive materials like video tutorials and online practice questions that mimic the actual test format. Structured study plans, weekly goals, and pacing strategies can help you manage your preparation effectively. Detailed answer explanations, time-management tips, and test-day strategies are invaluable for boosting your performance. Additionally, access to extra practice tests, both printed and online, allows you to familiarize yourself with the test structure and question types, ensuring you’re well-prepared on exam day. Choose wisely to enhance your study experience!