Best ACT Prep Books – 10 Choices To Help You Ace Your Test

The ACT serves as a critical component of US college applications, with approximately 1.9 million students taking this standardized test annually. Designed to evaluate four core academic areas—science reasoning, English, mathematics, and reading—the ACT also features an optional writing section that demonstrates your written communication abilities to admissions committees.

Given the test’s comprehensive scope, thorough preparation across multiple subject areas becomes essential. While a score of 25 places you in the 75th percentile (above average performance), competitive applicants to top-tier universities typically need scores of 30 or higher to remain viable candidates. 

Prep Scholar research indicates that dedicating two hours weekly for two months before your test date should bring you close to your target score. Most test prep experts recommend approximately 26 total study hours for the ACT—achievable through just one hour per week if you begin preparation six months in advance. 

Although enrolling in an ACT prep course provides structured learning, purchasing at least two high-quality study books remains essential. Quality prep books help you master the test format, pinpoint areas for improvement, and understand the test creators’ methodology. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the top ACT prep books available.

Top ACT Prep Books

Achieving your target ACT score requires dedicated study and strategic preparation. The right prep book makes all the difference. Here are the top 10 ACT prep books designed to help you reach your scoring goals! 

1. ACT Prep Black Book by Mike Barrett 

This bestselling prep guide delivers some of the most powerful ACT strategies ever documented. Barrett’s fully updated edition presents unique, practical approaches for tackling each test section, complete with comprehensive training materials and step-by-step question walkthroughs with detailed answer explanations.

Considered essential preparation material, this book equips you to achieve a perfect 36 for Ivy League admission or boost your score for athletic scholarships. You’ll master the test structure, learn to identify common trick questions, and stay current with newly added test content. 

2. ACT Prep 2020 and 2021 by Test Prep Books

This comprehensive resource combines study materials and practice tests, featuring proven test-taking strategies, full mock sections for each ACT component, thorough answer explanations, and targeted practice questions. Understanding the actual test content reduces anxiety and builds confidence for challenging questions on exam day.

The practice questions closely mirror actual ACT content, creating an authentic testing experience. For students seeking an all-in-one solution with practice questions, detailed explanations, strategic guidance, and complimentary online customer support, this prep book delivers exceptional value!

3. The Official ACT Prep Guide 2020 – 2021 by ACT

The Official ACT Prep Guide stands as the sole preparation resource created directly by the ACT organization’s test developers. This comprehensive guide includes five authentic ACT exams, the optional writing component, online practice modules, and essential test-day guidance to improve performance across all five test sections.

The book’s design allows for targeted weakness identification and self-paced improvement in specific scoring areas. Additional benefits include updates reflecting the most recent test modifications and enhancements.

4. Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep by The Princeton Review

This bestselling preparation guide provides eight full practice tests, extensive content review, and effective test-taking strategies. As a comprehensive solution for maximum score improvement, it offers time-tested techniques and teaches effective pacing plus strategic guessing methods throughout the exam.

Beyond test prep, this resource reviews essential skills for high performance in each section while explaining their importance. You’ll gain access to Princeton Review’s online student portal for customized study planning, university selection tools, and college ranking assessments to gauge your readiness.

5. ACT Premium Study Guide by Barron’s Test Prep

Barron’s comprehensive study guide features six complete practice tests, supplementary online practice, and customizable study plan creation. Drawing from expert educator insights, this resource provides reliable preparation tools with systematic review methods and realistic practice exams for optimal test readiness.

Beyond strategic guidance, you’ll discover personalized study plan recommendations, comprehensive diagnostic testing, effective anxiety management techniques, and additional supportive resources. 

6. ACT Prep Plus 2020 by Kaplan Test Prep 

Kaplan’s current prep book delivers exclusive access to five practice tests, proven strategic approaches, and additional online guidance. The company guarantees score improvement when using this book as part of your ACT preparation regimen. Whether targeting a 5-point increase or pursuing perfection, this resource helps bridge the gap to your goals. 

7. For the Love of ACT Science by Michael Cerro

For the Love of ACT Science presents an innovative strategy for mastering the test’s science section. Test-prep expert Michael Cerro guides readers through scientific method fundamentals and demonstrates how to apply this knowledge when tackling ACT science questions in this engaging, accessible guide.

Cerro’s background as both a former chemical engineer and skilled tutor makes him the ideal guide for conquering ACT science challenges. Through authentic sample questions and clear explanations for each solution, you’ll navigate the science section with newfound confidence. 

8. The Comprehensive Guide to ACT Prep by Marks Prep

Designed for students aiming to join the top 1% of test-takers, this guide comes from tutors who achieved top 1% scores themselves. You’ll discover advanced test-taking strategies, comprehensive problem sets for every section, and detailed solution examples that highlight common mistake patterns. 

Enhanced with video explanations for the most challenging problems, this resource builds both confidence and scoring potential for ACT success.

9. The Complete Guide to ACT English by Erica Meltzer 

The Complete Guide to ACT English provides the market’s only comprehensive review dedicated exclusively to the ACT’s English section. Meltzer’s thorough explanations expose you to every type of test error, enabling you to avoid future mistakes while mastering both test rules and their practical application for higher scores.

Instead of focusing on single passages, Meltzer examines diverse example sections that reflect the English portion’s full scope. With over 350 detailed passage explanations, you’ll develop unprecedented understanding of ACT English and the preparation needed to excel.

10. 5 lb. Book of ACT Practice Problems by Manhattan Prep

Best Reviews recognized this as “the best of the best” among ACT prep resources. Containing over 1,800 practice problems across all exam sections, this comprehensive volume covers every topic you’ll encounter. Created by veteran tutors and instructors, the book helps identify weaknesses and transform them into strengths.

By mirroring the ACT’s actual content, structure, and style, this resource provides unparalleled test-day preparation. 

Enhance Your Study Plan with an ACT Prep Course

While ACT prep books provide excellent foundation material, combining them with a structured prep course can elevate your preparation to the next level. Among all available ACT prep courses, Magoosh ACT Prep stands out as our top recommendation for comprehensive test preparation.

Magoosh ACT Prep

For thorough ACT preparation that covers all essential concepts, Magoosh ACT Prep delivers exceptional value. Their comprehensive course includes over 1,300 practice questions, video explanations, full practice tests, more than 250 instructional video lessons, and additional resources. The platform enables weekly scheduling, SMS reminder setup, and detailed progress tracking.

Magoosh also offers a score improvement guarantee—if you’ve previously taken the ACT, they promise score improvement or provide a full refund. Combining prep books with a structured course like Magoosh ACT Prep creates a powerful study strategy that maximizes your success potential.

Maximizing Your ACT Preparation

Practice tests included with these prep books serve as the best indicator of your ACT readiness. Beyond exposure to exam-style questions, you’ll gain access to expert insights and proven test-taking strategies. Your combined arsenal of practice tests, comprehensive review materials, and online resources positions you to achieve scores in the ACT’s highest ranges.