Best ACT Books for 2014
When you're a self-motivated studier and you just do not have the cash or the time to hire an ACT tutor, then preparing with one of the best ACT books like one of these listed below is an amazing option! Plus, when studying from a book, you'll have the benefit of studying on your own time, whether that's cramming in a study session prior to school or slipping in a late-night session when all of your friends are already in dreamland.
Each one of the best ACT books offers practice tests, strategies, tips and content questions to help guide you toward the top ACT score you can possibly earn, but since every book has a particular strength (ranging from readability to thoroughness), it wouldn't hurt to purchase a couple of these to get the most bang for your buck. They're all very competitively priced.
How to study for the ACT
Here are a few of the best ACT books out there to help you get ready for this big test!
The Real ACT Prep Guide: 2014: ACT, Inc.
Why Buy? You want actual practice tests from the makers of the test.
This bad boy is fully equipped with five practice tests used in actual test administrations in the past, and like other test prep books, you'll get explanations for all your right and wrong answer choices. Yes, the text can be a bit dull, but if you want test practice straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak, this test prep book is all for you.
Cool Inclusions: Information about how colleges interpret your scores, and mental test prep tips for the big day.
ACT Strategy Smart: Research and Education, Inc.
Why Buy? You need an engaging style.
If you're reading this list with interest, there's a good chance you'll like this book. I wrote it! Ordinarily, I wouldn't include my own book for fear of students thinking I’m biased, but when put against the other test prep book on the market, ACT Strategy Smart stands on its own. I couldn't not include it. There are two practice tests – one in the book and one in the included online study center – and each matches the actual ACT test in style, difficulty, and percentage of skills. Plus, I use real-world examples and a relatable style, so you won't want to throw yourself out the nearest window the second you dive into the explanations.
Cool Inclusions: A carefully designed essay rubric for the ACT Plus Writing test, "Heads-up" boxes with tips and tricks, and a week by week guide to help you master each test section without getting overwhelmed.
Cracking the ACT: 2014: The Princeton Review
Why Buy? You need something easy to understand.
If you get overwhelmed by ACT books, and let's face it, that's easy to do, then the Princeton Review'sCracking the ACT may be right up your alley. This test prep company understands that students need to be able to comprehend what they're reading and they make sure that happens in a few ways like adding white space around the edges of pages, putting gaps in between paragraphs, and writing clear headings. The tone of the book keeps with the Princeton Review style; it's down-to-earth, friendly and clear. This test prep company understands that if students get overwhelmed the second they open their books, they're not going to use them.
Cool Inclusions: Four full-length ACT practice tests (Yes!), and Joe Bloggs, the "every kid" that makes all the mistakes on the ACT so you don't have to.
McGraw-Hill's ACT: 2014: McGraw Hill
Why Buy? You want a lot of practice.
With six practice tests and over 200 thoroughly explained questions, you're going to get your money's worth with this purchase. McGraw-Hill has a long history of educational publications, and their ACT books are always highly rated. Some reviewers have bashed the company for putting out publications with typos, but the information inside the book is sound!
Cool Inclusions: 20 problem-solving videos online by ACT experts.
Each one of the best ACT books offers practice tests, strategies, tips and content questions to help guide you toward the top ACT score you can possibly earn, but since every book has a particular strength (ranging from readability to thoroughness), it wouldn't hurt to purchase a couple of these to get the most bang for your buck. They're all very competitively priced.
How to study for the ACT
Here are a few of the best ACT books out there to help you get ready for this big test!
Best ACT Book #1
The Real ACT Prep Guide: 2014: ACT, Inc.
Why Buy? You want actual practice tests from the makers of the test.
This bad boy is fully equipped with five practice tests used in actual test administrations in the past, and like other test prep books, you'll get explanations for all your right and wrong answer choices. Yes, the text can be a bit dull, but if you want test practice straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak, this test prep book is all for you.
Cool Inclusions: Information about how colleges interpret your scores, and mental test prep tips for the big day.
Best ACT Book #2
ACT Strategy Smart: Research and Education, Inc.
Why Buy? You need an engaging style.
If you're reading this list with interest, there's a good chance you'll like this book. I wrote it! Ordinarily, I wouldn't include my own book for fear of students thinking I’m biased, but when put against the other test prep book on the market, ACT Strategy Smart stands on its own. I couldn't not include it. There are two practice tests – one in the book and one in the included online study center – and each matches the actual ACT test in style, difficulty, and percentage of skills. Plus, I use real-world examples and a relatable style, so you won't want to throw yourself out the nearest window the second you dive into the explanations.
Cool Inclusions: A carefully designed essay rubric for the ACT Plus Writing test, "Heads-up" boxes with tips and tricks, and a week by week guide to help you master each test section without getting overwhelmed.
Best ACT Book #3
Cracking the ACT: 2014: The Princeton Review
Why Buy? You need something easy to understand.
If you get overwhelmed by ACT books, and let's face it, that's easy to do, then the Princeton Review'sCracking the ACT may be right up your alley. This test prep company understands that students need to be able to comprehend what they're reading and they make sure that happens in a few ways like adding white space around the edges of pages, putting gaps in between paragraphs, and writing clear headings. The tone of the book keeps with the Princeton Review style; it's down-to-earth, friendly and clear. This test prep company understands that if students get overwhelmed the second they open their books, they're not going to use them.
Cool Inclusions: Four full-length ACT practice tests (Yes!), and Joe Bloggs, the "every kid" that makes all the mistakes on the ACT so you don't have to.
Best ACT Book #4
McGraw-Hill's ACT: 2014: McGraw Hill
Why Buy? You want a lot of practice.
With six practice tests and over 200 thoroughly explained questions, you're going to get your money's worth with this purchase. McGraw-Hill has a long history of educational publications, and their ACT books are always highly rated. Some reviewers have bashed the company for putting out publications with typos, but the information inside the book is sound!
Cool Inclusions: 20 problem-solving videos online by ACT experts.
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