Choosing the right ACT prep course can make a big difference on test day, especially with the new Enhanced ACT format. With so many ACT test prep options offering practice tests, video lessons, and live classes, it’s tough to know which ones are actually worth your time and money.
I tested some of the best (and worst) ACT prep courses to compare their practice questions, explanations, and test-taking strategies to the real ACT exam.
Below, you’ll find a quick comparison table followed by in-depth reviews to help you choose the best option for your learning style and score goals.
Finding the Best ACT Course For You
- Want tons of drilling and detailed answer explanations? → UWorld
- Prefer a structured, skill-by-skill ACT study plan? → PrepScholar
- On a budget but still want adaptive ACT practice? → Achievable
- Need strict live classes to stay accountable? → Prep Expert
- Want official ACT questions built into your prep? → Kaplan
- Want simple video lessons and flexible, budget-friendly prep? → Magoosh
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1. UWorld: Practice-Heavy & Drilling-Focused
If you don’t have time to read this entire article, read this one line:
UWorld ACT prep is the best choice on the market.
The reason really comes down to how well the platform handles practice. When I started testing the course (thanks to my early-access preview), I went straight into the QBank and began building quizzes to see how the questions actually felt in practice.
The first thing I did in UWorld was open the QBank and start building quizzes. That’s really the core of the platform. You can filter by section and difficulty, so I tried a few timed quizzes to see how realistic the questions felt. The math and science sections stood out the most. The problems were worded in a way that felt very close to ACT style, especially the multi-step math questions.
The explanations are where UWorld is strongest. When I reviewed missed questions, the platform didn’t just give the right answer. It walked through the reasoning visually and explained why each answer choice was wrong. That made it easier to actually fix mistakes.
What you won’t see here is a built-in study schedule or live instruction. Compared to something structured like PrepScholar, UWorld feels much more open. It works best if you improve by drilling questions and reviewing explanations repeatedly.
UWorld Course Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 9.6 |
| Practice Tools | 9.8 |
| Video Lessons | 8.8 |
| Technology | 9.4 |
| Instruction | 7.6 |
| Student Support | 8.5 |
| Guarantees | 9.3 |
| Policies and Access | 9.2 |
| Overall Value | 9.5 |
UWorld Package Options
- UWorld ACT Prep Course: Includes video lessons, interactive study guides, 2,500+ ACT-style questions, a mock exam with score prediction, and smart flashcards.
➡️ Best for students who want structured content plus high-volume drilling in one platform. - UWorld ACT QBank: Includes the full ACT question bank with customizable quizzes, timed simulations, and detailed visual explanations.
➡️ Best for students who mainly want realistic ACT practice without extra lessons. - UWorld ACT Study Guide: Includes print and digital ACT math, reading, and English prep books with built-in knowledge checks.
➡️ Best for students who prefer a book-style format and want an offline review option.
UWorld Package Perks
- 2,500+ ACT-Style Practice Questions
- Visual Step-By-Step Answer Explanations
- Custom Quiz Builder With Filters
- Timed Mode That Mirrors Test Day
- Full-Length Mock Exam With Score Prediction
- Interactive Digital Study Guides
- Smart Flashcards Built From Missed Questions
- Progress Dashboard With Section Tracking
Pros
✅ Realistic question difficulty: Practice items closely match ACT pacing and challenge level.
✅ Visual answer breakdowns: Step-by-step explanations make it easier to see where you went wrong.
✅ Strong math and science support: Detailed walkthroughs for algebra, geometry, and data interpretation problems.
✅ Flexible drill tools: Filter practice by section, topic, and difficulty to target weak areas.
Cons
❌ No live instruction: Everything is self-paced — no classes or tutoring sessions included.
❌ You build your own schedule: No weekly plan or reminders to keep you on track.
❌ Thinner video library: Fewer structured lessons than platforms built around guided courses.
Bottom Line
UWorld is best for students who want serious ACT drilling with detailed visual explanations. The questions, especially math and science, feel close to ACT style, and the explanations actually help you understand what you did wrong. The catch is you are in charge of everything. No weekly plan, no live teacher, no one keeping you on pace. If you need someone to tell you what to do next, it can feel too open, but it is great for those who want to manage their own prep.
UWorld
2. PrepScholar: Structured & Accountability Built-In
When I first logged into PrepScholar, the platform started me with a diagnostic test. After finishing it, the platform automatically built a study plan based on ACT skills. Instead of jumping straight into practice questions, the lessons walk through a concept first and then give quizzes tied to that topic.
The lessons feel more like mini classes than quick summaries. They include examples and explanations before you move into practice, which makes the transition easier. The platform also schedules official practice tests into the plan so they appear naturally during your study timeline.
Compared to a more open drill platform like UWorld, PrepScholar feels much more guided. The reminders and progress tracking make it clear that the system expects you to follow the plan. Although UWolrd is still my favorite, the PrepScholar structure can help you stay consistent. But keep in mind this also means you’re mostly following the path the platform builds.
PrepScholar Course Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 9.4 |
| Practice Tools | 9.5 |
| Video Lessons | 9.1 |
| Technology | 9.2 |
| Instruction | 9.3 |
| Student Support | 9.1 |
| Guarantees | 9.4 |
| Policies and Access | 9.0 |
| Overall Value | 9.3 |
PrepScholar Package Options
- Complete Online ACT Prep: Includes adaptive skill lessons, 2,800+ practice questions, 4 official practice tests, and a 4-point guarantee.
➡️ Best for students who want a structured, self-paced ACT program with built-in accountability. - Complete Online ACT Prep + Admissions Bootcamp: Includes everything above plus college planning, essay strategy, and financial aid guidance.
➡️ Best for students who want ACT prep bundled with admissions support. - Live Instructor-Led Classes: Includes full online prep, admissions bootcamp, and up to 36 hours of small-group live instruction.
➡️ Best for students who want structured live classes without losing digital tools. - 1-on-1 Online Tutoring: Includes a complete prep program plus personalized tutoring hours with a 99th percentile tutor.
➡️ Best for students who want guided ACT prep with direct instructor support.
PrepScholar Package Perks
- 60-Question Smart Diagnostic
- 50+ Skill-Based ACT Lessons
- Auto-Updating Weekly Study Plan
- 4 Official Full-Length Practice Tests
- 2,800+ Realistic ACT Questions
- Optional Writing Essay Scoring
- SMS Study Reminders
- Parent Progress Visibility
- Small-Group Live Classes (Up To 9 Students)
Pros
✅ Week-by-week study plan: The diagnostic maps out exactly what to cover each week.
✅ Skill-based lessons: Content is organized by specific ACT skills, not broad subject areas.
✅ Official practice tests built in: Real ACT exams are scheduled into your prep timeline.
✅ Optional live and tutoring upgrades: You can add instructor support without switching platforms.
Cons
❌ Guided path limits flexibility: The platform is designed to follow a set order, not jump between topics freely.
❌ Requires consistent weekly effort: Skipping weeks slows progress more than on self-paced platforms.
Bottom Line
PrepScholar works well for students who want a clear, skill-by-skill ACT study plan. The diagnostic and weekly schedule they gave me removed the guesswork, and the official practice tests are built into the program. It’s more structured than open drill platforms, but that structure also means less flexibility. If you prefer choosing your own study flow, it may feel restrictive. For students who want guidance and accountability, it’s a strong middle ground.
PrepScholar
3. Achievable: Budget-Friendly & Fully Adaptive
The first thing I noticed about Achievable was how clearly the course is organized. It follows a digital textbook format where each ACT topic is introduced with a short explanation and then reinforced with practice questions. Since the lessons are concise and easy to read, it’s easy to move through several sections in a single study session.
After answering a few quizzes, I noticed the platform started adjusting the difficulty based on my performance. If I missed a certain type of question, similar problems would keep appearing until I got them right. That adaptive system makes the practice feel more targeted.
The math section is especially strong because the platform generates new versions of questions instead of repeating the same ones. Compared to PrepScholar’s structured weekly plan, Achievable feels much more flexible. There’s no built-in schedule or live instruction, so the experience depends more on how you organize your study time.
Achievable Course Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 9.0 |
| Practice Tools | 8.7 |
| Video Lessons | 7.9 |
| Technology | 8.8 |
| Instruction | 7.8 |
| Student Support | 7.5 |
| Guarantees | 8.6 |
| Policies and Access | 8.7 |
| Overall Value | 8.9 |
Achievable Package Options
ACT Course: Includes full digital textbook, adaptive quizzes, full-length practice exams, and a score improvement guarantee.
➡️ Best for students who want affordable, self-paced ACT prep without package tiers.
Achievable Package Perks
- Adaptive Memory-Science Learning Engine
- Auto-Adjusting Quiz Difficulty
- Millions Of Dynamically Generated Math Questions
- Full-Length ACT Practice Exams
- Score Improvement Guarantee
- Progress Tracking By Learning Objective
- AI Tutor For Instant Explanations
- Mobile And Desktop Access
Pros
✅ Adaptive difficulty: Question challenge adjusts as your performance improves.
✅ Simple flat pricing: One plan covers all content — no confusing tier upgrades.
✅ Mobile-friendly: Works well for short study sessions on a phone or tablet.
Cons
❌ No live instruction: No classes, tutors, or scheduled sessions.
❌ Text-heavy explanations: Answer breakdowns lack the visual depth of larger platforms.
❌ Smaller question bank: Fewer total practice items than drill-focused competitors.
Bottom Line
Achievable is a smart choice if you’re budget-conscious and want adaptive ACT practice without complicated packages. I liked how the system adjusts to your performance and keeps content simple and readable. However, it doesn’t offer live instruction or highly detailed visual explanations. If you’re self-motivated and comfortable studying independently, it delivers solid value. Students who need structured weekly plans or classroom support may want a more guided platform.
Achievable
4. Prep Expert: Live, Strategy-First & Structured
Prep Expert works differently because the course is built around live classes. The instructor spent a lot of time walking through ACT pacing strategies and solving example problems step-by-step. Instead of just showing the answer, they explained why certain shortcuts work and when they apply to specific question types. The teaching style felt very strategy-focused, with most of the class built around instructor walkthroughs.
Classes follow a set schedule, so students meet at specific times and complete homework between sessions. During the lesson I watched, the instructor solved questions live and talked through the reasoning before assigning practice tied to those strategies.
Prep Expert leans more on the instructor teaching than the heavier practice and drilling I saw in platforms like UWorld or Achievable. That can work well if you learn best from someone walking through strategies live, but it also means you’re doing a bit less independent question practice overall.
Prep Expert Course Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 8.7 |
| Practice Tools | 8.4 |
| Video Lessons | 8.6 |
| Technology | 8.3 |
| Instruction | 8.9 |
| Student Support | 8.4 |
| Guarantees | 8.7 |
| Policies and Access | 8.1 |
| Overall Value | 8.3 |
Prep Expert Package Options
- 6-Week Live Course: Includes live online classes twice per week, structured homework, recorded sessions, practice tests between classes, and a score improvement guarantee.
➡️ Best for students who want an intensive, scheduled program with strong instructor guidance. - 8-Week Capstone Course: Includes extended live instruction, recorded sessions, structured homework, and advanced strategy focus.
➡️ Best for students who want a longer timeline and more in-depth strategy support. - Founder Video Course: Includes 30 hours of HD video instruction, 200+ lessons, and extended access.
➡️ Best for students who want Prep Expert strategy teaching without attending live classes. - Video Course: Includes 30 hours of recorded instruction and full strategy coverage.
➡️ Best for students who want structured video lessons with flexible pacing. - Weekend Review: Includes live weekend sessions focused on key ACT sections with recorded access if missed.
➡️ Best for students who want a short refresher before an upcoming test date.
Prep Expert Package Perks
- Live Online Instruction
- Structured Course Calendar
- Strategy-Focused Teaching
- Recorded Classes If Missed
- Homework Between Sessions
- Score Improvement Guarantee
- Multiple Schedule Options
- Cohort-Based Learning
Pros
✅ Live instructor-led classes: Teachers walk through ACT strategy and timing in real time.
✅ Fixed class schedule: Scheduled sessions create built-in accountability.
✅ Defined curriculum path: Each ACT section is covered in a clear, sequential order.
Cons
❌ Rigid scheduling: You need to attend live sessions — limited rescheduling options.
❌ Smaller practice volume: Fewer drill questions than dedicated question-bank platforms.
❌ Higher price point: Live instruction costs more than most self-paced ACT prep options.
Bottom Line
Prep Expert is a good fit if you want live ACT instruction and a clear schedule to follow. It provides structure, which helps students who struggle studying alone. However, it requires time commitment and isn’t as flexible. If you prefer fully self-paced, adaptive drilling at a lower cost, something more flexible may feel easier to manage.
Prep Expert
5. Kaplan: Official-Focused & Balanced Support
I spent more time in Kaplan’s QBank than I expected. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I started with a timed English set, then switched to math to see how the questions felt in a test-style format.
After each set, Kaplan shows your results right away, highlights what you missed, and lets you jump straight into the explanations. The explanations are clear and instructor-style—more focused on the main method and steps, though I did notice they’re not as detailed or visual as what I got from UWorld.
On the lesson side, it’s a straightforward flow: pick a topic, watch the instructor teach it, follow along with a few worked examples, then do practice tied to that lesson. Kaplan draws on official ACT practice content, and ACT’s official scoring guide explains how section scores roll into your composite. The platform is easy to move around in and doesn’t feel cluttered. Overall, Kaplan makes the most sense for students who want a steady, traditional course layout with guided lessons and realistic practice, but don’t need the deepest, most breakdown-heavy explanations.
Kaplan Course Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 8.5 |
| Practice Tools | 8.3 |
| Video Lessons | 8.1 |
| Technology | 8.2 |
| Instruction | 8.4 |
| Student Support | 8.1 |
| Guarantees | 7.9 |
| Policies and Access | 8.0 |
| Overall Value | 8.2 |
Kaplan Package Options
- Self-Paced ACT Course: Includes on-demand lessons, official practice tests, and a QBank with official ACT questions.
➡️ Best for students who want flexible prep using real ACT material. - Live Online ACT Course: Includes live instruction, official tests, and structured class sessions.
➡️ Best for students who want scheduled guidance without a long-term contract. - ACT Online Tutoring: Includes private tutoring hours plus access to official practice materials.
➡️ Best for students who want one-on-one help alongside structured resources.
Kaplan Package Perks
- Official ACT Practice Tests
- 2,000+ Official ACT Questions
- Live And Self-Paced Options
- Structured Teacher-Led Lessons
- Personalized Homework In Tutoring Plans
- Performance Analytics Dashboard
- On-Demand Video Library
- Flexible Enrollment Options
Pros
✅ Official ACT practice content: Real ACT questions are integrated into lessons and drills.
✅ Multiple format options: Self-paced, live online, and private tutoring are all available.
✅ Straightforward course layout: Lessons, examples, and practice follow a familiar, easy-to-navigate structure.
Cons
❌ Limited adaptive technology: The platform doesn’t adjust difficulty as dynamically as newer competitors.
❌ Shorter explanations: Answer breakdowns tend to be briefer than drill-focused platforms.
❌ Fewer accountability tools: Limited automated reminders or weekly planning features.
Bottom Line
Kaplan felt steady and familiar. The flow was easy for me to adapt to: lessons, examples, then practice. The practice is realistic, and the platform is easy to use without feeling messy. What you get is clear teaching and consistent materials. What you do not get is a super adaptive system that changes a lot based on your performance, and the explanations are usually shorter than those of the most detailed platforms. Overall, it is a good fit if you want a traditional setup and you will actually use it regularly.
Kaplan
6. Magoosh: Simple, Affordable & Video-Driven
When I logged into Magoosh, I didn’t have that “where do I even start?” moment that some prep platforms give you. I clicked on a lesson, watched a short video, and then jumped straight into a few practice questions. The videos focus on one skill at a time—like a grammar rule or a math shortcut—and the instructor keeps the explanations simple enough to follow even if you’re studying late at night and your brain is half asleep.
What helped most was the study schedule. Instead of trying to map out my entire study plan, Magoosh basically hands you a to-do list for the week. You just log in, see what’s next, and get started.
Magoosh works well if you like learning through short videos and having a clear plan for what to study next. Compared to Achievable, my other favorite budget option, it’s less adaptive and a little less focused on heavy practice. But if you want simple explanations and a study plan that tells you exactly what to do next, Magoosh is easy to stick with.
Magoosh Course Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 8.4 |
| Practice Tools | 8.0 |
| Video Lessons | 8.3 |
| Technology | 8.1 |
| Instruction | 7.7 |
| Student Support | 7.6 |
| Guarantees | 7.5 |
| Policies and Access | 8.2 |
| Overall Value | 8.0 |
Magoosh Package Options
- Premium (Self-Paced): 12-month access with practice questions, video lessons, up to 4 practice tests, curated study schedules, smart progress tracking, and a score improvement guarantee.
➡️ Best for independent learners who want structured video guidance at a lower cost. - Premium + On-Demand Classes: Includes full Premium access plus 16 hours of recorded instruction on key ACT topics.
➡️ Best for students who want added instruction while keeping a self-paced schedule.
Magoosh Package Perks
- 1,300 practice questions
- Video & text explanations for all questions
- Curated study schedules
- Online help from expert ACT tutors
- 4 practice tests
- 250+ video lessons
- Data-driven score prediction
- Smart progress tracking
Pros
✅ Low price point: One of the most affordable full ACT prep options available.
✅ Clear video lessons: Short explanations break down concepts without overcomplicating things.
✅ Flexible access lengths: Choose 1, 3, or 12 months depending on your timeline.
Cons
❌ Smaller question bank: Fewer practice items than top-tier competitors.
❌ No live instruction: Entirely self-paced video and practice — no real-time support.
❌ Limited advanced strategy: Content covers fundamentals well but doesn’t go as deep for very high score targets.
Bottom Line
Magoosh is a solid, budget-friendly ACT prep option that’s easy to start and flexible to fit into busy schedules. It’s best for students who want clear video lessons and practice without live classes or a heavy structure. However, if you want deeper strategy instruction or a larger practice question bank, a more comprehensive platform might be a better fit.
Magoosh
Honorable Mentions
These ACT prep programs didn’t make my main list, but that doesn’t mean they won’t work for some students. Depending on your study preferences, budget, or specific needs, they may still be helpful.
- The Princeton Review – Structured, classroom-style ACT prep with strong analytics and lots of live instruction. Best for students who want strict accountability, but high cost and rigid scheduling made it less flexible than top options.
- Testive – Hybrid coaching model with small groups and strong score tracking. Good for guided support, but lower question volume and mixed SAT/ACT focus limit its effectiveness as a primary ACT prep tool.
- Peterson’s – Subscription-based prep with lessons, flashcards, and practice tests in one place. Solid for steady review, but not built for heavy drilling or advanced ACT strategy.
Behind The Scenes: How I Ranked These ACT Courses
These ACT prep courses were ranked using hands-on testing and a weighted scoring model. I evaluated the number and quality of ACT practice questions, how closely each platform’s materials align with the real exam format described in ACT’s official test preparation resources, realism of full-length practice tests, clarity of answer explanations, and strength of ACT math and science coverage. I also analyzed platform usability, adaptive technology, video lesson depth, and study planning tools. Beyond content, I factored in score guarantees, access length, student support options, and retake flexibility outlined on ACT’s registration page, plus overall value. Courses ranked higher when they delivered realistic test simulations, measurable score tracking, and consistent performance across categories without major weaknesses.
ACT Course Ranking Criteria
| Feature | Weight (%) | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Question Quality | 25% | How realistic and well-written the ACT practice questions felt compared to the real exam. |
| Full-Length Practice Tests | 15% | Number and accuracy of timed practice tests that simulate real test day conditions. |
| Answer Explanations | 15% | How clearly the course explains mistakes and teaches test-taking strategies. |
| Instruction & Video Lessons | 10% | Depth and clarity of lessons covering ACT math, reading, English, and science. |
| Adaptive Technology | 10% | Whether the platform adjusts difficulty based on performance data. |
| Platform Usability | 10% | Ease of navigation, mobile access, and overall user experience. |
| Student Support | 5% | Availability of tutoring, instructor access, or help resources. |
| Guarantees & Policies | 5% | Score improvement guarantees, refund policies, and flexibility. |
| Overall Value | 5% | What students receive relative to price and access length. |
My Final Thoughts
The ACT tests four timed sections — English, math, reading, and science — and your composite score is the average of all four. That means consistency across subjects matters as much as strength in any one area. After working through these programs, I found drill-heavy platforms like UWorld helped me most on science and math pacing, while PrepScholar’s skill-by-skill plan kept my English and reading review from falling behind. No single course nails every section equally. Start with your weakest ACT areas and your study habits — whether that’s self-paced drilling, live classes, or a guided weekly plan — and pick the platform built around that approach. If you’re still weighing the ACT against the SAT, our best SAT prep courses roundup covers many of the same providers on the other test.
FAQs
What is a good ACT score?
A good ACT score depends on your college goals. Generally, a 24+ is competitive for many four-year schools, and a 30+ is strong for selective universities.
How many times can you take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times. Most students take it 2–3 times to improve their score.
How long should I study for the ACT?
Most students study 4–8 weeks before their test date. Around 30–40 hours of focused ACT prep is common.
How is the ACT scored?
Each section is scored from 1–36. Your composite score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest whole number.
Can you improve your ACT score?
Yes. Many students raise their ACT scores with consistent practice. Reviewing missed questions and taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions make the biggest difference.
