ACT prep is the process of studying for the ACT, a standardized college admissions test covering English, math, and reading, with optional science and writing sections. Preparation can range from free practice tests on the ACT website to paid tutoring that costs thousands of dollars. The right approach depends on your starting score, your target score, and how much time you have before test day.
What the ACT Covers
The ACT has three required multiple-choice sections and two optional ones. Understanding the structure helps you figure out where to focus your prep time.
- English: 50 questions in 35 minutes, testing grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills
- Mathematics: 45 questions in 50 minutes, covering algebra, geometry, statistics, and some trigonometry. Each question has four answer choices.
- Reading: 36 questions in 40 minutes, based on passages from prose fiction, social science, humanities, and natural science
- Science (optional): 40 questions in 40 minutes, focused on interpreting data, analyzing experiments, and evaluating scientific arguments
- Writing (optional): One essay in 40 minutes, asking you to evaluate perspectives on a given issue
Your composite score (the number colleges care most about) is the average of your scored sections, on a scale from 1 to 36. If you skip the optional science section, your composite is calculated from just the English, math, and reading scores.
Recent Changes to the Test Format
The ACT underwent major changes starting in spring 2025. The test shrank from roughly 3 hours to about 2 hours, dropping 44 questions (from 215 to 171 total). Reading and English sections now feature shorter passages, and students get about 22% more time per question across the board. The science section became optional rather than required, and math questions now have four answer choices instead of five.
Students can also choose between taking the test online or in the traditional pencil-and-paper format. The digital version rolled out first in spring 2025, with paper tests reflecting the new format by fall 2025 and school-day tests following in spring 2026. If you’re using older prep books or practice tests, make sure the material matches the current format, particularly the shorter section lengths and the four-choice math questions.
Free Resources Worth Using First
Before spending money on prep, start with the free tools available directly from ACT. The organization offers two full-length downloadable practice tests (plus one in Spanish), online practice tests, subject-specific quizzes, and a daily question feature through a free MyACT account. Each practice question comes with explanations and tips.
ACT also partners with Kaplan to offer free live online classes taught by instructors who scored in the 99th percentile. You can try a class at no cost before deciding whether to pay for a full course. Texas Instruments provides free calculator tutorial videos specifically designed for the ACT math section, which can be helpful if you’re not confident with your graphing calculator.
Taking a full practice test early is the single most useful thing you can do. It shows you the format, reveals which sections need the most work, and gives you a baseline score to measure progress against. Many students discover they need serious help in one area but are already close to their target in others, which saves time and potentially money.
Paid Prep Options and What They Cost
Paid prep falls into four main categories, each with different price points and levels of personalization.
Prep Books
The most affordable option. ACT publishes its own guides, including an all-in-one prep guide with four practice tests and targeted subject guides updated for the current test format. Third-party publishers like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Barron’s offer similar books. Expect to spend $20 to $50 for a comprehensive guide. Books work well for self-motivated students who can stick to a study schedule without outside accountability.
Self-Paced Online Courses
These typically include video lessons, practice questions, and progress tracking that you complete on your own schedule. Prices generally range from $30 to $300 depending on the provider and how much content is included. The advantage over a book is the interactive element: adaptive quizzes that adjust to your skill level and analytics that highlight weak spots.
Live Online or In-Person Classes
Group classes provide structured instruction from a teacher, usually over several weeks. They cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200 or more. These are useful if you learn better in a classroom setting and want someone else to set the pace. The tradeoff is less individual attention compared to tutoring.
One-on-One Tutoring
Private tutoring, either virtual or in person, is the most expensive option but also the most personalized. Rates typically run $50 to $200 or more per hour, and most students book 10 to 30 hours of sessions. Tutoring makes the biggest difference when you’ve already identified specific weaknesses (timing on the reading section, for example, or a shaky foundation in algebra) and need targeted help rather than a broad review.
How to Build a Study Plan
There’s no single magic number of study hours that works for everyone. A student starting at a 28 who wants a 30 needs a very different plan than someone starting at a 20 who wants a 25. ACT’s own advice is to take a practice test first and use your results to estimate how much time each section needs.
That said, most prep guides and tutoring companies suggest 2 to 6 months of preparation, studying a few hours per week. For a student aiming to improve by 3 to 5 points, 40 to 80 total hours of focused study is a common range. Students with larger gaps or aiming for top scores may need more.
A practical approach is to work backward from your test date. Block out regular study sessions on your calendar, alternating between content review and timed practice. Spend more time on your weakest section but don’t neglect stronger areas entirely. Every few weeks, take a full-length practice test under realistic conditions (timed, no phone, no extra breaks) to track your progress and adjust your plan.
When to Start Preparing
Most students take the ACT for the first time in the spring of junior year, which means starting prep in late fall or early winter of that year. This leaves time to retake the test in the fall of senior year if needed, while still meeting early application deadlines.
If you’re planning to take the test during the summer, begin studying at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. “Last minute” crash courses exist for students who are down to a few weeks, but they work best as a refresher for someone who has already done some preparation, not as a substitute for sustained practice.
Starting earlier also lets you spread out the work. Studying 30 minutes a day over three months is far more sustainable and effective than cramming 10 hours a day for a single week. Spacing out your practice helps you retain strategies and build the timing instincts that matter on test day.
Choosing the Right Prep Method
Your best option depends on three factors: your budget, your learning style, and the size of the score gap you need to close. If you’re already scoring within a few points of your goal, free practice tests and a $30 prep book may be all you need. If you’re further from your target and struggle with self-discipline, a structured class or tutor can provide accountability and expert guidance that’s hard to replicate on your own.
Mixing methods often works well. Start with free resources to diagnose your weak spots, use a book or online course for content review, and consider a few hours of tutoring for the specific areas where you’re stuck. You don’t have to commit to one approach for your entire prep timeline.