Very helpful tool to help study for ACT test

Kiddo is happy

Book is fine. Unfortunately, have been unable to access test online test bank. Endless loop of error messages.

This study manual is huge! I hope my child will use it

First, this is an updated version of a previously published book; if you already purchased the 2023-2024 or an earlier edition STOP— you likely have already seen 8/9 tests included and buying this may not be worth it! It only has one additional test (printed) available, and has the same number of printed tests in total (6)-- one of the tests in the last version is now online only. The cover mentions “6 in book and 9 online,” but they overlap—the paper tests in the book are the same as 6 online tests. You’re not getting 15 tests. I’ve been tutoring the ACT for over a decade, have scored perfectly on it as an adult, and have coached students to perfect scores on the test. I run a YouTube channel offering free ACT / SAT prep and college advice (SupertutorTV), have created an online video-based prep course for the ACT (SupertutorTV), and have written two books on the math section of the ACT (The Best ACT Math Books Ever Vol 1 & 2). In short, I spend an inordinate amount of brain space on this test. When it comes to ACT prep, the number one advice I have for my students is to USE AUTHENTIC MATERIALS from the test maker. That means if you’re taking the ACT, and can afford nothing but one book, this is the number one resource I would recommend. Still there are some caveats. My 4 stars is really because of the issues with ease of online access (keep reading), the apparently helpful review material that isn't actually that helpful (just give us tests :)), and cost. SAT offers online tests zero dollars, as well as a book that’s cheaper but about the same size. Likewise, older versions are cheaper and some kids won't use 9 tests. The Upside: If you’re planning to take the ACT on a computer (ALL international students, any students electing to take the test on a computer, any students in a school district offering the "online ACT" at school), for you, I would rate this FIVE STARS. This book offers access to the computerized versions of all 6 printed tests, plus an additional three computerized tests. Note this feature is ALSO available in the now cheaper 2020-2021 guide, but with only 5 tests instead of 6, and with 6 tests (the same 6 online tests as this edition) from the 2021-2022 guide, and with 7 in the 2022-2023, and 8 in the 2023-2024. If you've only got a month to prep and an older edition is on sale I wouldn't rule it out. But beware of buying *used* older guides - your PIN for online access may not work. Who doesn’t need this book: If you’re taking the test on paper, only want a couple practice tests, and can get a hold of an older edition for $10-20 less, you might want to do so. You also might note that one free test is available online in pdf (Google supertutortv resources) and one in an online format on ACT's website, so if you only have time for a test or two, it might not be worth it. There used to be multiple pdfs floating around the internet for free as ACT releases a new free pdf every few years, but ACT has cracked down on people sharing these previously released free pdfs, so they are harder to find than they used to be. What’s inside: 1) Six “real” printed ACT tests. Plus all six of these and three more available online. What’s unnerving is that NOTHING is in a predictable order and the test numbers change not only year over year, but between the online listing of the tests and the tests in the book, even though some are identical exams. Five exams in the book are identical to those in previous editions of this guide, and the three online tests are also previously included in older guides/online access. The notes below should help you jump between— Test numbering denotes the PHYSICAL book test number first. I've also listed form codes (which don't change) and the original form code from the national ACT test date that corresponds when available. Test 1: (NEW!): Code 24MC1, Reading section: Form F12 June 2023, other sections unknown origin, Digital test #1 Test 2: Dec 2017 Code A10 (Code 19MC5), all sections (Test 3 in 2023-2024 book, Test 4 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #5 Test 3: June 2018 Code A11 (Code 20MC6) (Test 4 in 2023-2024 book; Test 5 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #8 Test 4: July 2020 Code C01 (Code 21MC8), all sections (Test 5 in 2023-2024 book, Test 6 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #6 Test 5: Dec 2019 Code C03 (Code 22MC9) - (Test 6 in 2023-2024 book, Test 1 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #7 Test 6: Dec 2021 E23 (Code 23MC1) all sections (Test 1 in 2023-2024 book), Digital test #2 Online additional tests: Digital Test #9: 16MC1 English, Reading, Science: Jun 2015 73C, + Math (73C+10 random questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide exams, mix of exams, and a few originals), (Code 16MC1) Digital Test #3: 16MC2 (test 2 in 2022-2023 print book, online for 2023-2024 book) English, Reading, Science: Apr 2015 73G, Math: random questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide exams, mostly from Exam #2, and a few originals (Code 16MC2) Digital Test #4: 18MC4 (June 2017 Code 74C) (Test 3 in 2022-2023 book, online for 2023-2024 book) Tests also include explanatory answers. Some explanations are better than others. For instance, many of the math questions break down why you missed the question nicely (you gave the mean; it asked for median), while the English explanations often simply say the other answers have "unnecessary commas" but don't explain the rule that dictates why those commas aren't needed. If you don't know why you need some commas but don't need others, you're not going to learn what you need to get it right the next time. 2) Essay prompts All six (nine I assume including online) tests include a complete essay prompt; an additional prompt is in the chapter on the essay. Given that the SAT retired its essay, the ACT essay is increasingly becoming truly optional. The only reason I would suggest taking it would be if your school makes you on a school test day. 3) Chapters that review the basic content of each section and have some example questions-- and give an overview of the test. Note this material is also awkwardly built into the online access and you'll be auto-fed this not so helpful information first -- so be very careful not to waste a bunch of time on it. Though this might seem to be a great resource, advice from the test makers is rarely as good as advice from private tutors and outside voices. I’m probably biased (I’m a private tutor and develop ACT prep curriculum), but even before I wrote materials, I knew the best tips I found for my students weren’t from the test makers. Ideas like “read carefully and thoroughly," are terrible advice for some students who when doing so can’t even finish half of a section. The voice of the book feels more objective than insightful in its advice. The biggest value of this book is the real tests, not the section advice. If you want test prep advice, get another book or two from an independent tutor. Still, answer explanations may be useful for those skilled at self-assessment to make progress. ALSO: Many of the “real” examples from these topic-based chapters are part of fully released exams from prior years, such as 61C (the packet released free of charge in 2008-2009). As a result, the example material is not a huge boon for students, but actual a bit of a "spoiler" for anyone who digs up these old, free, released pdf tests online and wants to use them to practice full exams. Again these are harder to find because ACT cracked down on file posting/sharing (note they used to allow these as free downloads on their site). 4) General information about the test that details registering, planning and packing for test day. Can you get most of this for free from the ACT website? Yep! BOTTOM LINE: Why I'm not giving this 5 stars -- The online portal test numbering is confusing as it was last year, wasting students’ time as they try to find the three online practice tests they haven’t seen yet (3, 4, and 9). Many students who don't have the oversight of a tutor or teacher may waste time given how the book and in particular the online resources are designed. Overall, these 6-9 exams are valuable resources in your ACT prep, though.

Definitely helped raise my score.

I bought this for my granddaughter. She is putting it to good use. This type of reference has been around for a while. For those who choose to employ it, it can make a significant difference in test scores.

Don't be fooled by other test prep company promises ... none of the test prep books for the ACT are as good as the real deal. With real questions from real ACTs, you get to practice what the questions will be like. As an ACT prep teacher, I've tried using other books. The questions are often just "off" -- too hard, too easy, not quite the same. It's hard to describe, but I've yet to find any other company that can replicate what the actual ACT puts out. If you only buy one book to study for the ACT, this is the one you want to spend your money on. However, it's the same every year (except for a few changes), so don't waste your money if you bought a previous year. (However, with new changes coming next spring, everyone is going to need new materials!)