Free ACT Prep

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The ACT is a test given to students who are in their junior or senior year of high school and are interested in attending a college or university. There are many options for studying for this exam so that the best combined score can be achieved including free study guides, practice tests, and others if you know where to look.



What is the ACT?

The ACT was first given in 1959 as a multiple-choice exam. It is a timed test and is offered several times during the year.

  • The ACT consists of English, Math, Reading, and Science
  • There is an optional writing test that can also be included
  • In the US and Canada, the test is offered 7 times during the year.
  • In other parts of the world, the test is offered 5 times.
  • Students have 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete the basic ACT test.
  • If the optional writing test is included, the time limit is 3 hours, 35 minutes
  • The maximum combined score for the test is 36 points.
  • The average score received is 21 points.
  • In 2021, over 1.29 million students took this test.

Students can take the ACT test with or without the SAT or can opt to take only the SAT. ACT scores are only one part of what a college admissions board looks at when determining eligibility.



How Can I Study for the ACT for Free?

Before you dive into test prep and spend hundreds of dollars, you should start with all of the free test prep resources including practice questions, answer explanations, and more. You should also use resources that help you be a better test taker so you are ready for test day when it comes.



Free ACT Test Prep Resources

To get the best possible ACT score, you have to be prepared. ACT.org has a number of resources that you can use including:

  • A free, full-length practice test including the writing prompt.
  • An overview of the ACT test, the test day protocols, rules, times, and locations.
  • A free, online sample class held in conjunction with Kaplan.



Things to Avoid When Choosing Free Online Resources

Like any other online resource, there is always the possibility of scammers. To make sure you are only using good resources for both free and paid for prep items:

  • Start with the official ACT website.
  • Do not click on any links or websites that are listed as “not secure”.
  • Never click on a link from a source you do not know.
  • Do not pay for tests that are not deemed official ACT practice tests.
  • Do not pay for any service that claims that it can get any student a “perfect” score, every time.



Is the Kaplan ACT Free?

Both the official test and the test prep do cost money. You can get ACT prep materials including the ACT practice questions for free as part of an introductory offer. You can also take the free ACT practice test and other practice exams to get a better idea of where you are.

  • Kaplan offers seminars and online classes for students and parents. You are able to take one class for free to see if it will be beneficial.
  • Kaplan also offers several test prep courses including a 1 on 1 tutoring option and a self-paced course.
  • Kaplan does offer a guarantee for a higher score with terms and conditions applied.
  • You can take a “pop” exam to get an idea of what your score would be if you were tested at this time by entering your email and name on the Kaplan website.



Can You Study for the ACT in 2 Weeks?

Yes, you can study for the ACT in 2 weeks and still get a decent score.

  • The ACT is basically a review of everything you should already know by the time you take the test.
  • For most people, the hardest part of the ACT is managing the testing jitters, not the information that you are being tested on.
  • There are strategies for dealing with nerves that you should learn before the day arrives.
  • Spread your practice and review time out over the course of the two weeks so that you are not overly tired on test day.



What is the Best Way to Prep for the ACT?

The best way to prep for the ACT is to take at least one of the full-length practice tests before test day. If you did not score well, you should review and then take a second test to see if your score has improved.

  • Do not try to learn a lot of new things in the month before the test. This is the time to review.
  • Learn the way the ACT test is given and what to expect so that you are ready to go the minute that timer starts.
  • Learn to ignore the timer as much as possible so that you can focus on the questions before you.
  • Remember the basics of the core subjects including grammar rules, math formulas, and basic science equations.
  • Think of the strategies that have worked for you during other tests and use them to your advantage with the ACT.



What are Free ACT Prep Resources?

There are several resources that have both free and paid practice tests and prep materials.



Bottom Line on Free ACT Prep

You can find a wide variety of ACT exam prep including a practice test with the official ACT questions so that you can know exactly what to expect and where you are weakest. Remember, this is all stuff you should know by now and it may be more about how you test rather than about what you can remember.



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