{"id":20019,"date":"2020-07-23T05:51:12","date_gmt":"2020-07-23T12:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=20019"},"modified":"2020-12-29T10:52:30","modified_gmt":"2020-12-29T18:52:30","slug":"best-online-act-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-online-act-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Online ACT Prep Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you looking for the right ACT test-taking strategies, learning styles or video lessons? Whether you\u2019re a high school senior looking for the right pointers or just wondering how to best prepare for the ACT, it may be difficult to find the right answers. With this guide, we here at CareerKarma will help you find those answers, so read on.
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One of the most dreaded yet essential cornerstones of any college application is standardized test scores. The ACT, or American College Testing exam, is considered difficult to study for by many students. However, instead of relying on thick textbooks and complicated guides, you can score highly with the help of several online resources and tools, such as the ones covered in this essential ACT prep guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is The ACT And Why Should I Take It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The ACT may be scary, but it\u2019s a lot more beneficial for students than it is difficult.
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Initially offered in 1959, the ACT is one of two standardized tests that are primarily used for college applications. It is used by college admission officers as a tool to measure the academic abilities of applicants. Along with transcripts, essays, and extracurricular activities, an excellent ACT score can improve your chances of getting into the college or university of your dreams.
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It was created as an alternative to the SAT, also known as the College Board\u2019s Scholastic Aptitude Test. However, there are several differences between the two standardized tests. Firstly, the ACT contains four main sections (English, reading, math, and science) along with an optional writing section and is graded out of an average composite score of 36. On the other hand, the SAT consists of three primary sections (reading, writing, and math) and is graded out of 1,600 points. It also includes an optional essay-writing portion.
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Though the SAT does give you slightly more time to answer each question, it also has its drawbacks. For instance, the math section makes up half the score on the SAT compared to a quarter of the score on the ACT. Furthermore, the ACT does not explicitly test you on vocabulary skills, unlike the SAT. 
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In general, the ACT tends to be better for faster-paced students who prefer reading, whereas the SAT is slower and preferred by students who excel in math. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and which core subjects you are stronger in. Each test has its unique strengths and weaknesses<\/a>, so taking practice tests will help you make your decision swiftly. 
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A high ACT score can be very beneficial for you in several ways. First off, a great ACT score can earn you credit for particular core college courses, meaning you\u2019ll save time and money in the long run. Moreover, high ACT scores can earn you scholarships not only from your college but from other institutions, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Online ACT Prep Programs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are several excellent online resources available which you can use to prepare for the ACT exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Based on factors such as quality, affordability, convenience, and duration, these are some of the best online ACT prep programs:
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ACT Online Prep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cost: $39.95<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration: 6 months of access<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Features: Affordable, enjoyable, and reliable
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Starting off our list is a program spawned by the creator of the ACT itself. The ACT Online Prep administers questions that were present on past exams. This reliable approach gives you a good idea of what to expect when you take the real thing. Furthermore, each course is personalized for users, allowing them to customize their study schedules to prioritize certain subjects and skills. Featuring games, challenges, daily reminders, and personal goals, this online preparation also comes in the form of a mobile app.
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If you want the most affordable online preparation with authentic past ACT practice questions and an enjoyable way of learning, then this course may be the one for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PrepFactory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cost: Free<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration: Unlimited<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Features: Free, convenient, and entertaining
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If you\u2019re looking for a program that offers completely free ACT training, then PrepFactory has got you covered. Convenience is the name of the game for PrepFactory, as students can utilize several test preparation courses free of cost (even a log-in is not required). You can work with video lessons, strategy tips, practice sets, and even play exciting games that incorporate math and English problems. 
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To summarize, PrepFactory offers a completely free online course that allows you to practice for the ACT with a variety of approaches. Though it does not include complete ACT practice tests, this may be your preferred route if you\u2019re looking for a fun and convenient training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magoosh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cost: $79 for a month\/$99 for a one-year program<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration: Dependent on enrollment plan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Features: User-friendly, self-paced, and thorough
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Magoosh is another ACT prep company that is popular amongst many students. One of the qualities that separate this preparation course from others is how user-friendly it is. Featuring completely online and self-paced plans, Magoosh offers students an affordable and convenient service available from several devices. Furthermore, this program offers over 250 video lessons, 1,300 practice questions, four practice tests, and a personalized study plan for each user. 
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Magoosh is also known for its accommodating customer service, which promises a seven-day money-back guarantee if users are unhappy with their experience. If you prefer studying by yourself at your own pace, then Magoosh is a great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peterson\u2019s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cost: $99.95<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration: 12 months of access<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Features: Versatile, fun, and all-encompassing
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Peterson\u2019s is an excellent tool for any student who requires not only intensive ACT prep, but various other educational resources such as admissions coaching and scholarship databases. Even if you want to stick to ACT prep, you can\u2019t go wrong with Peterson\u2019s extremely flexible design. Whether you choose to study on your laptop, phone, or tablet, this program allows you to learn wherever and whenever you\u2019re most comfortable.
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You can choose \u201clearning paths\u201d of varying lengths. Moreover, you can utilize several quizzes, practice tests, interactive lessons, and yes, even games for an exciting yet deep learning experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Princeton Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cost: $99, $799, or $3,000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Duration: Dependent on enrollment plan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Features: Well-known, diverse, and intensive
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Perhaps the most well-known of the programs listed, The Princeton Review is hailed by many to be the best ACT prep program available. Featuring a variety of test preparation tools and resources, the Princeton Review offers tutoring, admissions assistance, and hardcopy coursebooks as well. You can choose between a self-paced course, a privately tutored plan, or an expert-led program. 
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In case you aren\u2019t happy with your test scores, the company offers a money-back guarantee as well as the chance to prepare all over again, free of cost. Though it\u2019s a more expensive program, you\u2019ll probably gain the most resources from The Princeton Review, including video lessons, ACT prep books, practice tests, and little-known tips and skills. 
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Other ACT Prep Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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From tutoring to flashcards, there are several other resources you can use for the best online ACT prep possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no such thing as too much preparation, especially when it comes the ACT. When test day arrives, you should make sure you are confident in your ability and level of skill, which can only happen if you take full advantage of the resources available. Listed below are some other prep tools you should look into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tutoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n