The 10 Best Online ACT Prep Courses
- Students can choose from many different test prep providers offering online ACT classes.
- Online ACT prep classes cater to varied budgets and timelines.
- Some students thrive with online training, while others do better in person.
Many companies provide online ACT prep courses to help students raise their ACT scores from earlier tests or hit score benchmarks required for specific colleges. These prep courses vary in terms of length, intensity, and price, making it easy for students to find a course that suits their needs.
Keep reading to learn about the top 10 best online ACT prep courses currently on the market.
1. Kaplan
ACT.org, the official provider of the ACT, uses Kaplan to power both its courses and live classes. Kaplan provides both scheduled and self-paced learning options, along with a premium online tutoring option. Program pricing varies — if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to sign up for the relatively inexpensive self-paced option.
Kaplan maintains a rating of over 4.5 stars based on more than 4,000 Trustpilot reviews. Interested students can participate in a free consultation before signing up to make sure the program will work for them.
Course Options:
- Online Tutoring: $699
- Live Online: $499
- Self-Paced: $99
2. The Princeton Review
With a focus on maximizing results while minimizing the time spent studying for the ACT, The Princeton Review offers an array of programs to meet varied study needs. Students looking to get a score of 34 or higher may want to go for the most costly one-on-one tutoring option, whereas those looking for a more cost-effective pathway may prefer the self-paced option.
Many of the courses can be taken online or in person.
Course Options:
- ACT 31+ Course: $1,549
- Essentials Course: $749
- ACT Self-Paced Course: $499
3. Testive
A newer player in the ACT test prep world, Testive provides several options at different price points. In addition to supplying free practice tests with digital proctoring, students can access both self-paced and online courses.
Testive emphasizes coaching as a key part of test prep and as such offers two price points to meet individual student needs.
Course Options:
- Boot Camp: $799
- Coaching Plus: $699/mo
- Coaching: $399/mo
4. Magoosh
Magoosh promises that students who spend just 20 minutes a day using its proprietary study materials can raise their ACT score by at least 4 points. Whether studying on a laptop or a phone, Magoosh’s programs are optimized for accessibility, providing short lessons and problems that encourage on-the-go learning.
Students can also review text and video explanations for each question and receive a personalized study schedule.
Course Options:
- ACT Prep + Live Classes: $399
- Self-Paced ACT Prep: $129
5. PrepScholar
Like Magoosh, PrepScholar promises to raise your ACT score by at least 4 points or your money back. Interested students can take part in a free ACT consultation to learn about available courses. PrepScholar maintains the largest bank of ACT questions, totaling nearly 5,000 questions as of 2021.
Course Options:
- Complete + Tutoring: $995
- PrepScholar Classes: $895
- Complete Premium: $577
- Complete ACT Online Prep: $397
6. Peterson’s
Students on a budget often gravitate toward Peterson’s, with each test prep program costing less than $50 a month. After subscribing, test-takers gain access to 11 full-length ACT practice tests, over 900 lessons, interactive content, step-by-step video tutorials, and online courses led by topic experts.
Users can choose from three subscription lengths that can be accessed through a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Course Options:
- Full Access 1-Month Subscription: $49/mo
- Full Access 3-Month Subscription: $45/mo
- Full Access 6-Month Subscription: $39/mo
7. Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors aims to meet individual ACT prep needs by providing services for every budget. In addition to holding bootcamps and longer prep classes covering all four sections of the exam, the company offers subject-specific prep courses for students who want to focus on specific areas.
All classes are taught by expert instructors who go through a substantial vetting process. Learners can take part in both online and in-person programs, as well as signing up for tutoring or a course and tutoring bundle.
Course Options:
- ACT Math, English, Reading or Science Prep Course: $31/hr
- ACT 2-Week Bootcamp: $31/hr
- ACT 4-Week or 8-Week Prep Class: $31/hr
- ACT Prep Class: Free
8. Veritas Prep
Instructors approved to teach ACT prep classes at Veritas Prep scored within the 99th percentile on the test, ensuring they know what it takes to earn top scores. The company takes a “learn by doing” approach that helps students feel confident and comfortable on test day.
Test-takers can choose from three course packages based on both their budget and how much prep they need before taking the exam.
Course Options:
- Live Class + Private ACT Tutoring: $2,400+
- Self Study + Live Class: $899+
- Self Study: $499+
9. Prep Expert
Students who participate in the six-week flagship prep course are guaranteed a 4-point or higher ACT score increase. If not, they’ll receive their money back, thanks to Prep Expert’s score guarantee. All classes take place online, with every tutor having scored in the top 1% of test-takers.
Students learn more than 100 strategies to help them navigate the ACT and receive the highest score possible.
Course Options:
- 6-Week Flagship Prep Course: $699+
- Self-Paced Video Prep Course: $399+
- Weekend Review Prep Course: $199+
10. ePrep
Offering both single and bundle courses, ePrep strives to meet a variety of learning needs. Students working on a shorter time frame often prefer the Test Date program, whereas those with a longer timeline may opt for the Annual Pass. Regardless of the format you choose, each course comes with pre-recorded video lessons on testing strategies and video explanations of test questions.
Students interested in ePrep’s ACT test prep materials can sign up for a free trial to see whether the course works for them.
Course Options:
- Premium+: $599
- Standard+: $399
- Premium: $299
- Standard: $249
- Express: $129
Is Online ACT Test Prep Right for You?
Completing an online ACT prep course can provide the flexibility, structure, and guidance you need to fit studying into a busy schedule, especially if you’re a senior in high school getting ready to prepare your college applications. Online ACT prep classes can also meet a variety of budgets and scheduling needs, and inadvertently help individuals gain familiarity with online education programs.
If you live in a rural area, online ACT prep ensures you can still access world-class prep services. That said, studying for the ACT from a distance may not work as well for students who need in-person motivation to keep them focused.
Feature Image: jacoblund / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images