Ace the ACT With These 19 ACT Practice Tests
In 2019, over 1.78 million high school graduates took the ACT to measure their English, math, reading, and science knowledge. Schools use this state and federally approved test for high school students to determine college readiness.
A high ACT score in or above the 75th percentile can increase a student’s chance of acceptance into selective colleges. The good news is that students can take free ACT practice tests with answers and explanations to ensure success.
Here are 19 ACT practice tests that are both high quality and free to use.
ACT Inc.
ACT Inc., which creates and administers the ACT, provides official practice tests, in addition to information on ACT test dates, study materials, and exam fees. The current 2021-2022 ACT practice test is the most accurate test available. To access it, you’ll need to submit some basic information, including your name, email, and country of residence.
Note that the organization uses the same practice tests for multiple consecutive years.
- Official 2021-2022 ACT Practice Test
- Official 2020-2021 ACT Practice Test(same test as 2019-2020 and 2018-2019)
- Official 2017-2018 ACT Practice Test(same test as 2016-2017 and 2015-2016)
You can also use the following ACT practice tests dating back to 2005-2006. These are hosted by Magoosh, a test prep company.
Know, however, that tests released between 2005 and 2015 contain outdated essay prompts. ACT Inc. restructured the exam’s essay portion in 2016 with an optional 40-minute Writing test that measures test-takers’ writing skills.
- Official 2014-2015 ACT Practice Test
- Official 2011-2012 ACT Practice Test(same test as 2009-2010 and 2010-2011)
- Official 2008-2009 ACT Practice Test(same test as 2006-2007 and 2007-2008)
- Official 2005-2006 ACT Practice Test
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review provides a free ACT online practice test. You can also access tutoring and other test prep products, including a paid self-paced study program with a 14-day free trial.
With this practice ACT, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and the content areas you need to improve.
Ivy Global
Ivy Global provides a free downloadable ACT practice test PDF that closely resembles the actual ACT both in form and content. The site offers detailed answer explanations for each question on the practice test, making it easy to understand why you got questions wrong and how to find the correct answer.
Kaplan
Kaplan provides a free half-length ACT practice test to familiarize learners with the exam’s question types and overall format. The popular test prep company offers other free prep options as well, including pop quizzes and an ACT question of the day.
To access the ACT practice test, you’ll need to sign up for a free account with Kaplan.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors provides an ACT online practice test for each subject, allowing learners to focus on one section at a time. You’ll receive detailed scoring results to help you identify your strengths and where you need to improve.
On this site, you can also access free ACT diagnostic tests. Taking these allows you to create a study plan centered around concepts that may need additional attention. Note that you must create a free account to access special features, including flashcards and the ability to track your test scores.
- ACT English Practice Tests
- ACT Math Practice Tests
- ACT Reading Practice Tests
- ACT Science Practice Tests
Mometrix
Mometrix offers a free online ACT practice test and options to take an individual practice test in each subject. The general test consists of just 15 questions and primarily serves as a representation of what you can expect to see on ACT test day.
Other paid services provided by Mometrix include study tips, video lessons, flashcards, and a paperback study guide. The company also offers a paid online ACT prep course that covers topics like secret keys to ACT success and effective study habits.
Union Test Prep
Learners can register for a free account with Union Test Prep to access 235 ACT English, Math, Reading, and Science questions. While the paid version provides double the practice questions, the free version includes additional prep help.
You’ll find free flashcards and study guides in all ACT subject areas, with upgrade options. There’s also a discussion board test-takers can use to ask questions and get study tips.
How to Use ACT Practice Tests in Your Prep
Practice questions provide students with the opportunity to review the ACT sections. Here are a few ways to use practice tests to prepare for the ACT.
1 Always Prioritize Official Practice Tests
You’ll find ample ACT study resources as you prep for the exam, including prep books, tutoring services, and practice tests. It’s important to prioritize official ACT practice tests as these will be the most similar to what you’ll see on test day.
2 Use the First Practice Test as a Diagnostic Test
Test-takers can and should take multiple ACT practice tests to help them identify content areas and test-taking strategies that need improvement.
Your first ACT practice test can serve as a baseline for you to determine where you’re currently scoring and what your biggest weaknesses are. For example, you might discover you need to memorize more math formulas or brush up on your understanding of scientific principles.
3 Mimic Real Testing Conditions
It’s a good idea to follow instructions completely and mimic real testing conditions whenever you take an ACT practice test. Find a quiet place with few distractions, use a No. 2 pencil, and answer all the questions. Each section has a specific time limit, so make sure you practice within those constraints.
4 Use Your Last Practice Test as a Benchmark
Practice ACT tests allow students to improve before they take the actual ACT. Your last practice ACT test can serve as a benchmark for what you can expect as a final score. It’s also a chance for you to note the improvements you’ve made thus far and to review any continuously challenging areas before test day.