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Options for Free ACT Test Prep and Study in 2025

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The 2024 ACT average score was 19.4. To stand out, aim for a 25-30, depending on your target schools. A strong score can also boost your chances for scholarships.

The ACT is not something you should take lightly: it is intense and can be even harder without proper test preparation strategies. However, not everyone can afford to pay a lot for ACT study materials. From online courses to tutoring sessions, the price can get steep.

Fortunately, a lot of organizations are now offering free ACT test prep resources to all. These resources are often just as good as the paid options and can give you everything you need to succeed on the ACT.

By taking advantage of free ACT test prep resources, you can get the same level of preparation as students who pay for expensive prep courses. This guide will introduce you to the best free ACT study materials available in 2025. From official online materials and free practice tests to tutoring services and apps, we’ve got you covered.

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Free Online ACT Test Prep Platforms

Let’s kick things off with some of the best free ACT test prep resources from online platforms.

  1. ACT Official Free Resources: Not only does it provide free online ACT practice tests and tips, but students can also access a full-length practice test to simulate the real exam experience.
  2. Khan Academy ACT Prep: Khan Academy is a household name for free educational resources, and while it’s widely recognized for SAT prep, it also offers helpful ACT materials.
  3. Magoosh Free ACT Prep: Magoosh is well-known in the test prep world, providing a free one-week trial and giving you a taste of its premium resources.

Best Free ACT Sample Questions by Section

Focusing on each section of the test is key to achieving a strong score. Here’s where you can find free sample questions for each part of the ACT:

  • English: The ACT website offers grammar and usage practice, which is perfect for brushing up on your skills in this area.
  • Math: The best websites for free ACT prep include Varsity Tutors and MathHelp.
  • Reading: Get your hands on sample reading passages with comprehension questions to hone your reading skills.
  • Science: ACT Academy has free science reasoning practice questions that help sharpen your critical thinking skills for this section.

Free ACT Practice Tests and Sample Questions

Practice makes perfect, right? Let’s look at where you can find free ACT practice tests and sample questions to help you practice under test-like conditions.

  1. ACT.org is the official ACT website that provides a free, full-length practice test. It is probably one of the best ways to get a feel for the test’s structure and timing.
  2. PrepScholar offers a free online ACT practice test, complete with detailed answer explanations. It is a great resource for understanding why certain answers are right and wrong, helping you improve your understanding.
  3. Union Test Prep is another great resource that offers shorter practice quizzes for different ACT sections. These are perfect for targeting specific areas you want to improve on.

Free ACT Prep Courses and Study Programs

Beyond online platforms, there are several other ways you can access ACT prep courses at no cost.

  1. Local Libraries and Community Centers: Considered a treasure trove of free resources, public libraries offer ACT study groups, free books, and even tutoring sessions.
  2. School-Based ACT Prep Programs: Many high schools offer free ACT test prep resources like free tutoring, study guides, and prep sessions. Talk to your school counselor to find out about any programs that might be available in your area.
  3. Nonprofit Organizations Offering Free ACT Prep: Organizations like College Board’s BigFuture and local YMCA or Boys & Girls Clubs often host free ACT prep workshops. The NACAC or National Association for College Admission Counseling features fee waivers and free prep options for eligible students.

Best Free ACT Study Apps for 2025

There’s no better way to prepare on the go than with a good study app. Here are some ACT study apps for free you can download in 2025:

  1. ACT Online Prep App (Free Version): This app includes flashcards, question banks, and daily quizzes to help you stay sharp.
  2. Ready4 ACT (Free Version): Ready4 is an AI-powered app that creates personalized study plans and quizzes to focus on areas where you need improvement.
  3. Varsity Tutors ACT Prep App: Varsity Tutors offers thousands of free ACT practice questions and detailed explanations to help you understand key concepts.
  4. Quizlet ACT Flashcards: Quizlet is a great platform for flashcards, and there are tons of user-generated ACT flashcards available for vocabulary, math formulas, and more.
  5. Edmentum ACT Study App: Edmentum offers interactive study games and section-based drills to help reinforce key concepts and make studying fun.

Free ACT Tutoring and Study Groups

If you feel like you need extra help or accountability, look into free ACT tutoring options.

  1. Online Tutoring Platforms with Free ACT Help: Some platforms, like Tutor.com, offer free ACT tutoring sessions for qualifying students. You can get one-on-one help with specific areas of the test, which can be invaluable.
  2. Peer-Led and School-Based Study Groups: An effective way to stay motivated is to form a study group with classmates. Many high schools also offer free ACT test prep resources and peer tutoring services, which can be a huge asset.
  3. Volunteer-Based Tutoring Programs: Nonprofits like UPchieve connect students with volunteer tutors who offer free, one-on-one help with ACT prep.

Free ACT Test Prep Books and Study Guides

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned study guide. Here are some ways to get free ACT test prep books and guides:

  1. ACT Official Free Study Guide (Digital Download): You can download the official ACT Study Guide directly from their website. It’s packed with test strategies and sample questions to guide your prep.
  2. Open Educational Resources (OER) for ACT Prep: Check out free ACT study materials available on platforms like Project Gutenberg and OpenStax.
  3. Public Library Access to ACT Prep Books: Many libraries offer free access to popular prep books like The Princeton Review and Barron’s ACT, so take advantage of this if you’re looking for something more in-depth.

Free Personalized ACT Study Plans and Schedules

Setting up a study plan is key to success. Luckily, several online platforms offer free ACT study plans and schedules. ACT.org and PrepScholar provide personalized study schedules based on your strengths and weaknesses.

6-Week Free ACT Study Plan

Here’s a straightforward plan to keep you on track:

  • Week 1: Start with a diagnostic test to see where you’re at.
  • Weeks 2-3: Dive into English and Math strategies. These subjects can be a bit tricky, but with focused practice, you’ll see great results.
  • Weeks 4-5: Shift to Reading and Science practice drills. These sections are all about timing and strategy, so make sure to do plenty of drills.
  • Week 6: Take a full-length ACT practice test and go over it in detail to identify areas to improve before test day.

3-Month ACT Study Timeline for Busy Students

Do you have a packed schedule? No problem! You can still prep effectively with a 3-month timeline, including weekend study sessions. This way, you can stay on top of school and life while slowly building your ACT skills over time.

State and Federal Programs Offering Free ACT Prep

State-Sponsored ACT Prep Programs

Some states offer free resources for students to help with ACT prep, including free testing days and prep courses. Some of the states offering free ACT prep for low-income students include:

  1. Tennessee
  2. Kentucky
  3. Michigan
  4. Illinois
  5. Minnesota
  6. Louisiana

If you’re in these states, you can also apply for federal programs like TRIO and Upward Bound. These programs offer free ACT prep, college counseling, and resources to help students facing challenges in reaching college.

Tips for Maximizing Free ACT Study Resources

  1. Set a consistent study schedule. Stick to regular study sessions for steady progress.
  2. Use multiple free resources. Combine practice tests, video lessons, and tutoring for a well-rounded prep.
  3. Track progress. Use free score trackers from sites like ACT.org and Magoosh to monitor improvements.
  4. Join online study communities. Participate in Reddit ACT forums and College Board discussion groups for support.

What’s Next After ACT Test Prep?

  1. Registering for the ACT Exam: Be sure to check registration deadlines and fee waivers if you’re eligible.
  2. What to expect on test day: Remember to bring your ID, approved calculator, and admission ticket.
  3. Using ACT Scores for college admissions and scholarships: Research colleges that offer scholarships based on ACT scores.

Conclusion

  • Free ACT prep resources are widely available. They can be just as effective as the paid options.
  • Use online platforms, practice tests, and local tutoring for comprehensive preparation.
  • Stay consistent and organized to maximize your chances of success.