The Official ACT Prep Guide 2024-2025: Book + 9 Practice Tests + 400 Digital Flashcards + Online Course

Looks unused, but cover was kind of dented.Thick, but lays flat well.Excited to use it

good

Hope this is very helpful for my student to get a higher ACT score!

First, this is an updated version of a previously published book; if you already purchased the 2023-2024 or an earlier edition STOP— you likely have already seen 8/9 tests included and buying this may not be worth it! It only has one additional test (printed) available, and has the same number of printed tests in total (6)-- one of the tests in the last version is now online only. The cover mentions “6 in book and 9 online,” but they overlap—the paper tests in the book are the same as 6 online tests. You’re not getting 15 tests.I’ve been tutoring the ACT for over a decade, have scored perfectly on it as an adult, and have coached students to perfect scores on the test. I run a YouTube channel offering free ACT / SAT prep and college advice (SupertutorTV), have created an online video-based prep course for the ACT (SupertutorTV), and have written two books on the math section of the ACT (The Best ACT Math Books Ever Vol 1 & 2). In short, I spend an inordinate amount of brain space on this test.When it comes to ACT prep, the number one advice I have for my students is to USE AUTHENTIC MATERIALS from the test maker. That means if you’re taking the ACT, and can afford nothing but one book, this is the number one resource I would recommend. Still there are some caveats. My 4 stars is really because of the issues with ease of online access (keep reading), the apparently helpful review material that isn't actually that helpful (just give us tests :)), and cost. SAT offers online tests zero dollars, as well as a book that’s cheaper but about the same size. Likewise, older versions are cheaper and some kids won't use 9 tests.The Upside:If you’re planning to take the ACT on a computer (ALL international students, any students electing to take the test on a computer, any students in a school district offering the "online ACT" at school), for you, I would rate this FIVE STARS. This book offers access to the computerized versions of all 6 printed tests, plus an additional three computerized tests. Note this feature is ALSO available in the now cheaper 2020-2021 guide, but with only 5 tests instead of 6, and with 6 tests (the same 6 online tests as this edition) from the 2021-2022 guide, and with 7 in the 2022-2023, and 8 in the 2023-2024. If you've only got a month to prep and an older edition is on sale I wouldn't rule it out. But beware of buying *used* older guides - your PIN for online access may not work.Who doesn’t need this book:If you’re taking the test on paper, only want a couple practice tests, and can get a hold of an older edition for $10-20 less, you might want to do so. You also might note that one free test is available online in pdf (Google supertutortv resources) and one in an online format on ACT's website, so if you only have time for a test or two, it might not be worth it. There used to be multiple pdfs floating around the internet for free as ACT releases a new free pdf every few years, but ACT has cracked down on people sharing these previously released free pdfs, so they are harder to find than they used to be.What’s inside:1) Six “real” printed ACT tests. Plus all six of these and three more available online. What’s unnerving is that NOTHING is in a predictable order and the test numbers change not only year over year, but between the online listing of the tests and the tests in the book, even though some are identical exams.Five exams in the book are identical to those in previous editions of this guide, and the three online tests are also previously included in older guides/online access. The notes below should help you jump between—Test numbering denotes the PHYSICAL book test number first. I've also listed form codes (which don't change) and the original form code from the national ACT test date that corresponds when available.Test 1: (NEW!): Code 24MC1, Reading section: Form F12 June 2023, other sections unknown origin, Digital test #1Test 2: Dec 2017 Code A10 (Code 19MC5), all sections (Test 3 in 2023-2024 book, Test 4 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #5Test 3: June 2018 Code A11 (Code 20MC6) (Test 4 in 2023-2024 book; Test 5 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #8Test 4: July 2020 Code C01 (Code 21MC8), all sections (Test 5 in 2023-2024 book, Test 6 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #6Test 5: Dec 2019 Code C03 (Code 22MC9) - (Test 6 in 2023-2024 book, Test 1 in 2022-2023 book), Digital test #7Test 6: Dec 2021 E23 (Code 23MC1) all sections (Test 1 in 2023-2024 book), Digital test #2Online additional tests:Digital Test #9: 16MC1English, Reading, Science: Jun 2015 73C, + Math (73C+10 random questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide exams, mix of exams, and a few originals), (Code 16MC1)Digital Test #3: 16MC2 (test 2 in 2022-2023 print book, online for 2023-2024 book)English, Reading, Science: Apr 2015 73G, Math: random questions from The Real ACT Prep Guide exams, mostly from Exam #2, and a few originals (Code 16MC2)Digital Test #4: 18MC4 (June 2017 Code 74C) (Test 3 in 2022-2023 book, online for 2023-2024 book)Tests also include explanatory answers. Some explanations are better than others. For instance, many of the math questions break down why you missed the question nicely (you gave the mean; it asked for median), while the English explanations often simply say the other answers have "unnecessary commas" but don't explain the rule that dictates why those commas aren't needed. If you don't know why you need some commas but don't need others, you're not going to learn what you need to get it right the next time.2) Essay promptsAll six (nine I assume including online) tests include a complete essay prompt; an additional prompt is in the chapter on the essay. Given that the SAT retired its essay, the ACT essay is increasingly becoming truly optional. The only reason I would suggest taking it would be if your school makes you on a school test day.3) Chapters that review the basic content of each section and have some example questions-- and give an overview of the test. Note this material is also awkwardly built into the online access and you'll be auto-fed this not so helpful information first -- so be very careful not to waste a bunch of time on it.Though this might seem to be a great resource, advice from the test makers is rarely as good as advice from private tutors and outside voices. I’m probably biased (I’m a private tutor and develop ACT prep curriculum), but even before I wrote materials, I knew the best tips I found for my students weren’t from the test makers. Ideas like “read carefully and thoroughly," are terrible advice for some students who when doing so can’t even finish half of a section. The voice of the book feels more objective than insightful in its advice.The biggest value of this book is the real tests, not the section advice. If you want test prep advice, get another book or two from an independent tutor. Still, answer explanations may be useful for those skilled at self-assessment to make progress.ALSO: Many of the “real” examples from these topic-based chapters are part of fully released exams from prior years, such as 61C (the packet released free of charge in 2008-2009). As a result, the example material is not a huge boon for students, but actual a bit of a "spoiler" for anyone who digs up these old, free, released pdf tests online and wants to use them to practice full exams. Again these are harder to find because ACT cracked down on file posting/sharing (note they used to allow these as free downloads on their site).4) General information about the test that details registering, planning and packing for test day.Can you get most of this for free from the ACT website? Yep!BOTTOM LINE:Why I'm not giving this 5 stars --The online portal test numbering is confusing as it was last year, wasting students’ time as they try to find the three online practice tests they haven’t seen yet (3, 4, and 9). Many students who don't have the oversight of a tutor or teacher may waste time given how the book and in particular the online resources are designed. Overall, these 6-9 exams are valuable resources in your ACT prep, though.

This ACT prep book is absolutely fantastic and worth every penny! It’s clear, comprehensive, and packed with everything you need to succeed on test day.First, the content is extremely well-organized. It covers all the sections—Math, Reading, and Writing—in depth, with clear explanations and step-by-step problem-solving techniques. The tips and strategies provided are practical and easy to apply, especially for tricky questions.The practice questions are a huge highlight. They closely resemble the actual ACT format, which really helped build confidence. Plus, there are multiple full-length practice tests, complete with detailed answer explanations that make it easy to learn from mistakes.Another great aspect is the layout and design. The book is user-friendly, with a clean format that makes studying less overwhelming. It’s also packed with extra tools like time-management strategies, pacing guides, and tips for test-day success.This book truly caters to all skill levels. Whether you’re starting from scratch or aiming to boost an already high score, the resources in this guide will meet you where you are.Overall, this is a must-have for anyone preparing for the ACT. It’s thorough, effective, and provides everything you need to walk into test day feeling prepared and confident. Highly recommend!

Got this book for my daughter who will be taking her first official ACT test. She’s really enjoying the format and finds it easy to follow. Keeping it on hand for my youngest daughter who is just starting ACT prep in her freshman year.

Buyer, beware and Wiley Customer Service, take note: I will start by stating this book - The Official ACT Prep Guide 20214-2025 - is fine for the purposes of taking practices tests created by ACT and being able to get explanations of answers. HOWEVER, this book specifically promises a host of additional resources, including 3 additional online practice tests, a "customizable online test bank," and 400+ digital flashcards, which are accessed with a PIN code inside the book. In fact, the code does NOT work, and I have now discovered that this problem is not unusual. FURTHERMORE, the book also markets a mobile app, https://www.Wiley.com/go/mobileapp/ that does NOT exist. It is well known that SAT offers a great deal of official collateral support, including a partnership with Kahn Academy, so one would think that Wiley/ACT would make some attempt to offer similar study materials. For whatever reason, my daughter prefers the ACT, but I believe the lack of support is a huge, huge disadvantage to test takers, especially those who want and/or NEED to prep independently. The fact that the book's cover actually states: "Study anywhere with official ACT content online!", then provides a non-working PIN, non-existent mobile app and zero customer service is an incredible breach of marketing. Anyone who buys this book expects it to unlock additional ACT prep resources; if they can't be accessed, especially because they do not actually exist, purchasers deserve refunds. Bottom line, you might be satisfied with this book's general advice and 6 practice tests, but if you are counting on the additional value of online resources that are enumerated on the front and back covers plus inside the book itself, you're likely to be disappointed.

Exactly as advertised. Great product. My son found a lot of value with the multiple practice tests and answers with explanations.