When you’re a homeschooler preparing for the ACT, finding the right resources can make all the difference in your success. The ACT is an essential step in getting into college, and as a homeschool student, you might have unique study habits or schedules that require different resources compared to traditional students. Whether you’re looking for practice questions, content reviews, or test strategies, there are plenty of excellent books out there to help you succeed. Let’s dive into the best ACT prep books for homeschoolers to help you achieve your target score.
1. The Official ACT Prep Guide (2023-2024 Edition)
If you’re looking for the most authentic practice questions, “The Official ACT Prep Guide” is the go-to resource. As the only book directly from the makers of the ACT, it offers real past tests, which gives you the most accurate representation of what you’ll face on test day. With several full-length practice tests included, you’ll get an excellent understanding of the format, difficulty level, and the types of questions that ACT asks.
As a homeschooler, you might also appreciate the book’s structure, which allows you to take full-length practice exams or focus on a specific subject if you prefer. Each section is broken down to help you sharpen skills in Math, Reading, English, and Science. Plus, the explanations provided for the answers will help you better understand what you did wrong and how you can improve next time.
Available on Amazon: This book has thousands of ratings and maintains a high average score, so you can rest assured it’s a trusted resource by many students.
2. Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus 2023
Kaplan’s “ACT Prep Plus” is another excellent option for homeschool students who need comprehensive guidance. This book features five full-length practice tests—one in the book and four online—so you’ll have no shortage of questions to practice with. It also includes thorough answer explanations, so you can review your mistakes and learn the right approach to solving similar questions.
One of the great things about this book is that it also provides strategic tips on how to tackle each section of the ACT. This is perfect for homeschoolers who are more comfortable studying at their own pace. Kaplan also offers online quizzes, video tutorials, and other online resources that complement the book well.
Available on Amazon: The high ratings and numerous reviews show that this prep book is effective and useful for students nationwide.
3. Princeton Review’s ACT Premium Prep 2023
Princeton Review’s “ACT Premium Prep” is another resource that you can add to your study plan if you prefer to have as much practice as possible. This book includes eight full-length practice tests—more than most other ACT books—which is ideal if you want to have plenty of practice options available.
Beyond practice questions, this book offers useful strategies for each section of the ACT. As a homeschooler, you’ll find it especially helpful because you can use the pacing suggestions to time yourself effectively during practice tests. The book also has drills and detailed content reviews that cover everything from grammar rules to algebra concepts, ensuring that you’re prepared no matter what appears on the exam.
Available on Amazon: This book has earned high ratings for its depth of content, making it a great choice for homeschool students looking for a premium study tool.
4. Barron’s ACT Study Guide Premium, 2023-2024
If you’re looking for a book that’s particularly user-friendly for self-studiers, Barron’s “ACT Study Guide Premium” is a great pick. It features six full-length practice tests—two in the book and four online—along with a diagnostic test to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses from the start.
Homeschoolers often benefit from having structured, yet flexible study resources, and Barron’s guide includes detailed answer explanations to help you fully understand the material. The tips and strategies offered by Barron’s are designed to help you feel confident as you take the exam, giving you insights into question patterns and test-taking tactics.
Available on Amazon: With many positive reviews and high ratings, this book is a great addition to your study plan and can help ensure you’re ready for the ACT.
5. ACT for Dummies, with Online Practice
For a more laid-back yet effective approach to studying, “ACT for Dummies” is worth considering. This book is known for its easy-to-read, conversational style that makes studying less stressful and more approachable—perfect for homeschoolers who might feel overwhelmed by more formal study materials.
“ACT for Dummies” provides a mix of practice questions, test-taking strategies, and online content. The included online practice is especially useful for self-study, as it allows you to familiarize yourself with the digital format of the ACT, which is increasingly being adopted. It’s also a great book if you feel like you need to go back to basics, as it breaks down concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language.
Available on Amazon: Many students and parents recommend this book for its simplicity and user-friendliness, and it’s a popular option among homeschool families.
6. Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of ACT Practice Problems
If you’re someone who learns best through practice, practice, and more practice, “Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of ACT Practice Problems” is an ideal resource for you. This book contains a massive number of practice problems—perfect for homeschoolers who want to drill themselves until they feel fully prepared.
This book is divided into sections that cover every topic you’ll encounter on the ACT, including English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each chapter includes drills and explanations that help reinforce the core concepts. As a homeschooler, you can use this book to complement other ACT prep guides and ensure that you’re getting enough practice to master each topic.
Available on Amazon: With its consistently high ratings, this book is a top pick for students who need a lot of practice.
7. The Ultimate Guide to the Math ACT by Richard F. Corn
For many students, Math is one of the most challenging sections of the ACT. “The Ultimate Guide to the Math ACT” by Richard F. Corn focuses entirely on the Math section and provides targeted guidance for those who need extra help. As a homeschooler, you might appreciate the in-depth explanations and the progressive difficulty of the problems, which help build a solid understanding of the math concepts needed for the test.
This book is also known for its clear explanations and step-by-step approach. It breaks down every type of math problem you’ll see on the ACT, from algebra and geometry to trigonometry. You’ll also learn time-saving techniques that can make a big difference on test day.
Available on Amazon: With hundreds of positive reviews, it’s an excellent resource if you’re looking to improve your Math score.
8. ACT Reading Practice by Khalid Khashoggi
If Reading is the section you struggle with most, then “ACT Reading Practice” by Khalid Khashoggi is a must-have. This book focuses specifically on improving your reading comprehension and timing, which is a big challenge for many homeschoolers.
The book provides numerous practice passages and drills, along with answer explanations to help you grasp where you’re going wrong. It also includes tips for skimming and scanning, which can help you save valuable time on the exam.
Available on Amazon: This book is highly rated for its focus and detailed practice, making it a solid addition to your ACT prep collection.
How to Choose the Best ACT Prep Book for You
Choosing the right ACT prep book depends on your individual learning style and what areas of the exam you need the most help with. As a homeschooler, consider the following factors when making your choice:
- Content Coverage: If you need a thorough review of every ACT section, choose a comprehensive guide like “Kaplan’s ACT Prep Plus” or “Princeton Review’s ACT Premium Prep.”
- Practice Questions: If you believe practice is the key to success, a book like “Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of ACT Practice Problems” will serve you well.
- Specific Weak Areas: If you struggle with a particular section, opt for a specialized guide like “The Ultimate Guide to the Math ACT” or “ACT Reading Practice.”
- Online Resources: Many of these books come with online resources like video tutorials or additional practice tests. Make use of these to enhance your study experience.
Additional Tips for Homeschoolers Studying for the ACT
- Create a Schedule: One of the best aspects of homeschooling is the flexibility it provides, but that also means you need to be disciplined in creating a study schedule. Use your chosen prep books to map out what you’ll study each week, and stick to that plan.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Take full-length practice tests under real exam conditions—timed, quiet, and without interruptions. This will help you build the stamina needed for test day.
- Track Your Progress: As you go through different ACT prep books, make note of your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your efforts on improving areas that need the most work.
- Mix It Up: Don’t rely on just one book. Mix different prep books to get a variety of practice questions and approaches. This will help you be better prepared for any type of question the ACT might throw at you.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the ACT as a homeschooler may seem daunting at first, but with the right prep books and study strategies, you can feel confident on test day. The key is to find the resources that suit your learning style and needs. Whether it’s taking endless practice tests, honing in on one particular section, or using a comprehensive guide that covers everything, there’s a book on this list that can help you achieve your ACT goals. So, take the next step, pick the book that feels right, and get started on your path to success!
Best of luck with your ACT prep—you’ve got this!