13 Free ACT Practice Tests for US Students
Picture this: It’s late October, your inbox is overflowing with college application deadlines, and the pressure of the ACT is weighing on your mind. You’re not alone. Millions of students across the country are facing the same anxieties, hoping to impress admissions committees with their academic achievements.
Did you know more than 1.34 million students took the ACT in 2022, each with their dreams and aspirations hoping to prove their English, math, reading, and science readiness?
Here’s the deal: Schools use the ACT to assess your academic skills. And let’s be honest, a good ACT score (think 75th percentile and above) can seriously boost your chances of securing a spot at that top-tier college.
But wait, there’s good news! You don’t have to go into this blindfolded. Tons of free ACT practice tests with answers and explanations are floating around the internet, just waiting to be your study buddies.
We’ve compiled a treasure trove of 19 high-quality, free practice tests to help you ace the ACT. Plus, we’ve got some insider tips on how to make the most of them. So, ditch the stress, grab your practice pencils, and let’s get ready to rock this test!
13 Free ACT Practice Tests
Discover 13 free ACT practice tests to see if you are ready for the ACT test. Students should practice different ACT practice questions to pinpoint their weaknesses and strengths on the ACT test.
ACT Inc.
The ACT has your back when it comes to acing their test. They offer free official practice tests, so you can get a feel for the real deal before the big day. Plus, they’ve got tons of info on test dates, study materials, and even fees (gotta know how much to save!).
Just sign up with your name, email, and where you’re from, and boom, practice time!
Now, a heads-up: they sometimes recycle the same practice test for a couple of years in a row. So, if you see, say, the 2020–2021 test, it’s the same as the 2019–2020 and 2018–2019 ones.
Ivy Global
Ivy Global’s got your back when it comes to ACT practice! They offer a free PDF of a practice test that’s the ACT’s twin in both looks and questions. Not only that, but they break down every answer so you can see where you tripped up and ace it next time.
Kaplan
Kaplan’s got you covered with a free half-length practice test! It gives you a taste of the types of questions and how everything flows. Plus, it’s not just about the test itself; you’ll get your score, see your strengths and weaknesses, and even get explanations for each answer.
But wait, there’s more! Kaplan also throws out free pop quizzes and daily ACT questions to keep your brain sharp and your test anxiety at bay. All you need is a free account, and you’re good to go.
3. ACT Half-Length Practice Test
Mometrix
Want to test your ACT skills without spending a dime? Mometrix has your back with a free online practice test. It’s just a short 15-question sprint, but it’ll give you a taste of what the real ACT throws your way.
Mometrix has got you covered with individual practice tests for each subject, too. They’re great for brushing up on your weak spots.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review’s got you covered with a free online practice test! It’s the perfect way to see where you stand and what kind of score you might aim for. Plus, if you’re looking for a boost, they’ve got tutoring, study guides, and even a self-paced program you can try for free for 14 days.
The best part? After you crush that practice test, you’ll get a detailed score report that spills the beans on your strengths and weaknesses.
Union Test Prep
Union Test Prep’s got your back with a free account that’s packed with 235 practice questions across English, math, reading, and science.
Bonus study materials: Free flashcards and study guides for all ACT subjects, ready to fuel your brainpower.
Study Squad Central: A discussion board where you can mingle with fellow test-takers, ask questions, and swap study tips.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors offer separate practice tests for each subject, so you can ace one at a time. Plus, you get super-detailed score breakdowns that show you where you’re rocking it and where you need to brush up.
And it gets even better: check out their free ACT diagnostic tests. Just create a free account to unlock bonus features such as flashcards and score tracking.
Feel free to connect with our Yocket Counsellors to learn more about free ACT preparation resources and beyond!
From the Desk of Yocket
ACT practice tests, like any tool, can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they offer invaluable insights into the beast that is the actual ACT. They paint a clear picture of the test’s format, content, and the dreaded time crunch. These practice runs can highlight your strengths, expose your weaknesses, and ultimately guide your preparation.
But here’s the flip side: practice tests can be harsh reality checks. Seeing a score lower than your dreams can be disheartening, even demotivating. It’s easy to fall into the trap of fixating on negatives, forgetting that practice, by its very nature, involves stumbles and missteps. Remember, these tests are there to challenge you, not crush you.
The key is to approach them with the right mindset. Treat them as training sessions, not final exams. Embrace the opportunity to experiment with strategies, identify gaps in your knowledge, and fine-tune your approach. Don’t get hung up on a single score; track your progress over time, celebrate small victories, and learn from every mistake. Treat practice tests as valuable intel, not do-or-die moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are ACT practice tests?
ACT practice tests are simulated versions of the actual ACT exam. They are designed to help you familiarize yourself with the test format, content, and timing and to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Taking practice tests is an essential part of preparing for the ACT, as it can help you improve your score significantly.
2. How often should I take ACT practice tests?
The frequency with which you should take ACT practice tests will vary depending on your individual needs and goals. However, it is generally recommended that you take at least two practice tests per month in the months leading up to your ACT test date.
3. What should I do after I take an ACT practice test?
After you take an ACT practice test, it is important to review your results carefully. Pay attention to the areas where you made mistakes, and try to identify the patterns in your errors. Once you have identified your weaknesses, you can focus on studying those areas in more depth.