This is the third entry in our blog series about preparing for the SAT and ACT tests. Today we’re reviewing books that help students prepare for the ACT test.

McGraw-Hill’s ACT 2010 Edition
$13.57 from Amazon.com

We recommend this book for students who have test-taking anxiety, and who will therefore benefit from taking practice tests that simulate the real thing.

• The guide includes a comprehensive explanation and introduction to ACT test, as well as strategies for achieving your best score.
• This is designed for students who begin studying well ahead of taking the test (at least 8 weeks); however, it can also be used with less review time.
• The book includes 5 practice tests plus 1 online test (full practice tests include test answers and explanations).
• The book is divided into chapters for each section of the test (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing) including general strategies and techniques, review of basic information, skills exercises, practice questions, and answers and explanations.
• The book also has 3 appendices, which address tips for the college selection and application process, grammar and punctuation rules, and an ACT vocabulary list.

The Princeton Review Cracking the ACT, 2009 Edition
With DVD, $21.09 from Amazon.com

We recommend this for students who prefer working online.

• The guide begins with test taking strategies – using a method they term “triage”, guessing and POE (Process of Elimination).
• Included are chapters on each test section which discuss strategies and give clues for how to improve your score; review basic rules, operations and vocabulary; and contain drill exercises.
• The book explains and recommends using a 4-step process on the reading section.
• Included are 2 practice tests plus 1 online test (full practice tests including test answers and explanations).
• Using the serial number of the book, you may register on their website to gain access to many additional online tools.

How to Survive the SAT [and ACT]
$10.17 from Amazon.com

This is a practical book that is recommended for students and families who are unfamiliar with the SAT/ACT and other facets connected with the tests. This is not a test preparation guide, but may be more informational for parents new to the college entrance process.

• Includes a compilation of stories, tips, and advice from hundreds of students who scored high and got into their top-choice colleges.
• The book addresses each section of the test, how to prepare, how much to study, when to begin studying.
• It also explains the differences in the SAT & ACT.
• Included are tips for last-minute preparations and test-taking day, as well as how many times you should take the test.

For more information about the ACT test, see the test’s official website: http://www.act.org/

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 9:20 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.