The 5 Best ACT Prep Crash Courses: Which One Is Right for You?

Your ACT is coming up soon. How can you prepare for it?

Whether you have a few weeks or just a few days, the right ACT course can make a real difference in your score, but if you choose wisely.

This guide covers the best online ACT crash courses available in 2026. We compare the top live, instructor-led options from PrepScholar, The Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Prep Expert and break down exactly what you get, how much you pay, and which program is the right fit for your timeline, score goal, and budget.

We also address one of the biggest questions facing ACT test-takers right now: should you prep for the optional Science section? The Enhanced ACT, which rolled out fully in 2025–2026, made Science optional for the first time in the test's history, and different prep programs have handled that change in very different ways.

Quick Answer: What's the Best ACT Crash Course?

For most students, PrepScholar's ACT Classes are the best overall ACT crash course because they combine:

• A complete review of the Enhanced ACT syllabus in just 9 hours
• Flexible Science section coverage: students choose whether to include it based on their college targets
• Live online instruction with self-paced online coursework
• Small class sizes (9 students or less)
• Two course levels: Essentials and Advanced
• Adaptive personalized online practice between sessions
• Significantly lower pricing than many major competitors

For students who only have limited time before test day, PrepScholar's ACT classes are the best way to get your highest score.

Understanding the Enhanced ACT: What Changed in 2025–2026

Before evaluating any ACT crash course, it's important to understand what you're actually preparing for. The ACT underwent its most significant overhaul in years with the rollout of the Enhanced ACT.

The major changes include:

Fewer questions and more time per question. The Enhanced ACT dropped from 215 to 171 total questions (with Science) or 131 total questions (without Science). Students also have more time to answer each question.

Shorter test. Without Science, the core test (English, Math, and Reading) now takes roughly 2 hours and 5 minutes of testing time, down from 175 minutes previously.

Science is now optional. This is the headline change. Science is no longer part of the required test or the composite score. Students who choose to take Science (for an additional fee), sit for an extra 40-minute section after Reading. That score is reported separately on a 1–36 scale and contributes to a STEM score, but does not affect the composite. Students who skip Science leave after Reading.

Structural changes throughout. The English and Reading sections now feature shorter passages. English includes an argumentative essay element. Math reduced answer choices from five to four and trimmed question word counts. The experimental "5th test" section has been eliminated, and unscored questions are now interspersed throughout each section.

Should You Take the Optional Science Section?

The honest answer is: it depends. For students applying to STEM programs, or for schools that still require or recommend a Science score, taking the Science section makes sense. Science can demonstrate quantitative reasoning in a way the core three sections don't. For students whose target schools don't factor in Science and who want a shorter, lower-fatigue test, skipping is a perfectly valid choice.

What this means for crash ACT prep: the best programs give students clear guidance on this decision and let them customize their prep accordingly, either by focusing entirely on the core three sections or adding Science coverage if needed.

What Makes a Good ACT Crash Course?

Not all ACT prep courses are ideal for students short on time. A program that works well for someone with six months to prepare doesn't necessarily work well for someone with a few weeks.

When evaluating crash courses, the most important factors are:

Speed and coverage. The best crash courses cover the entire Enhanced ACT core syllabus efficiently by focusing on the most effective strategies and content in as few hours as possible.

Live instruction. Live instruction is key for ACT crash prep because books and pre-recorded videos aren't tailored enough to get results quickly. Effective crash courses have live instructors who can answer questions in real time, explain concepts in different ways, and adapt to the needs of the students in the room.

Personalized practice between sessions. Live instruction is key, but class time alone isn't enough. The best programs give students structured, targeted homework between sessions so they're applying what they learn.

Updated content for the Enhanced ACT. This matters more right now than it has in years. Programs that haven't rebuilt their content for the new format are teaching to a test that no longer exists. Ask directly: has this program's content been updated for the Enhanced ACT?

Flexible Science section treatment. The best crash courses don't force every student through Science prep. They let students opt in or out based on their college targets because, for some students, that time is better spent drilling English or Math.

Focus on ACT-specific skills. The ACT isn't just a test of academic knowledge. Students also need to learn:

• Timing strategies for the new question counts and section lengths
• Common ACT question traps (which differ meaningfully from SAT traps)
• Efficient problem-solving techniques for Math's new four-answer format
• Navigation and pacing for the optional digital testing format

Score improvement tools and guarantees. Any program worth your money should have a meaningful score guarantee. This is especially important in crash prep, when you may not have another shot at taking the ACT.

Small group sizes. In a large class, it's easy to fall behind and hard to get your questions answered. The best crash courses keep groups small.

Using these criteria, we evaluated the four leading live ACT prep programs available online in 2026.

The Best ACT Crash Courses at a Glance

PrepScholar Live Instructor-Led ACT Classes: Our Top Pick

• Price: $895 (9 hours of live instruction) / $1,695 (36+ hours for Unlimited)
• Live instruction: 9 hours across 6 sessions or 36+ hours
• Group size: Up to 9 students
• Timeline: 2–3 weeks per 9-hour course (classes twice a week, 90 minutes each)
• Score guarantee: 4-point improvement

Best For:

• Students with 2-8 weeks to prepare for the ACT
• Students who want the most efficient way to reach their highest ACT score
• Students who want the most personalized ACT lesson experience
• Students who want good value for their money

PrepScholar's Instructor-Led ACT Classes stand apart from every other program on this list because they're the only program that covers the full Enhanced ACT core curriculum in just 9 hours of live class time while simultaneously equipping students with 60+ additional hours of personalized, adaptive self-paced practice.

How PrepScholar Handled the Enhanced ACT Overhaul

PrepScholar's ACT prep program has been fully rebuilt from the ground up for the Enhanced ACT, not simply patched. That means 54 refreshed skill lessons aligned to the skills tested on the new format, new strategy content for the revised English and Math structures, and updated timing strategies calibrated to the new question counts and section lengths.

Other programs have updated their materials in varying degrees, but PrepScholar's rebuild is notable for its depth. The adaptive homework platform has also been updated to reflect the new skill distribution across English, Math, and Reading so the practice students receive between sessions matches what they'll actually face on the Enhanced ACT.

PrepScholar's Approach to the Optional Science Section

This is one of PrepScholar's biggest differentiators. Because the Enhanced ACT made Science optional and excluded it from the composite, PrepScholar lets students choose whether to include Science prep in their program. Students who aren't planning to take Science can skip Science prep entirely and focus all their practice time on English, Math, and Reading. Students who do plan to take Science can opt into Science content within the self-paced platform.

This flexibility matters in crash prep. If you have three weeks before your ACT and no target school requires a Science score, spending any of that time on Science prep is a poor use of limited hours. PrepScholar is the only program on this list that fully puts the choice of whether or not to include Science in their prep fully in students' hands.

PrepScholar's Structure for Last-Minute ACT Prep

PrepScholar's 9-hour courses are structured as six 90-minute sessions held twice a week over two to three weeks. Each session builds on the previous one, working through the full Enhanced ACT core syllabus: English grammar and rhetoric, Reading comprehension strategies, Math foundations, algebra, and test-day tactics in a logical sequence that maximizes learning in minimum time.

This structure means that a student who signs up three weeks before their ACT can complete the full 9-hour course, do meaningful practice between sessions, and walk into test day having covered the entire core test. No other live course offers this combination of speed and full-syllabus coverage.

Before the first class session, students complete PrepScholar's smart diagnostic test, which evaluates their skill level across all 54 Enhanced ACT skill areas. That data then automatically personalizes the homework assigned between class sessions so that every student is focusing on their own specific weak points rather than working through generic exercises.

Between live classes, students work inside PrepScholar's Complete Online ACT Prep program, which is included in full with every class package. This program contains 2,800+ practice questions, 54 skill lessons, 4 official ACT practice tests, and 60 hours of prep content. Students receive a personalized weekly study plan that updates automatically as they make progress.

Small Classes

PrepScholar classes are also capped at small sizes (up to nine students). This allows for much more interaction than large lecture-style ACT classes. Although it's not officially reported on competitor websites, students who have taken classes with competitors state that their classes can have 30 or even 50 students in them.

PrepScholar also offers two levels of ACT classes which further personalizes the experience:

ACT Essentials: Designed for students currently scoring around a 25 and looking to grow their score with focused strategies.

Advanced ACT Topics: For students currently scoring a 30 or higher on the ACT and who are aiming for top schools and want to maximize their ACT score.

99th Percentile Instructors

Every PrepScholar instructor has scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT and graduated from an Ivy League or Top 20 college. They're top scorers and educators who know how to break down hard concepts, teach ACT strategies, and answer student questions clearly.

PrepScholar's 4-Point Guarantee

Every PrepScholar ACT program comes with a 4-point composite score improvement guarantee. If you complete the program requirements and don't improve by at least 4 composite points, you get a full refund.

Bottom Line

PrepScholar is our top pick for students who want to complete a full Enhanced ACT review in the shortest possible time, for students at any level who want a course matched to their starting score, and for students who want the most practice and instruction at a reasonable price.

For students seeking a last-minute ACT review that balances efficiency, personalization, and value, PrepScholar is the strongest overall option.

The Princeton Review ACT 31+ Course

• Price: $2,199
• Live instruction: 36+ hours
• Timeline: Multi-week
• Score guarantee: Higher score

Best For:

• Students targeting a 31+ ACT score
• Students who want extensive instructor interaction
• Students who prefer a traditional classroom-style experience

Princeton Review has long been one of the biggest names in standardized test prep, and its ACT 31+ Course is designed for students pursuing top ACT scores. The program includes more than 36 hours of live instruction, additional practice materials, and access to on-demand academic support.

As the ACT has evolved, Princeton Review has updated its curriculum to reflect the enhanced exam format, including the shorter test structure and revised pacing requirements. Students planning to take the optional Science section can still prepare for it through the course, while students skipping Science will primarily focus on English, Reading, and Math performance.

Princeton Review's Strengths

Compared to crash courses that focus on fast score gains in a short period, Princeton Review takes a more in-depth route. Students spend dozens of hours in live instruction, focusing on ACT concepts, strategies, and practice under instructor guidance.

For some students, that level of structure is a great benefit. The program is especially well-suited to students who prefer scheduled lessons and frequent instructor contact rather than independent study.

The ACT 31+ guarantee may also be attractive to students who already have a strong baseline score and a specific target in mind. Princeton Review's brand recognition and long history in test prep provide additional reassurance for families who prefer established educational companies.

How Princeton Review Handled the Science Section Change

Princeton Review has added optional "Science Advantage" sessions to its Enhanced ACT courses. These are six separate supplemental sessions specifically for students who plan to take the optional Science section. Students who aren't planning to take Science can skip these sessions.

This add-on approach is a reasonable solution, but it's worth noting that Science guidance is structured as a bolt-on rather than seamlessly integrated into the course experience. Students who are undecided about whether to take Science may find the modular approach less intuitive than PrepScholar's platform-level flexibility.

Princeton Review's Drawbacks

The same feature that appeals to some students—Princeton Review's extensive classroom schedule—can be a drawback for others.

Students searching specifically for an ACT crash course are often working with a tight timeline. Committing to more than 36 hours of live instruction can be difficult when balancing school, extracurricular activities, and college applications. For many students, a shorter program paired with targeted practice may offer a more efficient use of limited study time.

Princeton Review's course also follows a single curriculum path for all students. Someone trying to raise an ACT score from 21 to 25 has different needs than a student aiming to move from 31 to 34, yet both are funneled through the same general structure.

Cost is another consideration. At roughly $2,199, Princeton Review is the most expensive program featured in this guide. Families should weigh whether the additional classroom hours justify the premium price, particularly when less expensive alternatives provide comparable score guarantees and significantly more personalized practice.

Bottom Line

Princeton Review delivers a polished, well-established ACT prep experience backed by decades of experience and a strong reputation. Students who want a traditional, instructor-heavy program may appreciate the depth of instruction.

However, students looking for a streamlined ACT crash course may find that the program requires more time, more money, and more classroom commitment than is necessary to achieve their target score.

Kaplan ACT Live Online

• Price: $649
• Live instruction: 18 hours
• Timeline: Multi-week
• Score guarantee: Not specified

Best For

• Students who want the cheapest ACT crash course
• Students who only need a modest score improvement

Kaplan's Strengths

Kaplan has been preparing students for standardized tests for decades, and its ACT Live Online course remains one of the most budget-friendly live instruction programs from a major test prep company. Students receive 18 hours of online instruction, a collection of practice materials, full-length ACT practice tests, and access to on-demand video lessons.

Kaplan's program follows a fairly standard model: attend scheduled live classes, complete assigned practice work, and review concepts through supplemental materials. For students who want a recognizable brand and a predictable study experience, that simplicity can be appealing.

The lower price point is also one of Kaplan's biggest advantages.

How Kaplan Handled the Science Section Change

Kaplan continues to include Science in its core ACT course content, treating it as a standard test section alongside English, Math, and Reading. For students who plan to take Science, this means it's covered in the course. For students who don't plan to take Science, Kaplan doesn't currently offer a way to skip the Science content, which means you may end up spending valuable prep time on material you won't be tested on when you take the ACT.

Kaplan's Drawbacks

While Kaplan's lower price is appealing, it comes with tradeoffs.

The course includes 18 hours of live instruction, which is considerably less than some competing programs. Students who want a lot of instructor support may find themselves wanting more classroom time than the standard package provides.

Class size is another consideration. Third-party reviews frequently report classes that are significantly larger than the small-group formats offered by some competitors. In larger classes, students naturally have fewer opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, and receive individualized feedback.

The program also uses a single curriculum path for all students. Whether a student is trying to move from a 19 to a 24 or from a 31 to a 34, the overall course structure remains largely the same.

Bottom Line

Kaplan provides a conventional ACT prep experience at a lower price point, but students who want the fastest path to score improvement, or who want to customize their prep around the optional Science section, may prefer programs that offer more targeted practice, smaller class sizes, and greater flexibility.

Prep Expert 6-Week Flagship ACT Course

• Price: $1196
• Live instruction: 36 hours (3-hour sessions, twice a week for 6 weeks)
• Timeline: 6 weeks
• Score guarantee: 4-point improvement or full refund (full completion required)

Best For:

• Students who enjoy learning test-taking strategies
• Students with at least six weeks before their ACT
• Students willing to commit significant time to live classes each week

Prep Expert takes a very different approach from many ACT crash courses. Rather than focusing primarily on efficiency and targeted review, the company emphasizes comprehensive strategy instruction delivered through an extended live-class format.

Students in the Flagship ACT Course attend two live online sessions each week for six weeks, with each session lasting three hours. By the end of the program, students have completed 36 hours of instruction, along with homework assignments, practice exams, and supplemental coursework. Enrollment also includes access to Prep Expert's self-paced video lessons and class recordings for up to 60 days after the course concludes.

Prep Expert's Strengths

Prep Expert has built much of its reputation around teaching test-specific techniques designed to help students approach ACT questions more effectively. Students who enjoy learning systems, shortcuts, and structured approaches to standardized testing may find the curriculum appealing.

The program also has a 4-point improvement guarantee.

How Prep Expert Handled the Science Section Change

Prep Expert's 6-Week ACT course continues to include Science as part of its core curriculum, covering it alongside English, Math, and Reading across the six-week structure. Like Kaplan, Prep Expert does not currently offer a customizable option to remove Science for students who don't plan to take the optional section. Students who already know they'll skip Science will spend some of their 36 live hours on content they won't be tested on. For a crash course buyer, that's worth weighing carefully.

Key Limitations to Consider

Prep Expert's biggest strength is also its biggest limitation: the six-week commitment.

Students looking for a true crash course are often trying to maximize results in a short period of time. A program that stretches across six weeks may simply not fit their timeline. Students registering for an upcoming ACT administration may struggle to complete the full course before test day.

The course also requires a substantial weekly time commitment. Spending six hours each week in live class sessions can be difficult for students who are already balancing demanding coursework, extracurricular activities, jobs, athletics, or college applications.

Another consideration is personalization. Prep Expert's flagship course follows a single curriculum rather than offering separate tracks for different score ranges. As a result, students with very different starting points receive largely the same instruction. And, as we mentioned earlier, all Prep Expert classes include Science instruction, even if you're not taking that section.

Some reviewers have also reported challenges navigating the company's refund process, which is worth researching carefully before enrolling.

Bottom Line

Prep Expert offers an intensive, strategy-focused ACT prep experience that may appeal to students who prefer structured instruction and have enough time to complete the full six-week program.

Students seeking a faster crash course, a more flexible schedule, or preparation tailored around the optional Science section may find that other programs give them an easier and more efficient path to improvement.

How to Choose the Right ACT Crash Course for You

Choose PrepScholar Live ACT Classes If:

• You have 2–3 weeks before your ACT and need to cover the full Enhanced ACT core syllabus fast
• You want a course matched to your current score level (Essentials or Advanced)
• You want the flexibility to opt out of Science prep if your target schools don't require it
• You prefer small class sizes
• You want a 4-point score improvement guarantee
• You want to try before you commit: PrepScholar's first-class-free trial means zero risk

Choose Princeton Review ACT 31+ If:

• You have a current score in the mid-to-high 20s and a specific target of 31 or above
• You want a recognized national brand with decades of test prep history
• You have a larger budget
• You plan to take the Science section and want dedicated Science Advantage sessions built into the course
• Time is less of a constraint and you can commit to the full multi-week course schedule

Choose Kaplan ACT Live Online If:

• Budget is your primary concern
• You're comfortable with larger class sizes and a more standardized, one-size-fits-all curriculum
• You plan to take the Science section and want it covered as part of the core course
• You plan to supplement with additional practice materials outside of the course

Choose Prep Expert 6-Week ACT If:

• You have a full 6 weeks before your ACT and can commit to two 3-hour sessions every week
• You want high-volume live instruction over an extended period
• You want a course with a strategy-heavy approach and are planning to take Science

Final Verdict: Which ACT Crash Course Is Best?

The enhanced ACT has changed what students should look for in a crash course.

In the past, the primary question was often how many hours of instruction a program provided. Today, a more important question is whether a course helps students focus on the parts of the ACT that matter most to them. With a shorter exam, new pacing considerations, and an optional Science section, personalization matters more than ever.

That's where PrepScholar separates itself from the competition.

While many ACT prep providers have updated their materials for the enhanced test, most still deliver essentially the same experience to every student. PrepScholar combines live instruction with adaptive practice that identifies each student's strengths and weaknesses, allowing study time to be spent where it can have the greatest impact.

The difference becomes especially noticeable when it comes to Science. Some students will benefit from preparing for the optional section. Others won't need it at all. PrepScholar is the only program in this guide that meaningfully adapts to those different goals rather than assuming every student should follow the same path.

PrepScholar is also the most efficient of all the ACT crash course competitors. Instead of requiring students to spend dozens of hours sitting in class, it focuses on helping them quickly master key concepts and then apply those concepts through targeted practice.

For students looking for:

• A course built specifically for the enhanced ACT
• Personalized preparation instead of a one-size-fits-all curriculum
• Flexible Science section support
• Small-group live instruction
• Strong value for the cost
• A realistic option for last-minute preparation

PrepScholar ACT Classes are the best overall ACT crash course for most students in 2026.

How to Make the Most of Your ACT Prep Class: 4 Tips

So you’ve picked an ACT prep class to enroll in. Great! But before you start, think deeply about the following tips, which will ensure that you get the most out of your ACT class.

#1: Stay Focused and Committed

One key factor that will determine whether your ACT class is worth its price is how committed you are to the course and to doing well on the exam.

As you know, ACT prep classes can cost a decent sum of money, so even if you’re not that into the particular class you’ve chosen, you should still try to make an effort to attend all sessions and keep up with any homework assignments and practice tests given to you.

If, for some reason, the schedule you initially chose doesn’t work for you anymore, then try to get in contact with the test-prep company that runs your course and see whether you can switch to a different schedule that works better for you.

#2: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

ACT classes are meant to teach you what you need to know to ace the exam, so if you’re struggling to understand a particular concept, strategy, or answer explanation, do not hesitate to ask your teacher. That’s what they’re there for after all!

Try not to feel embarrassed whenever you ask for clarification on something—even if you think the answer might be fairly straightforward. It’s not like the ACT is the easiest test in the world, and your teacher knows this.

PrepScholar's ACT classes set aside time for students to ask the teacher questions about the test.

Just remember that ultimately you’re not alone if you’re struggling with any part of your ACT prep, no matter how small or big it might be. Take advantage of the fact that you have an expert who is specifically meant to support and help you.

#3: Use Those Extra (Online) Resources

The best ACT prep classes will offer you tons of additional study materials, such as books, practice questions, and video lessons, that you can use on your own time while not in class.

Most likely, unless these resources are being used for homework assignments, you won’t actually be required to access them—but you should definitely take advantage of everything you get with your ACT prep class, especially considering the fact that you’re really not paying for just the classes but also the resources that come with them!

#4: Continue Practicing, Even After the Course

Even after the class finishes, keep making time in your own schedule to prep for the ACT. It’s best to continue using any study resources that came with your class, such as an online prep program or realistic practice questions.

For example, with PrepScholar Classes, you get one-year access to our Complete Prep ACT online program, which you can (and should!) use long after classes end. Doing this ensures that you’ll stay sharp for test day and will be able to get down any concepts or strategies you might’ve still been struggling with at the end of the course.

FAQs

What is the best ACT crash course online in 2026?

For most students, PrepScholar's Live Instructor-Led ACT Classes offer the strongest combination of efficiency, personalization, and value. Unlike many traditional prep programs that require dozens of classroom hours, PrepScholar combines a focused 9-hour live course with adaptive practice that targets each student's weaknesses. The program also offers separate class levels for different score ranges and has been fully updated for the enhanced ACT.

What changed about the ACT, and why does it matter for crash-course prep?

The ACT looks noticeably different than it did just a few years ago. The enhanced version is shorter, contains fewer questions, and treats Science as an optional section rather than part of the composite score.

For students choosing a crash course, this means older prep materials may no longer reflect the actual testing experience. The best ACT programs have updated their lessons, practice questions, and pacing strategies to match the new format rather than simply repackaging legacy content.

Do I need to prepare for the ACT Science section?

Not necessarily.

Because Science is now optional, the answer depends on your college goals and testing strategy. Some students will benefit from taking Science, particularly if their target schools recommend it or if they're pursuing STEM-related fields. Others may decide that their time is better spent maximizing their English, Math, and Reading scores.

Before making a decision, review the latest admissions policies at the colleges you're considering.

How much prep is enough if my ACT is only a few weeks away?

While students who prepare for months often get in 40 or more hours of study time, that's not realistic for everyone. If you're working with a shorter timeline, efficiency becomes more important than volume.

The most effective crash courses focus on high-impact concepts, ACT-specific strategies, and targeted practice rather than attempting to reteach every topic from scratch.

Can an ACT crash course really raise my score?

Yes.

Many students improve significantly over a relatively short period of time, especially when they focus on understanding the test's structure, pacing requirements, and common question patterns. The key is choosing a program that combines instruction with meaningful practice rather than relying solely on lectures or content review.

Is PrepScholar's ACT class a good choice for beginners?

Yes. PrepScholar offers an Essentials level designed for students who are still building their ACT skills and working toward scores in the mid-to-upper 20s. The curriculum emphasizes core concepts, foundational strategies, and the skills students need to establish a strong baseline before moving on to more advanced material.

Is PrepScholar's ACT class a good choice for high-scoring students?

Yes. Students targeting top ACT scores (30-36) can enroll in PrepScholar's Advanced ACT Topics class, which focuses on difficult question types, advanced pacing strategies, and the subtle mistakes that often prevent strong students from reaching the highest score ranges.

What's the difference between PrepScholar's $895 and $1,695 ACT class packages?

The $895 package includes one ACT class level—Essentials or Advanced—for a total of 9 hours of live instruction.

The $1,695 Unlimited package includes access to both class levels, resulting in more than 36 hours of live instruction. Both packages include access to PrepScholar's Complete Online ACT Prep platform, but the Unlimited option is designed for students who want a longer-term, more comprehensive preparation plan.

Do ACT crash courses offer score guarantees?

Most major ACT prep providers offer some form of score-improvement guarantee, although the requirements vary significantly.

• PrepScholar: 4-point composite score improvement guarantee
• Princeton Review: Higher score or money back
• Kaplan: Higher score or money back
• Prep Expert: 4-point improvement guarantee

Students should always review the fine print before enrolling, since eligibility requirements, attendance rules, and refund policies can differ substantially between providers.