--- title: "PrepScholar vs. Princeton Review ACT Prep: Which Is Better?" description: Is PrepScholar or Princeton Review better for ACT Prep? We explain the different options and pros and cons of each program. image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/body-question-mark-next-pixabay-cc0.jpg --- **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** CALL NOW: [+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546) [![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031) ## Choose Your Test SAT Prep ACT Prep [PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) ☰ - Search Blogs By Category - [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat) - [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act) - [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions) - [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap) - [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies) - [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl) - [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa) # [PrepScholar vs. Princeton Review ACT Prep: Which Is Better in 2026-2027?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/prepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep) ![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_ashley.png) Posted by [Ashley Robinson](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson) | Updated on October 21, 2026 [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act)   ![body-question-mark-next-pixabay-cc0](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body-question-mark-next-pixabay-cc0.jpg?width=403&height=284&name=body-question-mark-next-pixabay-cc0.jpg) *Last updated: October 15, 2026*   ## **Quick Answer** **PrepScholar is the better ACT prep choice for most students because it is more comprehensive and offers better value than Princeton Review.** Every PrepScholar package includes adaptive study plans, 3,000+ practice questions, and a 4+ point guarantee with no minimum starting score. Its 18-hour tutoring package costs $2,995, versus Princeton Review’s $3,150 for 18 hours.   ## **PrepScholar vs. Princeton Review Comparison Table** Below, check out our side-by-side comparison of the ACT prep services offered by PrepScholar and Princeton Review. | | **PrepScholar** | **Princeton Review** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Our Rating** | ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) | ★★★★ (4/5 stars) | | **Course Types** | • Complete Online ACT Prep • Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant • Instructor-Led Classes • 1-on-1 Tutoring | • ACT Self-Paced Course • ACT Essentials Course • ACT 31+ Course • ACT 34+ Tutoring | | **Delivery Format** | • Online self-paced • Live online | • Online self-paced • Live online • In-person | | **Lesson Style** | • Video + text • Synchronous • Asynchronous | • Video + text • Synchronous • Asynchronous | | **Tutoring Availability** | • 4, 10, 18, or 32 tutoring hours with a 99th+ percentile tutor • Live online • Flexible scheduling, accessible from anywhere | • 10 or 18 hours • Live online | | **Personalization** | Yes | Yes | | **Adaptive tech** | Yes | No | | **Diagnostic test and custom study plan** | Yes | Yes | | **Practice Question Volume and Practice Tests** | • 3,000+ practice ACT questions • Up to 4 full-length, digital practice tests | • 2,700+ practice ACT questions • Up to 5 full-length, digital practice tests | | **Score guarantees** | 4+ point score improvement guarantee (up to 34) | “Better Scores Money Back Guarantee” for some programs; eligibility varies based on starting score **ACT 31+** • Score a 31 or add 5 points to your starting score if you start under 26 • Partial refunds based on the level of score improvement under the outlined limits above **ACT 34+**• Score a 34 or add 6 points to your starting score, whichever comes first • Partial refunds based on the level of score improvement under the outlined limits above | | **Typical price range** | Mid-range to premium | Mid-range to premium | | **Best For** | Advanced students aiming for top scores and want the protection of a consistent score guarantee | Students looking for name recognition and who have the ability to pay a premium for premium services | | **Verdict** | More comprehensive and better value vs. Princeton Review | Big name but best offerings are pricey | ## **Introduction** When it comes to preparing for the ACT, you can’t beat the comprehensiveness, personalization, and quality of a professional ACT prep program. Earning top scores is crucial if you want to get into your dream college, and **working with experts is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll hit your score goals.** If you’re familiar with [PrepScholar](http://prepscholar.com/) and Princeton Review, you already know that they’re two of the leading providers of ACT prep today. But there are some significant differences between these two ACT prep programs, and **figuring out how they work is the first step to deciding which one is the right fit for *you* and your ACT score goals.** Keep reading to find out which ACT prep program comes out on top and which one has what it takes to help you achieve your ACT score goals! ## **How We Picked Our ACT Prep Winners** **We’ve spent hours researching, testing, and reviewing real student feedback on both PrepScholar and Princeton Review’s ACT program offerings** to give you a thorough comparison of what they have to offer. As a test taker, you need to know that the core features of your ACT prep program will create a prep experience that fits your needs *and* guarantees your success on the real exam. To help you find the best program for you, **we reviewed both ACT prep companies based on the following features and offerings:** - Value - Offerings and Update - Price - Score guarantee - Variety of products - Real student reviews Knowing what you’re buying before you commit is the key to choosing an ACT prep program that gets you the results you’re looking for. **Keep reading to find out which ACT prep program is the winner for the kind of student *you* are!** ## **Princeton Review vs. PrepScholar: Which Has the Best ACT Prep?** For its adaptive, personalized prep, expert 99th percentile ACT scoring tutors, and 4-point improvement guarantee, **we rank PrepScholar as the top provider of ACT prep.** ### **Overall Winner: PrepScholar** PrepScholar delivers quality experiences and consistent results that are carefully tailored to the needs and goals of each student. Built on adaptive tech, **PrepScholar’s programs provide personalized study plans in a suite of self-paced courses to one-on-one tutoring, offering customization for every student** that’s backed by one consistent score guarantee for all of its ACT prep programs. While Princeton Review provides quality ACT prep, PrepScholar’s commitment to tailoring comprehensive, cutting-edge prep to each student’s needs makes it the overall winner. ### **Best for Students Looking for Cutting-Edge Prep: PrepScholar** When the new Enhanced ACT was announced several years ago, PrepScholar didn’t just update their ACT prep programs. They revamped their entire suite, redesigning their practice questions, drills, and assessments from the ground up to bring students a prep experience that’s fully aligned with the new ACT. Students who are **seeking the most cutting-edge, comprehensive prep on the market** will be in good hands with PrepScholar’s ACT prep. ### **Best for Students Who Are Focused on ACT Science: Princeton Review** Princeton Review has recently **come out with six new live ACT Science sessions**. Since ACT Science is optional, these sessions won’t apply to all students, but for those who are eager to do well on the science section, Princeton Review’s new live lessons are an excellent resource.   [![Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points?   We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must use to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151867936175.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIT8b2WLjj22j8Bl4MhlA38NHjg3%2F6%2F%2BWs1sKJbmxpnrlLriciHYphOB6xeOp1oKFk9rGmkd%2B9mKHnaBsTmMDs31EkyMrtZuIQDkVkBq7Etvu1SniDsLtQMqtJHfAyI7ZWWl7fISGQ%2FMNOnkZkK6EMvH3Y5SnQ751nfuUSgr8fraeGbEBscH71is9m2M7%2FJDH3HbCjRynuuPpUHhrSxKeHrr7flJA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151867936175&portalId=360031)   ## **Comparing Core ACT Prep Options** Your ACT prep program should provide you with a quality, engaging experience that helps you meet your score goals. While there are several quality ACT prep programs available, they approach ACT prep in different ways, which means it’s important to understand exactly what each ACT prep program provides. To help you get a sense of what both of these ACT prep companies provide, **we’ll walk you through the core offerings of PrepScholar’s and Princeton Review’s ACT prep programs**. You’ll have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about which program is right for you! ### **PrepScholar ACT Prep Overview** PrepScholar provides four digital ACT prep options that are designed to meet every kind of learning need: Complete Online ACT Prep, Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant, Live Instructor-Led Classes, and 1-on-1 Online Tutoring. **Each of PrepScholar’s ACT prep programs includes a 4-point guarantee**, customized weekly prep plans, and 60+ hours of prep content. **PrepScholar’s Complete Online ACT Prep** is a self-paced adaptive program that includes a smart diagnostic test, more than 50 skill lessons, 3,000+ practice questions with explanations, and four official ACT exams to take as practice. This program comes with a year of full access to all included prep materials. There’s also **Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant**, which comes with everything that’s included in the Complete Online package, plus an always-available ACT expert built directly into the program. PrepScholar’s AI works like a tutor and walks students through questions to help students master skills. **PrepScholar’s Live Instructor-Led Classes** give you a minimum of 9 hours of instruction from a 99th percentile scorer in a live, online classroom over six sessions, with a seventh session on ACT Science. This program includes everything in the Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant package at no additional cost. If you want to prep for both the ACT and the SAT, the unlimited package gives you 45+ hours of live instruction. All classes are capped at 9 students to keep learning interactive. Finally, **the 1-on-1 Tutoring program** provides 4, 10, 18, or 32 one-on-one tutoring hours with a 99th percentile-scoring tutor with a fully personalized prep experience. All PrepScholar tutoring programs include free access to PrepScholar’s Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant program and a bonus college Admissions Bootcamp.   ### **Princeton Review ACT Prep Overview** Princeton Review offers **self-paced, online, live, and in-person ACT prep courses**. Their ACT prep programs are as follows: ACT Self-Paced, ACT Essentials Course, ACT 31+ Course, ACT 34+ Tutoring, and private tutoring packages. **ACT Self-Paced** is an online program that students complete independently on their own time. This program includes 365 days of access to five Enhanced ACT practice exams, thousands of practice questions and drills, and online videos with bite-sized content lessons. You’ll also get a detailed score analysis for each practice ACT you take. Then there’s the **ACT Essentials package**, which comes with 18 hours of structured lessons covering ACT strategies and content, ACT Advantage Live Sessions, where students can drop in for expert guidance on topics they’re struggling with, and six new ACT Science Advantage sections for students taking ACT Science. This program also comes with everything that’s included in ACT Self-Paced. The **ACT 31+ Course** comes with everything that you get from the ACT Self-Paced course, plus 36 hours of classroom instruction, live make-up classes, ACT Advantage Live Sessions, including six sessions focused on ACT Science, and 24/7 on-demand tutoring. You’ll also get access to the SAT Self-Paced course for free. **ACT 34+ Tutoring** includes 18 hours of expert tutoring designed for top ACT scorers. You’ll also get all of the content and materials that are included in ACT Self-Paced, Princeton Review’s ACT Practice Questions Review Book, ACT Advantage Live Sessions, and bonus SAT prep. Finally, students can also choose from a **10-hour and 18-hour private tutoring package**. These tutoring packages include all of the ACT prep materials and content included in lower-tier programs, plus bonus SAT prep. Some of Princeton Review’s ACT prep courses come with a score guarantee, but the requirements differ for each eligible program. Some course and tutoring options may be administered in an in-person format, but you’ll need to check and see if these are available in your area. ## **Comparison Point 1 – Instruction Quality and Feedback** Quality instruction does more than teach you a bunch of concepts to memorize. It helps you develop an ACT strategy that targets areas where you need growth so you can actually boost your score! Here’s how **PrepScholar and Princeton Review approach ACT instruction and the feedback they give students.** ### **PrepScholar** All of PrepScholar’s ACT prep programs are guided by the idea that **customized, strategic practice is the key to mastering the ACT**. That’s why their curriculum and instruction practices focus on helping students understand how the ACT works and teaching them strategies to outsmart the exam’s tricks, which is key to score improvement. PrepScholar ACT prep programs include **over 60 hours of instructional content and 50+ skill lessons** that cover the most crucial skills and content on the ACT. Lessons combine video explainers and text-based instruction into short, digestible chunks. Following each lesson, students take quizzes that reinforce what they’ve learned and identify gaps in their understanding for further practice going forward. Where PrepScholar really shines is in their approach to addressing mistakes and wrong answers. **All 3,000+ practice questions included in the prep platform are accompanied by a full breakdown of why each incorrect answer is wrong**, how it was trying to trick you, and how to approach similar questions in the future. These explanations are crucial, not just for learning but for making improvements that translate to real score gains. PrepScholar also provides four official ACT practice tests to help you get ready for test day. For students in need of more structured guidance, PrepScholar’s tutoring program provides one-on-one, personalized prep. **All PrepScholar tutors are experienced 99th percentile ACT scorers** who have been trained to equip students with an individualized test prep strategy and guide them through customized sessions that target their weak areas and eliminate wrong answers. And finally, PrepScholar’s new AI assistant is available 24/7 to coach students through difficult questions and help them develop the skills they need to truly master the ACT. This gives students a tutor in their pocket that can give them quality instruction right when they need it. ### **Princeton Review** Princeton Review has spent years refining their test prep philosophy, known as **“cracking the test,”** which focuses on equipping students with the strategic tools they need to outsmart the exam. Princeton Review courses include over 100 video lessons, **130+ drills, and 2,700+ practice questions,** though your level of access to these materials depends on the specific prep program you choose. The Essentials and ACT 31+ courses **add live class hours on top of these self-paced materials,** providing an opportunity for real-time instruction and feedback. In the self-guided curriculum, **students receive prerecorded video lessons that feature an instructor onscreen delivering lessons in front of a digital whiteboard**, where notes and practice problems materialize around them as they teach. These lessons are typically less than 10 minutes, and many students find the short duration and interactivity of the video instruction to be particularly engaging. While it’s not clear if the practice questions that students receive to accompany Princeton Review ACT lessons are custom-built for the new Enhanced ACT, they do represent the types of questions students are likely to see on the real ACT. Additionally, Princeton Review doesn’t have an AI assistant or any AI capabilities built into their platforms. ### **Winner: PrepScholar** There’s no doubt that Princeton Review’s video lessons and live instruction are high quality. But answer explanations are arguably the most important part of test prep—and **PrepScholar’s approach to answer explanations is what really makes them stand out**. PrepScholar treats answer explanations like mini-lessons that guide you through your wrong answers and the mistakes that caused them, which is the most effective way to boost your ACT scores. This focus on teaching students why answers are wrong is unique, and it’s the factor that pushes PrepScholar ahead of other companies when it comes to instruction and feedback. ## **Comparison Point 2 – Personalization and Adaptive Learning** The best ACT prep programs adapt based on your performance to give you a highly personalized experience and the best chance of boosting your scores. Read on to find out how PrepScholar and Princeton Review compare on personalization and adaptive learning. ### **PrepScholar** Personalization and adaptiveness are at the core of PrepScholar’s ACT prep philosophy. Their programs **use a skill-by-skill approach to learning that adapts to each student individually**, allowing them to focus on areas where they need the most improvement. When students sign up, they complete an initial smart diagnostic assessment that evaluates their performance across every skill that pops up on the ACT. PrepScholar then uses the results from the diagnostic to **generate a fully personalized weekly study plan that’s tailored to the skills, content, and practice a student needs** based on their current performance. The study plan is adapted week by week to ensure that students are focusing on the areas where they need the most improvement, which is the best use of your prep time. PrepScholar’s adaptive technology adjusts to the student’s performance with each question, which allows you to **make more progress in less time**. As you complete quizzes and practice tests, your **weekly study plan continually updates** to keep you focused on the skills and content that will help you progress quickly. **Students who enroll in PrepScholar’s one-on-one tutoring receive an additional layer of personalization**. Using diagnostic data from students’ ongoing performance on drills and practice exams, PrepScholar connects students with a tutor who’s an expert in their weak areas. Tutors build each session around the student’s progress and adjust the study plan to provide targeted practice from one week to the next. ### **Princeton Review** Princeton Review uses custom-built technology to include personalization features in each of its ACT prep programs. However, **the** **level of personalization varies from one program tier to the next,** with higher-tier programs providing the most individualized prep. At the beginning of all Princeton Review programs, students take a **diagnostic assessment to establish their baseline performance**, which is used to design their study plan. As students work through learning modules, the plan is adjusted based on their performance on drills and practice tests. Students receive a full score report after each full-length practice test. These **reports provide feedback and recommendations on what skills and content students should prioritize** to make the best use of their time going forward. These reports also provide what Princeton Review calls “quick wins,” which are skills where small improvements can lead to meaningful score gains. **Princeton Review’s higher-tier courses and tutoring offer the highest degree of personalization**. Live courses allow students to interact with instructors, ask questions in real time, and receive feedback that addresses their strengths and weaknesses. Students can also access 24/7 on-demand tutoring to receive guidance the moment they need it. While Princeton Review’s ACT prep programs are adaptive on a more surface level, **adaptiveness isn’t built into the foundation of their test prep platform**. Princeton Review makes customized recommendations based on practice test results and performance on learning modules, rather than adjusting study plans on a question-by-question, continuous basis. ### **Winner: PrepScholar** Princeton Review and PrepScholar offer personalized study plans, with more customization provided in higher-tier courses and tutoring packages. Both platforms provide one-on-one guidance that’s tailored to students’ performance and goals, but when it comes to adaptivity, PrepScholar can’t be beat. Princeton Review’s adaptivity is mostly isolated to updating student prep plans after they take practice exams and complete entire learning modules. In contrast, **PrepScholar’s programs adapt lesson by lesson, recalibrating in order to meet the unique learning needs and goals of each student**. Because of its purpose-built adaptivity algorithm that’s the cornerstone of all of its ACT prep, PrepScholar is the undeniable winner. ## **Comparison Point 3 – Test Updates and Alignment** The ACT changes periodically and has changed as recently as 2026 with the introduction of the new, Enhanced ACT. In order to provide up-to-date, quality prep, test prep companies must reevaluate and revamp their offerings each time the ACT changes. Here’s how PrepScholar and Princeton Review compare on test updates and alignment. ### **PrepScholar** **PrepScholar’s ACT Prep has been fully redesigned to reflect the new, Enhanced ACT that fully rolled out in 2026**. While many other test prep companies have simply tweaked their programs, PrepScholar has rebuilt their ACT prep from the ground up, redesigning lessons, practice questions, and their entire interface to give students the most realistic experience possible. This ACT prep program update comes with **54 refreshed skill lessons that align with the skills tested on the Enhanced ACT,** new strategy lessons that target the structure and tricks of the ACT, expanded coverage of skills that weren’t emphasized in English, Math, and Reading on the old ACT. You’ll also have the option to opt out of Science prep if you don’t plan to take that optional section of the ACT. Additionally, the updated ACT prep program includes **3,000+ brand-new practice questions**, Math questions that have been fully rewritten for the ACT’s new four-answer-choice format, and a refresh to the prep interface that aligns it more closely with the ACT’s new section lengths and pacing. Thanks to these updates, **PrepScholar is able to provide a fully emulated Enhanced ACT prep experience,** with an interface that’s designed to mirror the ACT’s new format and design, so students can get an authentic feel for what it’ll be like on exam day. ### **Princeton Review** Princeton Review releases a new, updated edition of their ACT prep books annually. Each new edition covers recent changes to ACT content and format. Princeton Review strongly encourages students to use the current edition in order to receive accurate, up-to-date prep. Princeton Review also updates its ACT prep programs when there are significant changes made to the ACT itself. Because the ACT has recently undergone a shift from paper-and-pencil to a digital format, Princeton Review has again updated its ACT prep materials and online testing software to reflect the content and format change of the new Enhanced ACT. It is currently unclear how thoroughly Princeton Review has revamped its questions to reflect the Enhanced ACT. ### **Winner: PrepScholar** Princeton Review and PrepScholar have created a highly realistic emulation of what the new Enhanced ACT exam environment looks like through their online practice and testing systems. But because Princeton Review’s ACT prep materials have been tweaked rather than overhauled, **PrepScholar’s fully redesigned ACT prep programs** take the lead on this one. ## **Comparison Point 4 – Value** Before you choose an ACT prep program, you need to know exactly what features you’ll get in return for the hundreds or even thousands of dollars you’ll pay. We’ll go over how Princeton Review and PrepScholar’s programs compare in terms of cost and value. ### **PrepScholar** PrepScholar’s ACT program offers are as follows: Complete Online ACT Prep, Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant, Live Instructor-Led Classes, and One-on-One Tutoring. Higher-tier programs offer more personalization and customization, and they increase in cost accordingly. **PrepScholar’s core program is its self-paced course, Complete Online ACT Prep**. With this program, you’ll get full online access to PrepScholar’s premium ACT prep content, which includes a smart diagnostic test, 3,000+ practice questions, drills, lessons, four practice exams, and feedback and answer explanations. Complete Online adapts your study plan continuously based on your performance on assessments, but you won’t receive live or one-on-one instruction during this self-paced program. All PrepScholar ACT programs include full access to the materials and content that come with Complete Online ACT Prep. In addition to these prep materials, **each higher-tier ACT prep program layers more personalization on top of the adaptivity that’s baked into the core Complete Online ACT program.** All Live Instructor-Led Classes and 1-on-1 Tutoring packages include PrepScholar’s College Admissions Bootcamp for free, and students can easily bundle SAT prep with ACT prep. To meet the needs of every type of learner, PrepScholar’s Live and One-on-One Tutoring packages **offer a range of options for program hours, difficulty, and cost.** Live Instruction packages include 9 hours of live instruction ($895) or 45+ hours across the SAT and ACT ($1,695) and offer two ACT syllabi, ACT Essentials and Advanced ACT Topics, that vary in difficulty and are built to help students achieve specific ACT scores. If you go with one-on-one tutoring, you’ll have the choice of 4-, 10-, 18-, or 32-hour packages. PrepScholar packs an impressive degree of personalization into every program tier thanks to their proprietary, built-in adaptive technology. **That personalization translates to more value.** When an ACT prep program is meticulously tailored to your learning needs and goals, it’s going to do an excellent job of helping you achieve your score goals quickly and efficiently, bringing you maximum value for every dollar you spend. | **PrepScholar Program Offerings, by Price** | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Program Name** | **What’s Included** | **Total Cost** | | **Complete Online ACT Prep** | • Self-paced, adaptive program • Smart diagnostic test • 54 skill lessons • 3,000+ practice questions + explanations • 4 official practice ACTs • 60+ hours of prep content • Customized weekly prep • Optional prep for ACT Science • 12-month access • 4-point score improvement guarantee | $397 | | **Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant** | Everything in the Complete Online ACT Prep package, plus: • The Aila AI Learning Assistant, available 24/7 inside the program | $495 | | **Live Instructor-Led Classes** | Everything in the Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant package, plus: • 9+ hours of live instruction depending on package choice • First class risk-free trial • 4-point score improvement guarantee | • 9 hours: $895 • 45+ hours across the SAT and ACT: $1,695 | | **1-on-1 Online Tutoring** | Everything in the Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant, plus: • 4, 10, 18, or 32 one-on-one tutoring hours with a 99th percentile tutor • Flexible scheduling • PrepScholar’s College Admissions Bootcamp • 1-hour risk-free trial | • 4 hours: $995 • 10 hours: $1,995 • 18 hours: $2,995 • 32 hours: $4,795 |   ### **Princeton Review** Princeton Review offers five core ACT program options: ACT Self-Paced, ACT Essentials, ACT 31+ Course, ACT 34+ Tutoring, and customizable tutoring packages. **Prices range widely across tiers,** from $299 to $2,199 for its pre-built courses. Princeton Review’s 34+ ACT Tutoring runs $315 an hour (or over $5,600 for the 18 tutoring hours stated on the course description). Princeton Review’s self-paced ACT course is the most affordable, but it only offers pre-recorded video lessons**.** As a general multipurpose prep course, ACT Self-Paced provides little personalization. Students who are seeking individualized coaching and more customization will need to opt for a higher-tier program at a higher price point, like the ACT 31+ Course or one-on-one tutoring. Princeton Review’s ACT programs are comprehensive representations of the content, format, and difficulty of the real ACT. Their focus on teaching students a strategy for outsmarting the ACT’s tricks and traps is effective for many students, bringing relatability and clear purpose to the curriculum. They also now allow students flexible scheduling for classes, though students may only swap time slots as long as they’re teaching the same lesson. Additionally, **these classes are capped at 12 students, larger than PrepScholar’s, and only have 15 minutes set aside for live question and answer sessions.** While Princeton Review provides score guarantees for all of its programs, some reviewers note that these guarantees can be difficult to navigate. Not only do the **score guarantees vary from one program to another, but the stipulations for qualifying for a refund or course redo are not consistent** across programs. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print on all Princeton Review score guarantees and understand that all requirements must be met in order to qualify for a refund. Princeton Review’s guarantees have different terms for each program. - The ACT 31+ Course guarantees a 31+ or a 5-point increase, depending on your starting score, but you are not eligible if you start at 31 or higher. - ACT Essentials and ACT Self-Paced refund your tuition if your official score is not higher than your starting score, and Essentials excludes students who start at 31 or higher. - ACT 34+ Tutoring guarantees a 34+ superscore or a 6-point increase after two official ACT tests, with a full or partial refund on a sliding scale. Refunds exclude materials and shipping fees, and you must complete the required practice tests and homework, plus attend every class or tutoring session in programs that include them. The guarantee applies only to the first Princeton Review program you take for the ACT. By comparison, **PrepScholar’s 4+ point guarantee has no minimum starting score** with a cap of 34. That makes it a strong offering for both low and high scorers alike. | **Princeton Review Program Offerings, by Price** | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Program Name** | **What’s Included** | **Total Cost** | | ACT Self-Paced | • 5 ACT full-length practice tests • 365 days access to online materials • Thousands of practice questions & drills • Online videos with bite-sized content lessons • Detailed Score Analysis for each practice test | $299 | | ACT Essentials | Everything included in ACT Self-Paced, plus: • 18 hours of classroom instruction • ACT Advantage LiveOnline Sessions • 2 review and practice books • 8 single-section practice tests • Bonus ACT Prep | $949 | | ACT 31+ Course | Everything included in ACT Self-Paced, plus: • 36 hours of classroom instruction • ACT Advantage LiveOnline Sessions • 2 review and practice books • 8 single-section practice tests • 24/7 on-demand tutoring • Bonus Self-Paced ACT Prep • Money-back guarantee | $2,199 | | ACT 34+ Tutoring | Everything included in ACT Self-Paced, plus: • 18 hours of customized tutoring • ACT Advantage LiveOnline Sessions • 8 subject-specific practice tests • 137 online drills • 100+ expert-created video lessons • Bonus SAT Prep • Money back guarantee | Listed at $315/hour; the package likely costs $5,600+ | ### **Winner: Princeton Review (Premium Content), PrepScholar (Affordability)** Princeton Review’s programs stand out for students who have clear, set score goals and are willing to pay a premium for comprehensive prep that can be easily bundled to pack a bigger punch. **For students seeking a program that adapts to their needs at every tier and price point, PrepScholar is the best choice.** ## **Overall Pros and Cons** Both PrepScholar and Princeton Review offer quality ACT prep programs. But every test prep program has flaws. Before you choose one, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both programs so you can pick the one that’s the best fit for you. | | **PRO** | **CON** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Instruction Quality** | • PrepScholar: Over 60 hours of content teaches exam strategy, not just memorization. • Princeton Review: Comprehensive, expert instruction that teaches students how the ACT works. | • PrepScholar: Video lessons delivered in rote slideshow format, which some students may struggle to engage with. • Princeton Review: Live courses have limited engagement due to large group sizes. | | **Adaptiveness** | • PrepScholar: Curriculum dynamically adjusts to your progress rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum. • Princeton Review: 24/7 on-demand tutor access creates opportunities for personalized help. | • PrepScholar: No dedicated mobile app. • Princeton Review: Personalization is limited and doesn’t adapt in real time. | | **Content Trustworthiness** | • PrepScholar: Fully rebuilt ACT prep to follow the new Enhanced ACT format that launched in Fall 2025. • Princeton Review: Testing software very similar to the real digital ACT testing format. | • PrepScholar: No proprietary practice tests. All practice exams are sourced directly from the Official ACT Prep Guide. • Princeton Review: Not clear the extent to which programs have been revamped since the release of the Enhanced ACT | | **Value** | • PrepScholar: Premium self-paced course content included in higher-tier offerings at no extra cost. • Princeton Review: Higher-tier programs’ core-specific guarantees (e.g., 31+ course) offer outcome-driven promises that may justify the premium price point. | • PrepScholar: Fewer instruction hours per dollar for live classes compared with some competitors. • Princeton Review: The gap between the self-paced tier at $299 and the 34+ Tutoring at $315/hour is steep. | ## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)** We’ve covered a lot of information about PrepScholar and Princeton Review, but you might still have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get from students about test prep. ### **Is PrepScholar or Princeton Review better for ACT prep?** PrepScholar is the better ACT prep choice for most students because it is more comprehensive and better value than Princeton Review, especially Princeton Review’s higher-tier programs that can reach a lofty price tag of $5,600+. It offers adaptive study plans, 3,000+ practice questions, 99th percentile tutors, and a 4+ point guarantee with no minimum starting score. For independent students seeking a program that continuously adapts to their needs and grows as they grow, **PrepScholar is the top choice for ACT prep.** ### **Which has the better ACT score guarantee: PrepScholar or Princeton Review?** **PrepScholar’s 4+ point guarantee has no minimum starting score, while Princeton Review’s guarantees exclude students who start at or above each program’s score cutoff.** PrepScholar guarantees a 4+ point increase, or a final official score of at least 34 if you start at 31 or higher. Princeton Review’s ACT 31+ Course and ACT Essentials do not cover students who start at 31 or higher. Both companies attach conditions to their guarantees. PrepScholar requires you to complete every assigned skill lesson and practice test, take an official ACT within 60 days of finishing the course, and submit your refund request within 360 days of purchase. For the ACT 31+ Course, Princeton Review requires you to take your official ACT on or before the recommended test date for your course and submit your official score report within 60 days of your test date. ### **Does PrepScholar have an AI learning assistant for ACT prep?** **Yes. PrepScholar’s AI Learning Assistant, called Aila, is an always-available ACT expert built directly into the program.** It comes with Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant (a $495 value) and is included in PrepScholar’s instructor-led classes and 1-on-1 tutoring packages. ### **Does PrepScholar offer a risk-free trial for ACT prep?** **Yes.** Complete Online ACT Prep includes a 5-day risk-free trial. ACT Instructor-Led Classes include a first-class risk-free trial: you can request a full refund before your second class and before using the online program for more than 10 hours. One-on-one tutoring includes a 1-hour risk-free trial: try the first hour within 60 days of purchase and notify PrepScholar before your second session for a full refund. ### **Is ACT test prep worth it?** Yes! Research shows that students who engage in structured, consistent test prep see meaningful score improvements. **Higher test scores can boost your chances of getting accepted** into your choice colleges and receiving scholarships. Whether you go with an online course, private tutoring, or a self-led routine with a few prep books, **you’ll be on the path to better scores** as long as you fully commit to the prep program you choose. ### **How do I choose the right ACT test prep program for my learning style?** Choosing the right test prep program for you starts with knowing how you study best and what your prep goals are. If you prefer flexibility and the option to work at your own pace, a self-guided adaptive program like PrepScholar’s may be the right fit. If you know you need customized, one-on-one guidance, you may want to choose a tutoring program. Ultimately, **the best test prep program for you is the one you’ll stay committed to and engaged with**, from the moment you get started until your test day arrives. ### **Does adaptive ACT test prep actually improve test scores?** It does! Here’s why: adaptive testing programs use diagnostic data to pinpoint the specific skills and content areas where you’re losing, then focus your customized prep program on reviewing those areas. That means you’ll spend your prep time on making improvements that can translate to actual score gains! ### **What makes an ACT prep service better than a more general AI tool?** While general AI tools are appealing for their ease of use, when it comes to getting quality, accurate ACT prep, they are to be used with caution. Many general AI tools still provide inaccurate information and make unverifiable claims, which can lead students toward ineffective test-taking strategies and incorrect answers. **ACT prep services are purpose-built to engage students in research-backed, verifiably accurate, and effective ACT prep.** PrepScholar’s specialized assistant is trained on official ACT content and materials, making it a safer alternative to general AI tools that don’t have this customization.   [![Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points?   We have the industry's leading ACT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and ACT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.   Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. 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[![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fprepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fprepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fprepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fprepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fprepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fprepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) About the Author ![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_ashley.png) Ashley Robinson Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams. ## Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)** - [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/) - [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/) - [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) - [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/) - [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/) - [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/) - [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/) - [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/) - [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/) - [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/) - [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/) - [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/) - [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/) - [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) - [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial) - [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) © PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site. ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc. GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site. GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "about" : { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "PrepScholar vs. Princeton Review ACT Prep Comparison" }, "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "description" : "Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.", "name" : "Ashley Robinson", "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00", "datePublished" : "2026-02-27T00:00:00+00:00", "description" : "Is PrepScholar or Princeton Review better for ACT Prep? We explain the different options and pros and cons of each program.", "headline" : "PrepScholar vs. Princeton Review ACT Prep: Which Is Better in 2026-2027?", "image" : "https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/body-question-mark-next-pixabay-cc0.jpg", "keywords" : [ "PrepScholar vs Princeton Review", "ACT prep comparison", "best ACT prep program", "Princeton Review ACT prep", "PrepScholar ACT prep", "ACT tutoring comparison", "adaptive ACT prep", "ACT score improvement guarantee" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/prepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png" }, "name" : "PrepScholar", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "PrepScholar is the better ACT prep choice for most students because it is more comprehensive and better value than Princeton Review, especially Princeton Review's higher-tier programs that can reach a lofty price tag of $5,600+. It offers adaptive study plans, 3,000+ practice questions, 99th percentile tutors, and a 4+ point guarantee with no minimum starting score. For independent students seeking a program that continuously adapts to their needs and grows as they grow, PrepScholar is the top choice for ACT prep." }, "name" : "Is PrepScholar or Princeton Review better for ACT prep?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "PrepScholar's 4+ point guarantee has no minimum starting score, while Princeton Review's guarantees exclude students who start at or above each program's score cutoff. PrepScholar guarantees a 4+ point increase, or a final official score of at least 34 if you start at 31 or higher. Princeton Review's ACT 31+ Course and ACT Essentials do not cover students who start at 31 or higher. Both companies attach conditions to their guarantees. PrepScholar requires you to complete every assigned skill lesson and practice test, take an official ACT within 60 days of finishing the course, and submit your refund request within 360 days of purchase. For the ACT 31+ Course, Princeton Review requires you to take your official ACT on or before the recommended test date for your course and submit your official score report within 60 days of your test date." }, "name" : "Which has the better ACT score guarantee: PrepScholar or Princeton Review?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. PrepScholar's AI Learning Assistant, called Aila, is an always-available ACT expert built directly into the program. It comes with Complete Online ACT Prep + AI Learning Assistant (a $495 value) and is included in PrepScholar's instructor-led classes and 1-on-1 tutoring packages." }, "name" : "Does PrepScholar have an AI learning assistant for ACT prep?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Complete Online ACT Prep includes a 5-day risk-free trial. ACT Instructor-Led Classes include a first-class risk-free trial: you can request a full refund before your second class and before using the online program for more than 10 hours. One-on-one tutoring includes a 1-hour risk-free trial: try the first hour within 60 days of purchase and notify PrepScholar before your second session for a full refund." }, "name" : "Does PrepScholar offer a risk-free trial for ACT prep?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes! Research shows that students who engage in structured, consistent test prep see meaningful score improvements. Higher test scores can boost your chances of getting accepted into your choice colleges and receiving scholarships. Whether you go with an online course, private tutoring, or a self-led routine with a few prep books, you'll be on the path to better scores as long as you fully commit to the prep program you choose." }, "name" : "Is ACT test prep worth it?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Choosing the right test prep program for you starts with knowing how you study best and what your prep goals are. If you prefer flexibility and the option to work at your own pace, a self-guided adaptive program like PrepScholar's may be the right fit. If you know you need customized, one-on-one guidance, you may want to choose a tutoring program. Ultimately, the best test prep program for you is the one you'll stay committed to and engaged with, from the moment you get started until your test day arrives." }, "name" : "How do I choose the right ACT test prep program for my learning style?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "It does! Here's why: adaptive testing programs use diagnostic data to pinpoint the specific skills and content areas where you're losing, then focus your customized prep program on reviewing those areas. That means you'll spend your prep time on making improvements that can translate to actual score gains!" }, "name" : "Does adaptive ACT test prep actually improve test scores?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "While general AI tools are appealing for their ease of use, when it comes to getting quality, accurate ACT prep, they are to be used with caution. Many general AI tools still provide inaccurate information and make unverifiable claims, which can lead students toward ineffective test-taking strategies and incorrect answers. ACT prep services are purpose-built to engage students in research-backed, verifiably accurate, and effective ACT prep. PrepScholar's specialized assistant is trained on official ACT content and materials, making it a safer alternative to general AI tools that don't have this customization." }, "name" : "What makes an ACT prep service better than a more general AI tool?" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ashley Robinson", "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/ashley-robinson" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-21T13:27:13+00:00", "datePublished" : "2026-02-28T02:32:57+00:00", "description" : "Is PrepScholar or Princeton Review better for ACT Prep? We explain the different options and pros and cons of each program.", "headline" : "PrepScholar vs. Princeton Review ACT Prep: Which Is Better in 2026-2027?", "image" : "https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/body-question-mark-next-pixabay-cc0.jpg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/prepscholar-vs-princeton-review-act-prep", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png" }, "name" : "PrepScholar" } } ```