Barrons, is it worth it?

<p>So after being frustrated by my math SAT scores, I decided to take my mother's advice and try the ACT. I picked up a Barron's book at my local Borders, ( searched for previous ACT tests, found none) and started cracking. However, I was horribly disappointed to find myself getting 27s on all my practice tests. i am aware that Barron's books are harder, but how much harder are they. Would my 27 become a 31? Or my 31, ( which i received after much studying on the English) become a 34?
I also read a comment by a poster saying that some of the math reviews in the Barrons book are inaccurate, is that true?</p>

<p>Furthermore, I hear numerous references to`a 1,296 book of past ACT tests, is this book real or am I misunderstanding the reference? I searched for a book of past tests and could find no such thing at my local store. </p>

<p>Also, I plan to finish my Barron's book and quickly buy another, perhaps, better book. Would the Princeton ACT book help me more.</p>

<p>I'd be so grateful for any help, thank you.</p>

<p>The 2 essential books are The REAL ACT book and 1,296 ACT questions or something along those lines by the Princeton Review.</p>

<p>Get the Real ACT first, Cracking the ACT second, 1296 third, and Barron’s if you absolutely need extra practice.</p>

<p>Thank you. i do not lie when i say that wasn’t even in my bookstore. (The Real ACT)
but,can anyone say anything about the reputability of the Barron’s book?</p>

<p>From what I’ve heard, Barron’s over prepares (which ISN’T necessarily good; with the ACT you want direct and accurate practice). I recommend you get “Cracking the ACT” by Princeton Review. It did wonders to both my English and Math scores (the only two I’ve really worked on thus far).</p>

<p>Baron’s has the problem for over preparing, as mark just stated. But the plus side is that the 27s you’ve been getting will probably end up being 33s or something. I got 26s on every single one of my practice tests, and got a 34 no sweat.</p>

<p>I know! I have the book 10 ACT Practice tests and I consistently get 34 - 35 on them, but I took a Barron’s writing section and got -9… with a bit of luck on the 50/50 guesses I did.</p>