thirty-six

thirty-six is an online ACT preparation platform built around short, targeted practice rather than one long test after another. Students work through concept lessons in English and math, then drill each concept with a 15-question quiz that gives immediate feedback. Progress is tracked by concept, so the next session can go straight to the areas that are still weak.

The core pieces are lessons, concept quizzes, full-length timed practice, a study plan and a progress view. A built-in timer runs on both quizzes and practice tests, which is the part most home-based prep skips: pacing on the ACT is as much of a problem as content, and practicing against the clock from the start makes test day feel familiar. The optional leaderboard adds light competition for students who respond to it, and weekly reminders keep a plan from quietly lapsing.

For a homeschooling family, the useful part is that it replaces the guesswork in a self-directed prep schedule. Instead of buying a thick prep book and deciding for yourself what to do each week, a student takes a diagnostic, gets a plan, and practices in 15-question blocks that fit between other subjects. The site also publishes free guides on studying for the ACT, choosing between the ACT and SAT, understanding scores, and coaching a teen through prep at home, several of which speak directly to homeschooled students and their parents.

Pricing is freemium and worth understanding before you start. The Basic plan is free and includes one quiz per concept, the English and math lessons and the timer, which is enough to see whether the format suits your student. Premium is $20 per user per month (yearly billing is cheaper) and adds the full 3,000-plus question bank, 20 full-length English practice tests, unlimited progress tracking, a personalized study plan and weekly reminders. An account is required, including for the free plan.

Two caveats. The full-length timed tests currently listed are English sections, so a student who wants repeated full-length math, reading and science practice will still need another source for those. And thirty-six is an independent tool: ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., and the site states plainly that it is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT, so practice scores here are for preparation rather than any official prediction.