how much is a typical mcat course

Full Answer

How many months should I study for the MCAT?

You should take this seriously. An average of 3 months is the required study time for the MCAT. Most students begin studying after the completion of their 2nd year Winter semester which culminates in April.

How much time is needed to study for the MCAT?

Typically students need 3-6 months to study. This is a hard test. On average, students who do well will put in between 250-400 hours of MCAT studying. However, depending on where you start, it could take you half as much time (or twice as long).

Does it hurt to take the MCAT multiple times?

[00:22] When Multiple MCAT Takes Will Hurt You. It might hurt your wallet and your application to medical schools since it can delay your application. Assuming you took the MCAT in May. On the year you’re planning on applying, you got your score back in June and then realize you need to take it again.

When should you take the MCAT?

Here’s a sample schedule to ensure you have plenty of time to prepare for and take the MCAT:

• June to August before your application year: Study for the MCAT
• September before your application year: Take the MCAT for the first time
• January to April of your application year: Take the MCAT for a second time (if needed)

How much does an MCAT course cost?

Compare the Best MCAT Prep CoursesCompanyPriceTime to CompleteKaplan Best Overall$1,799 to $6,999Varies depending on planAltius Best In-Person Option$500 to $10,000Varies depending on planMCAT Self Prep Best Personalized MCAT Prep CoursesVaries by plan typeLifetime accessMagoosh Best ValueFree to $999Self-paced3 more rows

Should I pay for MCAT course?

MCAT Prep courses are probably only worth it if you need structure, support and don't feel confident self-studying for the MCAT. Many students score well on the exam without ever having taken (or paid a lot of money for) a course. It's definitely not a necessity.

How do people afford MCAT prep?

For students that cannot afford the $270 price, the AAMC offers a fee assistance program that allows students to get access to the materials for free! As well as other perks like reduced MCAT exam fees, MSAR's access, and reduced primary application fees.

How long is an MCAT prep course?

three months to 12 monthsMCAT-Prep.com — Best Online Course Memberships range in length from three months to 12 months, with ongoing month-to-month options available. Each membership includes varying books and access levels to facilitate independent study. Other materials that may be provided include videos and flashcards.

How much do people spend on MCAT prep?

Compare the Best MCAT Prep CoursesProviderCostLengthKaplan Best Live Online$1,799 to $6,9995 weeks to 6 monthsMCAT Self Prep Best Customizable OptionFree to $999Lifetime accessAltius Best Guarantee$2,499 to $9,99912 monthsThe Princeton Review Best Intensive Option$1,499 to $6,6999 months2 more rows•Jan 4, 2022

Is MCAT Prep 101 worth it?

"100% worth it! The course really provides a comprehensive review of all the subjects! I would definitely recommend this prep company and course to any premed taking the MCAT, you won't regret it!" "The best in the game.

Should I quit my job to study for MCAT?

The MCAT comes first. The medical schools are not going to look at it negatively if you quit your job to study full-time for the MCAT. One month is not enough time to study for the MCAT for most people.

Is 6 months too long to study for MCAT?

Even with six months to prepare, you will need to put aside a good chunk of study each week to attain a competitive score on the MCAT. Let's take a look at how the next six months should shape up for you. First thing to consider is that this is a long term plan.

Is 4 Months enough for MCAT?

How many months should I spend studying for the MCAT? 12 weeks, or 3 months, is generally sufficient time to spend studying for the MCAT at about 20 hours per week.

Is a 500 MCAT score good?

The highest MCAT score possible is a 528. The MCAT scale is centered so that a 500 represents the mean score. AAMC recommends that med school admission committees consider applicants near the center of the range, rather than placing the most emphasis on the higher end of the scale.

Can I study for the MCAT in 1 month?

Studying for the MCAT in one month is a challenging task, but if you already have a very strong science and critical reading foundation and are able to devote a significant amount of study time per week, then you may still be able to earn the score you need by following this week-by-week plan.

Is 2 months enough time to study for the MCAT?

As the official MCAT prep of the AMSA, Kaplan recommends that you spend 300-350 hours studying so you can be above average. If you're planning on taking the MCAT in two months, you'll need to put aside a significant amount of study time each week for in order to be able to score competitively.

What Is Included

The MCAT prep courses and materials include at least one full-length practice test, practice sample questions, and study tools that cover all sections of the test, including biological sciences and writing prompts, physical sciences and verbal reasoning.

Discounts

Approx. 10% off Kaplan study programs is provided to the members of the American Medical Student Association.

Shopping For MCAT Prep

MCAT study plans, practice tests for purchase ($35 each) and test day tips, as well as a free practice test are provided the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Is there a fee for rescheduling the MCAT?

The table below explains the options for registration and their associated fees. There are currently no fees for rescheduling.

Does the AAMC offer a discount on MCAT?

In order to better accommodate students traveling to take the MCAT, the AAMC offers a discounted rate at certain hotels, depending on room availability . The discount is usually 5% off the best rate available.

Is Cost the only factor to take into consideration when preparing for the MCAT?

Cost isn't the only factor to take into consideration when preparing for the MCAT. Study.com offers a number of refresher lessons to help you get ready for the exam. Check out the course below as you brush up for the test:

MCAT Fees

The cost of registration for the MCAT exam is USD $320 for all US and Canadian exam centers. International students pay an additional international fee of USD $115 in addition to the above amount along with any local taxes such as sales tax, value added tax, GST/HST, etc. as applicable.

MCAT Prep Costs

The MCAT is one of the toughest exams you’ll face! It’s deliberately created to be a challenging exam as many medical schools consider your MCAT score a key signifier of your academic and intellectual preparedness for medical school.

Travel and Associated Costs for the MCAT

The MCAT is not an online exam, and you will have to travel to an MCAT exam center to take the test. One of the hidden MCAT costs students often forget to account for is the cost of travelling to your MCAT destination, and associated expenses such as accommodation for the test period, transportation to and from the test center, and so on.

Financing Your MCAT

AAMC offers a fee assistance program to help students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pay for their MCAT exam and prep materials. Only US citizens and eligible US residents can apply for this program.

Total Estimated MCAT Cost

To help you understand the actual expenditures involved when taking the MCAT, we have created a table with the total estimated MCAT costs, based on an example of a specific student, Mary. In our example, Mary is a US citizen who does not qualify for the AAMC fee assistance program. She signed up for a mid-range MCAT prep course.

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MCAT Price Breakdown

The MCAT tests basic medical knowledge you need to have for medical studies, and it’s made up of four sections.

MCAT: An Overview

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a multiple-choice exam that can be computer-based or paper-based.

The AAMC's Fee Assistance Program

The AAMC offers an assistance program aiding students who can not afford to take the MCAT exam or apply to medical schools without financial assistance. This program is only available for US residents.

Prep Costs

Since most medical schools require applicants to submit an Medical College Admission Test score, having a good MCAT score will increase your chances of attending a reputable med school.

Travel Expenses

MCAT and medical school application fees are not the only thing you have to consider.

Applying to Medical Schools is Pricey

You won’t be able to get the MCAT fee reduced unless you apply for the AAMC fee assistance program. However, there are other ways to save some money.

Payment Information

The MCAT Registration System accepts American Express, VISA and MasterCard, including debit cards with the VISA or MasterCard logo. We regret we are unable to accept other forms of payment.

Fee Assistance Program

The AAMC's Fee Assistance Program aids individuals with extreme financial limitations who otherwise could not take the exam.

What are the fees for MCAT?

In addition to the MCAT Exams Fees, you’ll also have various application fees for your chosen medical schools. These application fees may be the largest expense. They most often fall into three categories: 1 Primary Application Fee 2 Secondary Application Fee 3 College Service Fees

How many times does the MCAT exam take place?

How Much Does the MCAT Exam Cost? The MCAT exam is held 15 times every year, in numerous locations in the United States, Canada, and all around the globe. The exam schedule is accessible to anyone online. Applicants can visit the Association of American Medical Colleges website to select their preferred date and location of the test.

Why is the MCAT important?

The MCAT has received a fair number of updates since its inception, however, the overall purpose of the exam has stayed the same. Admission councils of medical schools also use the MCAT as a way to properly evaluate applicants. This is why the MCAT plays a significant role in your chances of being accepted.

How much is the application fee for medical school in 2021?

In 2021, the application fee for your first school of choice is $170 and $41 for every additional school. Keep in mind though, not every medical school will be using the AMCAS service. So always inquire with your chosen medical schools to clarify their admission process.

How far ahead can you register for the MCAT?

A good example is registering for your MCAT exam at least 29 days ahead of the scheduled exam date. There are also programs such as the Fee Assistance Program to which everyone has access.

Do medical schools require a secondary application?

Most, if not all medical schools will require a secondary application. The cost of these secondary applications can vary. If you qualify for the Fee Assistance Program from AAMC, some medical schools will waive this fee. You can double-check with your chosen schools if they have this policy.

Is the MCAT exam fee refundable?

The closer you are to the exam date when canceling or moving, the more you’ll have to pay. All of the MCAT Exam Fees are non-refundable.

What is the MCAT 2021?

The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and consists of multiple-choice questions on problem-solving; critical thinking; and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science required for students who want to study medicine. The best MCAT prep courses are those that are engaging, ...

Why is blueprint the best MCAT prep?

Why We Chose It: Blueprint is our choice for the best MCAT prep course because of its strong student support, impressive instructors, breadth of study materials, and access to full-length practice exams.

How much does Blueprint cost?

Pricing is $2,299 for six months of access. Blueprint’s Online Course provides the same learning modules, practice questions, and full-length MCAT exams as the Live Online Course, but in a more mobile-friendly format. You pay $1,799 for six months of access, $2,199 for nine months of access, or $2,499 for 12 months of access.

How much is Kaplan online course?

Kaplan’s Live Online Course is available for six months for $2,499. You can also choose the Live Online Course Plus for $2,999 which includes everything in the Live Online Course plus three hours of one-on-one tutoring, MCAT foundation courses, and more.

Why is Kaplan the best online course?

Why We Chose It: Kaplan is our choice for the best live-online course because of its full schedule and study plan, access to live classes, and the ability to ask questions to off-screen teachers throughout the lessons.

What is the Princeton Review 510+ score guarantee?

The 510+ score guarantee promises that if you don’t see an increase in your score of 10 points or a score over 510, you will get a full refund. The Princeton Review’s Ultimate Course is regularly $2,099 but is on sale for $1,899 as of March 2021.

Who is the founder of MCAT?

MCAT Self Prep was founded by Andrew George who developed his own study method when preparing for the MCAT. Today, the company offers four study prep options based on the research of the study habits of students who scored in the top fifth percentile on the MCAT.

How many hours are in the next step MCAT?

The Next Step MCAT class includes official AAMC materials, and on top of this, they have ten full-length practice tests. They have 70 hours of class videos. They have ten hours a week of live office-hour instruction. You get a six-month enrollment so that’s equal to 250 live hours.

How much is Khan Academy?

It’s about $300. It’s significantly less expensive if you qualify for the free assistance program. If you have no other money to invest in prep, the Khan Academy is free. Their quality of prep material ranges from excellent to pretty good. It’s the official partner of AAMC and it’s free.

Does self study work for MCAT?

However, for a lot of people, the self-study approach is not going to work for them. They need an MCAT prep course and the social support of classmates. They need live interaction with faculty members.