how to choose the right mcat prep course

Choosing the Right MCAT Prep Course: Factors to Consider

• 1 Course Focus Identifying your prep course’s focus is one of the most significant factors to consider when looking for an MCAT prep course. Does the institution focus solely on the MCAT? ...
• 2 Availability of Lectures Another aspect to consider is whether or not the course offers actual lectures as part of the preparation process. ...
• 3 Course Teachers ...
• 4 Practice Tests ...
• 5 Budget ...

Full Answer

Which MCAT prep is best for me?

Best MCAT Prep Courses SummaryBest Overall MCAT Prep Course: Blueprint MCAT.Best MCAT Live Online Classes: Princeton Review.Best Value MCAT Prep Course: Magoosh.Most Personalized Instruction: Altius.The Popular MCAT Pick: Kaplan.Most MCAT Study Material: Gold Standard.

Is an MCAT prep course worth it?

So, are MCAT prep courses actually worth it? 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 much does an MCAT prep course cost?

Students can access free online prep courses through providers like MCAT Self Prep while some of the more expensive courses offered by providers like Kaplan, Altius, and The Princeton Review can cost between $6,999 and $9,999, including one-on-one tutoring.

When should I take the MCAT prep course?

We generally recommend that students give themselves at least three to five months to prepare for the MCAT. As such, if you want to test in January or March, then you'll want to get started in September or October.

How many hours a day should I study for the MCAT?

Most people need 10–15 hours per week to study for the MCAT over a period of at least four to six months . In total, you should aim for at least 200 to 300 hours of MCAT study time.

Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for MCAT?

The primary difference between the Kaplan and Princeton Review MCAT offerings revolves around instruction. Kaplan provides better quality on demand, video-based instruction, while we tend to like the quantity and approach of Princeton's live classes better.

Is Khan Academy a good MCAT prep?

Khan Academy MCAT materials encompass both content review and practice questions, making it one of the most comprehensive and one of the best free MCAT resources that certainly shouldn't be overlooked when deciding which MCAT prep resources to use.

Can you do well on the MCAT without studying?

Study Mistake #1: Not Studying Most thought that taking the prerequisite courses for the exam in college was sufficient but, unfortunately, that's not the case. The MCAT is not like the SAT or ACT that you can take in high school without studying and do fine.

Is Kaplan a good MCAT prep?

The quality of Kaplan's MCAT practice tests are above average. They are not so exceptional that I would flag them as a course highlight, but they are more than serviceable and do a fairly nice job of mimicking the real MCAT.

Is 3 months enough to study for MCAT?

12 weeks, or 3 months, is generally sufficient time to spend studying for the MCAT at about 20 hours per week. This can be compressed or extended based on your schedule.

Can I self study for MCAT?

Not Everyone Needs an MCAT Prep Course Some people will be able to self-study for the MCAT just fine. In that case, no, you don't need a full MCAT prep course. But you can't know until you get started.

Is a 520 A good MCAT score?

What's a Great MCAT Score? Scores of 520 or higher are rare. An overall MCAT score of 520 equaled or surpassed the performance of 97% of test-takers who took the exam between 2019 and 2021, according to AAMC data.

Can you do well on the MCAT without studying?

Study Mistake #1: Not Studying Most thought that taking the prerequisite courses for the exam in college was sufficient but, unfortunately, that's not the case. The MCAT is not like the SAT or ACT that you can take in high school without studying and do fine.

Is the Princeton Review MCAT prep course worth it?

Is the Princeton Review worth it? Yes! Princeton Review has a great course that has helped students raise their score through effective content and an easy-to-use platform. Their 510+ score guarantee is especially valuable for students who need to hit a specific score for admissions.

Is the MCAT difficult?

Some people have even asked, “Is the MCAT too difficult?” While the exam is challenging, the short answer to that question is “no.” Each and every year, plenty of students do well on the MCAT, making them even stronger candidates for medical school.

Is Kaplan MCAT online worth it?

Yes, Kaplan MCAT test prep is worth it. It gives excellent MCAT foundations, the ability to choose between private tutoring, online or live online classes, and high-quality materials.

What is the best MCAT prep course?

After reviewing numerous courses, we found that Princeton Review and Blueprint were the best MCAT prep courses. Both courses offer some great f...

Are MCAT prep courses worth it?

MCAT prep courses are a great way to learn new material and refresh yourself on old material. Some factors to consider might be your budget, learni...

How far in advance should you study for the MCAT?

The amount of time it takes to study for the MCAT will vary from person to person. It is recommended that students give themselves adequate time to...

Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for MCAT?

Both prep courses are great options when studying for the MCAT. Princeton Review is a little cheaper and has a couple of different features versus...

How difficult is MCAT?

The MCAT is a very difficult exam. Many students spend months preparing for the MCAT exam. MCAT prep courses are an efficient way to study and ta...

Do I need a MCAT prep course?

Given the high stakes nature of the MCAT, it is strongly advised that you purchase and take a MCAT prep course. The vast majority of students will...

How much does a MCAT prep course cost?

MCAT prep courses range widely in price, from $30/month for budget subscription courses, up to $5,000+ for comprehensive packages with tutoring. Th...

Will a MCAT prep course raise my score?

The short answer – very likely yes. Compared to self-studying with free resources, or not studying at all, a MCAT prep course is very likely to imp...

Why is MCAT prep important?

The MCAT is challenging, and high scores are critical. MCAT prep courses are a great way for students to refresh their knowledge on multiple topics while also learning new material. MCAT prep courses will help students become more comfortable taking the MCAT by offering strategies and test taking tips.

What to do if you need improvement on MCAT?

Improvement needed – take a free MCAT practice test to see where you stand. If your score needs improvement, an MCAT prep course may be a good option.

Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for MCAT?

Both prep courses are great options when studying for the MCAT. Princeton Review is a little cheaper and has a couple of different features versus Kaplan. Princeton Review gives students access for 12 months and costs $1499.

How difficult is MCAT?

The MCAT is a very difficult exam. Many students spend months preparing for the MCAT exam. MCAT prep courses are an efficient way to study and take some of the stress out of taking the MCAT.

How much does MCAT 510 cost?

This course is the most in-depth course they offer. Students can purchase this course for $3099.

How much does Princeton Review cost for MCAT?

The Princeton Review offers a very thorough MCAT prep course. The online, self-paced course retails for $1499 and is available to students for 12 months. The course features 1000’s of free-standing and passage-based questions – all of which have detailed answer explanations.

What is live course?

The live course is designed so students will complete the self-learning modules and will have the information reinforced via the live classroom sessions.

What to consider when choosing a MCAT prep course?

When choosing an MCAT prep course, it would be best to choose one that qualified instructors teach.

What is the next step to take to become a doctor?

After receiving your bachelor’s degree, the next step you need to take to become a doctor is to enter medical school . However, gaining admission into medical school can be tough and highly competitive, especially to some of the country’s more well-known schools.

Is practice good for MCAT?

As they say, practice makes perfect, and this can also be applicable for prepping for the MCAT. This is why you should check out if your chosen prep course offers practice tests as part of their process.

Is budget important for MCAT prep?

Of course, budget is a significant factor to consider when choosing the right MCAT prep course for you. This is because some MCAT prep courses can be costly, with some going for thousands of dollars, and may not fit your established budget.

What is the Gold Standard MCAT Prep Package?

The other major highlight of the Gold Standard MCAT Prep package is their bundle of high-quality eBooks. These digital prep books have been around for over 20 years and are extremely well-vetted by this point. Each chapter within the eBooks covers a MCAT subtopic in great detail, breaking down otherwise complex subject matter into understandable bites. They are well-articulated and content-rich. I would be shocked to see an official MCAT question where the underlying topic wasn’t covered somewhere in these eBooks. The books also contain some helpful illustrations and graphics that improve understanding and material retention. For students who prefer a prep book as their main source of instruction, you will find these eBooks and the course as a whole well suited to your needs.

What is Altius prep?

As mentioned, the basis of every Altius prep package is a series of meetings with a dedicated mentor. Altius specifically labels this person a “mentor” and not a “tutor,” as they train their mentors to offer much more than simply answering questions. The Altius mentors set a roadmap for your studies, help you assess your weak spots, answer content questions, review practice exams with you, and much more. Think of them more as a Sherpa on your journey up the mountain to a solid MCAT score, guiding the way.

How does Altius prep work?

The other half of the Altius prep system is built around small, group-based learning sessions. These study halls will generally serve as the basis of your content review and strategy building, with your 1-on-1 mentor meetings serving to reinforce these group meetings with a more personal touch. These group sessions are led by one to two Altius experts (depending on the day) and generally integrate content reviews, working problems as a group, and reviewing practice problem sets. These sessions dive deep into the details, and you consistently find yourself learning something new each session with how deep the meetings go. You meet via Zoom, and these sessions are capped at just 6-8 students.

What is the MCAT test?

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is the standardized exam utilized by almost every major school in the U.S. and Canada in its medical school admission process. The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges, or AAMC, and is designed to assess skills that are crucial to success in medical school, including problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles. As a note, when applying to med school, your MCAT must be recent – most schools will not accept MCAT exam scores that are more than three years old.

How many hours of online learning for MCAT?

In total, you’ll get somewhere between 120 and 200 hours of these live online group learning sessions, again depending on which package you sign up for. Our team found these review classes to be highly effective (just as much so as the mentoring sessions) and one of the key highlights of the Altius MCAT course.

What is adaptive Qbank?

One of the primary features of the Kaplan practice work is its adaptive Qbank. This study resource gives you access to over 2,900 high-quality practice problems with advanced filtering functionality. The Qbank allows you to customize practice sets by subject, question type, difficulty and more. Not only that, the questions adapt to your skill level and performance as you work through the problems.

How many questions are in the blueprint?

In addition, Blueprint offers a very respectable amount of high-quality practice material, including 4,000+ questions through its QBank, 15 full-length practice tests and all available AAMC practice materials. They also toss in a ton of great study resources to boot. All of these study resources and materials together make for an extremely robust prep package, and all at a very affordable price point.

What is the best MCAT prep course?

Magoosh is the best value you can find in an MCAT prep course: It offers the most comprehensive program you can get on a budget. For $399, you get yearlong access to customizable study plans, nearly 400 content review videos, more than 700 practice questions, three full-length practice exams, detailed question explanations, and email support from MCAT tutors. You can also pause your account at any time if you have to reschedule your exam for any reason.

How long is the Altius MCAT prep?

If you enroll in this program, prepare yourself for an ultra-intense 10 weeks: This Altius MCAT prep course includes 50-plus hours of MCAT study for 10 weeks straight, and you’ll be studying with some of the most dedicated pre-med students around.

How long does it take to study for MCAT at Altius?

Altius offers a range of in-person and online MCAT prep course options, but the real win is its summer immersion program, which requires full-time studying for 10 weeks straight.

What is Princeton Review known for?

Princeton Review is known for its rigorous test prep options , and the premise of its MCAT prep courses is to help you achieve better results in less time.

How many hours of tutoring for MCAT?

By the end of the program, you’ll have received more than 500 hours of MCAT instruction and tutoring in just 10 weeks.

What is Kaplan test prep?

Kaplan is one of the most well-known names in test prep, thanks to its robust course offerings, student support, financing options, and test score guarantees.

Does Kaplan have a MCAT prep course?

Kaplan offers a variety of different MCAT prep courses, as well as a la carte study options. For example, if you need intensive study for several months before taking the MCAT, you can choose one of the comprehensive live online or on-demand courses. But, if you feel confident and just want a refresher leading up to your exam, you could purchase a practice test bundle or the quiz bank, a library of dynamic online quizzes.

What Is the Best MCAT Prep Course?

Almost all medical schools in the US require you to take a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

1 - Magoosh

Magoosh MCAT is my #1 choice of all MCAT prep courses because it offers the best value.

2 - Kaplan

Kaplan has been around the longest out of all MCAT prep courses on this list.

What to consider when choosing a prep course for MCAT?

When you’re choosing a prep course for your MCAT, it’s important to consider your learning style, goals, budget, and how much time you have to prep. Every prep course is a little different and has its own set of pros and cons. Make sure you think through the following steps before you commit to an MCAT course.

What is the Princeton Review?

The Princeton Review offers MCAT students the opportunity to enroll in structured courses or to learn at their own pace. The program guarantees that students will achieve a score of at least 510 on their tests, and a money-back guarantee is available for those who don’t.

How many questions are asked on the MCAT?

The MCAT test consists of 230 questions in a variety of categories, including physics, biochemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, and sociology. A test of that caliber requires a lot of prep time, and as such, it’s important to start preparing as early as possible.

How many points does Magoosh have?

Magoosh’s MCAT prep courses are guaranteed to improve scores by at least 10 points. Its courses are customized to meet the needs of each test-taker, and the company strives to provide adequate resources for individuals with learning disabilities. Access includes lectures and study materials on all MCAT subjects, including biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. You can also access the company’s large library of full-length practice tests, which feature more than 700 questions. Tests are graded immediately so you can plan your studying around the areas that need the most improvement. Magoosh offers a no-strings-attached, seven-day money-back guarantee. Tutors are available to provide email support 24 hours a day.

What are the features of MCAT?

Look for must-have features. Many MCAT prep courses include more than just lessons. Look for the features that are important to you, such as extensive MCAT practice test libraries, 24-hour support, one-on-one tutoring, and free trials.

How many hours of MCAT prep?

Examkrackers features online MCAT prep courses that include 138 hours of live and recorded lessons. Test-takers participate in 44 lessons and 32 mini-MCAT tests to help them prepare for the real thing. These tests and lessons are modeled after the actual MCAT exam to help students understand the types of questions they’ll be required to answer and identify areas that may need improvement. Additionally, you’ll be provided with live access to your instructor, enabling you to ask questions and obtain extra support along the way. If you feel the need for further support, one-on-one tutoring is available, as well as a variety of course materials that can be used for independent study.

What is the MCAT test?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by top medical schools as part of their admissions process. While there are schools that don’t require students to provide an MCAT score, most accredited programs in the U.S. and Canada won’t accept applicants who haven’t passed the MCAT. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), more than 85,000 students take the MCAT each year. To help you prepare for this exam, we’ve ranked and reviewed the top 10 MCAT prep courses.

Who Should Get an Online MCAT Prep Course?

The MCAT prep courses available online are perfect for anybody looking to be well prepared for the test. The MCAT exam is one of the most important tests you will ever take if you attend medical school. It’s very challenging, and getting a high score is necessary for admittance.

What are the benefits of taking online MCAT prep classes?

Another benefit of choosing an online MCAT prep course is the top instructors you will gain access to. Some programs even give you live instructors and one-on-one options.

What is a one on one MCAT?

The one-on-one MCAT Mentoring Program offers so much more than just an MCAT prep course. Students get the motivation they need and the right options to help improve critical thinking skills. Thousands of students have used this program to score higher on the MCAT.

Why is scoring higher on the MCAT important?

Scoring higher on the MCAT is vital for most future medical school students. When you choose one of the top MCAT prep courses, you will have the tools to score high. You’ll be better prepared, less anxious, and you’ll be able to score higher to gain admittance to medical school.

How long does Princeton bootcamp take?

The bootcamp programs cover a ton of material in just 6 weeks when you need to be able to study for the MCAT fast. The Princeton Review also offers a 510+ score guarantee if you complete their program.

How many people take the MCAT every year?

More than 80,000 people take the MCAT every year in America and Canada. Each school has different requirements for admittance and some require a higher score on the MCAT than others. In many cases, a high MCAT score is just as important as your undergraduate degree and GPA.

What is the best score for MCAT?

A score between 500 and 507 will put you in the top 50% of test-takers, while any score of 499 or below is considered to be a below-average score on the MCAT.

What Is the Best MCAT Prep Course?

The answer might seem obvious, right? The best MCAT prep course is the course that gets you your desired MCAT score! And this is true, but how can a course achieve this? As we discuss later in this blog, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of MCAT prep courses that offer different types of services and promise stellar results? But how to choose the right one?

What is MCAT prep?

An MCAT prep course is a short-term study program designed to help students study for the MCAT. It usually involves a schedule of classes (online, in-person or pre-recorded), prescribed study materials, practice tests and other preparatory activities, all in one package. It might provide exactly the help you need to ace the test.

How Much Does MCAT Prep Course Cost?

The cost can vary depending on the brand name of the class, the amount of prescribed study materials and the extent of coaching services being offered.

Is MCAT prep reliable?

Additionally, while MCAT prep courses do offer access to a large number of resources, these resources may not always be reliable. That’s why it’s important to regularly check your progress. For example, taking as many practice tests as possible definitely helps to keep track of your progress and improve your final score. But without personalized feedback and professional help, many students find it difficult to figure out what areas of weakness they should address and how to structure their time to achieve the highest results possible. This is why going with a prep course with good reputation, proven strategies, and unbiased excellent reviews is key in your search for the right MCAT prep class. If the MCAT prep course you choose is not reliable or comprehensive, you may end up wishing you had just chosen the self-directed study option.