what course would best prep me for the mcat

Best MCAT Prep Course Reviews (2022)

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Pricing	$2199 $1999 View latest discounts for Bl ...	$1699 $1444 DEVMCAT15 EXCLUSIVE: Save 15 ...	$499 $359 TESTGUIDE1 EXCLUSIVE: Save 10% ...	$1799

Jun 6 2022

Full Answer

What are the best MCAT courses?

Top 9 Best MCAT Prep Courses of 2021 Reviewed

• Blueprint Online MCAT Prep Course – Best Overall MCAT Prep Course
• Atlius MCAT Prep Courses – Best Live Online MCAT Courses
• Kaplan MCAT Prep Courses – Most Comprehensive MCAT Prep Courses
• Med Smarter MCAT Review Course – Most Convenient MCAT Class Options
• MCAT Self Prep – Best Self Study MCAT Course Online

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What classes should you take to prepare for the MCAT?

• 1 year of Biology
• 1 year of General Chemistry
• 1 year of Physics
• 1 year of Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• intro to psychology and sociology

Do MCAT preparation courses really help?

The fact is that you can probably prepare for MCAT quite well on your own, with the help of some free materials and books. But taking a structured course has its own advantages as it helps with consistency and gives you access to more advanced study materials. The courses are also known to improve your score by 5 to 10 points.

What courses are required/recommended for the MCAT?

What Classes Do I Need to Take for the MCAT?

• Biology. Those planning to take the MCAT will need at least two years of biology -- the study of the physiological processes of living things.
• General and Organic Chemistry. Students preparing for the MCAT will need one year of general chemistry with lab, along with one year of organic chemistry and lab.
• Physics. ...
• Math. ...
• Verbal Reasoning. ...

Is a prep course worth it MCAT?

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.

What subjects should I study for MCAT?

The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam that consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

Should I take Biochem before MCAT?

After Biology, Biochemistry is the second most tested natural science subject on the exam. This means that there are more Biochemistry questions than questions on General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Physics. So, if possible, try your best to take Biochemistry before you take the MCAT.

Is a 520 A good MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 520 on the MCAT means you performed in the 98% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

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 grea...

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 versu...

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...

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.

How long should I study for the MCAT?

Preparing for the MCAT. We recommend studying for three to six months before actually sitting for the MCAT. Obviously, that study time frame will change depending on your commitments and schedule, but be prepared for a long haul. You cannot procrastinate in studying for the MCAT and expect to score well.

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.

Is the MCAT a high score?

The MCAT is a difficult and high-stakes exam with little room for error. For many aspiring med school students, your MCAT score will make or break your application, which in turn makes the selection of the right prep course a pivotal decision at the start of your journey to becoming a doctor.

What is the MCAT test?

Nearly every medical school in the country uses the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to measure prospective students’ scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills. Your score has a significant impact on your chances of acceptance, so doing well is key. But knowing how to prepare effectively can be as difficult as taking the exam itself. ...

Why is the MCAT important?

The MCAT is an important component of your medical school application that measures your knowledge and ability to cope with graduate-level coursework. It’s used by nearly every medical college in the nation to assess and compare applicants, so it’s important to do your best.

How long is the MCAT good for?

Scores are usually good for two to three years, but this depends on the school you’re applying to. If you took the exam a few years ago and aren’t sure if your scores still count, reach out to the admissions department and ask. Unlike most standardized tests, the MCAT doesn’t give you the option to cancel your scores.

How many practice tests does Kaplan have?

Courses include 16 full-length practice tests , though unlike most other Kaplan courses, you don’t take any proctored practice tests in class. There’s also a question bank of over 8,500 practice problems, which is great if you want to target a particular section. Kaplan ’s most unique resource is The MCAT Channel.

What does 95th percentile mean on MCAT?

The number you get indicates what percentage of test takers you scored higher than, so a 95th percentile rank means you did better than 95 percent of others who have taken the exam. These percentile ranks are updated periodically by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the creator of the MCAT, to reflect more recent data. So a given score may translate to a slightly different percentile rank next year, but overall, the rankings are pretty consistent.

How many questions are asked in the MCAT?

The MCAT is a multiple-choice computer exam containing 230 questions. The test is broken into four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Critical Analysis and Reasoning (CARS); Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior. Each part is designed to test a different aspect of your scientific knowledge as well as your ability to think critically and analyze information. All sections are 95 minutes and contain 59 questions, with the exception of CARS, which is only 90 minutes and contains 53 questions.

Does Gold Standard MCAT have live classes?

Gold Standard MCAT Prep doesn’t offer any live classes, but its self-study programs are comprehensive, affordable and rival the best in terms of practice materials. Its Platinum Package Plus includes a bank of over 10,000 practice questions and 20 full-length practice tests — the most of any of our top picks. The course also includes a suggested study schedule, so there’s no need to invent one on your own. Unfortunately, there’s no trained instructors standing by to assist you if you run into trouble. This isn’t unusual for self-study programs, but it could be an issue for some students. Before signing up, make sure you’re prepared to tackle the course materials on your own.

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.

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, ...

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.

Is Princeton Review a bootcamp?

Each course comes with its own features, score guarantee, and refund policy. The Princeton Review was founded in 1981 and has since become a top name in the prep course industry. Today it offers a wide selection of test prep courses including four MCAT prep options and a bootcamp.

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 much does Kaplan cost for MCAT?

Pricing: Kaplan offers a top notch MCAT prep course, but it comes at a price. They have the most expensive on-demand option in our list, starting at $1,799. Their live online and in-person options are even more. If prices is a consideration you can get a better deal with Blueprint.

How long is the MCAT?

Especially when considering you may be balancing work, school and a host of other responsibilities. The MCAT testing period of 7.5 hours can be brutal without the best MCAT prep course.

How does MCAT help you stay on task?

The best MCAT courses will also help you stay on task while providing clear explanations, interactive study tools, and practice exams that are similar to the real MCAT experience .

What is self paced MCAT?

A self-paced course provides the most versatile learning options. Flexibility is key here and it often gives you the ability to study around your schedule as opposed to making your schedule around your classes. Having this option gives you ultimate control of your MCAT exam prep. However, with this comes the responsibility of sitting down and sticking to a schedule on your own. You also won’t have open access to instructors, although many of the self-paced options do provide forums, email and phone support.

What happens if my MCAT score doesn't go up?

If your score doesn’t go up, you can do the same program again at no extra charge, or (the best part) you can ask for your money back. You can study up until the very day of your exam with Kaplan’s course materials, which do not expire until you take the MCAT.

Is the Blueprint MCAT stressful?

Peace of Mind : As previously mentioned, there’s no excuse for a MCAT prep course to be stressful when the exam itself causes enough anxiety on its own . Therefore, some of the most helpful features Blueprint MCAT provides are the ones that reduce the amount of pressure on students’ shoulders.

Is the Blueprint MCAT affordable?

However, Blueprint MCAT Review manages to offer an affordable package with quality and quality.

What is Kaplan MCAT?

Kaplan is among the top commercial MCAT prep course options and provides a wide variety of course deliveries including Live Online, In Person, On Demand, Tutoring & Consulting, as well as Winter and Summer Intensives.

How long is the Princeton Review MCAT?

The Princeton Review MCAT Ultimate Course is the most comprehensive, intensive MCAT course offered both Live Online or In-Person. 123 hours of live instruction by a team of 4-6 subject-matter experts means you’ll be ready for the MCAT in as little as 12 weeks.

How long is Magoosh MCAT?

Magoosh MCAT sets itself apart as one of the only budget MCAT prep courses on the market today. This MCAT course includes 1-12 months of access to 380+ video lessons, 3 practice tests of over 700 practice questions, detailed text explanations, email assistance, and a 7-day money back guarantee.

How many hours does the Blueprint MCAT take?

Blueprint MCAT is a personalized online MCAT prep course that utilizes diagnostic test results to create a custom study plan. This MCAT course includes 240+ hours of live instruction over a 6-month period. In addition to the course, students can join 2-hour Live Online Office Hours with your instructor up to 5 times per week.

What is the gold standard for MCAT?

Gold Standard is one of the best resources for MCAT review materials that an aspiring medical student can utilize. They provide various prep courses and packages that are tailored to the needs of prospective test takers.

Is Altius a good MCAT prep?

With robust in-person and online course options, Altius is one of the leading providers of quality MCAT prep courses. Their strengths lie in how they structure their courses as well as their comprehensive practice tests and 90th percentile score guarantee for all students.

Does blueprint have MCAT?

It’s important to note that Blueprint is the only company who has fully updated all their practice exams and diagnostic to be fully aligned to the actual MCAT interface changes for this year. Once you enroll in a Blueprint MCAT course, you’ll also receive their set of 6 section-specific MCAT prep books.

Why is it important to find out what an MCAT prep course offers?

This is why it’s important to find out exactly what an MCAT prep course offers and if that matches your academic needs. Many students achieve success just by creating their own MCAT study schedule and sticking to it. You might be one of them or you might be someone who could really benefit from an MCAT prep course.

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.

What are the prerequisites for the MCAT?

The Essential MCAT Prerequisites. 1 semester of Bio chemistry (Note: Most universities will have a biochemistry class for chemistry majors and an easier biochemistry class for biology majors. Take the easier class, 2 semesters of chemistry major Biochemistry is overkill!) This is a pretty long list of classes. ...

When should I buy a MCAT prep book?

If you are planning ahead, consider buying an MCAT prep book as early as freshmen year. You can use it to supplement your pre-med studies and further reinforce the information that the MCAT tends to emphasize.

How many years of premed do I need to take the MCAT?

Ideally, you want to take the MCAT Junior year or right after Junior year. This means you need to cram all these classes into essentially 2.5-3 years.

How many semesters of biochemistry are required?

1 semester of Biochemistry (Note: Most universities will have a biochemistry class for chemistry majors and an easier biochemistry class for biology majors. Take the easier class, 2 semesters of chemistry major Biochemistry is overkill!) This is a pretty long list of classes.

When is the MCAT 2021?

June 1, 2021. September 6, 2019 by Paul Zganiacz. Before studying for the MCAT, it is recommended that you take certain pre-med courses that are covered on the exam.

Do you need to take upper level biology before the MCAT?

Helpful Upper-Level Classes. Upper-level classes are NOT required to do well on the MCAT. However, one cannot deny that there is a clear benefit to taking upper-level biology courses before the MCAT. The only reason why we don’t recommend taking these classes is that there is usually not enough time. But if you are in a position where you can take ...

How long does it take to prepare for the MCAT?

Flowers says six months is the amount of time that is typically necessary for premeds to prepare for the MCAT if they haven't had an ideal premed educational experience. "It's going to be adjustable for those who think they can do it in less time," he adds.

Who advises taking the MCAT?

Gray advises anyone who plans to take the MCAT to take a look at the AAMC's official prep materials. "Those are the people who write the test, and so getting practice tests from people who wrote the real test is always going to be the gold standard," he says.

What is MOOC in education?

MOOCs. Massive Online Open Courses are online classes that are essentially open to the public. " (Students) can go in and sign up for a biology course or a chemistry course or a physics course. And there's no cost," Mitchell says. Coursera and EdX are two of the more popular MOOC providers.

Is there a free MCAT prep?

Recognizing that many medical school hopefuls have limited finances, the Association of American Medical Colleges offers an abundance of free MCAT test prep materials, including a free guide on how to create an MCAT study plan, plus free video tutorials offered in partnership with Khan Academy, a nonprofit digital education provider. In addition, the AAMC website includes public testimonials from medical students who describe their MCAT experience and explain the test prep strategies they used.

Does AAMC offer free MCAT?

AAMC. In addition to offering free prep materials for the MCAT, the Association of American Medical Colleges also sells various products, such as flashcards, question sets, full-length practice exams, plus its print textbook "The Official Guide to the MCAT: Fifth Edition.".