which course is best to take 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

May 1 2022

Full Answer

What courses are required/recommended for the MCAT?

 · Here are the best upper-level courses to take before the MCAT: Molecular Cell Biology Microbiology Anatomy and Physiology Genetics

What is the best MCAT prep class?

 · Expensive. Limited access in free trial. With live online office hours five-day a week, the ability to repeat a class to reinforce the lesson, access to thousands of practice questions, and the most representative full-length practice exams, Blueprint is our clear choice as the best overall MCAT prep course.

What is the best way to study for the MCAT?

 · The Princeton Review’s MCAT 510+ course is the way to go if you’re looking for a complete MCAT prep course. It provides 123 hours of live instruction, plus full access to over 500 hours of online videos and practice drills.

Are MCAT prep courses worth it?

In essence, no classes are required to take the MCAT, but it’s a good idea to take biology (general and organic), physics, chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology first. You may also want to consider taking other, more advanced-level courses to give you a leg up the first time you take the exam. Do you have further questions?

What courses do you need to take to take the MCAT?

All of the content on the MCAT is covered in introductory courses at most colleges and universities, including introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology, and biochemistry.

Should I take a course for the 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 should you not study for MCAT?

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Students Make While Studying For the MCATTaking notes in a notebook. ... Not doing the AAMC Practice Problems. ... Failing to find the proper balance between content review and practice.

When should you start studying for the MCAT?

The earliest we recommend taking the MCAT is the end of the summer between your sophomore and junior year of college. In that case, we recommend beginning to study no earlier than the spring of your sophomore year. There are a few caveats to keep in mind if you plan to take the MCAT that early.

How do I start studying for MCAT?

Go to the free Khan Academy MCAT videos. Pick up a set of MCAT prep books. Spend a month prepping on your own and see what kind of progress you can make. Then if it's not coming together, consider going for a more in-depth prep product like a prep course or one-on-one tutoring.

How do I start preparing for the MCAT?

If you have three months, here are your MCAT priorities:Gauge your performance by taking a free online practice test. ... Let your baseline guide your content review. ... Grab a copy of the AAMC outline of topics that will be on the exam . ... Consider taking a prep course to keep you on track. ... Practice, practice, practice.

Is there a lot of physics on the MCAT?

Physics will represent somewhere between 20-30 percent of your MCAT Chem/Phys section, which is one of four MCAT sections. Hence, you can expect to see 12 to 18 physics questions (out of 230 total questions) on the entire MCAT—about 5 to 8 percent of the exam.

How long should I study for the MCAT?

200 to 300 hoursMost 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 the MCAT all multiple-choice?

As stated above, the MCAT only have multiple choice questions, which is different from most college science exams.

Is MCAT hard to pass?

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.

How much does the MCAT cost?

The initial registration fee for the MCAT exam is $325, which covers the cost of the exam, as well as distribution of your scores. Information regarding fees is available on the MCAT website.

What is the syllabus of MCAT?

The test has 4 sections in total, 3 of which test your scientific understanding, and 1 tests your critical thinking and reasoning. The 3 science-based sections cover a gamut of subjects: physics, biology, chemistry, sociology, and psychology.

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, lear...

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...

Best 2018 Online Medical College Admission Test Mcat Review Courses & Study Materials [Compared]

1. The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course 2. The Gold Standard MCAT Review Course 3. Kaplan MCAT Prep Course 4. Adapt Prep MCAT Review Course 5. Mag...

The Gold Standard Mcat Prep Course

1. Practice Questions: The Gold Standard MCAT has more practice questions than any other MCAT course in our rankings. This ensures you probably won...

Adapt Prep Mcat Prep Course

1. 1. Flexible Pricing: Students can save some money on registration costs by reducing the amount of access time or limiting their study material t...

Best Mcat Tutoring Services Online

1. Monday Back Guarantee: All students get a FREE Introductory Hour, so you get to meet your tutor and develop a customized study plan before begin...

Which 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 features and will help any student prepare for the MCAT exam.

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.

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.

How long is the MCAT self paced?

The most comprehensive MCAT course we reviewed. With 12 months of access for the self-paced course, students should do very well on the MCAT when using this prep course.

What is the purpose of MCAT prep?

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, learning style, and self-discipline. MCAT prep courses will help identify strengths and weaknesses, simulate the actual test, and provide a study plan.

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 the MCAT?

The MCAT, short for Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized test that students must take if they’re hoping to be admitted into medical school.

The 5 Best MCAT Prep Courses

The Princeton Review has been offering standardized test prep for many years, and it’s good at what it does. Currently, it offers four different MCAT prep courses.

Conclusion- Best MCAT Prep Courses

We sincerely hope this information gave you some good insight on choosing from the best MCAT prep courses to be found online.

What to consider when selecting the MCAT prep course?

When selecting the MCAT prep course that is right for you, consider your learning style, your timeline for study, the amount of support you want, and your budget. If you want a course that offers a breadth of study materials, and online support from 99th percentile instructors all on an easy-to-use platform, we recommend Blueprint.

How many MCAT prep courses are there?

We evaluated 13 different MCAT prep courses for this review and considered factors such as cost, delivery options, the breadth of study materials, course length, student support, and the quality of instructors. We also considered if the MCAT prep course offered a score increase guarantee and a free trial so students can test out the program before committing.

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 MCAT 515 cost?

The course regularly costs $6,999 but was on sale for $6,699 as of March 2021.

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 many times can you take the MCAT?

The MCAT can be taken up to three times in a single testing year, but there are limits to how many times you can take the exam. The MCAT can be taken up to four times in two consecutive years, and up to seven times in a lifetime. It’s important to note that all of your scored exams can be seen by medical schools.

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.

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 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.

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 is the MCAT channel?

MCAT Channel: Kaplan’s MCAT Channel gives students access to live lectures from 1st-rate, experienced MCAT teachers 6 days a week in addition to on demand, pre-recorded content that is available 24/7. Best of all recorded episodes can searched by interests, study needs, or even your favorite professor!

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.

How long does Magoosh study plan take?

These range from 1 month to 6 months. The study plans give you daily exercises and even have built in rest days. This is a great way to stay organized and make sure you’re maximizing your study time.

Is the Blueprint MCAT affordable?

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

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.

What is the MCAT exam?

MCAT is short for the Medical College Admissions Test, an entrance exam that most medical schools require candidates to take before applying. To do well on it, you’ll want to have the experience and knowledge of several core courses offered at most colleges and universities.

Do you have to take any classes before the MCAT?

Students often wonder if they must take any specific classes before the MCAT, and the answer is no. There is no requirement to have completed any particular courses. However, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) does recommend that anyone taking the exam first complete specific introductory-level courses (which we’ll explore below).

Do you need labs for MCAT?

Yes, the labs are a vital component of the above classes as they offer hands-on experience and knowledge that many questions on the MCAT will specifically cover. As long as you take your undergraduate science labs, you will be fine!

Is psychology required for MCAT?

Psychology is another class that can be highly beneficial for those who want to take and do well on the MCAT exam, but it’s not required by the testing company or any medical school. Psychology covers topics on neurobiology, learning and memory, psychological disorders, neurobiology, and more.

What is the number one topic on the MCAT?

Biology is the number one topic on the MCAT. Ali says it depends on what you classify as biology. Because the number one topic on the bio/biochem section, for example, is foundational concept one. This is 55% of your bio/biochem section. And actually, it overlaps with some of the chem/phys section too. So you can get points there too.

When do you have to get your MCAT ready?

But just to give you an idea of the normal school timeline, if you want to apply in the summer of your junior year, just before your senior year, you have to have your MCAT ready by May of your junior year.

What does "super organized" mean in the MCAT?

They’re very organized with their classes and they’re very organized for the MCAT. They keep a schedule and they know what to do every day.

What are some topics you can study on your own?

If you’ve never been exposed to the topic before, a topic you can study on your own would be something like sociology. If you have the basics of psychology/sociology, it might be easier for you to do it on your own. It’s not to say that it’s a less important topic.

What are the complication of taking the MCAT?

The main complication is when you have not taken all of the prerequisite classes. A lot of sophomores have not taken Physics 2 or Organic Chemistry 2 before taking the MCAT. You can overcome that but not everyone can overcome it in the timeline that they have. Then there’s a kind of a subtle complication under it as well.

Why doesn't Ali say let it distract you from your classes?

Ali says not to let it distract you from your classes because your number one job is to get an A and get a high GPA in your classes in your freshman and sophomore years.

Is it a good strategy to take the MCAT?

Again, it’s a great strategy, but you still need to do well in your class so don’t let the MCAT prep get in the way of that.

Why do they add stuff to the MCAT?

This is by design because the MCAT writers want to know that you’re able to learn huge amounts of information.

Why is there no MCAT at the end of the year?

There’s no MCAT at the end of the year because September is towards the end of the application cycle. So if someone takes the test in October-December, it’s all the same. So they decided to take this off and ramp-up and prep for the next cycle of the MCAT.

Is the MCAT over for 2020?

The MCAT calendar has turned at this point. The MCAT for 2019 is over and the AAMC has just announced its dates for 2020. They haven’t opened up the registration yet. Today, we’re dishing our some stuff to help students better prepare for the MCAT next time. We show you ways to use your time efficiently.

Do you need anatomy and physiology for the MCAT?

You don’t need to take them to take the MCAT, but there are a ton of Anatomy and Physiology on the exam itself. This being said, Phil believes that taking Anatomy and Physiology is a good use of time. Not only does it help you in the MCAT, but it also makes that transition into medical school a whole lot smoother.

Is organic chemistry a prerequisite for MCAT?

But Orgo 2, which is also a prerequisite, is largely unnecessary. Very little of it shows up on the actual MCAT.

Can you take Orgo 2 on the MCAT?

The MCAT is not going to make you draw mechanisms so you can get away without having to take Orgo 2. If you haven’t taken Physics 1 and/or Physics 2. it can be tricky. Physics 2 is a lower yield than Physics 1. Phil recommends Biochemistry because it’s usually one of the last classes students take.