which online course is the best for mcat

by Elena Kshlerin 7 min read

Ranking the Best Online Courses for MCAT Prep

  • 1: Khan Academy MCAT Test Prep. This free online course from Khan Academy ranks as the best MCAT prep course. It was...
  • 2: MCAT Self Prep. This free course offers a good option for students that need a narrow-focused and basic study guide.
  • 3: Varsity Tutors MCAT Practice Tests. Like the Peterson’s course discussed earlier,...

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

Full Answer

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. ...

What is the best MCAT prep class?

The Princeton Review MCAT course is one of the best on the market and stands first in the prep course reviews. I love this course among all the best MCAT prep courses because you can study hard for a shorter time frame and still achieve the maximum results.

What is the best way to study for the MCAT?

MCAT CARS Strategies

  • Use Old AAMC Exams. ...
  • Read Newspapers. ...
  • Focus On Incorrect Answers (Just As Much As Correct Ones) Although most of the resources recommended below will give you detailed reasoning for both correct and incorrect answers, not all ...
  • Don’t Let Your Score Dictate Your Confidence. ...
  • Practice Problems. ...
  • Work On Timing First, Analysis Later. ...

More items...

Are MCAT prep courses worth it?

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 MCAT prep is best?

Best Intensive Option The Princeton Review Like Kaplan, The Princeton Review is a well-known name when it comes to test prep. The four course options include: Self-paced, an online-only course that includes a library of 500-plus videos, 10 MCAT books, thousands of practice questions, and 16 full-length practice tests.

Is blueprint MCAT online course worth it?

Blueprint does an excellent job replicating real MCAT questions in terms of question length, difficulty, and content. With respect to quantity, you will get access to 15 full-length practice exams. This is a very respectable figure and bested only by Gold Standard MCAT Prep's 20 practice tests.

Is blueprint or Kaplan better for MCAT?

Books – Blueprint provides 6 hard copy prep books (all specific MCAT subject related) to all of its' students, while Kaplan provides 8 prep books (7 subject matter related). All are extremely thorough, well written, do an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts, and closely track the coursework.

Is Kaplan online course worth it MCAT?

Kaplan MCAT prep is a great choice to get you ready for the MCAT. Many have gone through the course and had great success and you do have the higher score guarantee, which means Kaplan stands behind their work. Kaplan is a great choice if you learn mainly by lecture/video and practice questions.

Is UWorld good for the MCAT?

UWorld is good for MCAT prep as it provides 2,000-plus questions that are designed to be comparable to the AAMC questions. The questions are categorized into the seven subjects assessed on the exam. You have the option to complete these questions one by one (in tutor mode) or in a block similar to the exam.

Are blueprint MCAT exams harder than AAMC?

Blueprint practice exams are harder than the AAMC MCAT prep. Usually, students' score on the Blueprint is five to seven points lower than their actual MCAT score.

Is Princeton Review or Kaplan 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 Magoosh good for MCAT?

If you are self-motivated, prefer learning alone at your own pace, and fancy video lessons, Magoosh may be a great fit for your MCAT prep needs. Their 380+ video lessons, while on the dry side, are very thorough and expertly communicated.

Is the Khan Academy MCAT prep good?

Yes, Khan Academy is good for the MCAT. This is a great prep course to get free content and extra resources before taking exams. How Many Khan Academy Videos Are There For MCAT? There are about 1,100 Khan Academy videos for the MCAT, which is enough to prepare you for the real med school test.

Are MCAT bootcamps worth it?

Is Kaplan MCAT Bootcamp worth it? The Kaplan MCAT Bootcamp is a great investment for students who need more one-on-one instruction from high-quality instructors. If, however, you don't need as much face-to-face, then The Princeton Review's 515+ is a better value.

Should I pay for an MCAT prep course?

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 accurate is Kaplan MCAT score?

From user submitted scores of both their Kaplan and official MCAT exams, the general trend is that Kaplan practice exams are generally scored ~10 points below what you can expect to receive on an official MCAT, were you to take one. This might seem very off and imply that Kaplan exams are poor predictors of the MCAT.

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 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.

How long does it take to study for the MCAT?

It is recommended that students give themselves adequate time to prepare for the MCAT (6-12 months). MCAT prep courses are a great way to stay on track when studying for the MCAT.

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.

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 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 the Dr Flowers MCAT cost?

Dr. Flowers MCAT offers 3 different pricing options. The first one is an 8-week course available for $299. The second one is a 12-week course available for $419. The third one is a 16-week course available for $539 and the one we reviewed.

Is MCAT prep expensive?

Budget MCAT prep courses can get expensive. If money is tight, consider our best value recommendation, or self-study with MCAT prep books. Learning style – if you have a history of successfully studying with books, a self-study approach with a good MCAT prep book may be your best plan.

Is MCAT prep course good?

If your score needs improvement, an MCAT prep course may be a good option. Need for encouragement – if you need encouragement, feedback and motivation, a prep course with an instructor (either in-person or online) is a good option. Budget – MCAT prep courses can get expensive. If money is tight, consider our best value recommendation, ...

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 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 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.

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.

How long is the MCAT?

Studying for such a wide range of subjects can be a challenge. Of course, the length of the test itself is also a challenge. At about 7.5 hours of seated time , the MCAT is by far the longest standardized test. Compare that to three hours for the SAT, 3.5 hours for the ACT, and 3.75 hours for the GRE.

How many modules are in the MCAT?

In fact, you can test out of certain areas so your time is focused on areas that need improvement. The MCAT prep course includes more than 160 individual learning modules.

How many hours of video is in MCAT?

This MCAT prep is a video-heavy course. It includes more than 300 hours of video instruction. The instruction is based on the actual practice questions that are written by the MCAT writers.

What can boost a course's learning experience score?

This includes the number of practice questions, the number of practice tests, and the type of support options. Some MCAT prep courses even offer guarantees.

Is MCAT prep expensive?

Furthermore, these courses provide students with diverse learning experiences. This allows you to tailor your MCAT preparation to the type of learner you are. As you’ll see in the rankings, some of the best MCAT prep courses are quite expensive. However, there are some more budget-friendly options if money is tight.

Who is Kaplan study prep?

Kaplan is one of the best-known names in study prep. Their DIY MCAT Prep Plus course gives you access to a robust collection of study materials that allows you to prepare for the MCAT at your own pace.

Is it necessary to rate MCAT prep courses?

Therefore, it’s necessary to rate these courses on their ability to provide you the learning experience you need. Some of the best MCAT prep courses can be customized to your unique needs. This helps boost a course’s learning experience score. Likewise, some courses offer video instruction to supplement your studying.

What is the MCAT test?

The MCAT test is a computer-based multiple-choice, standardized exam for admission in medical schools. The admission committee checks your MCAT score with your academic record and supporting materials. This exam helps them to evaluate the performance of applicants to enroll them in a specific college.

Why do universities require MCAT scores?

Universities require certain MCAT test scores for admissions. Your MCAT score determines the classes in which you will get admission. For example, a low score will put you in low-level colleges, while a high score paves a path for admission in reputed colleges. MCAT exam scores are also an important factor for merit-based scholarships. It can be won from organizations and schools.

What is Magoosh MCAT?

Magoosh MCAT is an online course that enables you to study for medical college admission test from your desktop or mobile. It provides you email assistance whenever you find any difficulty in preparing for the exam.

What is blueprint MCAT?

Blueprint MCAT is one of the best personalized online MCAT prep courses that offer a custom study plan. This MCAT course includes live instruction, lessons, readings, quizzes, and more. It enables you to increase your score with the help of MCAT instructors.

What is self prep for MCAT?

The MCAT Self Prep Course is a learning platform that enables you to learn from numerous materials. It is completely customizable and allows you to prepare in a way that is best for you.

What is the Princeton Review MCAT?

The Princeton Review MCAT is a website that helps you prepare for the medical college admission test. It offers detailed score reports that are used to gauge a student's progress.

Can I get a refund for MCAT prep?

Yes, most of the M CAT prep courses have a refund policy. You need to be careful as these classes have short timeframes to request a refund. Therefore, it is advisable for you to read the terms and conditions properly.

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.

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 the best online course for MCAT 2021?

Next Step provides a variety of test preparation courses, and MCAT Prep course is amongst one of the best online courses for 2021. It is specially designed to meet the needs of an individual who is struggling with scoring a higher score in the MCAT exam. This course is the best suited for both traditional pre-medical students as well as non-traditional students. In this course, you’ll learn about different MCAT content and how to develop strategies to pass the test successfully. It includes a completely customized plan for studying, practice tests, and assistance from expert instructors at a very competitive price.

Is Kaplan a good resource?

Review: Kaplan was an amazing resource! They are extremely helpful in breaking down the exam into chunks that make everything much more digestible. The teachers are amazing. Highly recommend to pre-medical students looking for competitive scores. – Natalie

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.

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.

Does Princeton Review refund MCAT?

You can also access an extensive video library, MCAT textbooks, and thousands of practice questions. If, after completing the course, you don’t see an improvement in your score, The Princeton Review will refund your tuition. If you’re not satisfied with the course, the company will let you repeat it for free.

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 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.

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.

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.

Is MCAT self prep free?

MCAT Self-Prep provides free prep courses for test-takers, along with premium access subscriptions that include a variety of additional features. Courses are structured and lessons are available on-demand. Each module can be customized, enabling you to learn at your own pace and in your own way. Each MCAT Self Prep eCourse is designed based on the experiences of students who’ve scored in the top fifth percentile. All course materials and practice tests are modeled after the actual MCAT, which helps students gain confidence when they go into the real test. Support from experienced tutors is available around the clock via chat, and all students are invited to join the company’s Facebook study group. Self-Prep’s free MCAT eCourse is hugely popular with test takers, earning them the spot of most affordable on our list.

Does Khan Academy have MCAT prep?

Khan Academy facilitates free MCAT prep courses and test exams. All of its programs are self-directed, which means there’s no live interaction with instructors and no course individualization for those with learning disabilities. If you require tutoring, extra support is available for a donation. Khan Academy’s MCAT prep course is focused on several topics, including critical analysis, reasoning skills, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physical foundations of biological systems. Additionally, its courses teach skills in areas such as psychology and sociology. All programs include access to the organization’s online community, which test-takers can use to meet other students and ask for support, as well as an iOS and Android app. One important thing to note is that Khan Academy plans to retire this course on September 30, 2021, so if you’re looking for a long-term prep course, this may not be for you.

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