Thinking about taking the MCAT? Thousands of students face this challenging exam each year as they pursue their dreams of becoming doctors.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of great study options out there to help you prepare.
The right MCAT prep course can make a big difference in your score and confidence on test day. Whether you prefer self-paced study or live online classes, there’s a program that fits your learning style and budget.
Let’s take a look at five top-rated MCAT courses that can help boost your performance on this crucial exam.
1) Kaplan MCAT Prep
Hey there! Looking for a solid MCAT prep course? Kaplan’s got you covered.
They offer a bunch of different options to fit your study style and schedule.
Their MCAT Prep Course is pretty popular.
It includes 42 hours of live online lessons taught by teachers who scored over 520 on the MCAT.
That’s some serious brain power!
Want more flexibility? Kaplan’s on-demand course lets you study at your own pace.
You can watch video lessons and practice with tons of questions whenever it works for you.
If you’re aiming for the stars, check out their 515+ Score Guarantee program.
It’s designed to help you hit that impressive 515 or higher score.
Kaplan also offers one-on-one tutoring if you need extra help.
Plus, they have special courses focused on CARS and PREview sections of the MCAT.
Their prep materials are top-notch, with loads of practice questions and full-length practice tests.
You’ll get a good feel for the real exam.
Just keep in mind that Kaplan’s courses can be a bit pricey.
But hey, if you’re serious about acing the MCAT, it might be worth the investment.
2) Princeton Review MCAT
Looking to ace the MCAT? Princeton Review might be your go-to choice.
They offer several MCAT prep options to fit your needs and schedule.
Their MCAT Ultimate course is a popular pick.
It gives you 123 hours of live instruction, covering all the bases you need for test day.
In addition to their comprehensive MCAT preparation options, many students also explore other fields of study, such as cybersecurity.
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These courses not only teach you about protecting systems and data but also prepare you for various certifications that can enhance your career prospects in the tech industry.
If you’re aiming high, check out the MCAT 515+ Immersion course.
It’s intense, with 195 hours of live instruction and unlimited tutoring.
Perfect if you’re shooting for a top score.
Can’t make it to in-person classes? No worries! Princeton Review has got you covered with their online MCAT prep course.
You’ll get the same great content, just from the comfort of your home.
Short on time? The Winter Bootcamp might be your best bet.
It’s a 6-week intensive program that guarantees a 513+ score.
Princeton Review’s courses come with practice tests and study materials.
Plus, they offer score guarantees, so you can study with confidence.
3) Blueprint MCAT
Looking for a top-notch MCAT prep course? Blueprint MCAT might be your answer.
This program offers a mix of online courses and tutoring to fit your study style.
Blueprint’s courses come with cool features.
You’ll get access to tons of practice questions and full-length tests.
They even throw in all the official AAMC resources.
Want a personalized touch? Their one-on-one tutoring could be right up your alley.
You’ll work with an expert who knows the MCAT inside and out.
Worried about the price? Blueprint isn’t the cheapest option out there, but many students think it’s worth the investment.
Their 515+ Score Guarantee shows they’re confident in their program.
One of the best things about Blueprint is their study plans.
They help you make a schedule that fits your life.
This way, you can balance MCAT prep with everything else you’ve got going on.
4) Altius MCAT Prep
Altius MCAT Prep offers a unique approach to MCAT studying.
They focus on giving you personal attention with their dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring.
Your mentor will have scored 515+ on the MCAT, so you’re learning from someone who’s been there.
Their small group classes are a big plus.
With only 6-8 students per class, you’ll get lots of chances to ask questions and interact.
It’s way more hands-on than most other MCAT courses out there.
Altius is known for having super realistic practice tests.
Their full-length exams are said to be some of the most accurate in matching the real MCAT.
This can help you feel more prepared on test day.
One cool thing about Altius is they have over 140 locations across the US.
So if you prefer in-person classes, you might find one near you.
But don’t worry if you’re not close to a location – they offer online options too.
Altius isn’t the cheapest option out there, but many students say it’s worth it.
The personal attention and realistic practice materials can make a big difference in your MCAT prep.
5) Examkrackers MCAT
Examkrackers offers a solid MCAT prep course that many students find helpful.
Their materials focus on teaching you the core concepts you need to know for the test.
The Examkrackers Complete Study Package includes detailed study guides covering all MCAT topics.
You’ll also get access to practice questions and full-length practice tests to check your progress.
One cool thing about Examkrackers is their KrackU on-demand course.
It’s pretty affordable at $500 and gives you video lessons you can watch anytime.
If you prefer live classes, Examkrackers has those too.
Their live online course costs more but includes instructor-led sessions and extra study materials.
Examkrackers recently improved their offering by adding more practice exams to their live online course.
This gives you more chances to test your skills before the real MCAT.
Why Choose an MCAT Study Course
MCAT study courses offer big perks for med school hopefuls.
They give you a clear plan and expert help to tackle this tough exam.
Benefits of Structured Learning
MCAT prep courses can really boost your chances of acing the test.
You get a well-organized study plan that covers all the bases.
No more guessing what to study or when.
These courses often come with practice tests that feel just like the real thing.
This helps you get comfy with the exam format and timing.
Additionally, many of these courses provide detailed feedback on your performance, allowing you to identify areas for improvement.
By simulating the actual test environment, you can build your confidence and reduce anxiety on the exam day.
If you’re serious about achieving a high score, exploring the best SAT prep courses available can be a game-changer in your preparation journey.
You’ll also get pro tips on test-taking tricks.
These can save you precious minutes on exam day.
Plus, many courses offer one-on-one help if you get stuck on tricky topics.
Comparing Self-Study and Guided Courses
Self-study might seem cheaper, but it has some drawbacks.
You might miss key topics or waste time on stuff that won’t show up on the test.
Guided courses give you a clear roadmap.
They make sure you cover everything that matters.
You also get to learn from teachers who know the MCAT inside and out.
With a course, you’re not alone in your MCAT journey.
You can chat with other students and share study tips.
This can keep you motivated when the going gets tough.
Some courses even offer score guarantees.
If you don’t hit your target, you might get free extra help or your money back.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing an MCAT prep course, focus on quality materials and practice opportunities.
These elements will help you build knowledge and test-taking skills.
Course Materials
Look for courses with up-to-date, comprehensive study materials.
You’ll want textbooks, video lessons, and review sheets that cover all MCAT topics. Blueprint offers great video lessons to explain tough concepts.
Check if the course includes flashcards or mobile apps.
These tools can make it easier to study on the go.
Don’t forget about access time.
Some courses, like Princeton Review, offer unlimited access to materials.
This can be helpful if you need extra study time.
Practice Tests and Assessments
Practice tests are key to MCAT success.
Look for courses that offer lots of full-length practice exams. Kaplan and UWorld are known for their quality practice tests.
Make sure the tests mimic the real MCAT format.
This helps you get used to the exam style and timing.
Check if the course offers detailed score reports.
These can help you spot weak areas and track your progress.
Some courses also include quizzes or section tests.
These shorter assessments can be great for quick review sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students often have questions about MCAT prep courses and resources.
Here are some common queries and helpful answers to guide you in your MCAT study journey.
What are some top-rated MCAT prep courses currently available?
Kaplan MCAT Prep is a popular choice among students.
It offers comprehensive study materials and practice tests.
Princeton Review MCAT is another highly-rated option.
They provide a score improvement guarantee and expert instructors.
Blueprint MCAT stands out for its engaging video lessons and adaptive learning platform.
Can you recommend any free resources for MCAT preparation?
Khan Academy offers free MCAT prep materials.
You can access video lessons and practice questions at no cost.
The AAMC also provides some free resources on their website.
These include sample questions and a free practice exam.
Are there benefits to taking an in-person MCAT prep course over an online one?
In-person courses can offer more direct interaction with instructors.
You can ask questions and get immediate feedback.
They also provide a structured learning environment.
This can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your prep.
What are the advantages of using Kaplan for MCAT prep?
Kaplan offers a wide range of study materials.
These include books, videos, and practice tests.
Their instructors are highly qualified.
Many have scored in the 90th percentile or higher on the MCAT.
Kaplan also provides adaptive learning technology.
This helps tailor your study plan to your specific needs.
How does Blueprint MCAT course compare to other study options?
Blueprint is known for its high-quality video lessons.
They make complex topics easier to understand.
They offer a large question bank with over 4,000 practice questions.
This gives you plenty of opportunities to test your knowledge.
Blueprint also provides 15 full-length practice tests.
This is more than many other prep companies offer.
What do Reddit users suggest for the best MCAT prep in 2024?
Many Reddit users recommend Blueprint for its engaging content and user-friendly platform.
Kaplan is also frequently mentioned for its comprehensive materials and experienced instructors.
Some users suggest combining resources from different prep companies.
This can give you a well-rounded study approach.