Are you planning to pursue a career in medicine, but feeling overwhelmed by the daunting MCAT exam? You’re not alone.
The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a crucial exam that determines your eligibility for medical school. It’s a make-or-break moment that could shape the course of your entire career.
But fear not, because the solution to your MCAT anxiety is right here: a top-notch MCAT prep course.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best MCAT prep courses available to help you ace the exam and achieve your dream of becoming a doctor.
Get ready to learn about the most effective study techniques, cutting-edge resources, and expert guidance that will give you the competitive edge you need to succeed.
Our top recommendation on the best MCAT prep course
We have been able to select these prep courses as the best for MCAT by conducting an in-depth review of each company’s specific course offerings and materials via their website and third-party resources. We also had to evaluate their course content through free trials and mobile app testing.
Ours handpick in this article is also based on the analysis of customer reviews and comments on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit.
So we do not mince words when we recommend any of these MCAT prep courses as the best for medical students in 2023.
Best MCAT prep course | Verdict summary | |
1. | The Gold Standard MCAT Course Software | Best for course value |
2. | Atlius MCAT Prep Classes | The top when it comes to guarantee |
3. | The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses | Best for live-online courses |
4. | Kaplan MCAT Prep Course | Best for an in-person prep course |
5. | Blueprint MCAT Prep Courses | Best for self-paced |
6. | Magoosh MCAT | Best value for money (if you take a 12-month lesson) |
7. | Aptare Prep MCAT | Best for basic, budget-friendly |
Despite their respective area of strength, all of the above MCAT prep course platforms offer flexible scheduling and adaptable formats, impressive accessibility to Course materials, personalized instruction, appealing pricing, and plans, as well as expert instructors and tutors.
Here’s a detailed review of the best MCAT prep courses listed above:
Blueprint Online MCAT Prep Course
Blueprint Online MCAT Prep Course is one of the top recommendations on this subject. It is particularly an awesome choice for someone looking for a self-paced course. There is a mountain of resources, ranging from personal study plan to eBooks and even office hour session to equip you with the knowledge you need.
It also has a return guarantee for a high MCAT score. Books and study planner are included and the course delivery style includes self-study online and live online classes.
The interesting thing is that the instructors on this prep course scored in the top 99th percentile of the MCAT. The cost of Blueprint online MCAT prep course is between $1,799 and $3,000 for 6 months to 18 months of access
The only downside is that they don’t come with flashcards.
Altius MCAT Prep Course
Altius publishes the MCAT results of all its students on their platform which is a show of confidence that you will get the best result from this prep course program. With a cost of between $2,499 and $9,999, the Altius MCAT prep course offers 1:1 tutoring, and live in-person and live online classes.
We could not confirm the inclusion of a study planner and books in this prep course but there’s a guarantee for you to retake the program for free if you do not score in the top 90th percentile
The lessons in this prep course are presented in a various ways depending on your selected package.
What you may probably frown at is that the website user experience can be better than what it is now.
The Princeton Review MCAT
The Princeton Review MCAT is another excellent prep course option you can consider. With its affordable cost of between $1,499 and $6,499, the lessons in this program are offered in various forms including online, in-person, self-paced, and even live.
The lesson includes a study planner, books, and a guarantee for a high score or you get your money back.
With more than 100,000 students successful pass on first-time MCAT, The Princeton Review MCAT is one of the best out there and they use advanced software to help track your progress and show your current performance level.
They also have more than 500 videos, 1,000 practice questions, and 10 MCAT books for you.
The heavy price tag and excessive resources could be a discouragement for some but it’s an excellent course.
Gold Standard MCAT Prep Course
We would recommend Gold Standard MCAT Prep Course for people who are particularly considering budget because the Gold Standard MCAT Prep Course is offered in different subscriptions that will meet you in the middle.
Resources on this course are continuously updated to include prep materials to equip you for the latest test year. The flexibility that comes with the Gold Standard course is also a good thing, from the duration to the mode of delivery which makes it stand out from most other MCAT prep courses.
The lesson includes books and a study planner with a Free 6-month repeat guarantee if you do not achieve the score you want.
While the cost ranges from $35.95 to $1,499, Gold Standard MCAT Prep Course is offered online only but is not absolutely the best choice for those looking for easily available information since their website is a little bit messy with myriads of information all over the place.
Kaplan MCAT Prep
Another top-of-the-line MCAT prep course to consider is Kaplan. It is a popular favorite and has a reputation as a test preparation course. Kaplan is also known for tutoring all over the country which makes it rank best for our best recommendation in terms of in-person lessons.
The course cost is between $1,799 and $6,999 and they are delivered both online and in-person. Kaplan MCAT Prep may not have a study planner but it features books, quizzes, practice tests, and money-back or a free repeat if you are not happy with the result
Course options offered at Kaplan MCAT Prep include DIY – Self-paced and self-led, Online support from a team of teachers, 5 weeks of intensive and uninterrupted boot camp, as well as 1:1 tutoring
All courses give you access to up to 700 hours of preparation, as well as a library of resources.
Magoosh MCAT
The cost of the course at Magoosh MCAT prep is $179 for 1 month or $199 for 12 months. We recommend you go for the latter if you are seeking excellent value for your money
The lesson is delivered online and self-paced but does not include books. Nevertheless, study planners are available. Magoosh also offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t get a 10 + a point improvement on your score.
With 24/7 email support and access to over 380 learning videos, this is one of the best you can find out there. The course also features exam questions with explanations and lectures on answering specific sections of the exam.
We tested the email support and replies typically take 24 hours at most.
Aptare Prep MCAT
Aptare Prep MCAT is another considerable self-paced and online MCAT prep course that offers 15-day to 365-day access for $49 and $199, respectively.
The course does not include a study planner, books, or any guarantee but it is the best budget-friendly introductory prep course you can consider for your MCAT.
What makes the program stand out is the availability of Flashcards and the newest AAMC materials, and you can create your practice test.
So there’s that flexibility to make your test either easy or challenging, depending on your preference. The significant downside is that there are no video lectures and you can’t access previous lessons.
So, we’ll recommend it mostly for people who want to take many practice papers since it will you your percentile rank.
Our final words to you
As we conclude on the best MCAT prep courses, it’s important to remember that the ultimate key to success is not just the course you choose, but the effort you put into your preparation.
The MCAT is a challenging exam that requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to go above and beyond. It’s not just about memorizing facts, but about developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the material.
In choosing the right MCAT prep course, consider your learning style, budget, and individual needs. Each course has its strengths and weaknesses, so take the time to research and find the one that suits you best.
But beyond the course itself, remember that your success on the MCAT is ultimately up to you. Stay motivated, stay focused, and never give up on your dream of becoming a doctor. With hard work, determination, and the right resources, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
So, don’t be discouraged by the challenges that lie ahead. Embrace them, and use them as an opportunity to grow and learn.
The MCAT is just one step on your path to a fulfilling career in medicine, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Leave a Reply