Are you studying for that big test? If so, I’m sure you are aware that your chance of success is much improved when equipped with the best MCAT prep courses. These routines prepare you for the test to come. The courses cover a variety of topics as well as test-taking tips to get you as ready as possible.
How to Choose the Gold Standard MCAT Prep Course for You
A gold standard prep course might be able to provide you the next step test prep that you need. You can look at any number of MCAT Prep course options but how can you really choose which are the best MCAT prep courses?
You can’t until you try them out. I dug deep into the realm of options to figure out which is best. The following information includes some helpful tips as well as how I evaluated the MCAT ultimate course out there. You need to review the courses that I have arranged only for your goodwill.
Let’s start, shall we?
Best MCAT Prep Course Reviews
1. [Best Overall] Princeton Review MCAT Course
Features
- Multiple mcat prep courses, options to choose from
- An MCAT score guarantee of 510+
- Prep courses available including a person or online course
- MCAT prep courses designed for the best results without taking all of your time
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. You can use the Princeton Review MCAT prep books on a self-paced MCAT study or you can dig into the course.
The Princeton Review MCAT prep courses from Princeton Review come with a higher score guarantee of 510 or higher. Not many courses guarantee a specific score but do guarantee passing. If you really want to dig in and boost your score, Princeton Review also offers courses for 515+.
They have a variety, including several different budget options. Also, the online MCAT prep course allows you to study from home using the Princeton Review MCAT books in a self-paced study program.
Other MCAT prep courses are available both online and in person. You should plan for the in-depth courses to run for about 6 weeks, regardless of whether you choose an in-person or online course. The online self-paced course program obviously works on your own timeline but I would recommend trying to stick to a similar schedule or else you may never finish.
This is one of the expensive mcat prep courses, no matter which way you do it. The live online self-paced course option is the lowest cost. However, you’re putting a lot on the line to take the MCAT and the course is well worth the cost if you can swing it.
You can use their middle option, which is their most popular choice. The MCT 510+ course is mid-range on price and is available live online or in person. It comes jam-packed with everything you need and saves some money compared to other test prep courses. I think this is the best deal overall.
While you’re at it, you should take advantage of the free MCAT Flashcards app that the Princeton Review has created. It has flashcards with relevant study materials but you can also create your own flashcards and track your progress or set alerts. This is a nice bonus to study on the go.
The goal of the Princeton Review MCAT courses is to provide busy students with quick results without taking an excessive amount of time.
If you’re going into the medical field, you can typically map out a timeline. This company’s goal was to make it easier to continue any school coursework while also preparing for an important next step into the future.
They have a lot of MCAT prep courses and you should choose whichever one you feel will be right for you. I feel the best value for money lies in the 510+ course. They even have a statistical refund rate of <2%, which means they are making good on the promise to you about that high score.
When you look at this option compared to other mcat prep courses, it has the most to offer for the price involved. Be aware of the costs related to different module choices but you will find this one is the top pick for its premium content and access.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – You can personalize your course based on your needs – The prep courses are a maximum of 6 weeks – You can use their free flashcard app to study – The best option on the market overall | – The cost is higher than what some might be willing to pay for MCAT prep courses |
2. [Personalized Solution] Blueprint MCAT Prep Course
Features
- 15-months of access to AAMC resources
- 15 full-length practice exams
- 4,000+ practice questions available
- 6-18 months of access to Blueprint MCAT prep program
- Readily available office hours as well as email or phone service
Next on the list for the best MCAT prep course is this valuable option from Blueprint. In terms of MCAT prep courses, this one has a lot to offer. This is an optimal option and it’s going to cost you. In terms of cost, this is actually the most expensive course on our list, higher even than Princeton Review. But I believe it’s well worth the cost for the results.
Blueprint gives you personal solutions, including office hours from instructors for an individual approach. In terms of service, this one has it all. You can receive help live online, through email, or through the office hours, which means you can always get your questions answered in a timely manner.
Another downside to this option is the amount of time you have access. Initially, your access is only 6 months. If you plan wisely, this shouldn’t be a problem but 6 months is on the low-end of available study time. You recieve access for 18 months for an additional cost.
Blueprint MCAT prep guarantees a higher score for using their course. If you’ve taken the test or a pre-test and you use Blueprint and don’t score any higher, money back guaranteed. Their refund statistics are low, which means their approach works quite well.
Blueprint MCAT prep course offers you 15 full-length practice exams as well as more than 4,000 practice questions. That’s a lot of content, which could come in really handy for truly testing and preparing your knowledge.
The MCAT prep courses have a lot of really neat features, including the ability to “test out” a section that you are more comfortable with. This gives you the ability to do minor reviews of the study materials you feel you have a handle on so you can spend more time focusing on the content you struggle more with. This is purely optional but it’s certainly a neat feature to have available.
The basis of this prep course is established within a specific module and calendar for you. They use a unique blend of studying, lessons, reading, and quizzes, much like coursework for a college class might.
With your Blueprint subscription, you also receive 15 months of access to AAMC resources, including practice questions and full-length practice exams.
They are constantly critical analysis and reasoning for their program to improve it in every way possible. The study schedules are customizable. The classes offer 2-hour sessions every weekday. These classes include featured private tutoring specific topics and answering questions on the same topic.
It was a hard toss-up between Blueprint and the Princeton Review for the #1 spot on our list. They both have a lot to offer but both are also relatively expensive and not everyone can afford those costs, especially when they’re just preparing to enter med school.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – The program offers the ability to “test out” modules you are familiar with – Scheduled sessions every weekday for specific topics and questions – You can customize the schedule to your needs – Top-tier class in this MCAT test prep well worth the cost | – The access to study materials is limited to 6 months, unless you want to pay more – The most expensive option of MCAT test prep reviewed |
3. [Best Budget Option] Magoosh MCAT Prep Course
Features
- 12-month subscription access
- Live online MCAT prep course
- Best budget-friendly option
- 700 practice questions and 3 practice tests
Not all of us have a hefty budget to spend thousands of dollars. That’s what Magoosh MCAT course options can really come in handy. This is the best budget-friendly option out there and it won’t let you down.
A program being cheap doesn’t mean it won’t deliver results. With Magoosh, you can get an awesome guarantee for the absolute best value for the money. This one stands out in terms of cost and quality and it really has a lot to offer those who are willing to take the leap.
Magoosh MCAT courses offer a 10+ point improvement on your test scores. While some prep courses offer a specific minimum or just an “increase”, they promise to increase your score by at least 10 points. 10 points can make a significant difference when it comes to med school acceptance and career paths later down the road.
This program has s study schedule and content that is equipped with more than 380 videos for your learning and studying pleasure. You will get access to more than 700 test questions in your subscription. Your subscription is 12 months in length.
With the Magoosh MCAT courses, you also get 3 practice tests. This is perhaps where the cost pulls the program down. Many other programs offer far more practice questions and more practice materials to work with. It’s up to you to determine whether these practice questions and practice tests will be sufficient for you.
My philosophy is this is better than nothing. I know that on a budget, you still need a solution, and this is a very honorable option. It’s cheap without being cheaply made, at the same time, it is slightly more limited than some of the other choices reviewed here.
Everything about this course is self-paced but they do have recommended study schedules to try to keep you on a scheduled plan. These schedules are designed to keep you on track and moving forward. The course is also compatible with almost all smartphones, tablets, and computers.
With Magoosh test prep, you can recieve a free 7-day trial. The trial has 60 lessons and 16 practice questions to give you a feel for how the course is set up and what to expect as you progress. If you don’t improve your score by 10 points, you get a full refund.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – You can beat the value for the money – The subscription length is optimal – Plenty of practice content and videos – Free trial available – Full length practice tests | -Practice tests and practice questions are fewer than I would like to see but still a good amount |
4. Kaplan MCAT Review
Features
- Teacher-led MCAT live discussions, available on-demand as well
- 10 000 practice questions and 16 practice exams
- 5-month subscription allowance
- 8 exam prep books provided
The Kaplan MCAT review course is another pricy course. I personally prefer Princeton Review or Blueprint over this option but it’s still a good option and you may like this one better. Unfortunately, you’re granted even more limited access time, this course is meant for the fast track.
With Kaplan, you get 5 months of access for a price just as high as the other expensive options. This time is more limited than what I like to see but it also gives you the incentive to stick to a schedule and move quickly through the course to the test.
Kaplan MCAT prep course guarantees a higher score but does not guarantee a specific score increase. If you raise your score by 1 point, they have fulfilled their guarantee. However, a higher score is a higher score and that’s what really matters here.
In terms of content, they have plenty of it available. You will have access to hundreds upon hundreds of training videos, designed for students. There will also be nearly 100 teacher-led sessions. These sessions are live-streamed but they are also available to watch whenever you are ready for them. You can access them at your convenience.
One of the best parts of the Kaplan course is the availability of tons of questions and lots of practice exams. You can hardly beat a database that offers 10 000 practice questions and 16 practice exams for every subscribed user.
This is one of the most extensive question content accesses available and definitely one of the highest sources for practice exams. I’m not impressed with the subscription length but the content and the practice questions available makeup for that.
I do feel as this one is slightly overpriced considering the length of access to resources but if you follow the timeline, the resources are a good value for money. Kaplan offers the best MCAT prep books, providing you with 8 prep books. You also get access to AAMC’s resources and practice materials.
If you follow the schedule and the timeline, you will recieve your money’s worth in the limited timeframe. There is no free trial here so you either buy it or you don’t and there’s no backing out once you commit.
When you click that complete button purchase, be ready to get started right away to take advantage of your subscription and get that MCAT passed with an improved score before your time runs out.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – An extensive number of practice questions and practice exams – Access to AAMC resources – Solid MCAT practice course and best schedule – Guaranteed score improvement – Full length practice tests | – The cost is high for a reduced subscription length |
5. MCAT Self-Prep Review
Features
- Multiple package options to choose from
- Budget-friendly choices
- Self-managed study option for test prep
- Simple lessons to progress through and master
MCAT Self-Paced Prep offers an interesting solution. This choice comes at an in-between price that isn’t terribly high but also isn’t a budget price score. They also have free and cheap options but they’re fairly limited as far as capability. You can pick and choose what option is best for you but the best option also comes at a mid-level price.
The best option is cheaper than our high-dollar options but more expensive than budget-friendly Magoosh. The nice thing is, you can pick and choose which one fits your budget and you will get a valuable resource no matter what you choose. My review is primarily based on the premium option but I wanted you to be aware that there were other picks to choose from as well.
MCAT Self-Paced Prep is self-managed, much like the name suggests. The course does offer a score improvement guarantee on the deluxe pro version (premium), which is a nice bonus for the extra cost associated.
The availability of content varies as to which subscription you take. Here are the levels of access.
- Content access with sponsored advertisements
- Content access with no ads, study plan, score tracker
- Content access with no ads, study plan, score tracker, 5,000 flashcards, review books
- Content access with no ads, study plan, score tracker, flashcards, review books, additional review and strategy courses, score improvement guarantee
The downside to this particular program, especially when you consider the cost of the options, is that they don’t offer practice exams in the same manner as the other options.
You will find questions and quizzes throughout but it’s not the same format. Where most of these are designed to prepare you for the test, the practice exams can come in handy for that preparation alone. It makes this course almost feel like there is something very important missing in terms of preparation.
Don’t get me wrong, this course offers a lot of value with relatable content and study tools but it would certainly be improved with the addition of practice exams. The most noteworthy aspect of MCAT Self-Prep is the ability to choose something that works in your price range.
I always say that something is better than nothing. If you have little to no budget to work with, spring for the free option and at least that will give you a little something to go with. There is no specified subscription time so you pay for it and can access the content as long as your heart desires as far as we can tell.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Work at your own pace, live online – Choose from free MCAT packages and expensive packages – Relative content that builds with each package – 5,000 practice questions with full length practice tests | – No practice exams available for test prep |
6. Dr Flowers MCAT Prep Review
Features
- Live online text review program
- Specific course schedule
- 3 plans available
- Flashcards offered for study purposes
The Dr. Flowers MCAT Review program is another one that is unique. It’s a good mid-range cost that won’t break every budget out there but also isn’t the cheapest option on the market. Considering the length of the subscription and what it has to offer, the cost is on point with other choices.
On the downside, this subscription really pushes you to move fast with limited time. When you jump in, be ready to hit the ground running. Study hard and get through that test in a reasonable time frame. The subscription length is only 4 months, which may cause worry for some. If you pace your study schedule appropriately, you should be fine.
This test does not offer a specific score or even an improved score. Their guarantee is based solely on passing the test. This guarantee may or may not be better than others. If you’re a first-time test taker, the guarantee is pretty nice since it just promises that you will pass.
The content is acceptable. This is one of the factors that reduce the overall score. There could certainly be more content for the cost but it has enough to get you there. This program teaches on 345 concepts.
The other downside to the content is that while it has sufficient content, it’s all taught through text. This may be a downer for people who don’t learn as easily this way but it’s a great option if you learn and study well with reading. There are absolutely no videos in is prep course material.
The Dr. Flowers course offers 4,220 practice questions, which is a reasonable amount. Again, we find ourselves with a program that offers no specific practice exams, so it does lose some rating based on that knowledge as well.
This program has well-paced study plans and offers study flashcards, both of which can be very helpful. Stay on task with the study plans for the best results. As with some of the other options, this company does offer different pricing options.
These are specifically-timed courses, with an 8, 12, or 16-week option and varying budgets for each one. With the guarantee, if you do not score 508 or higher, they offer you an extension to your subscription at no cost.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Relevant content designed to help you succeed – Guarantee to pass the test through the mcat prep course – Study planners and schedules to keep you on track – Plenty of practice questions available with full length practice tests | – No videos for learning, everything is reading only – No exams offered |
7. Examkrackers MCAT Prep Course
Features
- A unique platform, run by top students
- Practice tests and significant content
- 6-12 months of access
- Well-designed study books that are a big hit
The Examkrackers MCAT prep course is quite unique. It’s taught by both instructors and medical students. This means that you are getting an inside look based on what other medical students found helpful to pass or improve their MCAT scores.
It’s certainly a prep course with a twist but it did earn its place here on our top picks for a reason. It’s something worth looking at on your way to the MCAT exam. This is led by many students who scored high on their own MCATs. The problem with that is just because they scored high, doesn’t mean they can teach the content.
Let me be clear, this program is costly. It’s just as expensive (in some cases more so) as the other premium options we’ve listed here. At the same time, a lot of students have provided testimonials that this was the program that truly helped them.
There are several package options, depending on what you need or want from the program. The Examkrackers course is known for its MCAT books. Students love books and content and find them very helpful.
You set up a study plan and you get 6-12 months of subscription access, depending on what you choose. The course is broken out into 12 weeks of lectures. These lectures are pre-recorded and available at your convenience.
This program uses a lecture, test, review setup that students seem to find very helpful for getting the information down. The platform itself could use some upgrades but there is plenty of content and access to practice tests.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – The mcat prep course is Operated from a student’s perspective – The books are awesome for studying and very helpful – The practice tests are realistic – Lessons are pre-recorded and reviewed | – No guarantees and no refunds – The platform could use some work |
How We Evaluated Our Picks for Gold Standard Best MCAT Prep Courses
You can easily pinpoint some of the best options out there by checking out reviews and articles. We found several options on the top MCAT prep books as well.
There are several test prep companies that offer various courses focusing on your comfortability of learning. I took highly-rated options and tried them out myself. Using the information provided, the tips and tricks, and all of the data available, I was able to narrow down the playing field significantly.
Some options are simply more user-friendly than others while some are suited to hit the ground running and learn everything in a short time frame. I selected few test prep companies and rearranged my top choices carefully along with their pros and cons based on the amount of relative information, the ability to take MCAT practice tests and quizzes, and the value for the money.
Ultimately, I wanted to know that the source would truly help me plan and prepare for the MCAT exam.
Comparison Table of Our Top Picks
| MCAT Course | Star Rating | Guaranteed | Subscription Length | Cost |
| Princeton Review | 5.0/5 | 510 or 10 pts | 12 months | $$$ |
| Blueprint MCAT | 4.7/5 | Increase MCAT score | 6-18 months | $$$ |
| Magoosh MCAT | 4.5/5 | + 10 pts | 12 months | $ |
| Kaplan MCAT | 4.3/5 | Increase MCAT score | 5 months | $$$ |
| $MCAT Self-Prep | 3.8/5 | Increase MCAT score | – | $$ |
| Dr. Flowers MCAT | 3.7/5 | Passing score | 4 months | $$ |
| Examkrackers MCAT Prep Course | 3.5/5 | – | 6-12 months | $$$ |
Who Needs an MCAT Prep Course and Why?
Virtually anyone who is preparing to take the MCAT exam would qualify as a candidate for an MCAT prep course or MCAT study books of some sort. We highly recommend that if you’ve been studying and taking the MCAT practice tests, you carefully review how well you are doing.
The MCAT is one of the most important tests you will take in the medical field. You want to excel and you want to pass. There are several things you can reasonably consider to determine if you need a prep course for yourself.
Ask yourself these questions.
- What is my goal for the test?
- How soon will I be taking the MCAT exam?
- Do I feel confident in my knowledge and ready to take the test?
- Do I have a definitive timeline for medical school admissions?
- How are my practice tests looking?
The MCAT is designed to help you study and prepare for the MCAT. You don’t want to take it until you’re nearing the time for the official test dates.
Factors to Consider While Selecting the Gold Standard One
Selecting the best MCAT prep courses, come with some factors that you need to consider. The thing is, many people study and learn in many different ways. It means people have a different learning style.
You want to be sure that the gold standard MCAT prep is really what you want for you. MCAT prep courses are set up differently.
You need to consider whether you will be successful in taking a live online self-study program or whether you need to sit in a prep classroom. What kind of learner are you? What do you need to gain from the program?
Another important factor to make sure is your timeline. Some courses have a strict timeline while others move at your own pace. Be sure to pay attention to how the course works and what it provides.
I also recommend looking for MCAT prep courses that provide MCAT practice tests for you to take. These are a useful way to gauge where you are with the necessary knowledge for that big MCAT test.
Benefits of an MCAT Prep Course
A gold standard MCAT prep course is not only designed just to help you pass. It is also designed to help you get the best score. If you use your prep course appropriately, you might find yourself scoring much higher than if you opted for no course to guide you.
Some MCAT prep courses even make sure to help you achieve a higher score guarantee or money back. Some courses let you redo them over and over for free if your score isn’t sufficient.
The primary benefit of an MCAT prep course is the preparation to pass the MCAT and to do so with a score to be proud of. To get the neutral perception, we’ve also added both pros and cons of each of the courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best MCAT prep course?
Answer: Figuring out the best one is your personal job. Because no one else but you will be able to understand your learning style. So, you have to check how comfortable a course is for you. However, the Princeton Review MCAT Course is rated 4.7 out of 5 in the editor’s rating. You can give that course a try.
Are MCAT prep courses worth it?
Answer: MCAT prep courses are worth it overall. However, it really depends on the budget and the needs that you have. There are students who do well self-studying with free and low-cost MCAT resources. It means you also need to consider if you are willing to put an effort into your prep. Don’t worry you don’t need to spend $3000 on any course.
How far in advance should you study for the MCAT?
Answer: Believe it or not, 3 to 6 months are often enough to prepare for most of the students It means 200-300 hours preparing for the exam. Your test date will be determined when you start your preparation. So better make those precious months count.
Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for MCAT?
Answer: This is a really tricky question to answer about this MCAT prep course. You see, Princeton Review and Kaplan both of them offers you access to computer-based full-length MCAT tests. However, when it comes to Kaplan, most of the reviewers agreed that their practice materials are better than Princeton Review. So, in that sense, you might find Kaplan more useful for you.
Drawing on her experience as a middle and high school teacher, Margaret Lipman strives to provide valuable insights for students when writing about scholarships and college application strategies in her articles for Scholarship Institute.
