Have you always dreamed of becoming a doctor ever since you were a child? If so, you’ll first need to get into medical school. The MCAT exam is an essential part of getting into medical school. You’ll need an excellent MCAT score to begin your medical education. Therefore, you need to sign up for the best MCAT prep course.
Now, which is the best MCAT prep course? The best MCAT prep classes include nine review courses like Blueprint, Kaplan, The Princeton Review, and more. The average scores for MCAT exams have been around 505 or 506 over the last four years. The highest possible score on the MCAT exam is 528.
If you want to do better than average, you will need to sign up for one of the best MCAT prep course classes discussed below. After all, medical schools look for scores above the national average. For instance, the mean MCAT score of students at the University of Florida College of Medicine is 515 while the average MCAT score for attendees at the NYU Medical School is 522.
To prepare for the exam, you’ll need to sign up for the best MCAT review course and possibly gather MCAT books filled with MCAT practice questions. Are you ready to learn about the nine best MCAT prep classes? Then, check out our list of the nine best MCAT review course options below!
Best MCAT Prep Courses of 2023
So, which is the best MCAT prep course? Out of the nine options covered below, numerous factors define the best MCAT review course, such as the number of MCAT practice questions and practice tests provided in each class.
Generally, we have confirmed that the Blueprint has the best MCAT review course out of the 9 options we reviewed below. The 9 best MCAT prep classes include:
Ready to find out more details about each of the best MCAT prep classes? Then, read on! It’ll help you pick the right MCAT course for your personal study needs.
9.5Expert Score
Blueprint MCAT Prep Course
Blueprint is a company offering numerous continuing education classes and prep courses for tests like the LSAT and MCAT along with exams for Physician Assistant (PA) school.
Which is the best MCAT prep course? Generally, we found that the Blueprint MCAT prep course is the best MCAT review course. Our reasoning for picking the Blueprint MCAT prep courses as the best MCAT prep course? It’s flexibility.
You can get live instruction from a teacher who has extensive MCAT expertise. You can sign up for a specific class schedule taking place at the same time. Also, you can pick much greater flexibility to study at your own pace.
Review impressive videos and images based on your own schedule. You can also choose your own tutor to train you and prepare you for the test using MCAT practice questions and practice tests.
Value
9.5
Technology
9
Content
9.5
Support
8.5
Positive
Provides both flexible options and structured class schedules
Includes 160 interactive learning modules
Ability to study remotely wherever you can get Internet access
Two instructors in every live course with office hours six days per week
10 full-length practice tests in every MCAT prep course package
Course Features
You can pick from an online course that provides greater flexibility and self-paced study, a scheduled live course with an MCAT expert, or a tutoring package. The best course feature of the three packages offered for Blueprint MCAT prep courses includes its bank of more than 4,000 MCAT practice questions.
Every course provides 10 full-length MCAT exams and physical MCAT books for more content. You will also have access to more than 1,600 flashcards that cover the information you’ll find on the MCAT test. If you sign up for the live course, you will gain access to 16 live video lessons with each lesson lasting 2.5 hours.
Bottom Line
bottom line
Blueprint provides a top notch MCAT prep course with a personalized study planner and customized practice test features you can’t find anywhere else. Best of all, you’ll have access to more than 4,000 MCAT practice questions and 10 MCAT practice tests. All package options provide excellent video lessons, practice questions, and even MCAT books covering all the information you’ll need to succeed on the MCAT exam the first time.
When choosing the best MCAT prep course, you won’t go wrong with the Kaplan MCAT prep course. The Kaplan company provides test prep courses in numerous areas like SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and more. The company offers live review classes online as well as in-person courses and even private tutoring. The company differs from others in the MCAT courses offered, as they offer one package combining private tutoring and a live online class. Other packages for MCAT prep include a prerecorded on-demand course, a live online course, and an in-person class.
Value
8.5
Technology
8.5
Content
9.5
Support
9
Positive
Kaplan test prep raises students’ MCAT scores by 13 points on average
Unlimited office hours and online workshops
Customized study plans
Flexible scheduling opportunities
Up to 40 hours of private tutoring with MCAT prep experts
Negatives
Explanations and answers for practice questions need more detail
Course Features
The features of the courses include 14 live-stream, video-based lessons lasting three hours or 14 in-person classes for three hours each. Further, you can get a free MCAT practice test and starter pack from Kaplan that includes a Qbank with 230 MCAT practice questions. Besides the free option, the paid packages include more than 2,900 practice questions in Qbank.
On-Demand Course
Live Online Course
In-Person Course
Private Tutoring AND Live Online Course
Length of Time
Pre-recorded lessons and unlimited live online workshops
14 three-hour lessons
14 three-hour classes with MCAT prep specialist
10, 20, 30, or 40 hours of private tutoring
Cost
$1699
$2099
$2399
$2799
Top Features
Study at your own pace on your own time
Flexible scheduling opportunities
More engaging structure with experts
Organized, specialized content based on student needs
bottom line
Out of the nine best MCAT prep classes, the Kaplan MCAT prep offers excellent video-based lessons with plenty of important content and many illustrations. You can also get access to the leading high-quality MCAT books in the world of test prep.
The Princeton Review provides test prep courses for a multitude of different exams, such as the SAT, ACT, AP, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT. The company also offers academic tutoring services along with free practice tests and a LiveOnline classroom. The Princeton Review provides a LiveOnline course, an MCAT 513+ class with online and in-person availability, and the 515+ Immersion course with online availability. The Princeton Review stands out from other test prep companies since they guarantee a higher test score or you can get your money back. The superior expert instructors also guarantee success.
Value
8
Technology
8
Content
9.5
Support
8.5
Positive
The Princeton Review guarantees an average improvement of 13 points on the MCAT
The program provides access to all Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) practice materials
Flexibility to plan both an online and an in-person study schedule
Flexibility to plan both an online and an in-person study schedule
Numerous videos and illustrations to prepare students for the MCAT exam
Negatives
The mobile app only has flashcards and isn’t too helpful
Video lessons have poor quality in terms of production
Course Features
The courses have subject-specific instructors in four to six subjects who hold either Ph.D. or MSc degrees. The prep course offers full-length practice tests that you can take every two weeks. The class provides 16 practice tests in total with thousands of practice questions and more than 500 videos. You will also have access to 123 hours of live class instruction.
bottom line
While the Princeton Review MCAT prep class may not be the best MCAT review course, its live online classes provide superior lectures with a group of four to six subject matter experts. You can also get access to the top MCAT books for those who prefer using MCAT prep books.
The best self-paced MCAT prep course comes from the Deluxe Pro Plan at the MCAT Self-Prep Review Course. You will have access to MCAT video content that covers all of the MCAT topics. You can view the videos and content modules at your own pace. In particular, you can produce your own study plan through the self-prep MCAT review course. While The Princeton Review focuses on improving understanding and real-world examples, the Deluxe Pro Plan provides nine Memorization and Strategy courses. The courses offered include 10 math lessons, a metabolic pathways mastery course, an amino acid mastery class, and a behavioral science booster course.
Value
9
Technology
8
Content
9
Support
6
Positive
A higher score guarantee or you get your money back
More than 1,000 science passages for specific test-taking strategies
An easy-to-follow program that provides self-paced study techniques
The detailed courses improve retention for the MCAT exam
Negatives
Greater focus on memorization instead of fully understanding the topics
Requires you to purchase the AAMC practice bundle individually
Course Features
Here, you will get access to more than 5,000 well-written flashcards based on content from superior MCAT books. Furthermore, you can look through more than 2,500 AAMC-style practice questions via 120 MCAT practice quizzes.
All of the courses include 20 virtual video sessions with each ranging from 45 to 60 minutes in total.
bottom line
As the best self-paced MCAT prep course, you will have access to good-quality flashcards and lesson plans. The mastery courses provide excellent advice on test-taking and key strategies to follow.
The Jack Westin MCAT study materials include a complete MCAS course, an MCAT sciences strategy and content course, an MCAT CARS strategy class, and a Casper strategy class. Further, you can sign up for live video classes. The Jack Westin company stands out because it also provides consulting services for medical school admissions. Furthermore, the Jack Westin company also provides live private tutoring services online for the MCAT exam.
Value
8
Technology
6
Content
8
Support
7.5
Positive
A score increase guarantee via tutoring sessions
Medical school application assistance
Courses cover key topics ranging from physics and biochemistry to psychology, organic chemistry, and biology
Access to many AAMC practice questions
Negatives
Requires you to create your own study outlines for certain subjects like psychology
The course has a rather disjointed aspect to it
The platform is not very user-friendly nor does it provide a seamless integration
Course Features
The courses provide more than 70 hours of live instruction with experienced specialists in an interactive, online classroom. You can also access office hours when you need extra help.
Further, you can sign up for up to 60 hours of private tutoring, which guarantees a significant score increase. Via tutoring, you’ll get access to a personalized study plan and even an admissions consultation.
bottom line
The Jack Westin MCAT practice materials provide a worthwhile experience when you’re looking to improve your MCAT score. The courses and workshops here offer a more affordable option with strong critical thinking strategies to improve test-taking skills.
7Expert Score
The Gold Standard MCAT Prep Course
The Gold Standard MCAT study materials offer a more focused preparation for the exam since it isn’t run by a company providing a wide variety of test prep courses for numerous examinations. Essentially, the Gold Standard MCAT prep course focuses solely on preparing students to succeed on the MCAT exam.
You can get access to MCAT home study packages or an MCAT book with seven full-length practice tests. Further, you can access seven practice tests online or get a monthly subscription to online MCAT courses with eBooks, videos, and up to five practice tests.
Value
8.5
Technology
5.5
Content
8.5
Support
6
Positive
Top well-written content and study materials along with an effective e-book
Provide more MCAT practice tests than other test prep companies
Flexibility in choosing affordable, simpler packages to extensive packages with tutoring
Negatives
The study materials come from multiple sources and have a disjointed feel
The Gold Standard does not offer a refund
Course Features
The course features include a complete MCAT prep package with up to 20 full-length practice tests and more than 10,000 practice questions. Further, you can also use as many as nine MCAT books to study the key material as well as view numerous videos.
bottom line
The Gold Standard MCAT prep course is a perfect choice for self-starters. Those who like a self-paced, online classroom environment can benefit from the packages offered. Also, you can benefit from its MCAT book if you prefer physical textbook materials.
6.5Expert Score
Magoosh MCAT Study Materials
One of the ways that Magoosh MCAT study materials stand out from the rest is due to students’ access to MCAT experts. You can email the MCAT specialists with any questions you have. The company provides affordable courses and study materials to ensure that low-income and diverse populations get into medical school. The company even offers a free one-week trial along with a one-month premium trial for $265.30 or a 12-month premium trial for only $279.30.
Value
8.5
Technology
5.5
Content
6.5
Support
6
Positive
A 10-point MCAT score increase or you get your money back
Customizable study schedules
Flexibility in choosing affordable, simpler packages to extensive packages with tutoring
Negatives
Fewer practice tests and practice questions than other test prep companies
The video lessons are pre-recorded and have rather simple, dry information
Lacks private tutoring services
Course Features
The course features include personalized study plans, more than 380 content review videos, and more than 740 practice questions from three full-length practice tests. Furthermore, every practice question includes a detailed answer and explanation. The company guarantees to increase your MCAT score by at least 10 points.
bottom line
If you prefer to work on your own at your preferred pace, then consider signing up for the Magoosh MCAT prep courses. You’ll have access to more than 380 videos and high-quality practice questions.
6.5Expert Score
Altius MCAT Prep Classes
Altius was founded in 2005 to assist students with succeeding on the MCAT exam. The Altius MCAT prep course focuses more deeply on the type of information found on the MCAT test. The courses bring more attention to the information that students need to know for the test instead of covering all the possible subjects.
The company offers a student study manual, an official guide from the AAMC, one-year access to a student online portal, and 10 full-length practice exams along with full-length practice tests from the AAMC. The best part? The entirety of the package costs only $999.
Value
7
Technology
5
Content
6.5
Support
7.5
Positive
One year of online access to the student portal
Ability to study remotely and on the go via mobile devices
14-day money-back refund policy
Negatives
Does not provide as much flexibility and options for choosing your preferred study method
Lacks any video lectures that other test prep companies provide
Lacks private tutoring services
Course Features
The course features include a 590-page study manual and 10 full-length practice tests. You’ll also have access to online chapter question sets and answers to chapter questions via the student portal that align with the student study manual.
bottom Line
Why should you choose the Altius test prep program? For one thing, the company guarantees that you will score in the 90th percentile on the MCAT exam or you can get your money back. Furthermore, you’ll love the 14-day trial period when you can merely check out if it’s the right test prep company for you.
9. Khan Academy FREE MCAT Prep Course
6.5Expert Score
Khan Academy FREE MCAT Prep Course
The Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that was first founded in 2008. The Khan Academy provides educational services in a wide variety of classrooms and subjects. Parents can sign their children up for coursework from Kindergarten through 12th grade while high schoolers can take their SAT prep courses. Further, college graduates can take an LSAT or MCAT review course. The company provides education in science, math, reading, language arts, and history. Here, you can sign up for an MCAT course that provides numerous videos with quality content and interactive illustrations.
Value
7
Technology
5
Content
6.5
Support
7.5
Positive
Free MCAT review program
Excellent videos will help you review key topics
14-day money-back refund policy
Negatives
You won’t have access to any full-length practice tests
A lack of live online classes
The explanations for the practice questions don’t go into detail and remain rather simple
The company does not offer a customizable study plan
Course Features
The best part of the Khan Academy MCAT prep course is that it is a free option and provides access to engaging video content. You can access the relevant MCAT information online via a computer or a mobile app. You won’t have access to a full-length test but will have the opportunity to view practice passages and practice questions on a wide variety of topics.
bottom line
The main reason why you should at least give the Khan Academy MCAT prep course a try is due to the price. You will gain access to completely free MCAT study materials. The quality videos will also provide you with helpful information.
MCAT Exam Information
The MCAT exam is a necessary test to get into medical school and become a physician. You will complete the test on a computer. The exam covers topics about physical and biological sciences, writing skills, and verbal reasoning. The AAMC also added the section Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior to the exam in 2015.
The scores on the exam range from 472 to 528 with each section scoring anywhere from 118 to 132 points.
The test lasts seven hours and 30 minutes. It’s offered 15 times per year and it costs $330 to register for the exam. Keep in mind that you will need to pay extra fees if you reschedule or cancel the test. You can sign up online to take the exam via the Association of American Medical Colleges website.
MCAT Prep Course Buyers Guide
When you’re looking for the best MCAT prep course, you will need to consider multiple factors, such as the type of study options available from each company. Do you prefer using physical textbooks to study and prepare for exams?
Do you like studying on your own or do you need to have more accountability from a private tutor? Or do you prefer working with an instructor from an in-person class? You may also benefit from using videos and interactive illustrations to learn key information.
When choosing your preferred MCAT review course, you’ll need to keep these ideas in mind.
Conclusion
Which is the best MCAT prep course? The best MCAT prep course out of these nine options is the Blueprint MCAT review course.
With Blueprint, you can gain access to a live online class taught by two MCAT specialists or sign up for a flexible online course with quality video content. Further, you’ll have access to as many as 10 MCAT practice tests. Additionally, you may want to sign up for tutoring services to gain the most help from an MCAT expert.
You can sign up for as many as 40 hours of tutoring or take the online course for 6 to 12 months. Essentially, Blueprint gives you the flexibility to learn the material you need for MCAT success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the MCAT Exam
Take a look below to learn the answers to several common questions about the MCAT test.
How can I pass the MCAT exam?
You can do well on the MCAT exam by studying and reviewing information in MCAT prep books and signing up for MCAT review courses. If you’re looking to get a good score on the MCAT exam, you should consider taking a course that guarantees a score increase.
For instance, the Magoosh MCAT review program guarantees that you will improve your score by 10 points, or you can get your money back. The tutoring sessions from the Jack Westin MCAT study program also guarantee a score increase.
How much does the MCAT exam cost?
The initial registration to take the MCAT exam costs $330. That cost includes taking the exam and distributing your score to the medical schools you apply to. You will also need to consider the costs of applying to medical school.
The 2023 application fee for medical schools costs $170 for the first application and an additional $43 for every other school you apply to.
How many people pass the MCAT exam?
The MCAT exam does not have a pass or fail option. It merely scores your knowledge compared to other students taking the test. The average MCAT score for medical school applicants in 2022 was 506.5, while the average score of students accepted into medical school reached 511.9 in 2022.
However, medical schools also look at your college GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Essentially, multiple factors matter in getting accepted into medical school.
Eric Williams is a writer for the Exam Pass team. He discusses tips and strategies for passing certification exams, in addition to news regarding education advancements and technology. The Exam Pass daily newsletter is curated by Eric, who is also in charge of the coverage of all our Test Taking Tips. Before he started working at Exam Pass, he was a freelance writer for Download.com and covered news about mobile applications.
Eric Williams
