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 7 MCAT prep courses.
- Kaplan — Best Overall
- Khan Academy — Most Affordable
- Blueprint — Best Live Online Course
- MCAT Self-Prep — Best On-Demand Course
- Altius — Best for 1:1 Tutoring
- The Princeton Review — Best for Prep Bootcamp
- Magoosh — Best Free Trial
How We Chose the Best MCAT Test Prep
Top medical schools require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) 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.
This is a challenging, comprehensive exam that can determine which medical schools you’re accepted to and which scholarships you receive. Preparation is key to success on the MCAT. As such, there are many providers out there offering MCAT prep courses and materials.
We researched more than a dozen providers to help you find the MCAT prep course that meets your needs. We analyzed their methods of instruction, course content and materials, faculty, price, and more, and created the following list of the seven best MCAT prep courses available.
Our evaluation process included the following:
- In-depth review of each company’s specific course offerings and materials via their website, sample lessons, and third-party resources
- Evaluation of course content through free trials, syllabus reviews, mobile app testing, and more.
- Interactions with company customer service representatives via chat, email, and social media
- Analysis of customer reviews and comments on platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, and Facebook.
To earn a place on our list, providers had to meet five criteria we developed alongside our MCAT prep experts. Based on these criteria, we removed three providers from our 2021-22 list: ExamKrackers, MCAT-Prep.com, and AptarePrep.
The evaluation criteria are:
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
For students to get the most out of an MCAT prep course and fit lessons into their busy schedules, courses must be flexible and accessible. Many providers like Magoosh and Khan Academy offer on-demand programs that students can access anytime. For students who prefer live instruction, we featured companies like Kaplan that teach multiple online and in-person sessions throughout the year.
Course materials
There are many ways to study for the MCAT, including practice tests, question drills, and written and video lessons. We chose MCAT prep companies with the most robust and comprehensive prep resources. Top picks like Blueprint give students access to thousands of practice questions, hundreds of video lessons, and several practice tests. We also looked for companies that make study materials accessible through mobile apps and printed formats.
Personalized instruction
MCAT preparation is most effective when it meets students where they are in their learning styles and existing knowledge. Our list includes courses taught via lectures, written materials, and video lessons. We prioritized courses that let students build personalized plans of study, so they can maximize prep time by focusing on the areas in which they need improvement. Many programs include optional private tutoring for students who need further personalization.
Pricing and plans
Since we want you to get the most bang for your buck, we evaluated MCAT courses based on price. We also reviewed free resources, like MCAT’s self-prep materials, to ensure that all students have access to quality preparation. Several of the programs on our list also offer free trials, allowing students to try out a few different options before committing their money to a provider.
Expert instructors and tutors
We sought MCAT courses designed and taught by experts who have aced the test and have extensive education experience. We reviewed the hiring criteria for providers like The Princeton Review to determine how instructors are selected. When available, we reviewed sample lessons to confirm that teachers are knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. We also used student reviews to identify providers with the most helpful and supportive tutors.
Kaplan – Best Overall
Kaplan is a leading educational company that has been helping students prepare for standardized tests, including the MCAT, for years. We chose them as our best overall pick because they offer MCAT prep in a variety of formats, including live instruction, on-demand courses, and individualized tutoring. They also have multiple subscription options, so students can choose the length of access to prep materials and classes that best suits their needs.
What We Like
Whether you’re looking for a self-paced course, live instruction in-person or online, or 1:1 tutoring, Kaplan has you covered. They offer all of these options and an intensive bootcamp program.
All Kaplan MCAT prep courses include a set of seven subject review books, 16 full-length practice tests, over 3000 customizable practice questions, a mobile app for on-the-go studying, and access to live-streamed workshops.
For students who learn best from live instruction and interaction with teachers, Kaplan’s Live Online course offers 14 sessions that cover all sections of the MCAT. There are multiple class schedules to choose from, including classes on weekends, so students can choose the schedule that best fits their life.
Kaplan also offers in-person classes in select cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Students seeking additional help or more personalized attention can opt for Kaplan’s Live Online + MCAT Tutoring package, which includes 10-40 hours of 1:1 tutoring.
Kaplan’s On-Demand course teaches comprehensive MCAT prep via pre-recorded video lessons. A personalized study plan helps students stay on track with their preparation.
What We Didn’t Like
Among the MCAT prep courses on our list, Kaplan’s are some of the more expensive, meaning they might not be accessible to all students. Note that these courses are backed by a higher score guarantee, which does not include a minimum score threshold, meaning that even if a student only improves their score by one point after taking the Kaplan course, they will not be entitled to a refund.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Kaplan has a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot. Out of 4,746 reviews, 74% are five stars. In reviews, users point out that Kaplan offers helpful resources like practice tests, video lessons, and books. Students also point out that Kaplan organizes its material in a concise, efficient way that makes it easy to use for busy individuals.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| On-Demand Course | $1999-$2499 |
|
| Live Online Course | $2599-$3099 |
|
| In-Person Course | $2599-$3099 |
|
Khan Academy – Most Affordable
Khan Academy is an online educational platform that offers free resources and courses in a variety of areas, including MCAT test preparation. They developed their MCAT prep course in partnership with the American Association of Medical Colleges. This gives all students access to in-depth, comprehensive study materials, and earned it a place on our list as the most affordable MCAT prep course available.
What We Like
What we like most about Khan Academy’s MCAT prep course is that the materials are free and high-quality. Free resources aren’t beneficial if they don’t cover the material on the test or don’t teach it in an engaging way, but Khan Academy accomplishes both.
Students who use Khan Academy’s MCAT prep course get immediate access to dozens of short, easy-to-understand video lessons covering all sections of the MCAT. Each section also includes practice questions, so students can confirm that they’re comprehending and memorizing the material from each lesson. Students can get immediate feedback on their practice questions or choose to revisit the material at a later time.
Lessons are broken up into ten units grouped by subject matter. There are also four sections of practice passages to test students’ critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS). The order in which students complete the lessons is up to the individual, allowing them to focus their study time on the areas where they need it most rather than following a lock-step curriculum.
What We Didn’t Like
The flip side of not having a prewritten syllabus or personalized study plan is that Khan Academy might not be the best fit for students who need more accountability and guidance in their MCAT prep. Khan Academy also lacks full-length practice tests, which are necessary for MCAT prep. However, for students who might not be able to afford any other courses, utilizing Khan Academy’s resources is a smart way to study.
What Test Takers Are Saying
On Trustpilot, users give Khan Academy a 4.3-star rating. A favorite feature of Khan Academy is the fact that it’s a free resource. However, many reviewers point out that students who need more accountability or in-depth help may not want to rely exclusively on Khan Academy, saying that it’s more beneficial as a supplemental resource.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| MCAT Prep | $0 |
|
Blueprint – Best Live Online Course
Test prep company Blueprint has been offering MCAT prep courses since merging with fellow educational platform Next Step in 2018. They provide multiple MCAT study options, including an on-demand course and 1:1 tutoring. We chose their live online course as our top virtual class for the extensive instruction, personalized attention, and wealth of additional practice and study materials students receive when they enroll in the course.
What We Like
Blueprint’s live online course combines virtual lessons with out-of-class assignments and homework to create a comprehensive study plan. They provide multiple class schedules, with options for classes that meet once or twice per week at a variety of times, including mornings, evenings, and weekends. For added flexibility, students can easily sign up for an alternate class meeting or watch a recorded lesson if they need to miss a class for any reason.
While the virtual course runs 8-16 weeks, depending on the class schedule the student chooses, students have access to all of Blueprint’s MCAT prep materials for 6, 9, or 12 months, depending on their subscription to the service. And there are a lot of additional materials to cover. Students get six MCAT prep books, 15 full-length practice tests, 160 learning modules with video lessons and quizzes, and a Qbank with over 10,000 practice questions.
We also like that Blueprint has two instructors teaching every class and that the company’s MCAT teachers are top scorers with extensive education experience.
What We Didn’t Like
Students get a lot with Blueprint’s live online course, but it doesn’t come cheap. Depending on the length of their subscription, students can expect to pay anywhere from $2599 to $3499 for Blueprint’s virtual class. They do sometimes offer discounts, so students looking to save some money can keep an eye out for these sales. They also provide a score-increase guarantee, but there’s no minimum increase threshold.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Blueprint reviewers on Trustpilot give this prep service a 4.7-star rating. The company also has 12 reviews on Google Reviews, all of which are 5 stars. Many Trustpilot user reviews call out specific Blueprint instructors, which contributed to our decision to name it the best live online course, as students significantly benefited from this interaction.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Live Online Course | $2599-$3499 |
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| Online Course | $1999-$2699 |
|
MCAT Self-Prep – Best On-Demand Course
Andrew George created MCAT Self-Prep’s on-demand course based on the study plan he used to achieve a 99th-percentile MCAT score. And then, he made it available to other MCAT test-takers free of charge. Based on its affordability, flexibility, and comprehensiveness, we highlighted MCAT Self-Prep as the best option for an on-demand MCAT prep course.
What We Like
Although MCAT Self-Prep is a self-paced, on-demand course, it offers students guidance in creating their study plans, taking effective notes, and using the e-course through a series of orientation videos. Students must watch these videos before they can get full access to all the lessons, study materials, and practice resources in the course.
Once the entire course is unlocked, students will find content modules covering all MCAT sections with 150 lessons and more than 300 hours of video content. Daily practice questions help students retain information and test their knowledge.
While students can progress through the content modules at their own pace, MCAT Self-Prep recommends that they complete the bootcamp in the final month before their official MCAT, which includes practice exams designed to drill skills and build students’ stamina in preparation for the test.
MCAT Self-Prep also offers a paid premium plan option that includes access to additional study materials like flashcards, quizzes, and advanced strategy and skills courses. Paid plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
What We Didn’t Like
MCAT Self-Prep’s free on-demand course is robust, but it keeps two essential elements of MCAT prep behind a paywall – personalized study plans and a bank of study questions. Compared to other MCAT prep courses, MCAT Self-Prep is relatively affordable, so these features should still be accessible to students willing to pay for them. However, we would have liked to see one or both of these features included in the free plan.
What Test Takers Are Saying
There are 43 reviews for MCAT Self-Prep’s services on Facebook, many of them 5 stars. Says one user, “This was an invaluable resource with incredibly reasonable prices. Reviewing material with the curated selection of videos and flashcards absolutely contributed to my score.” MCAT Self-Prep doesn’t currently have reviews on Trustpilot.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| MCAT Prep Course | $0 |
|
Altius – Best for 1:1 Tutoring
Unlike other companies that offer prep services for a variety of standardized tests, Altius’ sole focus is MCAT prep. Their prep courses center around 1:1 mentoring, making them an ideal option for students looking for personalized attention and academic rigor in their MCAT prep program. We chose them as our pick for best 1:1 tutoring based on their customization options, comprehensive curriculum, and instructor accessibility.
What We Like
The MCAT is a challenging exam to master. Even the best and brightest students may benefit from instruction from a private tutor who can tailor lessons and assignments to their specific needs.
Altius offers three levels of 1:1 tutoring, with 15, 25, or 45 private tutoring sessions to ensure students get all of their questions and concerns addressed before test day. Students also have 24/7 access to their Altius MCAT mentor for after-hours guidance and support.
When registering, students have three options for pace. Long is for students with extended study time, accelerated is for students who plan on taking the MCAT soon, and immersion is for students wanting an intensive preparation experience. Each student can access over 100 hours of small-group instruction, 10 practice exams, and study hall sessions, regardless of the plan they choose.
There’s also a 14-day trial period available for students to determine if Altius is the right prep program for them.
What We Didn’t Like
Altius’ 1:1 tutoring plans start at $3699 and are some of the most expensive MCAT prep options on our list, making them out of reach for some students. While Altius does offer refunds if students cancel within 14 days of purchase, they require payment upfront. Also, students can only start the program at designated times based on their intended test date, which limits the flexibility and accessibility of this course.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Altius has 95 reviews on Facebook, with a 4.5-star overall rating. Says one reviewer on Facebook, “My continual score improvements are all because of the valuable one-on-one tutoring, live classroom sessions, and active learning that take place every step of the program.” Reviewers on Trustpilot are a little more critical, giving Altius a 3.1-star rating.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| 1:1 Mentoring | $3699-$6999 |
|
The Princeton Review – Best for Prep Bootcamp
The Princeton Review has been helping students prepare for and ace standardized tests for decades. When it comes to MCAT prep, they offer a variety of different options, including live online and in-person classes, a self-paced course, and private tutoring. They also teach MCAT prep via a winter bootcamp for students who want to immerse themselves in MCAT prep right before the new MCAT testing cycle begins.
What We Like
The Princeton Review’s winter bootcamp is a unique option for students who want to concentrate their prep in the weeks leading up to the new testing cycle, which begins in January of every year. Designed for currently enrolled college students, the course is held in January and February, when most students have a winter break.
Over the course of 16 classes, students will cover all areas of the MCAT, including physics, bio and organic chemistry, psychology, and CARS, taught by experts in individual subjects. The 40 hours of live instruction in the bootcamp is augmented by diagnostic quizzes and full-length and single-subject tests, allowing students to track their improvement and build stamina for the official test.
Students who enroll in the winter bootcamp also get one year of access to supplemental lessons through TPR’s MCAT Topic Focus, which features live-streaming workshops, and their MedFlix video course. Additional resources include thousands of practice questions and 11 MCAT books. TPR backs this course, like its others, with a score-improvement guarantee.
What We Didn’t Like
Learning in an intensive format like TPR’s winter bootcamp is not for everyone. Those who need more time to absorb and process material may want to find a course that moves at a slower pace or allows them to create their own study schedule. While it’s convenient for students to take the class when they’re on break from their regular college course, the timing may not work for students who are busy with family and social obligations during the holidays.
What Test Takers Are Saying
On Trustpilot, The Princeton Review has a rating of 4.6 stars. Several reviewers called out specific instructors for their support and ability to make the material accessible and easy to understand. Says one user, “The classes were a great summation of the content and the books were full of great information.”
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Winter Bootcamp | $2799 |
|
| Live Online | $2799 |
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| MCAT 513+ | $3499 |
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| 515+ Immersion | $7349 |
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Magoosh – Best Free Trial
Since its founding in 2009, Magoosh has become a leader in on-demand prep for standardized tests. Their self-paced MCAT prep course is an affordable and accessible option for students who want to learn independently. They also offer a 7-day free trial, with no credit card requirement, allowing students to explore their content and platform before committing to a paid subscription, making them our pick for best free trial.
What We Like
Magoosh’s MCAT prep course features a comprehensive curriculum based on video lessons that teach and review all content areas of the MCAT. Students test their knowledge and drill skills through more than 700 practice questions and full-length practice exams.
As soon as students sign up for their free Magoosh trial, they’ll get access to their student dashboard. The dashboard is a user-friendly interface where students can choose a study plan, access their lessons and practice, and track their progress through the course. During the trial, students can watch select content review videos and complete practice questions to help them determine if Magoosh’s instruction methods and platform are a good fit for them. They also have access to email assistance from Magoosh’s MCAT tutors.
We also like that Magoosh is designed with busy students in mind and includes a number of features that make it easier to study anytime, anywhere. All Magoosh content is online, so that students can watch videos and complete lessons on any Internet-connected device. They also have an MCAT-specific mobile app so that students can squeeze in practice even on the go.
What We Didn’t Like
Magoosh only offers two subscription options – 1 month for $379 and 12 months for $399. The nominal price difference between the two subscriptions seems rather odd, especially when compared to the subscription plans they offer for test prep for other standardized tests. While $399 for 12 months of access is a good deal, we would like to see their monthly subscription price be slightly lower, particularly for students who don’t need a whole year of access.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Magoosh’s Trustpilot rating is 4.3 stars, with 260 reviews for the company’s wide variety of test prep offerings. Users on Reddit acknowledge that Magoosh’s video lessons are helpful for content review but can be so in-depth as to be a little overwhelming sometimes.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Premium Plan | $379/1 month
$399/12 months |
|
What to Consider Before Signing Up for MCAT Test Prep
Your amount of prep time
When choosing an MCAT prep course, the first thing to consider is how much time you have to prepare. If you have several months before your test date or can devote many hours per week to studying, you can choose a course with a long subscription period, like Magoosh or Kaplan. If your test date is fast approaching, you may want to opt for an intensive study plan, like the one offered by The Princeton Review. Look for programs that allow you to tailor your study plans to your availability.
Your learning style
It’s also wise to reflect on your learning style and consider what methods of instruction have resonated with you in the past. This will help you find a prep course that suits your needs so you don’t waste time and money with a program that doesn’t teach the way you learn. If you prefer lecture-based classes, you might want to participate in a live online class like Blueprint’s. If reading or watching videos is more your style, an on-demand program like MCAT Self-Prep might suit you better.
Your budget
You’ll also want to consider what your budget for MCAT prep is. As you’ve seen, there’s quite a large range in price for MCAT prep courses. However, even if you can’t afford a hefty price tag, there are still quality options like MCAT Self-Prep or Khan Academy. We recommend taking advantage of free trials when available to test-drive courses before committing to the full price of a subscription. Also, read the fine print of any money-back guarantees as well, as many have specific criteria students must meet in order to be eligible.
MCAT Test Prep Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for taking the MCAT?
The MCAT is offered multiple times from January to September at testing centers across the U.S. The table below details test dates and the estimated dates for 2023. Advanced registration is required for all MCAT test dates.
| Test Date | Scores Released |
| Jan. 13, 2023 | Feb. 14, 2023 |
| Jan. 14, 2023 | Feb. 14, 2023 |
| Jan. 19, 2023 | Feb. 21, 2023 |
| Jan. 27, 2023 | March 3, 2023 |
| March 11, 2023 | Apr. 11, 2023 |
| March 24, 2023 | Apr. 25, 2023 |
| Apr. 14, 2023 | May 16, 2023 |
| Apr. 15, 2023 | May 16, 2023 |
| Apr. 28, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
| Apr. 29, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
| May 12, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
| May 13, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
| May 18, 2023 | June 21, 2023 |
| May 26, 2023 | June 27, 2023 |
| June 3, 2023 | July 6, 2023 |
| June 16, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
| June 17, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
| June 23, 2023 | July 25, 2023 |
| June 24, 2023 | July 25, 2023 |
| June 29, 2023 | July 31, 2023 |
| July 15, 2023 | Aug. 15, 2023 |
| July 28, 2023 | Aug. 29, 2023 |
| Aug. 4, 2023 | Sept. 6, 2023 |
| Aug. 19, 2023 | Sept. 19, 2023 |
| Aug. 25, 2023 | Sept. 26, 2023 |
| Aug. 26, 2023 | Sept. 26, 2023 |
| Aug. 31, 2023 | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| Sept. 1, 2023 | Oct. 3, 2023 |
| Sept. 8, 2023 | Oct. 13, 2023 |
| Sept. 9, 2023 | Oct. 13, 2023 |
*Test dates are accurate as of 10/5/22.*
Are there accommodations for disabilities?
Yes. Students with disabilities or medical conditions that require an adjustment to standard testing conditions can apply for accommodations. Students must provide documentation to support their requests. Initial requests for accommodations will be reviewed within 60 days of submission. Students requesting accommodations should take this schedule into consideration when registering for the exam.
Where can I find practice exams?
Most MCAT prep courses include practice exams. However, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the organization that administers the MCAT, also maintains a database of full-length practice exams that students can access without signing up for a formal course.
How early should I prep for the MCAT?
While every student is different, it’s usually advised to begin preparing for the MCAT at least three to six months before your scheduled test. This gives you time to take practice tests, determine areas that need improvement, and obtain additional support or tutoring if required.
How many practice exams should I take?
The exact number of practice tests a student should take varies by individual. However, it’s recommended that students take at least three practice exams before sitting for their official test. This will give students a solid understanding of the test’s format and content and help them identify areas where they need to focus their study. Students can then take additional tests to help them build toward their desired score.
Is MCAT prep worth it?
Yes, if you devote the time and energy to studying and practicing. Purchasing an MCAT prep course isn’t worthwhile if you don’t complete the work required by it. However, most students who spend time focusing on MCAT prep report a less-stressful testing experience and higher scores.
How long are most MCAT prep courses?
This answer varies by course, but most MCAT prep providers offer subscriptions for six, nine, or twelve months of access to their preparation materials. Students should choose a subscription or class based on how much time they have to prepare and how much preparation they need.
How much does MCAT prep cost?
The cost of MCAT prep courses can range from free to several thousand dollars. Price is often influenced by the length of a course or subscription, the provider, and whether the instruction is on-demand or live. For specific program pricing, please refer to the individual program descriptions above.
What is a good MCAT score?
Since the MCAT is a competitive exam, your percentile is more important than your actual score. Anything above the 90th percentile (total score: 515) would be considered outstanding.
How much does the MCAT cost?
In 2023, standard registration is $330. With fee assistance, the cost is $135. If you’re taking the test from outside US territories, you will be charged an additional $120 international fee.
How many times can you take the MCAT?
The MCAT can be taken a total of seven times. You can take the exam up to three times in a single testing year. You can take the exam up to four times within a two-year period.