Best Online Preparation Courses for the MCAT Exam

February 20, 2024

minute read

The MCAT is undoubtedly one of the hardest and most important exams you will ever take. As a result, you must make sure that you do your best on your first try. After all, retaking the MCAT means going through a laborious and exhausting experience yet again.

One of the ways to ensure that you get the most out of your MCAT preparation is by enrolling in MCAT online prep courses. 

Many students who took the MCAT attested that these MCAT prep courses helped them succeed on the MCAT. 

But with so many MCAT online prep courses to choose from, how do you know which one to enroll at? 

Look no further. This article is here to inform you of the best MCAT online prep courses there are. 

Everything you need to know in order for you to choose the most reliable MCAT online prep courses you will find here — in this article.

What are MCAT Preparation Courses? 

By reinforcing the medical knowledge you have to know to get into medical school, an MCAT preparation course can help you earn a solid score on the MCAT on your first attempt. But what exactly are MCAT prep courses? 

MCAT prep courses are programs designed to help students prepare for the MCAT. The top MCAT preparation courses require online learning alternatives, cover content, and strategy, and let students tailor their studies to fit their schedules and exam dates. 

When you enroll in an MCAT prep course, you get to meet with an MCAT expert who will then assist you with your MCAT preparation. 

MCAT prep courses also give you access to the different programs, MCAT prep tools and materials, and workshops to make sure that you get the most of what you pay for.

What are the Benefits of MCAT Online Preparation Courses? 

There are many ways to prepare for the MCAT to ensure a strong MCAT score – a score that would get you into your chosen medical school. As mentioned previously, MCAT prep courses are one of them.

The question, however, is, what do you get from enrolling in these MCAT prep courses? How will they help you perform well on the MCAT? 

To help you recognize the benefits of MCAT online prep courses, we have listed them below.

MCAT Online Prep Courses are, as the Name Suggests, ONLINE

Juggling work and school while preparing for the MCAT is not easy. With these MCAT online prep courses, you wouldn’t have to worry about going to schools or training centers. 

All you need to have is a reliable internet connection, an up-to-date laptop or mobile phone (for the different apps and other MCAT prep tools), and of course, the budget for enrollment. Preparing for the MCAT has never been this convenient.

MCAT Online Prep Courses Help You Save Time

As you prepare for the MCAT, studying for the different topics should not be your only concern. You must have a successful study strategy that will guide you through your MCAT preparation. You also need to identify when to take practice tests and after that, ensure that you are able to focus on your weak areas. 

With the help of MCAT online prep courses, you do not have to worry about these things. An MCAT expert and a program are there to guide you. Thus, you are saving an ample amount of time and effort.

(Most) MCAT Online Prep Courses Offer Satisfaction Guarantee

It is a fact that these MCAT online prep courses are not cheap. With other things to spend on, you might be hesitant to enroll in one of them. After all, your main objective is to get a high MCAT score

However, be it known that most of them offer a money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the score you get after their service. 

Beware, however, as not all MCAT prep courses offer this option.

MCAT Online Prep Courses Offer Prep Materials in Their Packages 

Preparing and studying for the MCAT can be costly. Aside from the time and effort that you have to put in, you also need to invest in MCAT prep materials. These prep materials are not cheap either.

The good news is that by enrolling in online MCAT preparation courses, inclusive in their packages are MCAT full-length practice exams, questions banks, and MCAT prep textbooks. When purchased separately, these MCAT prep materials are expensive.

MCAT Online Prep Courses are Aimed to Help You Succeed on the MCAT 

Your MCAT score will determine your fate in medical school. As much as possible, you only need to take it once. With the help of these MCAT online prep courses, you have a higher chance of achieving your target score.

The programs and the materials are designed and structured by MCAT experts who know exactly what they are doing. Thus, you are guaranteed that the money you spend is worth every cent.

Who Needs an MCAT Online Preparation Course? 

The MCAT is a very challenging test. Any assistance you might receive from an MCAT prep course could be really helpful. 

However, it is understandable that an MCAT online prep course may not be for everybody. 

To help you decide whether an MCAT prep course is what you need, ask yourself the following questions:

Do You Feel Confident in Your Own Ability to Self-Study?

While it can be difficult to study and prepare for the MCAT on your own, some students have done it and did well on the MCAT. 

These are the types of students who are extremely self-sufficient, disciplined, and focused. If you are one of them, you may not need to enroll in an MCAT prep course.

Do You Need an Organized and Structured MCAT Preparation? 

Every MCAT student is different. Some students can study and prepare for the MCAT without following a structured program and timetable

If you think you are not one of these students and you need to follow an organized and structured format of MCAT preparation, enrolling in an MCAT prep course is the way to go.

Do You Learn Better via Community-Based Learning? 

When you enroll in an MCAT online prep course, you are bound to interact with MCAT instructors and other students. 

Some MCAT prep courses offer this benefit to ensure that students get optimum results. If you are a student who benefits from this kind of setup, enroll in an MCAT prep course.

Do You Have the Money to Pay for an MCAT Online Prep Course? 

This is the most important question you need to ask yourself if you are considering enrolling in an MCAT online prep course. As mentioned earlier, they are not cheap. With other things to spend your money on, ensure that you have the budget for an MCAT online prep course.

10 Best MCAT Online Preparation Courses 

These days, if you want to enroll in an MCAT prep course, you can choose from a ton of options. The packages and programs offered by the different MCAT prep companies are all designed to help you reach your goal – to get a strong MCAT score. 

To help you pick the best MCAT online prep course, here is a detailed breakdown of the different MCAT prep courses, the packages they offer, their pros and cons, and a few customer feedback and reviews.

1. Altius MCAT Prep Course 

Altius Official Website

Source: Altius Official Website

Many students have taken MCAT prep classes from Altius since 2005. The business provides options for self-paced and round-the-clock one-on-one mentoring. Students who want to achieve a score higher than 515 might consider the mentorship option. Doctorate holders double-blind peer review of Altius's preparation materials.

For its MCAT preparation classes, Altius also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. For every student who completes a silver, gold, or platinum one-on-one program, the firm guarantees a 90th percentile score or a 12-point score increase.

  • Average Course Price: USD 8,499 – 9,999

Below are the different MCAT prep courses Altius offers.

Altius Gold MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Price: USD 8,499

- 14-day trial period

- 10 weeks of MCAT prep

- 10 MCAT full-length exams

- 25 1-on-1 mentoring sessions

- 125 hours of small-group tutoring

- All available AAMC practice exams

Altius Platinum MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Price: USD 9,499

- 14-day trial period

- 10 full-length exams

- 10 weeks of MCAT prep

- 45 1-on-1 mentoring sessions

- 175 hours of small-group tutoring

- All available AAMC practice exams

Altius MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

14-day free trial

90th percentile assurance

1-on-1 and small-group tutoring 

Free MCAT prep materials included

- Expensive

- Limited seats available

- Few MCAT prep courses options 

- Outdated online platform  

Altius MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Many students who have availed of the different MCAT prep courses offered by Altius attest that they owe their MCAT success to these courses. Although Altius has some flaws, it still has a good 3.1 (average) review on Trustpilot.

Below is a couple of feedback from Altius’ previous customers.

Altius MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

2. Blueprint MCAT Prep Course

Blueprint MCAT Prep Course

Source: Blueprint Official Website

Blueprint is one of the most well-known MCAT prep companies around. Their live-online course combines the convenience of online learning with a distinctive lecture style to provide a seamless and efficient MCAT prep course. 

One of their best features is the opportunity for students to construct their own study timetables, which are generated automatically by asking them questions about their availability and timeframe. 

If you cannot attend a live office hour session, the sessions are all recorded and added to your account so you can browse them and view them whenever it is most convenient.

  • Average Course Price: USD 1,999 – 3,499.

For your reference, here are the different MCAT prep courses offered by Blueprint:

Blueprint Online MCAT Prep Course 

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 1,999 – 6 months

USD 2,399 – 9 months

USD 2,699 – 12 months

- 99th percentile MCAT experts

- Score improvement guarantee 

- Tool for customized study planning

- Access to all of AAMC’s official prep materials

 - 4,000 distinct questions and sections in the Qbank

- 150+ passages and over 10,000 total practice questions

- 15 complete MCAT tests (includes all AAMC full-length exams)

- Live online consultations six days a week with an MCAT expert

- 160 learning modules including videos, strategies, tests, and evaluations

- Six revised curriculum books including three brand-new works on the MCAT CARS, psych/sociology, and physics

Blueprint Live Online MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 2,599 – 6 months

USD 3,199 – 9 months  

USD 3,499 – 12 months  

- Score improvement guarantee

- Six days a week of office hours

- Access to Blueprint MCAT prep resources

- 40+ hours of live sessions with an instructor

- Access to lessons at any time during the course

- All AAMC Resources (updated to match the most recent AAMC test)

Blueprint MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons 

Pros

Cons

- Flexibility and structure combined

- Includes a custom study plan builder

- Includes a lot of free MCAT prep materials

- Available financing options with Affirm

- Expensive

- Limited subscription length

- No free trial with full access

- Few MCAT prep courses options 

Blueprint MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Over the years, Blueprint has proven to be providing quality and reliable MCAT prep services. They offer comprehensive packages that most MCAT test-takers find compelling. No wonder they have a 4.7 rating (excellent) on Trustpilot.

Here are a couple of Blueprint MCAT prep course reviews from their customers.

Blueprint MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

3. Examkrackers MCAT Prep Course

Examkrackers MCAT Prep Course

Examkrackers is another MCAT prep company that offers prep courses. If you want to learn in a different way that incorporates humor, Examkrackers is a good choice. 

To assist students in comprehending the kinds of questions, they will be expected to answer and spot potential areas for development. These quizzes and tutorials are designed after the actual MCAT exam. 

Additionally, you will have live access to your instructor, allowing you to ask questions and get additional support as needed. 

One-on-one tutoring and a selection of course resources that can be used for independent study are both offered if you feel you need more help.

  • Average Course Price: USD 1,745 – 1,895

Below are the different MCAT prep courses offered by Examkrackers.

Examkrackers On Demand MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 1,745

- 32 Online chapter exams

- 5 complete MCAT practice tests

- Individualized MCAT study plan

- 15 weekends of tutoring sessions

- 34 MCAT OnDemand recorded lectures

- Your very own MCAT performance coach

- 5 complete MCAT practice video reviews

Examkrackers Live Online MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 1,895  

- Individualized MCAT study plan

- 5 complete MCAT practice tests

- 15 weekends of tutoring sessions

- Examkrackers Complete MCAT Study Package

- Access to 610 MCAT content videos at any time

- Regular one-on-one session with an MCAT mentor

- Live online interaction with MCAT experts and other students

- Access to all recorded lectures in the MCAT student portal for independent study at any time

Examkrackers MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- Every course has live instruction
- Includes regular real-time practice tests

- Taught by MCAT educators with PhDs

- Restricted adaptability

- No adaptation for those with learning difficulties

 

4. Kaplan MCAT Prep Course

Kaplan MCAT Prep Course

Source: Kaplan Official Website 

Numerous potential medical students have depended on Kaplan for years to get ready for the MCAT. Why? They have a successful track record. 

The MCAT curriculum offered by Kaplan has been painstakingly designed by their in-house MCAT experts and improved over time to provide you with one of the most comprehensive but effective collections of lessons and coursework available.

Their standard in-person courses, which may also be taken in real-time online, simply produce good results. Regarding the sheer quantity of features and practice materials (such as practice questions, practice examinations, or live instruction hours) –  they might not be at the top of any one category, but they just do everything pretty well.

  • Average Course Price: USD 1,999 – 3,299

Listed below are the different MCAT prep courses offered by Kaplan.

Kaplan On Demand MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Starts at USD 1,999

- Access to all approved AAMC practice materials

- 24/7 access to pre-recorded, instructor-led sessions

- Ability to study independently and at your own pace

- Individualized homework tasks and a study schedule

- Office hours and live online sessions that are unlimited

Kaplan Live Online MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Starts at 2,599

- 14 interactive, live, 3-hour lessons

- Access to all approved AAMC practice materials

- Individualized homework tasks and a study schedule

- Office hours and live online sessions that are unlimited

- Flexible alternatives for scheduling that work with your schedule

Kaplan In-Person MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Starts at 2,599

- 14 interactive, live, 3-hour lessons

- Access to all approved AAMC practice materials

- Individualized homework tasks and a study schedule

- In-person framework that is engaging to reduce distraction

- Flexible alternatives for scheduling that work with your schedule

Kaplan MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- A money-back guarantee

- Financial assistance is offered

- Flexible live class schedules

- Lessons using high-quality videos

- 2,900+ practical practice questions

- Numerous preparation materials with 700 hours of content

- Expensive

- Mobile app not too useful

- Limited time for course access

- No completely free trial available

- Explanation to practice questions lacking details

 

Kaplan MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Kaplan offers different MCAT prep courses all of which have proven to be worthy of trying. Students who have availed of their prep courses seem to be content with the service they received. Hence, customers leave them a 4.6 rating (excellent) on Trustpilot.

Below are a few reviews and feedback about Kaplan’s MCAT prep course.

Kaplan MCAT Prep Courses Customer Reviews

Source: Trustpilot.com

5. Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Source: Khan Academy Official Website 

The non-profit organization Khan Academy was established in 2008 with the goal of providing free online teaching in the form of videos and quick sessions. The company's founder, Sal Khan, wanted to provide beneficial exam preparation at no cost.

Their MCAT course has been acknowledged as the first of its kind by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which manages the MCAT. Viewing a playlist of the course's original videos, both hosted on YouTube and accessible on the website –  will allow you to keep tabs on your progress. 

Khan Academy is currently AAMC's top partner, and the two companies work together to produce content for students getting ready for the MCAT exam. 

Unlike other MCAT prep courses arranged around chemistry or biology – the Khan Academy's MCAT course is structured around the AAMC Foundational Concepts.

  • Average Course Price: Free

Currently, Khan Academy has only one MCAT prep course option, as seen below. 

Khan Academy MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Free

- MCAT videos

- Prep course curriculum

- Hundreds of MCAT passages covering all sections

- Thousands of practice questions

Kaplan MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- Free

- Partnered with the AAMC

- Available on the website and mobile app

- Lots of passages and practice questions to answer

- Has to be paired with other MCAT prep materials and courses for some

- Topics arranged not by subjects but by foundational concepts

- Explanations may lack details

Khan Academy MCAT Prep Course Users’ Feedback and Reviews

Khan Academy holds the distinction of being the only MCAT prep course that is partnered and officially approved by the AAMC. That is why many students use this free MCAT prep course as they prepare for the MCAT. 

Here are a few feedback and reviews from students who use the Khan Academy MCAT prep course:

Khan Academy MCAT Prep Courses Customer Reviews

6. Magoosh MCAT Prep Course

Magoosh MCAT Prep Course

Source: Magoosh Official Website

One of the most affordable MCAT courses available, including video content and flexible study periods, is Magoosh. Its MCAT prep courses are low-cost and high-value that are pure and simply effective. Magoosh will be your best option if money is tight or you simply need a few review and practice materials to prepare for the test.

One well-liked feature of Magoosh is a 7-day Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee, which enables cancellation at any point within the time frame without paying any money. 

Since Magoosh MCAT prep is entirely online, you may study whenever and wherever you want. Given that some students prefer this kind of setup, this is a pretty excellent bonus.

  • Average Course Price: USD 379 – 399

Here are the different MCAT prep courses being offered by Magoosh.

Magoosh MCAT Prep Course Free Trial

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Free

- 7-day access

- 60 content review videos

- 16 practice exams

- Email assistance from tutors

Magoosh 1-Month Premium MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 379

- 1-month access

- +10 overall score guarantee

- MCAT tutors available by email at any time

- Detailed explanation for each practice questions

- Option to pause your account whenever you like

- Personalized study schedules to keep you on track

- 740+ inquiries, up to three complete-length practice exams

- 380+ content assessment videos addressing the most lucrative subjects

Magoosh 12-Month Premium MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 399

- 12-month access

- +10 overall score guarantee

- Detailed explanation of practice questions

- MCAT tutors available by email at any time

- Option to pause your account whenever you like

- Personalized study schedules to keep you on track

- 740+ inquiries, up to three complete-length practice exams

- 380+ content assessment videos addressing the most lucrative subjects

Magoosh MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- Cheap and affordable 

- Score improvement guarantee

- Customizable practice question sets

- High-quality, cost-effective price (thousands less than some competitors)

- Numerous beneficial video remedies to issues (great for visual learners)

- Few practice tests

- Obsolete practice materials

- No tutoring options available

- Less-extensive curriculum (compared to competitors)

Magoosh MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

For students on a limited budget, Magoosh seems to be the best option. However, do not be deceived, as the MCAT prep courses offer good and positive results. Having a 4.7 rating (excellent) on Trustpilot, Magoosh is meeting its clients' expectations. 

Below are a couple of Magoosh’s clients' reviews and feedback about their MCAT prep courses.

Magoosh MCAT Prep Courses Customer Reviews

7. Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course 

Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course

With remarkable success, Princeton Review has been preparing students for the MCAT for many years. They have a thorough curriculum taught in a ton of classroom time.

Your courses are directed by a rotating team of subject matter experts rather than a generic MCAT expert. Depending on their area of expertise, 4 to 6 qualified instructors will teach your class sessions.

Working with a subject matter expert gives you access to more in-depth knowledge than working with a generalist. It enhances the quality of instruction and learning in general. Princeton Review is among the high-caliber MCAT prep courses around. 

  • Average Course Price: USD 2,399 – 6,849

Listed below are the different MCAT prep courses that Princeton Review offers.

Princeton Review Live Online MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 2,349

- 11 MCAT books

- 35 MCAT diagnostic tests

- 40 live instruction hours

- 500+ videos on MedFlix

- 16 complete practice exams

- Thousands of practice questions

- 24/7 accessibility to all materials

- Accessible AAMC practice materials

- Access to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)

- Medical School Admissions Sessions with an Advantage

The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review MCAT 513+ Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 2,949

- 513+ score guarantee

- 11 MCAT books

- 123 live instruction hours

- 500+ Videos on MedFlix

- 16 complete practice exams

- Thousands of practice questions

- 1:1 mentoring session with an MCAT expert

- Access to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)

- Online flashcards included in all official AAMC products

- Medical School Admissions Sessions with an Advantage

The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review MCAT 515+ Immersion Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

 USD 6,799

- 515+ score guarantee

- 11 MCAT books

- 16 full-length practice tests

- 4 subject-specific practice tests

- Personalized study advisor on-demand

- Unlimited continuous on-demand tutoring

- 500+ MCAT lessons available on MedFlix

- Access to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)

- Facilitated by certified online teaching professionals

- Quick access to all of Princeton Review MCAT resources

- Extended practice on each subject plus adaptive drilling tools

- 860+ hours of teaching, practice, and support, including 195 hours of live coaching from MCAT professionals

The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review Winter Bootcamp Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

 USD 2,399

- 11 MCAT books

- 500+ videos on MedFlix

- 40 live instruction hours

- 35 MCAT diagnostic tests

- 16 complete practice exams

- 24/7 accessibility to all materials

- Thousands of practice questions

- Access to all AAMC-approved MCAT materials

- Access only to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)

- Medical School Admissions Sessions with an Advantage

The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons 

Pros

Cons

- Tons of positive reviews

-  Several options for courses

- Online instruction for one student at a reasonable price

- Expensive

- Limited MCAT flashcards

- Mobile app not so useful

- Low-quality production of videos

Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Princeton Review has been helping students ace the MCAT for decades. They offer different MCAT prep courses that most test-takers avail because of their effectiveness. Their 4.6 rating (excellent) on Trustpilot tells you they are a reliable MCAT prep company. 

Here are some reviews and feedback from some of their previous clients. 

The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses Customer Reviews

8. UWorld MCATQuestion Bank 

UWorld MCATQuestion Bank

UWorld published a 1,000-question passage bank for the MCAT in 2017. Since then, UWorld has significantly increased the size of the question bank by adding almost 2,000 new questions. Even though most MCAT test-takers are still unfamiliar with the organization, UWorld is continuing to expand its MCAT resources.

The exemplary question bank user interface reflects the depth of UWorld's experience. In contrast to some of the more clumsy menu and tab-plagued designs of competing MCAT Qbanks, UWorld's user interface is technically sound and easy to use. 

In addition, the app's performance tracking allows you to compare your progress to that of other test-takers as you move through the bank.

  • Average Course Price: USD 249 - 349

Here are the different UWorld MCAT Qbank packages:

UWorld MCAT Qbank Sample

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Free

- 7-day access

- 100 questions

UWorld MCAT Qbank Basic Package

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 249

- 90-day access

- Full question bank

- 2,300+ questions

UWorld MCAT Qbank Standard Package

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 299

- 180-day access

- Full question bank

- 2,300+ questions

- One-time reset option

UWorld MCAT Qbank Elite Package

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 349

- 360-day access

- Full question bank

- 2,300+ questions

- One-time reset option

UWorld MCAT QBank Pros and Cons 

Pros

Cons

- Great user interface

-  Available in PC and mobile phone

- Good quality of passages

- Detailed explanations

- NOT an actual MCAT prep course

- No full-length exams

- No MCAT experts to ask advice and assistance

UWorld MCAT Question Bank Client Feedback and Reviews

Even if UWorld MCAT Qbank is not an actual MCAT prep course, a lot of students still prefer to employ this question bank as part of their MCAT preparation. Most would say that the UWorld Qbank contributed to their MCAT success. 

For your reference, here is what students have to say about the UWorld MCAT question bank.

UWorld MCAT Prep Courses Customer Reviews

9. Varsity Tutors MCAT Prep Course

Varsity Tutors MCAT Prep Courses

Varsity Tutors offers a ten-week MCAT prep course. Students are also given tactics for raising scores throughout this period. Each class typically has 6 to 9 individuals depending on how many people sign up for a 2-hour session. In these seminars, students can receive individualized support and interact with others through conversations.

The first part of the course is spent getting students ready for the various MCAT test parts. Strategies and test-taking advice will be added to all of your prior knowledge. The course emphasizes test organization, scoring, and tested ideas.

The course aims to give students an understanding of exam structure, methodology, and the capacity to tackle challenging problems. This is an excellent choice if you enjoy learning in a classroom setting with other students.

  • Average Course Price: USD 799.

Listed below are the different MCAT prep courses offered by Varsity Tutors.

Varsity Tutors MCAT 5-Week and 10-Week Prep Classes 

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

Both at USD 299

         -  The 5-Week program meets twice a week for 5 weeks


         - the 10-week program meets once a week for 10 weeks.

- MCAT practice questions

- Guidance from MCAT experts

- Lecture in preparation for the MCAT

- Visual and in-depth explanations of details

Varsity Tutors MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- Flexible schedule

- Offers optional private tutoring

- Convenient application process

- Trainers ‘lack’ of expertise 

- Short duration of prep class

- Full-length exams need to be purchased separately

Varsity Tutors MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Varsity Tutors may be more well-known for their tutoring services but they have also helped a lot of MCAT students achieve their target MCAT score. 

Having a rating of 4.9 on Trustpilot just shows how Varsity Tutors have been meeting the expectations of its clients. 

Note, however, that this rating reflects all the services provided by Varsity Tutors and not just MCAT prep courses. 

To give you an idea of how clients feel about the Varsity Tutors MCAT prep course, here are a few reviews about them:

Varsity Tutors MCAT Prep Courses Customer Reviews

10. Wize MCAT Prep Course

Wize MCAT Prep Course

Although not as well-known as the other MCAT prep courses on this list, Wize is still a good choice if you are looking for an MCAT prep course.

Wize’s MCAT prep course's layout and design are simple to understand. The lectures were highly interesting and simple to understand, and the video quality was outstanding. 

The instructors in the videos highlight and annotate their slides. The course is well-structured and leads users logically through subjects and subtopics. 

There are more than hundreds of practice questions throughout the course. Practice questions are dotted throughout the courses for the students. 

Additionally, there are practice passages in each "class" where students can review reading passages and respond to various questions.

  • Average Course Price: USD 299 – 1,349

Listed below are the different MCAT prep courses offered by Wize.

Wize 1-Month MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 299

- 1-month access

- 1100+ videos featuring top MCAT experts

- 24/7 accessibility to excellent study resources

- Totally flexible timetable as per your convenience

- Focus on statistical reasoning and experimental design

- Unlimited conversations with an MCAT expert for assistance

- Concentration on CARS with an emphasis on mastery and strategy

- Unlimited access to our Q&A where MCAT professionals can assist you

- Every subject that the AAMC has determined is acceptable for the MCAT

Wize 6-Month MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 899

- 6-month access

- 1100+ videos featuring top MCAT experts

- 24/7 accessibility to excellent study resources

- Totally flexible timetable as per your convenience

- Focus on statistical reasoning and experimental design

- Unlimited conversations with an MCAT expert for assistance

- Concentration on CARS with an emphasis on mastery and strategy

- Unlimited access to our Q&A where MCAT professionals can assist you

- Every subject that the AAMC has determined is acceptable for the MCAT

Wize 12-Month MCAT Prep Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

USD 1,349

- 12-month access

- 1100+ videos featuring top MCAT experts

- 24/7 accessibility to excellent study resources

- Totally flexible timetable as per your convenience

- Focus on statistical reasoning and experimental design

- Unlimited conversations with an MCAT expert for assistance

- Concentration on CARS with an emphasis on mastery and strategy

- Unlimited access to our Q&A where MCAT professionals can assist you

- Every subject that the AAMC has determined is acceptable for the MCAT

- FREE retake policy

Wize MCAT Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- Good user interface 

- Cheap and affordable

- Good quality of videos

- Free retake policy (12-month plan)

- Fewer reviews

- No practice exams

- Limited MCAT prep test materials offered

Wize MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Although not as popular as the MCAT prep courses that have been previously mentioned, Wize has a decent number of clients that have given them good feedback. Wize has a 4.3 rating (excellent) on Trustpilot, implying that they have produced many successful MCAT students through their MCAT prep courses. 

Below are a few testimonials about Wize’s MCAT prep course.

Wize MCAT Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

11. MCAT Mastery Prep Strategy Courses (No Content)

MCAT Mastery Prep Strategy Courses (No Content)

MCAT Mastery is run by a group of future doctors who aced the MCAT themselves. They started in 2016 and have been helping MCAT students succeed on the MCAT. They offer MCAT tutoring programs, MCAT prep courses, and anything you might need for the MCAT. 

The people behind MCAT Mastery want to repay the favor by educating other pre-med students. They are interested in discovering the keys to success and place a premium on education, emphasizing strategy, positivity, personal growth, and mental well-being.

Currently, MCAT Mastery offers different MCAT prep courses specifically designed for each section of the MCAT. 

  • Average Course Price: USD 127 – 397 

MCAT Mastery Chem/Phys & Bio/Biochem Mastery Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

- One-Time Payment: USD 197

- Two-Monthly Payments: USD 107

- 7 modules

- 65 video lessons

- 38 passage dissections

- live weekly office hours

MCAT Mastery CARS Mastery Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

- One-Time Payment: USD 197

- Two-Monthly Payments: USD 107

- 7 modules

- 13 chapters 

- 99 video lessons

- 43 passage dissections

-  live weekly office hours

MCAT Mastery Psych/Soc Mastery Course

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

- One-Time Payment: USD 167

- Two-Monthly Payments: USD 97

- 5 modules

- 37 video lessons

- 12 passage dissections

- live weekly office hours

MCAT Mastery Complete Strategy Package 

Fees/Costs:

What’s included:

- One-Time Payment: USD 397

- Two-Monthly Payments: USD 217

- 4 courses

- 9 modules

- 52 chapters

- 268 video lessons

- 97 passage dissections

- Big Bonus 1: Exam Day Mastery Course

- Big Bonus 2: Live Weekly Group Tutoring Sessions

MCAT Mastery Prep Course Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

- Cost is affordable

- Offers a lot of options

- Accessible anytime and anywhere

- Includes a money-back guarantee

- Proven and reliable results

- High-scoring MCAT instructors 

- Other MCAT prep materials need to be purchased separately

- Limited full-length practice exams 

MCAT Mastery Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

MCAT Mastery indeed has earned a good reputation when it comes to helping students perform well on the MCAT.

A 4.8 (excellent) rating on Trustpilot shows that their clients are happy with their MCAT prep services. 

Here are a couple of client reviews and feedback on MCAT Mastery prep courses. 

MCAT Mastery Prep Course Client Feedback and Reviews

Summary Table of the Best MCAT Prep Courses 

MCAT Prep Course Company

Price

Number of MCAT Prep Courses to Choose From

Number of MCAT Full-Length Exams

Trustpilot Rating

MCAT Mastery Prep Strategy Courses

USD 127 – 397

5

Not included

4.8 / 5

Altius

USD 8,499 – 9,999

2

10

3.1 / 5

Blueprint

USD 1,999 – 3,499

2

15

4.7 / 5

Examkrackers

USD 1,745 – 1,895

2

5

3.2 / 5

Kaplan

USD 1,999 – 3,299

3

16

4.6 / 5

Khan Academy

FREE

1

Not included

4.7 / 5

Magoosh

USD 379 – 399

3

16

4.7 / 5

Princeton Review

USD 2,399 – 6,849

4

16

4.6 / 5

UWorld QBank 

USD 249 - 349

4

Not included

3.7 / 5

Varsity Tutors

USD 799

2

Not included

4.9 / 5

Wize

USD 299 – 1,349

3

Not included

4.3 / 5

Are MCAT Online Preparation Courses Worth It?

Online MCAT prep courses are not worth it if they just cover content. Stellar MCAT content is available for free from exceptional teachers, like at Khan Academy. 

There’s a difference between MCAT prep courses that focus on WHAT you need to know to study for the MCAT, and MCAT strategy courses that focus on HOW you need to use the content to study for the MCAT.

Some MCAT prep courses claim to cover both ‘strategy’ and ‘content’. 

Generally we always tell our students: you shouldn’t pay a lot (if anything at all) for content review because that can be free from awesome platforms like Khan Academy. We believe the only thing that deserves an investment is learning the strategy of HOW to study for an exam like the MCAT. 

For example, practice is a great investment (like AAMC practice material or UWorld) that helps with the ‘how to study’ or getting a tutor is another example of  a high yield approach to maximizing your MCAT score (as opposed to paying for content review). 

Our Suggestion: Before dropping a lot of money into a prep course, consider running the idea by a tutor (if you’re going to get a tutor anyway). They can diagnose your situation and provide you with a better plan moving forward.

Once you have your content figured out, we also have MCAT strategy specific courses to help you achieve your goal MCAT score - all created from top MCAT scorers, who’ve been through the journey.

It is well-known that the MCAT is one of the most difficult exams you will have to take. Ideally, you need to get a strong score on your first take. Otherwise, aside from going through another experience of putting in the effort, time, and hard work, you also risk the possibility of getting into medical school on your expected schedule. Therefore, it’s valuable to invest in getting help to succeed on the MCAT, rather than going at it alone.

Additional FAQs – Best Online Preparation Courses for the MCAT 

Can I Take the MCAT Online?

No, you cannot take the MCAT online. 

You can register for the MCAT and attend the MCAT prep courses and tutoring sessions online, but taking the MCAT online is not possible. 

While the MCAT is a computer-based test, you still need to go to the testing location to be able to take the test.

What is the Best MCAT Prep Course?

The best MCAT prep course varies from one student to another. Just as every MCAT student is unique, the same is true for the different MCAT prep courses. They all offer well-planned and quality programs that are aimed at helping students get the MCAT score they desire. 

However, it is important to note that based on the mentioned customer testimonials and ratings discussed above -- Blueprint, Kaplan, Magoosh, Princeton Review, and MCAT Mastery Prep Strategy Courses  seem to have the highest ratings and best reviews from their clients.

Are MCAT Prep Courses Worth It?

If your preferred learning method is in a structured framework and you feel like studying and preparing for the MCAT would be a struggle, enrolling in MCAT prep courses can be worth it, as long as it doesn’t just offer content review because you can get that for free. We recommend investing your money into understanding ‘how to study for the MCAT’, through a tutor or strategy-specific courses, rather than investing money into ‘what to study for the MCAT’. 

Remember that your MCAT score will determine your chances of getting into the medical school of your choice. For every opportunity to help you perform well on the MCAT, you should consider investing in MCAT prep courses. Most of these courses aim to help you achieve your target MCAT score on your first try.

Your MCAT Success Mentors

About the Author

We're a team of future doctors passionate about giving back and mentoring other future doctors! All mentors on the team are top MCAT scorers and we all are committed to seeing you succeed in achieving your physician dreams ???? To help you achieve your goal MCAT score, we take turns hosting these Live MCAT Courses and are also available for 1:1 private tutoring!

70+ MCAT Strategy Video Lessons + Notes - Free!

The Free Top Scorer MCAT Strategy Video Course

Learn from multiple 515+ scorers on how to:

  • Master MCAT content quickly and for the long-term
  • Breakdown MCAT questions and identify correct answers
  • Plan your MCAT prep schedule to ensure you stay committed
  • Take and review practice exams in the most strategic way
  • Cultivate the right MCAT success mindset
  • Know how to study as a retaker to ensure this is the last MCAT prep
  • And much more!

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