Best MCAT Prep Courses

Blueprint is our choice for the best MCAT prep course due to its accessibility

Updated on January 22, 2023

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The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC); it consists of multiple-choice questions on problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science. The MCAT is required for students who want to go to study medicine.

The best MCAT prep courses are engaging while offering strong student support and breadth of study materials. We compared the top MCAT prep courses to find the best ones.

Best Overall: Blueprint
Best Live-Online Course: Kaplan
Best Customizable Prep Course: MCAT Self Prep
Best for Guarantees: Altius
Best Intensive Study Course: The Princeton Review
Best Value: Magoosh

Best MCAT Prep Courses of 2023

Best Live-Online Course: Kaplan
Best for Guarantees: Altius
Best Value: Magoosh

Best MCAT Prep Courses of 2023

Best Overall : Blueprint

Key Specs

Cost: $1,999 to $2,699
Length: 6 to 12 months
Free Trial: Yes
Guarantees: Yes

Why We Chose It

With live online office hours five days a week, the ability to repeat a class to reinforce the lesson, access to thousands of practice questions, and the most representative full-length practice exams, Blueprint is our clear choice as the best overall MCAT prep course.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Live online office hours
Free trial
Easy-to-use platform

Cons

Expensive
Limited access in free trial

Overview

Blueprint (which merged with Next Step) offers two MCAT prep courses in addition to one-on-one tutoring. Its Live Online Course includes over 40 hours of live class instruction from 524+ scoring instructors teaching live and on camera. The course also offers 160 learning modules, all AAMC resources, over 10,000 practice questions, 15 full-length practice exams, six MCAT content and strategy books, and the ability to reschedule classes. Pricing is $2,599 for six months of access.

Blueprint’s Online Course provides the same learning modules, practice questions, and full-length MCAT exams as the Live Online Course but in a more mobile-friendly format. You pay $1,999 for six months of access, $2,399 for nine months of access, or $2,699 for 12 months of access.

Blueprint also offers a score increase guarantee. Students who complete the Live Online course and don’t see an increase in their score will receive either another six months of MCAT Live for free or a full refund minus the cost of AAMC resources. Students taking an online course for six or more months will receive another three months of access for free or a full refund, minus the cost of AAMC resources.

If you want to give Blueprint a try before committing, you can start a free account to gain access to seven learning modules, the Study Planner Tool, and one full-length practice exam.

Best Live-Online Course : Kaplan

Key Specs

Cost: $1,999 to $6,999
Length: 5 weeks to 6 months
Free Trial: Yes
Guarantees: Yes

Why We Chose It

Kaplan is our choice for the best live-online course because of its full schedule and study plan, access to live classes, and the ability to ask questions to off-screen teachers throughout the lessons.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Score increase guarantee
Wide range of study materials
Live courses six days a week

Cons

Expensive
Six-month access to course
No all-inclusive free trial

Overview

Kaplan was founded in 1938 and has since become a leader in the test prep industry, offering a wide selection of MCAT prep courses, bootcamps, and tutoring. Its Live Online Course lets you study anytime, anywhere. You get 12 three-hour classes with access to a team of expert MCAT teachers; personalized homework assignments; access to over 90 hours of recorded lessons; 16 full-length, realistic practice exams; and all of the official AAMC practice materials.

Kaplan’s Live Online Course is available for six months for $2,599.

Kaplan also provides a six-month-long On-Demand Course for $1,999 that includes over 90 hours of pre-recorded, teacher-led lessons and access to live lessons six days per week.

If you’re looking to fast-track your studying, check out Kaplan’s Bootcamp, which is a five- to six-month course for $6,999 that includes over 700 hours of online instruction, practice, and support, access to small study groups, 12 hours of one-on-one tutoring, 16 full-length realistic practice exams, and more.

Finally, Kaplan offers its students a general higher score guarantee. Eligible students who don’t score higher on the official test can continue their prep free of charge or get their money back for the course. If you want to give Kaplan a try before you invest, you can sign up for seven days of free MCAT prep and practice.

Best Customizable Prep Course : MCAT Self Prep

Key Specs

Cost: Free to $1,399
Length: Lifetime access
Free Trial: Yes
Guarantees: Yes

Why We Chose It

MCAT Self Prep offers customizable courses and study plans to best suit individual student needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free prep-course option
Based on researched MCAT study best practices
Affordable tutoring

Cons

Must purchase third-party materials
Clunky website
Only the Deluxe Pro Course comes with a score improvement guarantee

Overview

MCAT Self Prep was founded by Andrew George in 2016 after he developed his own study method when preparing for the MCAT. Today, the company offers four study prep options based on research on the study habits of students who scored in the top fifth percentile on the MCAT.

MCAT Self Prep's free course includes 10 content modules, over 300 hours of video, study tips, access to a Facebook study group, and the ability to message the company's CEO. The Basic Pro Course starts at only $19.99 and includes everything offered in the free course, as well as a create-your-own study plan option with a study plan spreadsheet, access to a study portal, and a score tracker.

For $199.99, you can try the Advanced Pro Course, which provides access to over 5,000 Quizlet flashcards and 120 end-of-lesson mastery quizzes featuring over 2,000 AAMC-style questions. Finally, the Deluxe Pro Course includes everything previously mentioned as well as access to eight additional courses, discounted one-on-one tutoring sessions, and a score improvement guarantee for $1,399.99.

If you take any of MCAT Self Prep's courses and don't see any improvement in your score, you will get 100% of your money back. Note that you will have to purchase the AAMC practice question bundle separately for this course.

Best for Guarantees : Altius

Key Specs

Cost: $2,499 to $9,999
Length: 12 months
Free Trial: Yes
Guarantees: Yes; score, plus money back and price match

Why We Chose It

Altius offers a 3X Guarantee which includes a 90th percentile score promise, a two-week money-back guarantee, and a lowest price guarantee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Small group tutoring
One-on-one mentoring
14-day free trial

Cons

Outdated user interface
Expensive
Elite option doesn't offer one-on-one tutoring sessions

Overview

Altius was founded in 2005 and boasts that its graduates average a 516.14 MCAT score. The company is so confident in its materials and instructors that it offers a three-pronged guarantee.

First, if you fully complete one of its Silver, Gold, or Platinum MCAT Mentoring Programs, Altius guarantees you will score in at least the 90th percentile or they will continue working with you for free until you do. Second, if you enroll in an Elite, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum course, you have 14 days to obtain a tuition refund. Finally, Altius offers a lowest-price guarantee and will match any competitor’s regular or sale price on a comparable MCAT course or private tutoring.

Altius delivers its courses through private or small group tutoring and problem-based learning. It offers four one-on-one tutoring sessions: Platinum for $6,999, Gold for $4,999. Silver for $3,699, and Elite for $2,899. Each course, except the Elite option, offers private one-on-one tutoring sessions.

All courses provide access to all available AAMC practice tests, small group instruction, problem-based group sessions, and study hall sessions. The Platinum course also offers exclusive review sessions.

Altius offers a Summer Full-Immersion Program with Gold and Platinum options. For $8,499, you can sign up for the Gold option, which comes with 135 hours of small group tutoring, problem-based group sessions, study hall sessions, mastery sessions, and ten practice tests. The Platinum option is $9,999 and includes everything in the Gold option as well as a free Silver Admissions package, additional study hall sessions, and small group tutoring hours.

Best Intensive Study Course : The Princeton Review

Key Specs

Cost: $1,999 to $7,349
Length: 9 months
Free Trial: Yes; one free class
Guarantees: Yes

Why We Chose It

The Princeton Review wins for best intensive study course because of its MCAT 515+ course, which promises students maximum results in a minimum amount of time. It offers several options for those looking to increase their score quickly. Each course comes with its own features, score guarantee, and refund policy.

Pros & Cons

Pros

24/7 on-demand tutoring
Wide range of course materials
16 full-length practice exams

Cons

Expensive
Some topics more in-depth than others

Overview

The Princeton Review was founded in 1981 and has since become a top name in the prep course industry. Today it offers a wide selection of test prep courses, including four MCAT prep options and a bootcamp.

The MCAT 515+ Immersion Course is designed for students who want to apply to the nation's top medical schools. You'll receive access to over 195 hours of live instruction, unlimited 24/7 on-demand tutoring, 16 full-length practice exams, and all available AAMC practice materials. The course regularly costs $7,349 but was on sale for $7,149 as of November 2022.

To be eligible for the 515+ score guarantee, you must have a starting score of 505+. If you don't achieve a score of 515 or higher, you will be given a full refund minus the shipping fee for course materials, including 11 textbooks.

The Princeton Review also offers an MCAT 513+ course delivered online and in-person for a one-time price of $3,499. As of November 2022, however, the course was on sale for $3,199. You'll receive 123 hours of in-person or live online instruction, access to experts, 16-full length practice tests, and thousands of practice questions.

The Princeton Review's Essentials Course is regularly $2,799 but sometimes goes on sale. It's available online and in person, and includes 123 hours of live content and instruction with access to a team of subject matter experts. You can also access an extensive video library, MCAT textbooks, and thousands of practice questions.

Those who prefer a self-paced course can try the Online Course for $1,999, which is on sale as of November 2022 for $1,699. You can study whenever and wherever your schedule allows with a library of videos, 10 MCAT books, and thousands of practice questions.

Best Value : Magoosh

Key Specs

Price:$379 to $399
Length: 1 to 12 months
Free Trial: Yes
Guarantees: Yes

Why We Chose It

Magoosh is our choice for the best value MCAT prep course because it offers strong student support, a score increase guarantee, and a budget-friendly price.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Monthly and annual pricing options
7-day free trial
Excellent customer support

Cons

No textbooks provided
Limited number of practice questions
Limited number of practice tests

Overview

Compared to prep course companies like The Princeton Review and Kaplan, Magoosh is a relative newcomer to the prep course scene. Founded in 2009, the company has since made an impact in the industry with more than 400 million test questions answered. In 2016, Magoosh added the MCAT course to its study prep roster.

Magoosh offers a comprehensive, self-study MCAT prep course delivered completely online. It includes access to over 380 content review videos, over 700 practice questions, a customizable study schedule, a full-length practice test, and 24/7 email support. You can choose between a one-month subscription for $379 or 12 months of access for $399. For an extra $20, it's probably worth it to spring for the full year of access unless you're cramming for the exam.

For students who have taken the MCAT exam before taking the prep course, Magoosh will also give you a full refund if you don't score ten or more points higher once you complete the course and take your exam.

If you are interested in Magoosh, you can sign up for a free seven-day trial that includes 60 MCAT lessons and 16 practice questions. It's commitment-free, and no credit card is required.

Final Verdict

When selecting the MCAT prep course that is right for you, consider your learning style, your timeline for study, the amount of support you want, and your budget. Blueprint won our top pick overall because of its highly rated online support system of MCAT savvy, 99th percentile instructors, plus an easy-to-use platform for self-study and coursework. Plus, with Blueprint, you can repeat classes for free if you need extra review.

Compare the Best MCAT Prep Courses

Provider	Cost	Length	Free Trial	Guarantees
Blueprint Best Overall	$1,999 to $2,699	6-12 months	Free access to limited resources	Score guarantee
Kaplan Best Live Online	$1,999 to $6,999	5 weeks to 6 months	7 days of free MCAT prep and practice	Score guarantee
MCAT Self Prep Best Customizable Option	Free to $1,399	Lifetime access	Free 90-min intro session; free MCAT Prep Course	Score guarantee
Altius Best Guarantee	$2,499 to $9,999	12 months	2-week trial	Score, money-back, and price match
The Princeton Review Best Intensive Option	$1,999 to $7,349	9 months	Free class	Score guarantee
Magoosh Best Value	$379 to $399	1-12 months	7-day trial	Score guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a computer-based standardized test developed and administered by the AAMC and students must take it if they want to enter medical school.

The MCAT can be taken up to three times in a single testing year, but there are limits to how many times you can take the exam. The MCAT can be taken up to four times in two consecutive years and up to seven times in a lifetime. It’s important to note that all of your scored exams can be seen by medical schools.

How Do MCAT Prep Courses Help You Prepare for the Test?

An MCAT prep course can help students improve their test scores by providing access to thousands of prep questions, full-length practice exams, and a community of instructors and students. While a prep course is not needed to prepare for the MCAT, it can help students who benefit from a more structured study plan and a community of support.

Are MCAT Prep Courses Worth It?

Whether or not an MCAT prep course is worth it will depend on your individual needs. For instance, if you’re a self-starter who can stay motivated while studying alone, you might not need a prep course. But it could be a good choice if you thrive in a more structured and collaborative environment or want additional support from a course instructor or private tutor.

Is Two Months Enough To Prepare for the MCAT?

Two months may be enough time to prepare for the MCAT but it will depend on your personal situation, including how familiar you are with the MCAT content and your style of studying. Do you prefer to have lots of time or do you like to cram? It is often recommended that the average student spend between 300 and 350 hours preparing for the exam.

How Much Do MCAT Prep Courses Cost?

The cost of an MCAT prep course varies based on factors such as the style of delivery (self-paced vs. live), subscription length, and level of one-on-one support offered.

Students can access free online prep courses through providers like MCAT Self Prep while some of the more expensive courses offered by providers like Kaplan, Altius, and The Princeton Review can cost between $6,999 and $9,999, including one-on-one tutoring.

Methodology

We evaluated 13 different MCAT prep courses for this review and considered factors such as cost, delivery options, the breadth of study materials, course length, student support, and the quality of instructors. We also considered if the MCAT prep course offered a score increase guarantee and a free trial so students can test out the program before committing.

All of the choices on our list offer a variety of MCAT prep plan options, a wide range of study materials, and highly qualified instructors.