Online Mcat Prep
Choosing the right online MCAT prep course is a crucial step towards achieving your medical school aspirations. With a plethora of options available, each boasting unique features and teaching methodologies, making an informed decision can be overwhelming. This comprehensive comparison aims to objectively evaluate six of the leading online MCAT prep resources, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key features. By examining factors such as course content, practice materials, teaching styles, and pricing, we provide a detailed overview to help you identify the best fit for your individual learning style and needs. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge necessary to confidently select the online MCAT prep that will maximize your chances of success on this challenging exam. We consider various learning styles and budgets to help you make the best choice.
Kaplan MCAT Prep
Kaplan is a well-established name in test preparation, offering a comprehensive MCAT course with a vast library of resources. Their course includes live online classes, on-demand video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. Kaplan's strength lies in its structured approach and extensive content review. The course also provides personalized study plans and adaptive learning technology to tailor the learning experience to individual needs. Kaplan's resources are generally considered high quality and closely mimic the actual MCAT exam. Students can benefit from Kaplan's experience and history of helping students succeed on standardized tests. However, it is also one of the more expensive options.
Pros
- Extensive content review
- Realistic practice tests
- Personalized study plans
- Adaptive learning technology
Cons
- Higher price point
- Can feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of material
The Princeton Review MCAT Prep
The Princeton Review is another major player in the MCAT prep market, known for its engaging instructors and effective strategies. Their course offers a variety of learning formats, including live online classes, on-demand video lessons, and personalized tutoring options. The Princeton Review emphasizes test-taking strategies and critical thinking skills. Their course includes a comprehensive content review and a large number of practice questions and full-length practice tests. The Princeton Review also offers score guarantees, providing students with added assurance. Their materials are generally considered high quality and well-aligned with the MCAT exam. However, their course can also be quite expensive.
Pros
- Engaging instructors
- Effective test-taking strategies
- Comprehensive content review
- Score guarantees
Cons
- High cost
- May not be suitable for students who prefer self-paced learning
Altius MCAT Prep
Altius is known for its focus on developing critical thinking and reasoning skills, which are essential for success on the MCAT. They offer a comprehensive course that includes live online classes, small-group tutoring, and personalized coaching. Altius emphasizes active learning and problem-solving. Their course features a unique diagnostic process to identify individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing for a tailored learning experience. Altius also provides extensive support and guidance throughout the preparation process. However, their course is more expensive than some other options, and the small-group tutoring may not be suitable for all learners.
Pros
- Focus on critical thinking
- Small-group tutoring
- Personalized coaching
- Active learning approach
Cons
- High cost
- Small-group tutoring may not be ideal for all
Jack Westin MCAT Prep
Jack Westin offers a variety of free and affordable MCAT prep resources, including daily CARS passages, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. Their free resources are a great way to supplement other prep materials or to get a feel for the MCAT exam. Jack Westin's paid courses provide more comprehensive content review and personalized support. Their courses are generally more affordable than those offered by Kaplan or The Princeton Review. Jack Westin is a great option for students on a budget or who prefer a more flexible and self-paced learning approach. However, their course may not be as comprehensive as some of the more expensive options.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Free resources available
- Daily CARS passages
- Flexible learning approach
Cons
- Less comprehensive than some other courses
- May require supplementing with other resources
Blueprint MCAT (Next Step)
Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step) offers a modern and engaging approach to MCAT prep. Their course features high-quality video content, realistic practice tests, and a user-friendly platform. Blueprint emphasizes content mastery and test-taking strategies. Their course includes personalized study plans and adaptive learning technology to tailor the learning experience to individual needs. Blueprint's resources are generally considered high quality and well-aligned with the MCAT exam. They have a focus on making learning fun and engaging. However, their course may be more expensive than some other options, and their content review may not be as comprehensive as Kaplan's.
Pros
- High-quality video content
- Realistic practice tests
- User-friendly platform
- Engaging learning experience
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Content review may not be as comprehensive as some others
Khan Academy MCAT Prep
Khan Academy offers a completely free MCAT prep course in partnership with the AAMC. This course includes a comprehensive content review, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. Khan Academy is a great option for students on a budget or who prefer a self-paced learning approach. The course is developed in collaboration with the AAMC, ensuring that the content is accurate and aligned with the MCAT exam. However, the course may not be as structured or personalized as some of the paid options, and it may require supplementing with other resources. Still, it is a fantastic free resource for students preparing for the MCAT.
Pros
- Completely free
- Comprehensive content review
- AAMC partnership
- Self-paced learning
Cons
- Less structured than paid courses
- May require supplementing with other resources