The Medical College Admission Test, often called the MCAT, is a big part of the application process for most accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada. The MCAT exam is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and can make or break an aspiring doctor's dream when it comes to medical school admissions.
But don't worry; we have an array of MCAT prep options to help your future medical career become a reality (trust us, they're worth it). Let's dive into the details!
Kaplan
Kaplan is a well-known provider in the test prep world, delivering an extensive suite of MCAT study resources. From full-length practice exams to private tutoring options, Kaplan provides both in-person and online options for students. The impressive offering of over 3,000 customizable practice questions guarantees a personalized study experience. They also offer a 515+ guarantee or a 15+ point improvement based on the baseline exam for their 515+ Course.
Kaplan's MCAT prep options are priced as follows:
- On-demand MCAT course: $1,999
- Live online MCAT course: $2,699
- In-person MCAT course: $3,199
- Private tutoring + live online course: $3,599
- 515+ MCAT course: $3,999
- Online bootcamp: $7,299
Princeton Review
The Princeton Review offers a comprehensive approach to MCAT practice. Courses range from live online and in-person classes to a self-paced course and private tutoring. The Princeton Review MCAT prep course explores all MCAT areas (e.g., physics, biology, organic chemistry, psychology, and critical analysis and reasoning skills) with subject matter experts.
Their three most popular course options are:
MCAT 515+ Course: $3,499
- 123 hours of live instruction
- The complete package for MCAT success
Self-Paced: $1,599
- 500+ video lessons created by subject-matter experts
- Study from anywhere, on your own time
Practice Tests & QBank: $199
- 6-10 full-length practice tests
- 4,700+ practice questions
Blueprint
Blueprint offers a variety of MCAT prep courses for different learning styles and goals. Each course provides access to high-quality resources, AI-powered tools, and score improvement guarantees. Here's a detailed breakdown of their offerings:
515+ Course: $3,499
- 80+ hours of live instruction
- Personalized coaching
- 515+ score guarantee
Live Online Course: $2,299
- 40+ hours of live instruction
- Full access to the Self-Paced Course
- Score increase guarantee
Self-Paced Course: $1,699
- 160 learning modules
- Engaging and interactive videos
- Score increase guarantee
MCAT Tutoring: $3,599
- Access to the best tutors
- Personalized study plan
- 515+ score guarantee available
Practice Exam Bundle: $159
- Representative practice exams
- 4,000+ AI-powered Qbank questions
- In-depth exam analytics
Magoosh
Magoosh simplifies MCAT preparation with its affordable and flexible option that's customizable for your study schedule and works well for students looking to prepare at their own pace. It's perfect for self-paced learners who want a budget-friendly solution without sacrificing quality.
Known for its user-friendly design and comprehensive content, Magoosh provides everything you need to cover high-yield MCAT topics. Students benefit from expert-created material, customizable study plans, and a 10+ point improvement score guarantee.
Key features include:
- Over 380 content review videos covering high-yield MCAT topics
- 740+ practice questions, including up to 3 full-length practice tests
- Detailed explanations for every practice question
- 1,600+ flashcards and customizable study plans
- 250+ unique lessons on all MCAT subjects
- Mobile and desktop access (Android, iOS, PC, Mac)
- 10-point score improvement
- 2-month and 1-month plans available
- Live online classes (requires separate subscription)
- Free 7-day trial
Their MCAT courses are priced as follows:
- 1-month access: $379
- 12-month access: $399
Khan Academy
Khan Academy provides a completely free MCAT preparation course, making it an excellent supplementary resource for students on a budget. Supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), this course gives you access to high-quality, up-to-date content.
Key features include:
- Multiple units covering all MCAT topics
- Over 80 revised passages in the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBLS) section
- Self-paced online learning
- Free access to all materials
Although this option has official AAMC backing, it lacks the full-length practice tests essential for thorough preparation. While Khan Academy can be a great supplementary resource, students needing more accountability or in-depth help may want to combine it with other resources.
Wizeprep
Wizeprep offers a range of MCAT prep options designed to cater to various learning styles and goals. Key features include:
Elite 515 - Live Online: $3,999
- Live online remote instruction
- 515+ performance guarantee
- Med-school interview coaching
- Med-school application review
Elite 515 - In Person: $3,999
- In-person instruction
- 515+ performance guarantee
- Med-school interview coaching
- Med-school application review
Self-Paced: $1,999
- On-demand lessons
- Does not include performance guarantees, interview coaching, or application review
Uworld
UWorld MCAT Prep Course provides an affordable and flexible self-paced option starting at $599. It offers a comprehensive suite of prep materials and features designed to mimic the MCAT, making it ideal for students looking for a structured yet adaptable study experience.
Key features include:
- 6 Science Review Books available in both print and digital formats
- 2 CARS Review Books provided in print and digital versions
- 450 concept-check questions integrated into the lessons
- Over 3,000 expert-crafted MCAT-level practice questions
- 4 official AAMC practice exams included
- More than 600 high-yield video lessons
- Flashcards featuring spaced-repetition technology
- Customizable study planner paired with performance-tracking tools
- Mobile app for studying on the go
- Detailed answer explanations enhanced with images and clickable hyperlinks
Altius
The Altius MCAT Self-Paced Course combines comprehensive study materials, exclusive practice tools, and expert guidance to maximize your MCAT preparation. For $431, students gain access to a range of high-value resources designed to streamline and enhance their study experience.
Key features include:
- AAMC Official Prep Online Bundle: Access to every digital resource from the AAMC, including all official practice exams, the Official Guide to the MCAT Questions, the CARS Diagnostic Tool, and the Independent Question Bank (formerly AAMC flashcards).
- Complete Altius Full-Length Exam Bundle: 10 full-length practice exams, 1 diagnostic half-length exam, and over 2,000 video tutorials.
- Altius Student Portal: 42 mini-exams, weekly strategy sessions with the Altius founder, digital textbook supplements, and free admissions resources.
- Altius Student Study Manual: A concise 590-page MCAT study guide focused on what you need to know, used by over 20,000 students who have averaged in the 90th percentile.
Examkrackers
Examkrackers MCAT Prep offers a variety of courses to fit different learning needs, from a complete study package to on-demand and live-online options. With interactive resources and comprehensive content, Examkrackers ensures students are equipped for success.
Offerings include:
MCAT Complete Study Package: $289
- 7 hard copy books
- 3.5 original full MCATs
- 44 mini-MCATs
- Exam and study diagnostics
Krack University OnDemand: $495 for 90 days
- 7 interactive hyperbooks
- 11.5 original full MCATs
- 44 mini-MCATs and 24 sectional MCATs
- Tutoring support 6 days per week
- 500+ video shorts and 44 recorded lectures
- 1,000+ flashcards and 3,000+ content questions
- Custom study plan and automated AAMC checklist
- Games for engaging study sessions
MCAT Live-Online: $2,695 for 365 days
- Includes everything in Krack University OnDemand
- 44 live lectures with live interaction
MCAT preparation tips
Killing it on the MCAT is no small feat, but the right strategies and study habits can help you ace it. Here are some top methods for efficient MCAT preparation:
- Decipher your learning style. We all learn differently, and understanding your personal learning style is key to effective studying. Whether you're a visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic learner, tailoring your study materials and methods to your style will make your MCAT prep more productive.
- Create a solid study plan. A well-structured study plan keeps you organized and on track and ensures all content areas get the attention they deserve. Break your studying into manageable daily tasks for a balanced approach.
- Start with a baseline score. Before diving into your study plan, take a full-length practice test to gauge your current performance level. This baseline score will help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to tailor your study plan.
- Juggle content review and practice. While understanding the content is crucial, the MCAT is primarily about applying that knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. So, balance your time between reviewing content and practicing test questions to sharpen your problem-solving skills.
- Prioritize accuracy over speed. Quality trumps quantity when it comes to MCAT prep. Start with untimed practice sessions to focus on answering accurately. Once you've got a handle on accuracy, gradually incorporate timed practice to improve your speed.
- Mimic real test conditions. Familiarity reduces anxiety. Familiarize yourself with MCAT conditions by taking full-length practice tests, sticking to the official break schedule, and limiting food and water intake to designated break times.
- Boost your stamina. Concentrating for several hours is challenging. Start by working on passages for short periods and gradually increase the duration. This method trains your brain to stay focused longer, a vital skill for test day.
- Don't neglect your well-being. Stress management and physical health are as critical as academic preparation. Include relaxation techniques and regular exercise in your schedule to ensure you're at your best mentally and physically on test day.
- Learn from successes. Don't just dwell on the questions you got wrong; learn from the ones you got right. Understanding why an answer is correct can provide valuable insights and reinforce effective strategies.
MCAT prep FAQ
Below are answers to the most common questions students have about getting ready for the MCAT.
How long should you study for the MCAT?
You're all set to start your MCAT preparation, but how much time will you need to prepare? Well, the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. It largely depends on your current knowledge base, learning pace, and desired score. However, here are some pointers to give you a rough idea of the timeline.
A typical MCAT study schedule spans over three to six months. This allows test-takers enough time to thoroughly review all the subject areas, understand the concepts, and apply them to practice questions.
Some learners (particularly those juggling work or school) may need to stretch their study schedule over a longer period, such as nine months to a year. However, longer study periods require disciplined consistency to maintain the information over time.
Plan to wrap up your content review at least a month before your test day. This final month should focus on taking MCAT practice tests, refining your test-taking strategies, and brushing up on areas you still find challenging.
How does your MCAT score affect med school admissions?
Ah, the golden question for every pre-med student. Just how much weight does your MCAT score carry in your med school applications? It's significant but not the be-all and end-all.
Your MCAT score serves as a standardized tool medical schools use to assess your readiness to tackle rigorous medical curriculum. It's your opportunity to prove you have the scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in med school and beyond.
Each med school has its own range of accepted scores, but higher scores naturally improve your chances of acceptance. A strong MCAT score (in the 90th percentile or higher) can make your application more competitive, particularly for top-tier medical schools.
However, medical schools employ a holistic review approach when evaluating candidates. This means your MCAT score is only one part of your application. Your academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and experiences (like research, clinical exposure, leadership roles, and community service) also play a crucial role in your overall appeal to med schools.
If your MCAT score isn't as high as you'd hoped, it's not the end of the world! Score improvement is possible with further study and retesting. Additionally, a strong showing in other application areas can help balance a lower MCAT score.
When are the MCAT test dates?
The MCAT is offered on various dates throughout the year. Below is the 2025 test schedule, including score release dates:
January test dates:
- January 10, 2025 (Scores released February 11, 2025)
- January 11, 2025 (Scores released February 11, 2025)
- January 16, 2025 (Scores released February 18, 2025)
- January 24, 2025 (Scores released February 28, 2025)
March test dates:
- March 8, 2025 (Scores released April 8, 2025)
- March 21, 2025 (Scores released April 22, 2025)
April test dates:
- April 4, 2025 (Scores released May 6, 2025)
- April 5, 2025 (Scores released May 6, 2025)
- April 25, 2025 (Scores released May 28, 2025)
- April 26, 2025 (Scores released May 28, 2025)
May test dates:
- May 3, 2025 (Scores released June 3, 2025)
- May 9, 2025 (Scores released June 10, 2025)
- May 10, 2025 (Scores released June 10, 2025)
- May 15, 2025 (Scores released June 17, 2025)
- May 23, 2025 (Scores released June 24, 2025)
- May 31, 2025 (Scores released July 1, 2025)
June test dates:
- June 13, 2025 (Scores released July 15, 2025)
- June 14, 2025 (Scores released July 15, 2025)
- June 27, 2025 (Scores released July 29, 2025)
- June 28, 2025 (Scores released July 29, 2025)
July test dates:
- July 12, 2025 (Scores released August 12, 2025)
- July 25, 2025 (Scores released August 26, 2025)
August test dates:
- August 1, 2025 (Scores released September 3, 2025)
- August 16, 2025 (Scores released September 16, 2025)
- August 22, 2025 (Scores released September 23, 2025)
- August 23, 2025 (Scores released September 23, 2025)
September test dates:
- September 4, 2025 (Scores released October 7, 2025)
- September 5, 2025 (Scores released October 7, 2025)
- September 12, 2025 (Scores released October 14, 2025)
- September 13, 2025 (Scores released October 14, 2025)
For more information and registration deadlines, check the AAMC website.
Use College Rover to find the best medical school for you
Now that you're armed with all the knowledge about MCAT prep, why not let College Rover help you find the best medical school for you? We can assist you in researching schools, programs, and much more.
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey toward your medical career with help from your ally, College Rover!
College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.