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The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by top medical schools as part of their admissions process. While some schools 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 annually. To help you prepare for this exam, we’ve ranked and reviewed the top six MCAT prep courses.
- Kaplan — Top Pick
- 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
How We Chose the Best MCAT Test Prep
When it comes to the MCAT, even the slightest score improvement can significantly impact your chances of admission to top medical schools. That’s why investing in the right test prep program is smart. With countless options available, choosing the best one can be intimidating. To help you, we’ve thoroughly researched and reviewed the top options available. We analyzed student feedback on Trustpilot and Reddit and personally tested each platform to evaluate their effectiveness.
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
We understand that students have different needs based on their schedules and lifestyles. For example, undergraduates may prefer a more structured, immersive option, while working professionals often need self-paced online courses. Our list caters to every type of student, offering a variety of learning formats, from on-demand video lessons to live, interactive classes. This ensures you can find a program that fits your unique situation and helps you succeed on the MCAT.
Personalized instruction
Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when preparing for the MCAT. Choosing a study method that suits your unique needs is essential. Whether you thrive with personalized one-on-one tutoring, prefer the camaraderie of small group study sessions, or need the intensive focus of an in-person multi-week bootcamp, our picks offer options to fit your style. No matter your approach, you’ll find the right program to help you boost your score and achieve your best possible results on test day.
Pricing and plans
We aimed to include options for every budget, from free resources like Khan Academy and MCAT Self-Prep’s base package to more immersive and personalized programs like Kaplan or Altius, which are more expensive. Here, you’ll discover a range of options to meet your learning needs and budget.
Expert instructors and tutors
Each of our MCAT prep picks features instruction from recent, top-scoring MCAT test-takers, all with scores of 515 or higher. You can count on expert guidance across the board, especially from programs like Blueprint and Altius, where reviewers on Trustpilot and Reddit frequently praise their instructors by name. MCAT Self-Prep also offers personalized attention, with direct coaching from its founder and CEO and various other high-scoring tutors.
The Best MCAT Prep Courses
Kaplan – Top Pick
Kaplan is our top pick for MCAT test prep due to its flexible formats and comprehensive learning resources. With options ranging from self-paced study to live instruction and one-on-one tutoring, Kaplan caters to all learning styles. Their program includes 17 full-length practice tests, seven in-depth subject review books, and a 3,000+ question bank. Many courses also offer access to live instruction, with some providing two levels of tutoring support. All instructors are MCAT experts with scores of 520+, making Kaplan ideal for students seeking the best preparation possible.
What We Like
Kaplan’s MCAT test prep program is an excellent option for its versatility and flexibility, offering options that cater to every learning style and schedule. Whether you prefer self-paced study, thrive in live, interactive lectures, or benefit from personalized one-on-one tutoring, Kaplan has a solution. Some courses come with a “Higher Score Guarantee,” which promises to elevate your score to 515 or higher or increase your score by 15 points.
The program is also impressively comprehensive, featuring seven subject review books covering every aspect of the exam. Additionally, 17 full-length practice tests and a robust QBank with over 3,000 questions ensure you can thoroughly prepare for the exam in all areas. These resources allow for extensive practice and in-depth review, giving you a solid foundation to confidently tackle the MCAT.
What We Didn’t Like
While Kaplan offers some truly standout courses, it’s relatively expensive compared to competitors. The extensive resources and flexible course options might justify the price for some, but students on a tighter budget may prefer more affordable alternatives that still offer solid preparation.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Trustpilot praise Kaplan for helping them achieve higher scores, with many satisfied with the comprehensive content and resources. However, Reddit reviews are more mixed, noting that while Kaplan is excellent for content review, you may need to supplement with other prep services for a well-rounded MCAT preparation.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| On-Demand MCAT Course |
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| Live Online MCAT Course |
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| In-Person MCAT Course |
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| MCAT Tutoring + Live Online Course | $3,599 |
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| Premium MCAT Tutoring + Live Online | $4,399 |
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| 515+ MCAT Course | $3,999 |
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| Online Bootcamp | $7,299 |
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Khan Academy – Most Affordable
Khan Academy is a completely free resource for MCAT prep. While it lacks certain features like full-length practice tests and live instruction, it’s an excellent tool for brushing up on key concepts and content review. The video lectures, practice questions, and CARS passages provide solid foundational knowledge, making it perfect for students on a budget or those looking to supplement paid prep services.
What We Like
Khan Academy is an excellent MCAT prep resource for its accessibility and comprehensive content — all completely free of charge. As one of the few no-cost options, it removes financial barriers, making it an excellent choice for students who may not have the budget for premium test prep services.
Despite being free, the quality of Khan Academy’s content is impressive, with thorough video lectures that cover all MCAT topics in detail. The platform also offers a wide range of practice questions and dedicated CARS practice passages, helping boost critical thinking and analytical skills.
You could use Khan Academy as a standalone tool or a valuable supplement to paid prep programs. Whether you’re doing an initial content review or refining your understanding alongside a more intensive prep course, Khan Academy’s offerings provide solid academic reinforcement.
What We Didn’t Like
The main drawbacks are the lack of practice tests — essential for adequate MCAT preparation — and the absence of live instruction or tutoring options. These limitations stem from the fact that it is a free resource, which naturally comes with pros and cons. While it offers great content for review, those seeking complete practice exams or personalized support may need to supplement it with other paid services.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Trustpilot appreciate that Khan Academy is a valuable content library for MCAT prep, praising its thorough and free resources. However, some express concerns that it lacks the interactivity of other test prep providers, particularly with no live instruction or personalized support options available.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| MCAT Prep | Free |
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Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Blueprint – Best Live Online Course
For students seeking a truly immersive live online MCAT prep experience, Blueprint may be your answer. The course combines live lessons from expert instructors with weekly review sessions for personalized support. But it doesn’t stop there. Those who enroll will also benefit from extensive resources like practice exams and a 5,000+ question bank, offering the ideal combination of guided learning and independent study.
What We Like
Blueprint’s MCAT prep program stands out for its comprehensive and interactive approach. With a promise to boost your score by 15 points, it offers a balance of flexibility and accountability through a self-paced structure and over 40 hours of live instruction. As an added bonus, these sessions are led by expert instructors who have scored in the top percentiles of the MCAT, ensuring that you receive only the best guidance. The program also includes 24/7 access to an AI tutor, allowing for support whenever you need it, and features a robust QBank with over 5,000 practice questions and 15 full-length practice exams to simulate actual testing conditions.
Additionally, Blueprint offers self-paced and one-on-one tutoring options that cater to all learning styles, making it a truly immersive and adaptable option for MCAT prep.
What We Didn’t Like
One downside of Blueprint’s MCAT prep program is its high cost compared to other options on the market. The live online class ranges from $2,299 to $3,199, making it a significant student investment. Those seeking one-on-one tutoring will face even higher prices, with packages ranging from $3,599 to $6,499.
While the program offers a bounty of resources and support, the steep price may be prohibitive for students on a tighter budget, limiting accessibility for some.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Trustpilot rave about Blueprint’s MCAT prep, often praising their instructors by name for their expertise and support. Many feel the live online option is worth the investment, explicitly mentioning the program’s engaging, high-quality teaching and all-encompassing resources.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Self-Paced Course |
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| Live Online |
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| 515+ Course |
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| MCAT Tutoring |
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MCAT Self-Prep – Best On-Demand Course
Founded by top MCAT scorer Andrew George, MCAT Self-Prep turns his personal study guide into an accessible, free resource for all test-takers. We chose it as the best on-demand course for its affordability, flexibility, and comprehensive content. It will fit your study needs and budget with options to upgrade and enhance your prep.
What We Like
MCAT Self-Prep’s program strikes a nice middle ground between competitors like Blueprint and Khan Academy by offering an extensive free course packed with features that will help you succeed without breaking the bank. The free version includes AAMC-backed content modules, ensuring you study high-quality, comprehensive material. It also provides hundreds of hours of video content, making it easy to learn at your own pace.
For those looking for more, MCAT Self-Prep offers affordable, one-time payment plans that are much more cost-effective than competitors like Kaplan and Blueprint. These upgraded plans unlock additional features, including access to a 2,500+ question bank and thousands of flashcards, essential for efficient study and retention. The top-tier plan also includes memorization and strategy courses, providing all the tools you’ll need to excel.
What We Didn’t Like
While MCAT Self-Prep offers great value with its accessible and affordable plans, a notable con is the lack of practice tests essential for effective test prep. This limitation can make it harder for students to assess their progress and fully prepare for exam day.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Reddit praise MCAT Self-Prep for its high-quality practice materials and question bank, often finding them superior to competitors. However, these features are part of the paid plans, meaning you’d need to upgrade to access the study tools previous students enjoyed the most.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Free | $0 |
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| Basic Pro | $49.99 |
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| Advanced Pro | $299.99 |
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| Deluxe Pro | $999.99 |
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Altius – Best for 1:1 Tutoring
Altius specializes in one-on-one tutoring, making it the ideal choice if you need personalized support or simply thrive in this unique learning environment. While other competitors offer tutoring, Altius sets itself apart with its comprehensive packages, including hundreds of hours of live classroom instruction and small group study sessions.
What We Like
If you’re in the market for one-on-one tutoring, Altius MCAT test prep may be your best bet. The program offers three different tutoring packages with 15, 25, and 40 private mentoring sessions, allowing for personalized guidance tailored to your needs. These packages also include resources like official AAMC practice tests, extra Altius exams, and small group study sessions for a more collaborative study experience.
Altius highlights that 90% of its students gain admission to medical school, a significant statistic compared to the general 40% acceptance rate, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in helping students achieve their goals.
What We Didn’t Like
With private mentoring packages ranging from $3,699 to $6,499, Altius is one of the most expensive options for MCAT test prep. This will make it out of reach for some students.
Unlike some competitors, like Blueprint and MCAT Self-Prep, Altius doesn’t offer payment plans and requires the full amount upfront. This lack of payment options may be a serious con for those on a budget, limiting its appeal compared to more affordable alternatives.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Trustpilot have mixed reviews of Altius, giving it a 3.1 out of 5 rating. While some feel the program delivers on its promises with hard work, others are disappointed, citing high costs without significant score improvements. Results seem to vary based on individual effort and experience.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| 1:1 Mentoring | $3,699 – $6,499 |
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The Princeton Review – Best for Prep Bootcamp
Regarding bootcamps, you couldn’t ask for anything better than The Princeton Review. Thanks to its decades of experience and fully comprehensive services, it’s a fair competitor with Kaplan and Blueprint, which offer self-paced and live online options. However, it truly shines with its bootcamps. The Winter Bootcamp and Summer Immersion provide live instruction and an intensive, fast-paced environment designed to help you quickly boost your scores.
What We Like
The Princeton Review offers various MCAT test prep courses, the most notable being its Winter Bootcamp. This course is a unique solution for students seeking a focused, short-term burst of preparation before the January testing cycle. With 16 comprehensive classes covering all MCAT sections, diagnostic quizzes, full-length tests, and single-subject tests, it offers an efficient and highly structured path to readiness in just a few weeks.
The Summer Immersion program is another strong option, particularly for an extended study period. Hosted at the University of San Diego, this six-week program offers 215 hours of instruction, multiple practice tests, and nine MCAT prep books.
What We Didn’t Like
One downside of The Princeton Review’s MCAT prep program is that the bootcamps may not be ideal for every student. Some learners may need more time to thoroughly absorb the material, making the fast-paced format more challenging.
While the self-paced option provides more flexibility, its features are similar to competitors like MCAT Self-Prep, which offers comparable resources at a more affordable price. This could be a deciding factor for students on a budget when choosing between prep courses.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Trustpilot generally give positive reviews of The Princeton Review’s test prep programs, with many praising specific instructors and mentioning that the company honors its money-back guarantee. While these reviews cover all their test prep offerings, more targeted feedback on Reddit highlights that the MCAT prep content suits different learning styles and has helped boost scores.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| MCAT 515+ Course | $3,499 |
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| MCAT 515+ Immersion | $7,349 |
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| Winter Bootcamp | $2,799 |
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| Summer Immersion | $9,499 |
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| Ultimate Course | $2,899 |
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| Self-Paced | $1,599-$1,999 |
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| Private Tutoring | $183-$329 per hour |
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| MCAT Practice Pack | $399-$899 |
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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 score release dates for 2025. Advanced registration is required for all MCAT test dates.
| Test Date | Score Release Date |
| January 10 | February 11 |
| January 11 | February 11 |
| January 16 | February 18 |
| January 24 | February 28 |
| March 8 | April 8 |
| March 21 | April 22 |
| April 4 | May 6 |
| April 5 | May 6 |
| April 25 | May 28 |
| April 26 | May 28 |
| May 3 | June 3 |
| May 9 | June 10 |
| May 10 | June 10 |
| May 15 | June 17 |
| May 23 | June 24 |
| May 31 | July 1 |
| June 13 | July 15 |
| June 14 | July 15 |
| June 27 | July 29 |
| June 28 | July 29 |
| July 12 | August 12 |
| July 25 | August 26 |
| August 1 | September 3 |
| August 16 | September 16 |
| August 22 | September 23 |
| August 23 | September 23 |
| September 4 | October 7 |
| September 5 | October 7 |
| September 12 | October 14 |
| September 13 | October 14 |
*Test dates are accurate as of 11/23/24.*
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 consider this schedule 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 studies. 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 required work. 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 would be considered outstanding.
How much does the MCAT cost?
For 2025, standard registration is $345. With fee assistance, the cost is $140. 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.