What is the best MCAT prep course? There is no hard data to answer that question. Most people have not taken more than one prep course so their recommendations are biased as well. Therefore, take my, or anyone else’s, advice with a grain of salt. I will focus mainly on The Princeton Review (TPR) and Kaplan because they are the most popular and common MCAT prep courses.
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Strengths:
-Teachers are knowledgeable and teach what you need to know in an effective way
-Practice verbal passages are similar to actual MCAT
-Provides good test taking strategies
-Package includes numerous practice tests including all practice AAMC tests (which are old MCAT exams)
-Books have great content and reviews material very well
Weaknesses:
-Website is difficult and inefficient to navigate
-Teaching can be too in depth
-Practice tests are much harder than the AAMC practice tests, which make them not very reflective of real MCAT
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Strengths:
-Great online resources and multiple online instruction options
-Practice tests are more reflective of real MCAT
-Flexible class schedules
– Package includes numerous practice tests including all practice AAMC tests (which are old MCAT exams)
Weaknesses:
-Books are not very helpful or comprehensive
-Practice tests are sometimes too easy compared to AAMC practice tests
-Focuses on content but not much on passages
Other MCAT prep courses that are not as common but have good reputations:
The Berkeley Review-Best known to have excellent books for physics, organic chemistry, general chemistry.
Examkrackers-Best known to have excellent books for verbal and biology.
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If you want to take a prep course, make sure you do adequate research about the courses in your area. The strength of the course really depends on the teachers in your area. In some places, TPR is more reputable. In other places, Kaplan is stronger. In addition make sure you look out for lesser-known local prep courses that might be even better than those two.