Where is the Best Place to Find MCAT Test Prep? The MCAT, short for the Medical College Admission Test, is one of the most important steps in getting into medical school. It tests students on science knowledge, reasoning skills, and how well they can apply what they've learned in potential real-world situations. Medical schools use MCAT scores to decide who gets in because the test helps show which students are most likely to succeed in the demanding medical school environment. A good score can open the door to your dream school and bring you closer to a career in medicine. Because of this, many students look for extra support to help prepare for test day.
Best Option
Magoosh is a site that serves more than 10 million students with its test prep materials At the time of our review, it offered courses for most major tests (including the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, LSAT, IELTS, and the MCAT), and you can be sure there's plenty of MCAT test prep material to help you toward success. Promising more affordable plans than competitors, Magoosh says it figured out how to "scale" MCAT test prep so that you get high-quality instruction without the high price tag you see at other sites. Plus, with a 10-point score guarantee, you'll have confidence that you'll see results at the end of your Magoosh program.
One course with different subscription lengths
There's just one course available for Magoosh's MCAT test prep, but it's split into different terms of access (1 month and 12 months, which is a pretty big gap between the two). The course includes access to your chosen term length, custom study plans, 380+ review videos, 740+ questions, 3 full-length practice tests, email support from MCAT tutors 24/7, and the ability to pause your account to not use up your term length if you need a break.
Video and practice tests for learning
The study methods at Magoosh are mostly focused on video lessons and practice tests. However, the free tutoring with 24/7 email support is one of the standout features of this program. Where other MCAT test prep sites make you pay extra for tutoring, it is included in the cost of your program at Magoosh. The MCAT test prep is designed to be flexible, and there are no scheduled time commitments other than a plan that helps you finish the course within the term you select. With a fully-built mobile app, too, you'll be able to study on the go if you prefer.
Cost from $379 to $399 depending on length
There is a free trial at Magoosh that includes 60 review videos and 16 practice questions that you can take advantage of for 7 days. After that, you can choose from two lengths of time to purchase your course: 1 month or 12 months. The 1-month program costs just $379, and the 12-month program is extremely affordable at $399. You can also split up the 12-month plan into 4 monthly payments of $99.75 if $399 is too high of an upfront cost. Notably, this is one of the most affordable sites for MCAT test prep on the market.
Easy way to get your score guarantee
There are two ways to get a refund. First, if you don't like Magoosh after 7 days (this is after you purchase a membership and doesn't include the 7-day trial), you can ask for a full refund. Magoosh's 10+ score improvement guarantee also offers a full refund. If you have a subscription, you'll only qualify if you have taken the exam before studying with Magoosh, and you email them a "before" score report. If you've never taken the MCAT before, you won't be eligible for the score guarantee. However, there are fewer hoops to jump through at Magoosh than we've seen at other MCAT test prep sites in our review; just make sure to read the requirements beforehand if you're counting on the guarantee/refund.
High praise for content and tutors
Magoosh holds a competitive "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, it has an impressive 4.7-star average rating from test-takers on Trustpilot. At the time of our review, very few posted ratings specifically mentioned the MCAT test prep, but students who used Magoosh for other exams mentioned that their experiences with the SAT or GRE had impressive study materials, high-quality videos, and helpful 24/7 tutors. Many of the reviews were just general praise for how helpful and engaging the content is on Magoosh. Many students said they'd recommend it, especially if you suffer from any kind of test anxiety.
Top pick: most affordable high-quality MCAT prep
If you're looking for a way to study for the MCAT on your own time without shelling out tons of money, Magoosh's MCAT test prep is going to be your top choice. It doesn't charge an arm and a leg like many of its competitors, and it offers an easy-to-achieve score guarantee. With all its programs under $400 (and longer terms than some competitors, too), you'll be in good hands with Magoosh. If you need in-person learning, this might not be your jam, but anyone who prefers 100% online test prep with easy-to-use materials and 24/7 access to tutors will love this program. For this reason, it earns a full 5 stars in our review, and top marks for being one of the most affordable MCAT test prep programs on the market.
Great
Prep101 is an exam prep site that offers two different kinds of test prep: university exam prep (which covers specific exams for universities in Calgary, Dalhousie, U of T, and more) and MCAT test prep. Prep101 has been in the business for 26 years and has helped over 500,000 students so far. Prep101 claims to have a 98.8% satisfaction rate for its test prep services. Focusing on more live instruction time than some of its competitors, Prep101 stands out with a more personal touch for your MCAT test prep.
One main type of MCAT course
There's one course available at Prep101, and it offers you a lot of learning features for MCAT test prep. You get 146 hours of live instruction from on-staff teachers, your own dedicated MCAT coach, a personalized study plan, 5 workbooks, 24 exams, 11 CARS exams, 44 mini exams with live review, 27 practice sets, all the available AAMC practice materials, 12,000+ practice questions in the Qbank, 3,000+ images and animations, a somewhat flexible schedule, 146 hours of recorded content, annotated notes from instructors, performance tracking, peer study groups, and games related to your study to make it more fun.
Learn with different methods of study
Prep101 is a one-stop shop for learning methods. With dedicated instructors, quizzes, videos, flashcards, a Qbank, and a workbook, you can get the best of all worlds with online instruction, including a personal touch, video review, and practice tests all in one place. It's one of the most comprehensive courses in our review, offering something for almost every learning style. With multiple approaches, you can switch between them and find the best plan for your needs. Prep101 also offers you a free consultation to make sure your experience with MCAT test prep is as personalized as possible.
Costs $2,695 plus shipping
The Prep101 MCAT test prep course is the same cost no matter which option you choose, but you have to sign up for it the way you might sign up for a traditional college course. You'll pick a date range in your time zone, and whether you want a "flexible" or "fixed" schedule. The cost is the same either way: $2,695 for the course itself, and then an extra $50 for shipping you the workbook and other physical materials.
Only get a refund before the course begins
There's no score guarantee at Prep101, but they did analyze previous test takers to see how they stacked up after taking their MCATs. According to Prep101's research, the average student who studied with Prep101 improved his or her scores by up to 15.4 points. Some students who completed 100% of coursework at Prep101 improved by 19.4 points. This data doesn't include anyone who didn't complete more than 75% of the coursework on Prep101. You can get a 100% refund if you withdraw from the program 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the course. Once the course starts, you won't be able to get a refund for the MCAT test prep program.
A favorite with proven results
At the time of our review, Prep101 did not have a rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, on other third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Prep101 has a spectacular rating. Currently, this MCAT test prep service holds a 4.9-star rating out of 5. Recent reviews note that class times were flexible, the course had excellent structure, students saw marked improvement in test scores, and there were "fantastic educators" across the board. It's hard to find any negative reviews for this MCAT test prep program, showing a high rate of success for past students in all areas of test prep at Prep101.
Best pick for all-around learning quality
Prep101 offers a highly competitive MCAT test prep program. With different learning methods, impressive customer feedback, and reviews posting notable score improvements during MCAT tests after using Prep101, it's a sure thing that you'll get something out of your learning experience here. The only drawback to this program when compared to other MCAT test prep sites is the cost. Prep101 is much more costly than its competitors, but it does come with everything, so the cost is understandable. If you're able to set aside a little extra for the experience, Prep101 is definitely worth a look.
Very Good
Blueprint is a one-stop shop for test prep courses. Offering a range of different exams including the LSAT, Nursing School, and the MCAT exams, Blueprint's approach is both guided and self-paced and promises a 15-point bump from your last score. Plus, Blueprint offers a free trial of its MCAT test prep materials and course, so that you can try out the platform before you commit.
One course for all your needs
There are three MCAT test prep courses available through Blueprint: the Self-Paced Course, the Practice Exam Bundle, and the Live Online Course. The Self-Paced course comes with 160 learning modules, 500+ videos, an AI-powered Qbank (question bank) that has over 5,000+ questions, live review sessions 6 days per week, 1,600 flashcards, 6 MCAT review eBooks, and all of the AAMC online practice resources available. The Practice Exam Bundle includes AI-powered prep materials, practice exams, 4,000+ questions in the Qbank, and analytics to help you study. The Live Online Course (also called the 515+ Course) includes 80+ hours of live instruction, personalized coaching through your MCAT, and a score guarantee of a 515 minimum on your final MCAT exam (alongside all the features of the Self-Paced Course).
Teach yourself but with help on the side
Blueprint offers a mix of different materials that help learners of all styles. The program itself is self-guided, so you can go through it at your own pace in your own time. However, you won't be left totally by yourself to study. Blueprint memberships offer unlimited access to live sessions where you can review and practice what you've learned in the MCAT test prep course. The course itself has a mix of learning modes including video content, practice exams, and a guided lesson plan that helps you follow along with the areas you need to study after your first diagnostic exam. The video lessons all follow the AAMC's guidelines, so you're learning in line with what you'll find on the final test. Plus the Qbank (question bank) automatically shows you questions that are based on your current level of performance. For the live lessons, you'll get a similar experience, but with a live instructor to help you with lesson material.
Cost from $999 to $3,599, depending on discounts
The cost for the Self-Paced Course is usually $1,199, but there are often sales available for the MCAT test prep. There are two plans you can choose from at Blueprint. Here's how the prices shake out:
If you prefer the Practice Exam Bundle, the costs range from $159 to $319, depending on if you want 3, 5, or 9 practice exams.
Finally, the 515+ Course has 6- and 12-month plans.
You get extensions or refunds if you don't improve
To access the score increase guarantees at Blueprint, you'll need to send a screenshot or score report to the Blueprint email team within 2 weeks of purchasing your Blueprint MCAT test prep course. Keep in mind this guarantee only works if you've never used Blueprint before. For the Self-Paced MCAT test prep plan, specifically, you will get a 3-month extension (or a refund) if you don't increase your score from the baseline you submitted as long as all learning modules are completed and 500 questions from the Qbank were completed as well. If you extend your membership, you will still be eligible.
High praise for the instructor-based courses
At the time of our review, Blueprint held a competitive "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, the MCAT test prep programs at Blueprint have earned a solid 4-star rating from trusted third-party sites like Trustpilot. There are some mixed reviews from recent test-takers, though. For example, some who took the 515+ Course didn't feel that the cost was worth it. On the other hand, those who took the live or guided instruction courses loved their experience and felt that the instructors were extremely helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. The majority of 5-star reviews mention particular instructors by name, with high praise for the course as a whole.
Best if you like scheduled learning
As a site for offering MCAT test prep, Blueprint stands out by offering flexible ways to study. Whether you want a self-guided program, a full teacher-guided experience, or a guarantee of a 515+ score, there are different plans available for everyone. However, the costs are fairly high, and most of the reviews suggest the best course is the one where you need to attend live lessons, making the Self-Study option less helpful. If you're someone who prefers to teach yourself, you might be okay, but feedback notes that the guided courses are more successful at seeing that score increase you need to succeed. With that in mind, Blueprint earns a competitive score but doesn't quite beat out higher-rated sites that offer better MCAT prep courses for those who need flexible learning.
Good
Kaplan is a test prep site that has all the important exams. Kaplan offers prep for high school and grad school candidates with tests like SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, USMLE, NCLEX, the Bar, and (of course) the MCAT. On top of that, Kaplan has been a leader in education for med school for more than 80 years, offering tried and true assistance that has gotten thousands of students into their schools of choice. Plus with a 15-point increase guarantee, you'll be able to feel confident that you'll see results with Kaplan's MCAT test prep program.
Four ways to study for the MCAT
There are four different methods for completing MCAT test prep at Kaplan. First is the On Demand prep course, which includes prerecorded teacher-led lessons, a team of instructors to answer questions, and a study-at-your-own-pace layout. The Live Online prep course is similar but requires you to be able to attend live lessons on an asynchronous schedule. You'll get 42 hours of live-streamed and interactive lessons, help from a teacher who scored higher than 520 on the MCAT, and some flexibility with your schedule. The In Person prep course is the least flexible option. This is similar to the Live Online course, but the course is taught locally in person. Finally, you can access Private Tutoring + Live Online, which is the Live Online course with the addition of private tutoring (with a 515+ score guarantee).
Mostly a video-focused teaching style
The main teaching method at Kaplan is through video or in-person instruction. Whether the videos are prerecorded or live, most of your instruction will rely on this type of content. There are also some practice tests that are in line with the guidelines of the AAMC, and over 10,000+ practice questions to go through with Qbank quizzes. If you prefer, you can also get a 7-book subject review set (if reading is more your speed than videos). You can try some of the MCAT test prep courses for free, and browse the practice tests, Qbank, and study calendar to see how the modules feel before you buy.
Cost from $1,599 to $3,599 per course
The cost for your Kaplan MCAT test prep plan can either be paid upfront in full or you can use Affirm to pay your plan out over time. The prices depend on how much live instruction (either in-person or online) you want during your studies. Here's how the costs shake out:
Score guarantee requires tutoring
Kaplan's score guarantee is offered for any first-time Kaplan student who enrolls in and completes a prep program. You will need to establish a baseline score for the score guarantee. This is done by taking a Kaplan-proctored exam or providing a previous official score from a test administrator. For MCAT students, specifically, you will need to be enrolled in Premium Tutoring in order to qualify (which is an additional cost for anything but the Private Tutoring + Live Online program). If you complete these MCAT test prep guidelines, you can either request a full refund of the program or get a free reactivation of your program to study again.
Mixed feedback for the score guarantee
Kaplan holds a competitive "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau for its test prep services. On top of that, it holds a 4.6-star average rating from test-takers who have reviewed the company on Trustpilot. However, this score relates to reviews for more than just the MCAT. When we researched feedback that was for the MCAT test prep, specifically, the reviews were a little more mixed. One reviewer recently noted that the MCAT test prep program that offered a 515+ score guarantee didn't do what she wanted. This reviewer called the program a "scam", feeling that the work you have to do to qualify for the score guarantee is "unattainable" for any student. Other reviewers said it was easy to use, for those who didn't worry about the score guarantee. Another reviewer suggested that the courses are good if you like video content, but if you want helpful practice questions or ways to look up specific information for your MCAT, Kaplan isn't his first pick.
Best for those who like video lessons
While Kaplan is great if you love video lessons, it may not be the ideal choice for MCAT prep. With issues attaining the score guarantee, and concerns from students about a lack of practice quizzes or the ability to research specific questions, Kaplan isn't quite as competitive as it could be. While it receives praise on the self-guided options, it stands out as having one of the more difficult score guarantees to attain. But if you like learning from videos, this is going to be an MCAT test prep course you might like to check out.
Good
The Princeton Review is a hub for all things learning. Whether you want grade school help (K-8) or even 9-12 (in high school), there are all sorts of tutoring and courses available. For older students, you'll find an array of test prep help for exams including the LSAT, GRE, GMAT, DAT, NCLEX-RN, TOEFL, and the MCAT, of course. The Princeton Review has been around since 1998, and it's one of the oldest MCAT test prep sites in our review. The Princeton Review stands out by integrating a new AI-powered study recommendation tool that helps guide you through the MCAT test prep course with a more personalized touch.
Three different plans to choose from
There are three different ways to complete your MCAT test prep at The Princeton Review. First, there's the live MCAT 515+ Course which contains 123 hours of live instruction, 17 practice tests, and all official AAMC learning materials. You'll also get 4-6 different subject matter experts as instructors, 4,900+ practice questions, a smart study planner generated with AI, 500+ hours of video lessons, diagnostic quizzes, and 8 MCAT books. You'll also get unlimited Q&A sessions with your instructors, and 1 full year of access. The second is the Self-Paced plan which allows you to study anywhere (and it has a 6-month access plan and a 12-month access plan). It comes with the same number of practice questions, tests, videos, and books as the 515+ Plan, and 90 hours of instruction from experts. Finally, there's an option to just buy the Practice Tests & QBank. This includes 6-10 exam practice tests and 4,700+ practice questions.
Video- and instructor-based learning
The primary MCAT test prep instruction at The Princeton Review is video lessons and either live or recorded sessions with subject-matter experts hired for their knowledge of the MCAT exam. You'll also get a lot of different questions, and an AI-created schedule that's designed based on your particular needs. However, the MCAT 515+ Course does require synchronous attendance (so you have to be able to attend regular video meetings), but if you need flexibility you can learn on your own time.
Cost from $1,299 to $3,499 for entire course
The prices for the three plans at The Princeton Review are somewhat costly, but you can sometimes find sale prices if you're lucky. For example, the MCAT 515+ Course is normally $3,499 for a year. At the time of our review, there was a sale for $2,999 instead. The Self-Paced Course was likewise on sale. The 6-month access plan was $1,299 (normally $1,599), and the 12-month access was $1,699 (normally $1,999) at the time of our review. Finally, the Practice Tests & QBank plan offered three options: Lite for $399 for a year, Standard for $499 per year, and Premium for $899 per year. If you just want to add practice tests to your cart, MCAT test prep prices start as low as $199 for 6 practice tests in a bundle with 7 strategy videos.
Lots of steps for a full refund
There is a score guarantee for the MCAT 515+ Course which requires that you complete certain checkpoints. You'll need to make sure to send in a previous official score before you complete the program. Then, if your score doesn't improve, you can get a full refund. However, you'll have to complete all coursework in your online dashboard and complete at least 4 MCAT test prep practice tests. You need to submit a request form within 60 days of your second test date if you don't receive a higher score to qualify for the refund. If you are doing synchronous learning, you have to attend all sessions (with wiggle room to make up 5 of them if necessary) on top of the other requirements.
Mixed reviews for too much coursework
The Princeton Review currently holds an "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. On top of that, it holds a competitive 4.2 stars out of 5 on trusted third-party review sites like Trustpilot, but recent reviews focus more on other exams like ACT or SAT prep. The reviews we found for the MCAT, specifically, were more mixed. One reviewer said her experience with the 515+ course was "horrible" due to the difficulty of the program. Other reviews agreed, saying that "there is so much homework and class work that it becomes difficult to do everything". Since you need to complete almost everything to qualify for the refund policy, this MCAT test prep program may not be ideal for those looking to take advantage of the guarantee. Others stated that the course feels more like a "content review" with drilling as the main feature rather than a true course, and the coursework differs significantly from the AAMC materials.
Mixed reviews make it middle-tier
If you're looking for a super intuitive MCAT prep platform, you might not find that with The Princeton Review. While this site has high praise for other exam prep like the SAT or ACT, its MCAT test prep isn't as popular. In fact, it's said to be one of the harder programs to complete, and since you need to complete all coursework to qualify for a refund (on a score guarantee basis), this may not be ideal if you're anxious about qualifying for that guarantee. While there are still some high points, and competitive sale discounts at The Princeton Review, it earns a more balanced rating in our review rather than something higher.
Average
Varsity Tutors is a site that specializes in all things tutoring. Offering academic courses, test prep, summer programs, and more, this is a one-stop shop if you want one-on-one instruction to help you along the way. You'll find dedicated tutors for many different graduate school exams including the DAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, PCAT, and (of course) the MCAT. Promising top-quality MCAT test prep that's provided by tutors from Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and Cornell, you can browse the list of on-site tutors and find the perfect match for your study plan.
Find your tutor from the database
Varsity Tutors works a little differently from the other sites in our review. First, instead of offering MCAT test prep courses, Varsity Tutors offers you a place to browse tutors (database style) and find those that can help you with your studies. Working out what exactly you work on in your sessions will be between you and your chosen tutor. At the time of our review, there were about 400 tutors that were listed under the MCAT section at Varsity Tutors. If you don't want to browse through all the tutors, there's a quick quiz to help match you with your best fit. But, you'll need to put in your email to get the final results.
Choose from in-person or online tutoring
As for tutoring styles, Varsity Tutors offers both online and in-person tutoring depending on the particular tutor. As for learning methods, you can read a little blurb from each tutor to see a bit about how your tutor might approach the sessions. For example, Adam has taken plenty of standardized tests himself and scored in the top 10% of all of them, so he provides training to help others achieve the same scores he did. Another tutor, Brian, offers MCAT test prep experience after his fourth year at the Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, so you can expect real-world experience from his tutoring sessions. How each person tutors and what materials you'll get will depend entirely on your tutor.
Cost isn't transparent
Regrettably, there's no way to see costs for Varsity Tutors without doing a call consultation. We put in a time to call early in the morning and never heard from Varsity Tutors at the scheduled time, which was frustrating. Our research shows that most customers pay between $50 and $100 per hour for a tutor at Varsity Tutors, so your MCAT test prep may get a little costly quickly if you're expecting to do several weeks of tutoring before your exam. Tutoring is sold in packages, so you may have to buy a large package to get that $50/hour average rate; we've heard of 8-hour packages going for nearly $800, for reference.
No refunds offered, just extras for free
Varsity Tutors offers a satisfaction guarantee that states that if you're not satisfied with your tutor for any reason, you can call Varsity Tutors to talk about what happened. If they can, the team at Varsity Tutors will connect you with a different tutor who will provide a service for free as a make-up for your first session. However, there was no mention of a refund with this policy. Second, there is a personal satisfaction guarantee that states that, for MCAT test prep, if you don't receive the score you want, Varsity Tutors will provide a live online course for the exam to help you prepare for the next time you take the test.
Solid score with the BBB, but concerns about pricing pop up
Despite its lack of transparency, Varsity Tutors holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and full accreditation. It also has competitive ratings on third-party review sites like Trustpilot, where Varsity Tutors holds a 4.3-star average out of 5. Recent reviews were highly positive, rating individual tutors as high-quality instructors with praise for the level of instruction and kindness. However, some customers offered recent one-star ratings due to issues with payment or higher-than-expected fees. One customer prepaid $640 for 16 hours of tutoring and only ended up using 4 actual hours of tutoring help. There was no recourse for a refund or cancellation at this MCAT test prep site. Another customer had trouble with spam calls after putting her phone number into the site and stated that she felt "harassed" by Varsity Tutors.
Needs to work on transparency
While Varsity Tutors stands out as one of the few places you can get MCAT test prep if you're looking for one-on-one tutoring, the lack of price transparency and issues with unexpected costs for some customers lead us to give Varsity Tutors a middle-tier rating rather than something higher. It's still worth a look, but you will have to wait for a call to get full pricing for their MCAT tutors.
Subpar
Wyzant is a tutoring database that offers a range of over 65,000 tutors to help you with one-on-one instruction. Promising MCAT test prep specialists at an affordable cost, Wyzant initially seems like a standout for tutoring services. This platform focuses on a range of needs, including high school and middle school subjects, SAT prep, language tutors, and test prep for graduate school, including your MCAT exam. Plus, with more transparency than some other tutoring-style websites, Wyzant makes it simpler to plan what you'll be spending.
Pick your tutor from the database
Instead of focusing on courses like many of the MCAT test prep sites in our review, Wyzant is a database for tutors who specialize in MCAT exam prep. Most of them have earned an MCAT test score over 520 and have multiple years of experience tutoring others to achieve the same goal. You can pick from tutors who have background checks on file, those who are available to book right away, and those who are licensed teachers, if you want an extra layer of academic security. At the time of our review, there were 774 different MCAT specialists listed on Wyzant.
In-person and online options
You can choose from both in-person and online tutoring at Wyzant. Plus, with options for those with promises of 10+ point increases on your score, tutors who have been admitted to medical school, and some tutors who were in the 99th percentile on their MCATs, you can be confident you're getting a tutor who can help. The materials and style of each session are up to the tutor and you to put together, based on how far along you are on your MCAT test prep. You can contact tutors directly to ask about sessions and teaching styles before you commit.
Costs from $20 to $645 per hour
The costs are transparent at Wyzant. On average, the site says MCAT tutors cost $40 to $75 per hour, and Wyzant doesn't charge any upfront fees to look through tutors. During our research, we found MCAT test prep tutors for as little as $20 per hour up to $645 per hour. On the high end, you're looking at tutors who have taken the MCAT, and some who are working full-time as doctors (having successfully graduated medical school). So, depending on your budget, you've got a lot of options at Wyzant.
Refund for your first hour if the fit isn't right
The only drawback on Wyzant is that all of the tutors list their profiles independently, so the database itself (Wyzant) can't adjust lesson or cancellation fees. So, refunds will need to go through your tutor. On the bright side, the first hour of tutoring with a new tutor on Wyzant is protected by the "Good Fit Guarantee". This allows you a refund for the first hour of the lesson you take with a new tutor. It covers any first MCAT test prep lesson with a tutor (so, if you change tutors, this will still apply).
Concerning reviews about tutor quality
Like many of the MCAT test prep sites in our review, Wyzant holds an "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. Regrettably, Wyzant holds a dismal 1.5-star average from Trustpilot, with many of the recent reviews showing just 1 or 2 stars. Customers note that while tutors are "fantastic", Wyzant doesn't provide good-quality recordings for the meetings. Further, some customers had issues with tutors being no-shows, and they had no way to get refunds for something that wasn't their fault. Since Wyzant isn't directly in charge of the tutors who list there, there were also some frustrated reviews about the quality of some tutors. However, we couldn't find many reviews specifically about the MCAT test prep tutoring. Those that we did find complained about "inflated rates" and higher costs for Wyzant's MCAT tutors when compared to other MCAT test prep services out there.
Might work for those who need one-on-one instruction
Wyzant stands out for its price transparency for tutors, but aside from that, there are a lot of 1-star reviews to sift through for this MCAT test prep. With many reviewers complaining about high costs and a mixed bag regarding tutor quality, it may be safer to go with one of the more traditional MCAT test prep services out there. While Wyzant may be worth a look if you're looking specifically for one-on-one instruction, it's not ideal if you want a guided course for MCAT test prep or low-cost instruction.
Subpar
Uworld is a site that specializes in "bridging the gap" between your dream and your grad school acceptance letter. But grad school (and the MCAT test prep) isn't all that Uworld offers. You can find help for SAT, ACT, and AP exam prep too. As for graduate school, there are other medical exam prep options like the USMLE, COMLEX, and ABFM, alongside nursing exams like the NCLEX RN or pharmacy exams like NAPLEX or MPJE. As a site that's helped over 250,000 students with MCAT test prep, Uworld is a favorite with top universities. It currently has partnerships with the University of South Dakota, UC San Diego, Temple University, Rutgers, Texas Tech El Paso, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
Two types of MCAT test prep
There are two full MCAT test prep courses available at Uworld. First is the Core Prep Course which includes 6 print and digital review books, 2 print and digital CARS review books, 450 concept check questions, 3,000+ MCAT questions, flashcards, a digital notebook, performance and improvement tracking, a mobile app, and an adaptive study planner. The second option is the Comprehensive Prep Course which includes all the same features as the Core Prep Course but also offers 4,000 flashcard quiz questions, 600+ video lessons, and 4 AAMC practice exams. Both options are offered under a 7-day free trial also, allowing you to see if you like the program before you commit.
Mixed-media learning methods
With a mix of learning methods, you won't get bored going through the MCAT test prep courses at Uworld. Even if you choose the Core course instead of the Comprehensive, you'll still get a mix of physical and digital study books, quizzes, and flashcards to give you multiple ways to approach your studying. If you're a fan of videos, the Comprehensive will be the more effective option, since the Core course doesn't offer video content (or at least not at the level of detail as the Comprehensive).
Cost from $599 to $999 per course
Compared to other sites that have a similar level of study materials, Uworld is highly affordable. The Core Prep Course is just $599 and can be paid in installments of $55 per month if you prefer. The Comprehensive Prep course is $999 which can also be paid over time at $91 per month. This is much less costly than many courses which are well over $1,000 for MCAT test prep.
Limited refunds with fees
There are no listed score guarantees with Uworld. Instead, your refund would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. According to the policy, if you ask for a refund within 1 week of activating your program, you can receive a refund, but only if you haven't completed more than 10% of the MCAT test prep course. You will be charged a cancellation fee that's 10% of the price you paid, and any return shipping will be taken out of your total refund.
Concerns about poor test prep quality
Uworld is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to reviews. First, it has a perfect "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, helping it to stand out from the pack. However, on trusted third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Uworld has a 2.3-star average rating out of 5. Customers are calling it a "half baked product" that focuses more on marketing than actually offering a quality MCAT test prep course. Other reviews note that the service team isn't helpful and the app isn't optimized, causing regular glitches and issues. Most of the recent reviews for Uworld are just 1 star, raising some questions about its quality.
May not be worth the low costs
The costs at Uworld are hard to beat, but there are a few red flags that keep us from offering a high recommendation for this MCAT test prep site. For one, you can't get a full refund even if you don't use the materials. You'll be paying a 10% fee no matter what. On top of that, the mixed reviews show a significant decline in test-takers' opinions of Uworld since 2025, with complaints about test material quality and issues with customer service. So, you are getting a lower-cost program, but in this instance, you get what you pay for.
Weak
MCAT-Prep is one of those sites where it might be safe to judge a book by its cover. Appearing much less refined and modern in design when compared with other online test prep sites, MCAT-Prep is definitely not the prettiest MCAT test prep site out there. MCAT-Prep recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and offers a multimedia approach that may be a good fit if you're a book-in-hand kind of student. With a mix of online courses and paper materials, this is a more traditional route for your MCAT test prep, though according to reviews, it may not be as effective as some competitors. Read on to see why.
Pick from 2 self-guided courses
There are two different courses offered by MCAT-Prep. The first is an MCAT Crash Course which is a fully online program. This one offers 3,500 practice questions, 3 full practice exams, a CARS Booster program, and science videos to help you study. The other option offered by MCAT-Prep is the Home Study MCAT Prep Package. This is also a self-paced program that includes 2 books, an erasable noteboard, 12 practice tests (including those from the AAMC), a CARS Booster program with 5 CARS-specific tests, video lessons, and 1-on-1 coaching with an MD for your MCAT test prep.
Multimedia learning approach
The mixed-media learning at MCAT-Prep will appeal to test-takers who like to have physical materials when they study. The full-length workbooks and erasable notepads will be a hit with those who are used to more traditional forms of study. But, you're not just stuck doing workbooks. MCAT-Prep offers online resources and videos to help you get your studying done with multiple formats; this way you can tackle your MCAT test prep from multiple angles (and asynchronous too, so you can get your work done in your own time).
Cost from $49.95 per month or $799 one time
For the two MCAT test prep programs at MCAT-Prep, the cost isn't terribly high. However, one is offered on a rolling monthly payment and the other is a one-time fee. For the MCAT Crash Course program (which is fully online), you'll be paying a monthly fee of $49.95 per month. You will have access to all of the features until you're done with the course. On the other hand, the Home Study MCAT Prep Package is a single payment of $799. You won't have to pay more than once for the materials, and there's no deadline to finish your program as we've seen at other MCAT test prep services.
Not much in the way of refunds
MCAT-Prep offers a refund policy for unopened boxes that are not used within 2 weeks of the time that you received them (for the paper materials). Online access for materials is non-refundable even if you haven't used the access codes yet. Shipping and handling are also non-refundable and will cost you $50 for all of the items to be returned. There isn't a listed guarantee for getting higher points on your test (like we've seen offered at other MCAT test prep programs in our review).
Almost no buzz for MCAT-Prep
MCAT-Prep doesn't have any reviews available on most of our trusted third-party review sites. At the time of our research, there was no company listing with the Better Business Bureau. Further, we couldn't find any feedback on popular sites like Trustpilot or Sitejabber to see if other test-takers have enjoyed the program (or scored high on their MCAT exams). We struggled to find any third-party reviews at all with MCAT-Prep, which raises some eyebrows regarding how trustworthy this MCAT test prep program might be. There were some testimonials offered on the website, but it is unclear if these reviews are curated. These reviews included US Review of Books, admissions consultants, medical students, and more, but it was not clear if they were free of bias, and there were only 12 total reviews available.
Not worth trying
Regrettably, with almost no reviews for MCAT-Prep, we don't particularly recommend this program when compared with other MCAT test prep resources in our review. If you like paper review materials, it might be worth looking into the workbooks. However, with the lack of a guarantee and almost no recourse for getting a refund, it might be safer to go with one of the more reliable platforms higher on our list. Especially considering that there are no verified reviews, MCAT-Prep falls near the bottom of the stack among MCAT prep services.
Poor
Peterson's is a test prep site that serves students hoping to get into college or into graduate school. Promising courses that take into account different types of students and all kinds of education, Peterson's doesn't want to teach for one "singular path" but tries to keep its curriculum open for different learning needs. On top of finding a quality MCAT test prep program, you can find help for DAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, PCAT, SAT, ACT, AP exams, and more. Over 500,000 students per year go to Peterson's for different services.
One course for MCAT, but access to all courses included
There's only one MCAT test prep course to choose from at Peterson's. You can choose different subscription lengths, but no matter which one you go with, the details of the course are mostly the same. You get 3 practice tests, 690 different practice questions, explanations for all the answers, and helpful test-taking tips. Some of the different subscription lengths have extras. For example, the 3-month subscription adds 90 minutes of live online tutoring, and 1 writing or essay review every month. The 6-month plan offers 270 minutes of online tutoring instead (instead of 90 minutes). Notably, though, your subscription does give you access to all 250 courses available at Peterson's, so if you have more than one test you want to study for, you can get it covered at one inclusive price at Peterson's. However, if you share your account, you won't be eligible for any refunds for any reason.
Mostly flashcard-style learning
The main MCAT test prep learning methods offered at Peterson's are practice tests, flashcards, and guides. This isn't the most hands-on learning style, though it's meant to work for many different types of students. Depending on which subscription length you choose, you can also get synchronous tutoring, so for those who like that "personal" touch for their learning, you can grab a bit of human-to-human support at Peterson's. However, compared to sites that offer more video lessons or Qbanks, Peterson's is a little less robust.
Costs from $39 to $49 per month
There are three different frequencies that you can choose from at Peterson's, and each has a slightly different monthly cost. The longer you subscribe, the less you'll pay per month. If you just want to sign up for month-to-month payments, it will be $49 per month. Peterson's 3-month subscription is next, which comes out to $45 per month, but you will be billed the total amount every three months instead of stretching it out. Finally, the 6-month MCAT test prep subscription comes out to $39 per month. However, like the 3-month plan, you will be billed the total amount every 6 months.
No guarantee or refund offered
According to our research, Peterson's doesn't have any score guarantee available. On top of that, it doesn't have a refund policy either. We checked the terms and conditions page and found that refunds will not be given even if you have unused months of your subscription (whether that's 3 or 6 months). So, once you pay your subscription fee, there isn't anything you can do. If you want to cancel before your next renewal date, you'll have to do so 48 hours before your next MCAT test prep renewal period. While the site specifically warns you against account sharing, there isn't any likelihood that you'll get a refund even if you don't share, according to these policies.
Not much buzz, and what's out there is negative
Regrettably, Peterson's holds a somewhat dismal "D-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. The primary reason for this is due to a failure to respond to complaints. On third-party review sites, the feedback is minimal and averages about 3 stars (on Trustpilot). Outside of Trustpilot, the only reviews our research turned up for this MCAT test prep site were on Facebook where the company had a 2.3-star average out of 5. Reviews report issues with customer service in general. There isn't a lot of feedback on the actual courses, and we couldn't find any third-party reviews that mentioned the MCAT specifically.
Too many red flags to ignore
Without a guarantee, and no refund policy to speak of, it's a bit more risky to choose this MCAT test prep service over other sites we've researched. The lack of reviews is a pretty large red flag, and the fact that you can't get your money back once you subscribe is concerning. For these reasons (and the low BBB rating), Peterson's falls to the bottom of the pack. While it promises more flexible learning styles, it seems to only offer flashcard assistance and may not be ideal for most test-takers anyway.
Continued from above...
The MCAT, short for the Medical College Admission Test, is one of the most important steps in getting into medical school. It tests students on science knowledge, reasoning skills, and how well they can apply what they've learned in potential real-world situations. Medical schools use MCAT scores to decide who gets in because the test helps show which students are most likely to succeed in the demanding medical school environment. A good score can open the door to your dream school and bring you closer to a career in medicine. Because of this, many students look for extra support to help prepare for test day.
MCAT test prep has changed a lot over the years. In the past, students had to rely on big, heavy textbooks or sign up for expensive in-person classes that only met at specific times and locations. These options made it hard for students to study, especially considering most applicants for medical school need more flexible schedules around work and other college classes. Before, you had to plan your entire day around your in-person prep course, and if you missed a session, it was tough to catch up. Old-school MCAT test prep programs also didn't offer much customization, so students were stuck reviewing topics they already knew or rushing through material they didn't fully understand. Now, MCAT test prep has gotten an online overhaul and there are plenty of ways to study for your exam.
Whether you're looking for a full course, private tutoring, or just some extra practice questions, there are dozens of websites ready to help. These platforms let you log in from your laptop or phone and start studying from anywhere, without needing to drive across town or sit in a crowded classroom (unless you want to). Online prep courses often include video lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and score predictions so you always know where you stand. And because everything is digital, you can go back and review lessons whenever you want. This makes online MCAT test prep one of the smartest choices for future med school students who want both quality and convenience.
Now, with so many MCAT test prep companies online, how do you know which ones to trust? The best options give you access to detailed lessons, practice exams, and explanations that help you understand your mistakes. Some services offer personal tutors or live instruction, while others are self-paced so you can study whenever you want. Look for programs with strong customer reviews, success stories, and helpful features like progress tracking and review questions.
If you're still not sure where to start planning your MCAT test prep, don't sweat it. We've put together a few factors to help you make the best choice. Here's what you might want to keep in mind:
To make sure you have the best chance possible for getting into medical school, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and rated the best MCAT test prep sites and programs available today. No matter where you're at on your med school prep journey, you'll be able to find the right service to get you into your dream school!
Compare Any 2 Products
Top Products.
Top Reviews.
Top Consumer Reviews.
Reviews
Browse through thousands of reviews.
Social Media
Like us? Follow us! We'd love to have you join our community.
Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest reviews. We'll keep you informed, and we'll never sell your information to anyone.
