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Saturday, September 14th
Peterson's is a large test prep company that offers preparatory courses for almost any certification test you can think of; however, it seems their primary market (and primary reviewers) tends to be military/ex-military preparing to test for college credits. So, with a generalized focus, how does Peterson's hold up to their test-prep competitors?
Slim MCAT offerings
While Peterson's may be well established in college prep and materials for other tests, their MCAT materials are decidedly slim, with their only meaningful offering being mobile-integrated practice tests. Peterson's does not provide information as to the type of prep their mobile integration offers, other than that it includes 3 practice exams and 700 sample questions, and mobile integration.
Pricing based on subscription
While all packages include the offerings listed above, your price point (and extras) are determined by the length of your subscription. A one-month subscription costs $49, their 3-month subscription costs $45 per month and includes 90 minutes of one-on-one tutoring, and Peterson's 12-month subscription costs $39 per month and includes 270 minutes of online tutoring. While additional tutoring is offered for a premium, Peterson's does not list the credentials of their MCAT tutors - one of the reasons why we think there are better tutoring options out there.
No refunds, mixed reviews
Peterson's does not offer any score guarantees or refunds for their services, and their subscription service auto-renews until you specifically cancel it. Customer reviews of Peterson's MCAT test prep taken from MCAT study boards are generally mixed; those who have taken Peterson's are generally military, and complain that the practice tests are not necessarily representative of the MCAT.
Budget price but not a good buy
While a budget MCAT prep program is always a welcome sight, considering the high prices common in the field, Peterson's offerings simply aren't good enough to recommend, and we do not appreciate their auto-renewing subscription and lack of refund options. If you need a budget MCAT service, we recommend you try similarly-priced preparatory materials that have earned a higher score on our list, as Peterson's is simply outclassed in terms of quality.
While the answer to that question is going to depend on your specific needs (tutoring vs. online classes, directed study vs. self-paced prep), the MCAT itself is unavoidable if you dream of being a doctor. Standing for the Medical College Admissions Test, the MCAT is a valuable metric that can set you apart from your peers in the gauntlet of admissions to prestigious and well-regarded medical institutions.
Scoring well on the MCAT is critically important in the medical school admissions process. Admissions committees use MCAT scores as a standardized metric to assess the academic preparedness of applicants. A strong MCAT score can significantly enhance an applicant's chances of gaining admission to their desired medical school, opening doors to a fulfilling career in medicine.
The MCAT is designed to assess a wide range of skills and knowledge crucial for success in medical education and practice. Beyond evaluating factual knowledge, the test looks at critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These qualities are indispensable for medical professionals who must navigate complex medical cases, make timely decisions, and adapt to rapidly evolving medical advancements.
The MCAT also mirrors the evolving demands of the medical field. Medicine is becoming increasingly integrated and patient-centered, requiring professionals to understand not only the scientific aspects of health but also the socio-cultural and ethical dimensions. The MCAT's inclusion of sections that assess psychological, social, and ethical concepts acknowledges the need for physicians who are empathetic, culturally competent, and capable of delivering holistic care.
While far from perfect, the MCAT provides a benchmark for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring that medical schools admit students who possess the foundational knowledge required for their rigorous curricula. By incorporating an emphasis on natural sciences, critical analysis, and reasoning, the MCAT tries to ensure that candidates are well-rounded and equipped to tackle the interdisciplinary nature of modern healthcare. This uniform evaluation method helps institutions make informed and fair decisions when considering a large pool of candidates.
Before you start browsing our curated list of MCAT preparatory services, we have a few tips that might serve you well as you do your due diligence:
Here at Top Consumer Reviews we have done our due diligence to make your MCAT test preparations less strenuous (and, hopefully, less expensive). With a bit of elbow grease and determination, you will be able to improve your score. So take a deep breath, and start preparing with our curated list of the top MCAT test prep available today.
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