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Monday, July 7th
Partnering with multiple universities and school systems, Prep 101 is an MCAT prep specialist whose students (apparently) increase their score by an average of 15 points. With only live-online courses on offer, and no tutoring or self-study options, how does Prep 101 compare to their competitors?
One (expensive) course offering
Prep 101 only has one course on offer (a refreshing simplicity when compared to their multi-plan competitors). At $2,295 for a 2.5-month course, you'll get the following:
While Prep 101 does not have any of the technological bells-and-whistles of the most premium services on our list, they offer a respectable set of the needed practice materials and necessary structure one would expect from a high-cost live-online MCAT prep.
No score guarantee, restricted refunds
Prep 101 does not appear to offer any score guarantee. That being said, they offer a full refund if you withdraw at least two weeks before course start, keep a $100 deposit if you withdraw within 2 weeks prior to course start, and offer no refund once the course has started. Prep 101 does have an "Unlimited course repeat” policy. So, if you did not achieve your score but appreciated Prep 101's offerings (or just really like MCAT prep for some reason), Prep 101 has you covered with free re-enrollment.
A unique vetting process
Interestingly, all Prep 101 instructors are hired only after teaching a mock class to a group of ex-Prep 101 students, who help rate the teachers' quality. While an interesting selection process, we would prefer if they also included general MCAT score requirements as well, or at least listed the score average of their current instructors.
Excellent reviews and respectable offerings
Prep 101 has some excellent user reviews across multiple review platforms, and user reviews on MCAT-dedicated study forums trend positive. While not the absolute best on our list, and not the most budget-friendly, Prep 101's respectable offerings have earned them good marks, and we believe they are well worth your consideration if you're in the market for live-online test prep.
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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