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.
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.
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!
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