Monday, July 7th
2025 MCAT Test Prep Course Reviews
Varsity Tutors
- $199 for 2 hours of tutoring per week
- $349 for 4 hours of tutoring per week
- $269/month for 5 week/ 10 week MCAT live-online prep classes
- Robust refund and guarantee policies
- Interactive platform that includes note taking, whiteboard, classroom
- Wide range of MCAT tutors available
Varsity Tutors specializes in almost all forms of tutoring: whether college, K-12, or practically any test or certification, they will likely have a tutor for you. With that in mind, what do they offer specifically for their MCAT students?
Subscription-based tutoring
Varsity Tutors may have varying prices based on your location or other metrics, as they do not publicly show their pricing. However, we found that they generally charge $199 per month for two hours of weekly tutoring, and $349 per month for 4 hours of weekly tutoring. Tutoring takes place through an integrated video/note-taking/lesson application, which you gain access to by purchasing a monthly subscription.
Live-online classes available
Varsity Tutors also offers live-online classes for $269 per month on a 5-week or 10-week plan. Each class meets twice a week for two-hour sessions. However, Varsity Tutors does not detail the credentials of their instructors, or any of the specific materials or methods utilized in creating or running the class, though they do state that classes are personalized to the needs of the student.
Ongoing subscriptions, prices available only by phone
While their tutoring prices seem relatively par-for-the-course, we don't appreciate that they hide their prices behind a phone call in which you are subject to a sales pitch by someone trying to close a deal. Additionally, Varsity Tutors bills their services as an ongoing subscription that grants access to their learning platform and associated tutors, meaning you have to actively cancel the service. While Varsity Tutors offers a wide range of expert MCAT tutors, and works to pair you with an ideal tutor, they do not detail any of their MCAT preparatory materials, and the user interface to search for tutors is rather clunky. In short, there are a lot of inconveniences around navigating Varsity Tutors.
An excellent refund and guarantee policy
While we take umbrage with Varsity Tutors' opaque pricing, we thoroughly appreciate their extensive guarantee policy. If you don't score above a previously set baseline after tutoring, Varsity Tutors will provide a refund if you are unsatisfied with your MCAT score. If you did not set a baseline score and are unsatisfied with your MCAT, Varsity Tutors will enroll you in their live-online class for free. Finally, if you are unsatisfied with your tutor after your first session, Varsity Tutors will connect you with a new tutor, with whom the first two hours of instruction are free. In short, Varsity Tutors has some of the best refund/guarantee policies on our list.
Great reviews (but not for MCAT tutoring)
Varsity Tutors generally has excellent reviews from customers; however, these reviews are primarily from K-12 students and say little about their MCAT test prep. In sum, Varsity Tutors will likely connect you with a good tutor, as they have hundreds of qualified MCAT tutors in their employ. In addition, their refund policy is top-notch, and includes their live-online course offerings. However, Varsity Tutors offers little information on the specifics of their live-online class, has a poor user interface, and hides tutoring prices behind a phone call: all of which leave a bad taste in our mouth, and lower their ranking on our list when compared to similar MCAT test prep services.
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The 10 Best MCAT Test Prep Courses
What's the Best Online MCAT Prep on the Market?
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.
MCAT Test Prep Course FAQ
Continued from above...
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:
- Time: First, do you have enough for a class, and second, how well can you manage your schedule? Be honest with yourself about your ability and availability, and choose a self-paced or live-online class accordingly.
- Money: MCAT test prep is just plain expensive, even more so if you choose to take a class. As such, be strategic about which prep you choose based on your needs: a well-made self-paced prep package could net you higher scores than a mid-tier, ineffective classroom.
- Score Guarantees: Many services come with various refunds and "score guarantees”, but contain caveats around them. Whether you have to establish a baseline score, or complete all provided coursework, be sure to check the parameters of their guarantee before you buy the service.
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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