Preparing for the MCAT is a big deal. With so much riding on your score, it’s essential to have the right resources to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive study guides, practice questions, or personalized tutoring, there’s something out there for everyone. Here’s a rundown of 20 of the best resources to get you ready for the big day.
1. AAMC Official Prep Materials
When it comes to MCAT prep, the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is a treasure trove. They offer official practice exams, question packs, and an official guide to help students thoroughly prepare for the test. These materials are created by the same folks who make the test, so you know you’re getting the most accurate practice possible. The practice exams are especially useful, as they provide a realistic experience of what test day will be like.
2. Khan Academy
If you’re on a budget, Khan Academy is a fantastic resource. Their MCAT prep videos cover all sections of the exam and cost absolutely nothing. The content is well-organized according to the MCAT syllabus, and the practice questions come with detailed explanations. Plus, the video format is great if you are more of a visual learner.
3. Kaplan MCAT Prep
Kaplan is a big name in test prep, and for good reason. They offer a variety of prep options, including books, online courses, and live in-person classes. Kaplan’s materials are known for being thorough and comprehensive, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced strategies. Their practice questions and full-length exams are particularly helpful for getting you used to the format and timing of the MCAT.
4. Princeton Review
Another heavyweight in the test prep world, Princeton Review provides a range of MCAT prep options. Whether you prefer self-paced courses, live online classes, or in-person sessions, they’ve got you covered. Their materials are detailed and come with plenty of practice exams, so you can gauge your progress and identify areas that need more work.
5. Examkrackers
If you’re looking for something a bit more concise, Examkrackers might be the way to go. Their review books are engaging and focused on high-yield content, making them a favorite among many students. The books also include practice questions that mimic the style of the MCAT, helping you get a feel for the types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam.
6. UWorld
UWorld is famous in the medical community for its extensive question bank, and their MCAT offerings are no exception. The questions are known for being challenging and reflective of the actual MCAT’s difficulty. Each question comes with detailed explanations, helping you understand why each answer choice is right or wrong, which is crucial for learning from your mistakes.
7. Next Step Test Prep (Blueprint)
Blueprint, formerly known as Next Step Test Prep, offers realistic practice tests, a question bank, and comprehensive courses. Their practice exams are especially well-regarded for their realistic difficulty and detailed analytics, which can help you track your progress and pinpoint weak areas.
8. Magoosh
Magoosh provides an affordable and flexible online MCAT prep course. With video lessons, practice questions, and customizable study schedules, Magoosh makes it easy to tailor your study plan to your needs. They also offer a 7-day free trial, so you can try it out before committing.
9. MCAT Self Prep
MCAT Self Prep offers a variety of free and paid resources, including customizable study plans, video tutorials, and a question bank. Their approach allows you to tailor your preparation to your specific needs, whether you need a comprehensive review or just some extra practice in certain areas.
10. Altius Test Prep
Altius Test Prep is known for its personalized approach, offering one-on-one tutoring, small group sessions, and full-length practice exams. Their tutors are highly experienced, and the personalized attention can make a big difference if you need help with specific areas or just want a more tailored study plan.
11. Gold Standard MCAT Prep
Gold Standard provides a variety of resources, including books, practice tests, online courses, and video lectures. Their materials are comprehensive and cover all aspects of the MCAT, making them a great all-in-one solution for your prep needs.
12. Bridgette Teyler’s MCAT Study Guides
Bridgette Teyler offers a series of highly-rated MCAT study guides available on Amazon. These guides are praised for their concise and organized content review, making them a great option if you prefer studying from a book and want a clear, straightforward review of the material.
13. Jack Westin
Jack Westin specializes in the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT, which many students find challenging. They offer free daily passages and strategy courses designed to improve your CARS score. Their focus on this specific section makes them a valuable resource if CARS is a weak point for you.
14. Leah4Sci
Leah4Sci offers free and paid resources, including video tutorials and detailed blog posts. Leah’s content is particularly helpful for mastering complex topics like organic chemistry and physics. Her clear explanations and practical tips can help demystify some of the more challenging aspects of the MCAT.
15. Reddit MCAT Community
The r/MCAT subreddit is a vibrant community where you can find advice, study strategies, resource recommendations, and moral support from fellow test-takers. It’s a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and get encouragement from people who are going through the same process.
16. MCAT Bros Facebook Group
This Facebook group is a supportive community where members share study tips, resources, and encouragement. The sense of camaraderie and shared experience can be incredibly motivating, and you can often find helpful advice and resource recommendations.
17. MCAT Podcast
Hosted by the Medical School Headquarters, the MCAT Podcast provides weekly episodes covering study tips, strategies, and interviews with MCAT experts. It’s a great way to get tips and insights on the go, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just taking a break from studying.
18. Anki Flashcards
Anki is a powerful flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize information. There are many pre-made MCAT decks available, or you can create your own. This method is particularly effective for retaining vast amounts of information over the long term, which is crucial for MCAT success.
19. PremedHQ
PremedHQ offers personalized tutoring and coaching for the MCAT. Their services include one-on-one sessions, study plans, and diagnostic tests, which can help you focus your efforts and make the most of your study time. The personalized approach can be particularly helpful if you have specific areas that need extra attention.
20. YouTube Channels
Several YouTube channels provide free MCAT prep content. Channels like “MCAT Bros,” “The Organic Chemistry Tutor,” and “AK Lectures” offer videos on a wide range of MCAT topics. These videos can be a great supplement to your other study materials, providing clear explanations and visual aids to help you understand difficult concepts.
