How to Register for MCAT Prep Courses

There are numerous MCAT prep courses available. The only challenge in registering is selecting one that meets your timeframe for applying to med school and fits your schedule.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money or financial aid to pay for the MCAT prep course
• Textbooks or other materials
• An open schedule to take the course
• Dedication and focus

1. Plan when you would like to take the MCAT test. This will help you create a schedule of possible prep courses that fit your timeframe.

2. Check out the Princeton Review's Hyperlearning MCAT prep course, which features 3 to 5 instructors who cover various sections of the test (see Resources below). The classroom course also provides access to numerous practice MCATs.

3. Decide how you learn best, whether it is alone, in interaction with others, or with the disciplined classroom approach for those who need a set schedule.

4. Look for a MCAT prep course that enables you to take practice simulations on the computer. This will closely match what you will be expected to do during the real test. Kaplan, for example, offers this type of learning environment (see Resources below).

5. Consider supplementing any prep course you take with some additional coursework. You will get insights into other areas not covered in-depth during the prep course.

6. Put all the test strategy tips that are given to you during the MCAT prep course to work. The tips might be more beneficial than some of the coursework. A good website to visit is Prep101, which provides detailed information on selecting and taking a MCAT prep course (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Look for free events from various academic test preparation companies. They provide these as an incentive to sign up for their paid prep courses.
• Consider small group and private tutoring courses. These give you more opportunities to participate in a customized MCAT prep program.
• Listen to physicians who may recommend a MCAT prep course that worked for them.
• Select a prep course that offers flexibility in the ways that you can sign up or how you can take the course, either with the traditional classroom method or online.
• Be careful if you sign up for MCAT prep courses that promise higher scores after taking their class. It is up to you to study diligently rather than assuming that taking a particular course will guarantee you a high score.
• Remember that these prep courses are just like taking a college class. They require commitment and a lot of work.
• Some of the better known prep courses can be very expensive.

Resources

• Kaplan MCAT prep courses
• MCAT prep course at Prep 101
• The Princeton Review's hyperlearning MCAT course

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