How we rank MCAT prep courses
Our MCAT picks are based on what each provider publishes: prices, what each plan includes, official AAMC materials, live teaching and guarantees. We have not run hands-on tests of these courses, so we do not give star scores. We explain which course fits which student.
What we look at
| Factor | Why it matters for the MCAT |
|---|---|
| Official AAMC materials | AAMC practice exams are the best predictor of your score. We note whether a course includes the AAMC Official Prep bundle or leaves you to buy it. |
| Total cost | The full price for the access you need, including any extra fees such as AAMC resources. |
| Practice volume | Question bank size, explanation quality and number of full-length exams. |
| Live teaching | Hours of live class time and tutoring, for students who need structure. |
| Guarantees | We read the conditions, not just the headline. |
| Price transparency | We say when a provider does not publish prices and label those figures as reported. |
Our criteria. Each review links to the provider pages we used.
What we don’t do
- We don’t claim hands-on testing we haven’t done.
- We don’t accept payment for picks. We currently earn no commission from any MCAT provider; if that changes, our affiliate disclosure will say so.
- We use providers’ own pages for their facts. We don’t rely on one provider’s claims about its rivals.