More than 85,000 aspiring medical students struggle each year to select the best MCAT prep course that will lead them to medical school. Medical school acceptance rates stand at 40%, and your MCAT score could determine your future as a doctor.
The seven-and-a-half-hour exam needs 300-500 hours of focused study time. Students must choose the right preparation course to succeed. The options range from Kaplan’s platform with 3,000 practice problems to Blueprint’s extensive 5,000-question bank, which can overwhelm many students.
Our team has analyzed and compared the top MCAT prep courses extensively to help you make this vital decision. Research shows that students perform better when they match prep courses to their learning style. Some programs deliver exceptional results – Altius students achieve an average score of 516.
Next Level Education recognizes the challenges of MCAT preparation. We have developed a state-of-the-art approach that combines tailored learning with proven success strategies. Let’s examine how these prep courses align with your specific needs and goals.
Next Level Education: The Ultimate MCAT Prep Solution
Next Level Education leads the pack in MCAT preparation with a unique blend of expert guidance and customized learning strategies.
Why Next Level Education Stands Out
The life-blood of Next Level Education’s success comes from their instructors who have scored in the 99th percentile on the MCAT. Their complete performance analytics system tracks student progress in all MCAT sections and gives detailed insights to help students improve.
Students excel because of the program’s adaptive study approach. Next Level Education doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all model. They create study blueprints that change based on your performance. The system adjusts to give extra help where you need it most.
Next Level Education’s Complete Curriculum
The curriculum shines through smart content organization. Study materials zero in on the most important topics that show up on the exam. The program has:
- Advanced testing systems that mirror the AAMC MCAT format
- Detailed content review with multiple layers of support
- Integrated learning modules to build complete understanding
- Specialized test-taking strategies
Customized Learning Experience
Students begin with a full assessment to set their starting point and target MCAT score. Expert instructors then craft a strategy that matches each student’s MCAT registration timeline.
Next Level Education’s sophisticated analytics dashboard shows improvement across MCAT sections. This tool lets students:
- Compare their scores against successful test-takers
- Spot performance trends over time
- Get customized tips to improve
- Track progress through interactive learning modules
Student Success Stories and Score Improvements
The results speak for themselves. Next Level Education’s track record shows an average improvement of 15+ points. Their complete support system helps students reach competitive scores through:
- Customized study schedules
- Regular progress monitoring
- Expert guidance throughout the prep experience
- Mental preparation strategies to build test day confidence
Students master both content and test-taking strategies. They get focused attention during their preparation and access to practice tests that match the actual MCAT experience.
Next Level Education works best for students who want structure and accountability. Their expert team creates personal study plans and helps students reach target scores. On top of that, their proven strategies and support have led to major score improvements.
Students aiming for top-tier medical schools get the complete support they need to achieve competitive scores. Next Level Education combines personal coaching, live analytics, and proven study strategies to create the perfect environment for MCAT success. The program adapts to how each student learns while keeping high teaching standards, making it a great choice for serious MCAT preparation.
Kaplan MCAT Prep: Solid But Expensive Option
Kaplan, an 80-year old name in MCAT preparation, has helped countless medical school aspirants reach their goals. Their detailed approach targets both content mastery and strategic test-taking skills.
Kaplan’s MCAT Curriculum Overview
The life-blood of Kaplan’s program is its structured study approach that recommends 300-350 hours of preparation across four months. The program has seven subject review books and gives 24/7 access to prerecorded lessons. Students get over 150 hours of educational video content with engaging whiteboard format, vibrant graphics and voice-over audio.
The program has three distinct cycles:
- Content Refresher: Introduces core concepts through video lessons
- Application: Focuses on practicing learned concepts
- Prep Cycle: Emphasizes full-length practice tests and targeted improvement
Live Class Experience
Students looking for structured guidance can access 42 hours of livestreamed, interactive lessons from instructors who scored above 520 on the MCAT. The live online format features fourteen three-hour sessions that focus on test-taking strategies. In spite of that, Kaplan’s live classes sometimes lack the individualized attention found in Next Level Education’s customized approach.
Practice Tests and Question Bank
The most important strength of Kaplan’s program lies in its extensive practice materials. Students get access to:
- 17 full-length practice tests, including 6 official AAMC exams
- Over 3,000 practice questions in their customizable Qbank
- Detailed score reports and in-depth explanations for each question
Students should take at least six full-length practice tests, with one test per week during the final month before the exam. But some students note that explanations could be more detailed, especially compared to Next Level Education’s analytics and performance tracking.
Pricing and Value Assessment
Kaplan’s robust offerings come with a significant price tag. Their score improvement guarantee promises either a 15-point increase or a score of 515+, based on the chosen package. The premium packages cost$3599, which many students might find expensive.
The program’s optional elements can affect its value:
- Optional nightly workshops
- Supplementary reading materials
- Additional practice problems
- Digital flashcards
Kaplan provides substantial study materials with some limitations. The course serves as a refresher rather than offering in-depth explanations. Then students often need extra resources to supplement their learning, which makes Next Level Education’s all-encompassing approach more beneficial for full understanding.
The mobile companion app lets students review Qbank questions, videos, and flashcards anywhere. The program’s flexibility can be overwhelming as students try to structure their study plan with numerous optional components.
Students who want a prominent MCAT prep option with extensive practice materials will find Kaplan a solid choice. Those who need more personalized attention and detailed content explanation might prefer Next Level Education’s tailored approach. The choice ended up depending on student’s priorities and budget considerations.
Blueprint MCAT: Known for Video Lessons
Blueprint MCAT sets itself apart with Hollywood-style production quality videos that make medical concepts easier to learn. Their fresh approach combines engaging animations with expert instruction to give students a new way to prepare for the MCAT.
Blueprint’s Interactive Video Content
The video lessons shine with sophisticated production elements. Students get access to 549 expert-created video lessons in 195 learning modules. Each lesson blends live instruction with colorful animations and graphics that help explain complex chemical processes and biological systems.
The instructors teach in front of a green screen while graphics, illustrations, and animations fill the screen. This makes it easier for students to visualize difficult concepts, unlike traditional PowerPoint presentations. Students test their knowledge after each video through various quiz formats including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop matching, ordering, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
Practice Materials and Tests
Blueprint shows its dedication to exam prep through excellent practice materials. Their question bank has more than 5,000 discrete, passage-based questions and 40 new CARS passages with 200 extra questions. Students can use highlighting and strikeout tools on practice tests that match the actual MCAT interface.
The program provides 15 full-length practice exams created by MCAT experts and college professors. These tests give scores about 5 points lower than actual MCAT results to help students get a realistic view of their progress. The Bio-Biochem section focuses heavily on experiment-based passages that reflect the exam’s style accurately.
Course Options and Pricing
Blueprint’s course options fit different learning priorities:
- Self-Paced Course: Starting at $1,975
- Has 160 learning modules
- Engaging video content
- Score increase guarantee
- Live Online Course: From $2,575
- 40+ hours of live instruction
- Full access to self-paced materials
- Score improvement guarantee
- 515+ Course: $3,499
- 80+ hours of live instruction
- Personalized coaching
- 515 score guarantee
Pros and Cons
Blueprint takes an all-encompassing approach to MCAT preparation. Their advanced analytics system shows correct and incorrect answers and spots performance patterns. Students can adjust their study planner to fit their schedules.
The program has some drawbacks. Students can’t use a mobile app to study on-the-go. Some quiz questions repeat too often, which limits practice variety.
Many students report score increases of 10-15 points. Next Level Education’s personalized approach offers more detailed examples than Blueprint. The calendar system gives flexibility but some students find it hard to stay on track.
Princeton Review: Intensive Bootcamp Approach
Princeton Review runs an intensive bootcamp-style MCAT prep program through focused study periods. Their program stands out among MCAT prep courses, but students should think about some key limitations.
Princeton Review’s MCAT Course Structure
The program builds on 123 hours of live classroom instruction. Students take AAMC Practice Exam 1 to set their starting point. The curriculum covers these key areas:
- 10 hours of Biology/Biochemistry instruction
- 5 hours each of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
- 5 hours of Physics
- 5 hours of Psychology/Sociology
- 10 hours of CARS instruction
Bootcamp Experience
The Smart Study Planner creates custom schedules based on test dates and study time. Students get help from an AI-powered Study Recommendation Tool that learns from successful students’ patterns to give tailored advice.
Students work with 4-6 subject experts who teach live lessons and handle individual questions. These teachers rank in the top 1% of candidates and guide students through each MCAT section.
Practice Materials
Students get access to:
- 17 full-length practice tests and 12 section-specific tests
- 4,900+ practice questions in their QBank
- 500+ MedFlix video lessons that support learning
- 35 diagnostic exams that track progress
Practice tests look just like the real MCAT interface. Each test gives detailed score reports that show performance by subject and subtopic.
Is Princeton Review Worth the Cost?
The price point needs careful thought. Their top-tier MCAT 515+ Immersion program costs $3499. This includes:
- 365 days of access to all resources
- Medical School Admissions Advantage sessions
- Nine MCAT books, including one exclusive title
Student results vary by a lot. Some students find the course moves too fast. Others say self-paced options might not give enough support.
Next Level Education’s system might work better for students who want more personal attention. Their adaptive study methods and progress tracking offer advantages over Princeton Review’s more structured bootcamp approach.
Princeton Review promises either a 515 minimum score or a 15-point improvement. In spite of that, success depends on your learning style and commitment to the intense schedule. Students should match their learning priorities and budget with what this bootcamp-style program offers before making a decision.
Magoosh MCAT: Budget-Friendly Alternative
Magoosh stands out as an affordable option among MCAT prep courses. The online platform gives students quality content and flexibility that budget-conscious test-takers will appreciate.
Magoosh’s Self-Paced Curriculum
The life-blood of Magoosh’s program comes from its video library with more than 380 content review videos. Students can take notes right on their dashboard, which helps them organize their study materials effectively. The platform’s curriculum covers every MCAT section and has:
- Video lessons for all content areas
- Subject-specific study strategies
- Customizable study schedules
- Downloadable PDF resources
Students learn at their own pace with materials available whenever they need them. The dashboard creates customized study plans that link directly to lessons and resources for daily assignments.
Practice Questions and Tests
The practice section has over 740 questions with detailed explanations. Students get access to:
- Three full-length practice tests they can take all at once or in sections
- Detailed explanations for every answer choice (A-D)
- Difficulty ratings (easy, medium, difficult) for each question
- Tools that track how fast you answer questions
The custom practice tool lets students create their own question sets using filters based on subject, difficulty, and question type. This helps them focus on areas where they need the most work.
Affordability Factor
The pricing breaks down like this:
- 1-Month Premium: $265.30
- 12-Month Premium: $279.30
- Free access for students who qualify for AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program
Students get a 10-point score increase guarantee and a 7-day money-back policy if they’re not satisfied. The platform costs about one-fifth of traditional MCAT prep courses.
The platform does have some drawbacks. Full-length tests pull questions from the existing question bank instead of having dedicated practice exams. Students also don’t get one-on-one tutoring, which you’d find with Next Level Education’s customized coaching approach.
Self-disciplined learners who want quality prep without spending too much will find Magoosh works well for them. Students who need more structure or personal attention might prefer Next Level Education’s detailed program. While Magoosh offers 24/7 email access to test prep experts, it doesn’t match the individual attention you get with premium options.
Altius MCAT: Focused on 1:1 Mentoring
Altius MCAT stands out with its mentoring-based approach to MCAT preparation. Their method revolves around customized guidance from mentors who scored exceptionally well, making them different from other MCAT prep courses.
Altius Mentoring Approach
The life-blood of Altius’s program is their one-on-one mentoring system. Students work with instructors who scored in the 95th percentile or higher on their MCAT. They can reach their assigned mentor anytime through email, phone, or text, which helps them get quick help when they’re stuck.
The mentoring packages come in different levels:
- Platinum: 40 private mentoring sessions
- Silver: 25 private mentoring sessions
- Gold: 15 private mentoring sessions
Mentors help students create study strategies that work best for them. They look over practice test results and spot areas where students need extra help. Many mentors actually used Altius themselves and did really well with the program’s methods.
Small Group Sessions
Students learn together in small groups, which adds another layer to their preparation. These sessions include:
- Discussions that use the Socratic method to work through practice problems
- Everyone takes part in detailed content review
- Students spend 120 to 200 hours in group study, based on their package
- Classes stay small so everyone gets enough attention
The Elite program gives students 20 hours of small group sessions plus four hours of one-on-one mentoring. Students learn better in these interactive sessions because they work directly with teachers and classmates to solve problems together.
Score Guarantees
Altius makes some impressive promises about scores:
- They guarantee a 90th percentile score or at least a 12-point increase for Platinum, Silver, and Gold programs
- Elite program students get double their money back if their scores don’t go up
- Students can get their money back within 30 days, except for AAMC codes and used tutoring
These guarantees come with strict rules. Students must finish every assignment, which means studying more than 60 hours weekly across all parts of the program.
Who Benefits Most from Altius
Students do well with Altius when they like:
- Learning by doing
- Regular check-ins with mentors
- Well-laid-out study plans
The program’s results speak for themselves. Some students improved their scores by 13 points. Two Silver program students scored 516 or higher and became tutors later.
Next Level Education offers a more balanced approach than Altius’s demanding schedule, which can be tough for full-time students. Some students say it’s “physically impossible” to keep up with all the work while handling their other classes.
Programs cost between USD 3,399 and USD 6,499. Altius says they cost 60% less than other companies, but Next Level Education’s program often gives students better value with its manageable study plan and personal support system.
Khan Academy: Free MCAT Resource
Khan Academy’s MCAT resources represent an innovative partnership between the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Students can access a budget-friendly approach to exam preparation. This collaboration stands as the first AAMC-sanctioned external MCAT prep content.
Khan Academy’s MCAT Content Coverage
The platform’s library includes 1,100 instructional videos and 3,000 review questions. Students can access 15 distinct units that cover 523 skills. The curriculum addresses key concepts in:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations
- Chemical and Physical Foundations
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
The CARS section shines with its AAMC-mapped skills assessment that matches actual exam requirements. The platform’s alliance with AAMC extends through 2026, which ensures content stays current and relevant.
Limitations as a Standalone Resource
Khan Academy’s strong offerings come with several constraints as a primary study resource. The practice questions challenge students but lack the complete analytics found in Next Level Education’s system. Students must create their own study plans, which proves difficult for those who need regular guidance.
The curriculum focuses on content review and sometimes misses critical thinking and application elements that lead to MCAT success. The practice test system also differs from standard full-length exams, which limits exposure to real test conditions.
How to Supplement Khan Academy
Students can maximize their success with these practical approaches to enhance Khan Academy’s free resources:
- Fill Knowledge Gaps: The platform helps master specific content areas. Medical students like Dina Zamil used Khan Academy to learn psychology and sociology concepts without previous coursework.
- Active Learning Enhancement: Austin Rios, who gained medical school acceptance, improved his study method by:
- Taking time with content review
- Getting a full picture of concepts
- Using knowledge in practice
- Strategic Content Integration: Students should combine Khan Academy with:
- AAMC official practice materials
- Next Level Education’s personalized coaching
- Additional full-length practice exams
The platform works best when used strategically. Short, digestible videos help students grasp essential concepts quickly. The integration with AAMC’s Official Prep Sample Test connects students directly to relevant Khan Academy videos and practice sets.
Khan Academy serves best as additional support alongside Next Level Education’s integrated approach. The AAMC partnership guarantees valid content, but students need more structured guidance and detailed performance analytics.
Khan Academy provides valuable foundational content for budget-conscious students. Notwithstanding that, its limits in personal feedback and structured study plans explain why successful students pair it with Next Level Education’s tailored coaching. This combination lets students get the most from free resources while receiving expert guidance and proven study strategies for complete MCAT preparation.
Comparison Table
| Prep Course | Key Focus | Practice Materials | Score Improvement | Instructor Qualifications | |
| Next Level Education | Tailored learning & adaptive study approach | Advanced testing systems, detailed analytics dashboard | 15+ points average improvement | 99th percentile MCAT scorers | |
| Kaplan | Well-laid-out content review | 3,000+ practice questions, 17 full-length tests | 15+ points or 515+ guarantee | 520+ MCAT scorers | |
| Blueprint | Learning through videos | 5,000+ practice questions, 15 full-length exams | Score guarantee offered | Expert-created content | |
| Princeton Review | Bootcamp style training | 4,900+ questions, 17 full-length tests | 515+ or 15-point improvement | Top 1% of teaching candidates | |
| Magoosh | Self-paced study on budget | 740+ practice questions, 3 full-length tests | 10-point improvement guarantee | Email support only | |
| Altius | One-on-one mentor guidance | Not specified in detail | 90th percentile or 12-point increase | 95th percentile or higher scorers | |
| Khan Academy | Free content overview | 3,000 review questions, 1,100 videos | No guarantee | AAMC-partnered content |
Why Next Level Education Stands Out from the Competition
Picking the right MCAT prep course is a vital decision for aspiring medical students. Our detailed analysis of seven leading providers shows Next Level Education as the clear winner. They offer customized learning strategies and proven results that help students improve their scores by 15+ points on average.
Kaplan and Blueprint have plenty of practice materials, but their one-size-fits-all methods don’t deal very well with individual student needs. Princeton Review’s bootcamp style just needs too much time and isn’t flexible with student schedules. Budget-friendly options like Magoosh and Khan Academy work well as extra resources but lack the full support students need to prepare effectively for the MCAT.
Next Level Education solves these problems with their 99th percentile expert instructors, tailored study plans, and live performance analytics. Students become skilled at high-impact topics and get targeted help in challenging areas.
MCAT preparation needs more than practice questions and video lessons. Contact Next Level Education today to start a journey toward medical school with a proven partner who understands your goals.