Blueprint MCAT Prep Course Review
Best Value • Best Materials • Online Course • In-Person Course • Prep Course • Best Overall • Nov 17, 2024 2:06:52 PM
About the company:
In the realm of MCAT preparation, BluePrint has emerged as a noteworthy player, gaining prominence since its merger with educational platform Next Step in 2018. Specializing in comprehensive MCAT study options, BluePrint offers a range of courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of aspiring medical professionals. Among their offerings, the live online course has earned acclaim, securing its position as a top virtual class. Our exploration into BluePrint's MCAT prep endeavors will shed light on the extensive instruction, personalized attention, and abundant practice materials that characterize their approach, making them a compelling choice for students navigating the path to MCAT success.
Our verdict
After thoroughly analyzing Blueprint’s MCAT prep services, we believe it offers one of the most well-rounded MCAT preparation courses available. Its interactive tools, engaging live sessions, and comprehensive study materials cater to various learning styles. However, Blueprint's premium pricing might not be suitable for all budgets, and there are some areas where competitors might hold an edge. Still, it remains a top-tier option for serious MCAT students.
Compared to other courses
When it comes to live online MCAT courses, Blueprint competes with notable companies like Prep101, Princeton Review, and Magoosh. While Prep101 is highly regarded for its detailed lecture notes and in-depth review sessions, Blueprint stands out with its adaptive learning technology and dynamic video lessons. Princeton Review offers more class hours, but some students find its materials outdated compared to Blueprint’s interactive tools. Magoosh is a budget-friendly option, but it lacks the live instruction that Blueprint provides. Overall, Blueprint strikes a balance between innovation and content quality, making it a competitive choice.
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Service offerings
Blueprint’s live online course includes 40+ hours of live instruction from experienced MCAT tutors, a personalized study plan, and access to over 160 learning modules. Students benefit from 15 full-length MCAT practice exams, thousands of practice questions, and detailed analytics to track performance. The live sessions are designed to be highly interactive, ensuring students remain engaged while tackling complex MCAT topics. Additionally, the course includes valuable extras like office hours, a course book, and strategy workshops.
Course Structure:
- Blueprint's MCAT prep course combines the strengths of Next Step and Blueprint after their merger.
- The course follows Next Step's traditional curriculum with a twist, organizing content into discrete learning modules.
- The integrated learning approach covers 160 modules on MCAT subtopics and an additional 30 modules on strategy and reasoning.
Learning Modules:
- Each learning module includes engaging video lessons, quizzes, drills, and passages.
- The video lessons are visually striking, featuring animations, graphics, and illustrations.
- The content is presented in various ways within one sitting, enhancing content retention.
Live Sessions:
- Live online classes, introduced post-merger, offer 40+ hours of engaging instruction across various subjects.
- The two-instructor approach adds dynamism to classes, offering diverse perspectives and in-depth coverage.
- Classes dive deeper than core materials, providing additional tips and tricks.
Shortcomings:
- Some find the problem explanations, particularly for incorrect choices, lacking in detail.
- While engaging, the near-daily office hours can be time-consuming for those who have mastered specific topics.
Overall Study Time:
- Blueprint offers a comprehensive study plan generated based on a diagnostic test.
- The 515+ course includes 12 months of access to study materials, providing ample time for preparation.
Overall Impression:
- Blueprint's course is praised for its engaging video lessons, comprehensive content, and quality practice materials.
- The course is rated near the top of the best MCAT prep list for its depth and effectiveness.
- The interactive study planner, advanced analytics, and office hours contribute to a positive overall impression.
Platform and user experience
- Blueprint's online platform is considered a critical component of the prep course, impacting efficiency and overall learning.
- The digital platform is rated among the best, comparable to or even better than Princeton Review and Magoosh.
- The interface is clean, modern, and highly intuitive, offering easy navigation through the top navigation bar.
- Study resources, including the study plan, exams, QBank, analytics, and more, are conveniently organized in the navigation bar.
- Learning modules, video lessons, and quizzes are easily accessible from the personalized study plan or the resources tab.
- The platform's functionality is praised for being snappy, responsive, and providing a modern feel, likened to Google's suite of apps.
- Overall, high praise is given to the Blueprint interface and user platform.
Practice Work:
- Quizzes following video lessons serve as comprehensive drills, reinforcing learning.
- A QBank with over 4,000 practice problems allows for customized practice sets with advanced filtering functionality.
- The 15 full-length practice exams closely replicate the real MCAT, including 5 from AAMC.
Integration of Materials:
- Prep books covering MCAT subjects complement the online course, providing substantive reviews and practice problems.
- The course seamlessly integrates with live online classes, enhancing the learning experience.
Books and digital materials
- 6 MCAT books
- Official AAMC practice material
- Videos and animations
- AI tutor for CARS review
- AI powered Qbanks
Flexibility and Optionality:
- Blueprint offers flexible content access periods of 6, 9, or 12 months.
- The study plan is customizable, allowing students to move tasks based on their progress and schedule.
- Live online classes provide flexibility, with options for alternate class meetings and recorded lessons.
$2,599 to $3,499 (Live Online)
Score guarantee and Refund policy
Yes. Make sure you read and complete all the requirements as cited here
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What we liked
We appreciate Blueprint’s focus on making MCAT prep engaging and efficient. The adaptive learning platform adjusts to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, saving time and optimizing study efforts. The live online course features charismatic and knowledgeable instructors who make even the driest topics interesting. Moreover, the extensive library of practice questions and analytics tools are invaluable for test-takers aiming to master the MCAT’s challenging content.
What we didn't like
Despite its many strengths, Blueprint has some drawbacks. The course is on the pricier side, which may deter students on a tight budget. Additionally, while the platform is innovative, some users report occasional technical glitches that can disrupt their learning experience. The pacing of the course might also feel rushed for students who need more time to grasp complex concepts. Lastly, we wish Blueprint included more physical study materials, as some students prefer traditional books for note-taking.
Students are saying
Here is some of what the community is saying about Kaplan, these are comments and posts from actual students discussing Kaplan and not bias testimonial:
Good things:
- Adaptive Learning Technology: Students frequently praise the platform’s adaptive learning tools, which personalize the study experience by focusing on individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Engaging Video Content: Many reviews highlight the engaging and interactive video lessons as a standout feature that simplifies complex MCAT topics and makes learning enjoyable.
- Knowledgeable Instructors: Blueprint’s instructors receive high marks for their clarity, enthusiasm, and ability to break down challenging material into digestible segments.
- Comprehensive Practice Materials: Test-takers appreciate the extensive library of practice questions and full-length exams, which closely mimic the actual MCAT format.
Not-so-good things
- Technical Issues: Some students report occasional technical glitches with the platform, such as slow loading times or freezing during study sessions, which can disrupt the learning process.
- Price Concerns: A common critique is that Blueprint’s courses are on the expensive side, with some students feeling that the high cost isn’t entirely justified compared to other prep options.
- Rigid Scheduling: The live course schedule doesn’t always accommodate students with busy or irregular routines, making it difficult for them to attend sessions consistently.
- Overwhelming Content: While comprehensive, some students feel the amount of material can be overwhelming, particularly for those balancing MCAT prep with other commitments.
Marketing vs reality
Blueprint’s marketing emphasizes its innovative technology, expert instructors, and high success rates. For the most part, these claims hold up. Students do receive top-notch instruction and benefit from the adaptive platform. However, the marketing materials may oversimplify the effort required to succeed. Some students might expect an easier journey based on Blueprint’s polished ads, only to find the MCAT prep process remains grueling.
Deals and how to sign-up
Blueprint occasionally offers discounts and promotions on its MCAT courses, especially during major holidays or back-to-school seasons. For example, students may find discounts of up to $200 on live online courses or free bonus materials with their purchase. To sign up, simply visit their website, choose the desired course, and follow the checkout process. Be sure to check for active promo codes or bundle deals to maximize savings.
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