Prep101 MCAT Prep Course Review

Best Instructors • Online Course • In-Person Course • Self-Study • Prep Course • Best Overall • May 5, 2025 9:00:46 PM

About the company

Prep101 is a Canadian-based MCAT prep company that has been helping students prepare for the exam since 1999. It stands out for its comprehensive, structured programs that integrate resources from well-known providers like Examkrackers and Altius. With a focus on personalized coaching and extensive live instruction, Prep101 has served over 500,000 students and continues to grow its reputation for rigorous yet supportive MCAT preparation.

Our verdict

Prep101 stands out as one of the most immersive and content-rich MCAT prep programs on the market, offering a rigorous 146-hour live course, in-depth materials from multiple reputable providers, and a structured three-phase learning model that reinforces content mastery. The program’s inclusion of a personal MCAT coach, regular assessments, and one-year access to recordings makes it a solid choice for students seeking structure, support, and long-term study flexibility.

However, this depth comes with trade-offs. The time commitment is substantial, and the vast array of resources—while comprehensive—can be overwhelming without clear prioritization. At $2,695, it's also one of the more expensive options, and the absence of a score improvement guarantee may give some students pause. Still, for students who are highly motivated and want a program that mirrors the intensity of a full academic course, Prep101 delivers a robust, well-supported pathway to MCAT success.

Compared to other courses

Prep101 is a strong choice for students who want a highly structured and intensive MCAT prep experience. It offers more live instruction hours than most other courses, along with detailed lecture notes and frequent full-length practice exams. Compared to Kaplan and Princeton Review, Prep101 leans more into hands-on support and daily class time, which can be great if you need accountability. Blueprint stands out for its sleek interface and on-demand tools, while Examkrackers is ideal for students who want a more concise, strategy-driven review. Magoosh remains the go-to for budget-conscious students, but it doesn’t provide the same level of live guidance. If you're looking for a program that feels like a full-time commitment with plenty of structure, Prep101 might be the right fit.

Blueprint is a leader in adaptive learning for MCAT preparation, known for integrating technology such as AI-powered tutors and analytics into their courses. With a strong emphasis on engaging instruction and flexible learning, Blueprint appeals to tech-savvy students who value personalized, interactive experiences alongside comprehensive study resources, including practice exams and custom study plans.

Examkrackers has been a specialized MCAT prep provider for over 25 years, focusing solely on helping students succeed on the MCAT. With a reputation built on concise, effective content and a unique teaching methodology, Examkrackers combines live instruction with interactive study tools to create a dynamic and focused learning environment specifically tailored to the MCAT.

Kaplan is one of the most recognized names in the test preparation industry, with a history spanning over 80 years. Its MCAT Live Online course is backed by extensive research and a commitment to high-quality instruction. Kaplan offers a vast network of resources and support, making it a go-to choice for students seeking a tried-and-true prep program with global reach.

Magoosh offers an affordable and accessible online MCAT prep course, with a strong focus on flexibility and value. The company prides itself on inclusivity and aims to support underrepresented groups in medicine. Known for its straightforward, self-paced learning model, Magoosh helps students achieve significant score increases without the high price tag associated with other test prep companies.

Established in 1981, The Princeton Review has solidified its reputation as a leading provider of test preparation and college admission services. With decades of experience, the company has garnered trust from students seeking comprehensive and effective solutions for standardized test readiness and college admissions guidance. Specializing in a myriad of standardized tests, their MCAT preparation course is a beacon for students aiming to conquer this critical exam.

Wizeprep is a trusted academic support platform dedicated to helping students excel in high school and university courses. With a focus on delivering clear, engaging, and curriculum-aligned video lessons and practice resources, Wizeprep combines expert instruction with flexible, on-demand learning tools. Whether it’s preparing for a final exam or mastering a tough subject, Wizeprep empowers students to study smarter and achieve their academic goals.

Service offerings

Prep101’s live online MCAT course offers one of the most structured and intensive prep experiences available, featuring 146 hours of live instruction across lessons, workshops, and in-class exams. Students follow a three-phase learning model with guided readings, in-class practice, and post-lesson assignments, all reinforced by access to interactive hyperbooks, 24 full-length exams, and over 12,000 practice questions. Each student is paired with a dedicated MCAT coach for personalized support, and progress-tracking tools help identify strengths and areas for improvement. With flexible scheduling, one-year access to materials, and expert instructors, Prep101 is ideal for students looking for a highly supportive and immersive MCAT prep program.

Live Online MCAT Course: Interactive sessions led by experienced instructors, covering all sections of the MCAT.
Comprehensive Study Materials: Access to a wide range of resources, including hyperbooks, practice exams, and flashcards.
Personalized Support: Each student is assigned an MCAT coach to tailor study plans and provide ongoing support.
Flexible Access: One year of access to course materials, including recorded sessions and additional resources.

Interactive Sessions: 146 hours of live instruction, including 55 lessons, 44 in-class exams, and 18 workshops.
Three-Phase Learning: Each lesson includes pre-class readings, in-class instruction with guided practice, and post-class assignments to reinforce learning.
Progress Tracking: Tools to monitor and assess performance over time, helping students identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Support System: Regular check-ins and progress reports to ensure continuous improvement and address any concerns.

Digital Hyperbooks: Seven interactive hyperbooks covering all MCAT topics, integrated with multimedia resources.
Practice Exams: 24 full-length practice exams, including materials from AAMC, Examkrackers, and Altius.
Flashcards and Games: Over 1,500 flashcards and interactive games to aid retention and reinforce learning.
Supplementary Resources: Access to 12,000+ practice questions, 1,500+ practice passages, and 610 MedReels for comprehensive preparation.

Flexible Timings: Live classes are offered multiple times weekly, allowing students to choose sessions that fit their schedules.
Structured Plan: A recommended study schedule guides students through the course, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all topics.
Regular Assessments: Periodic evaluations help track progress and adjust study plans as needed.
Continuous Access: Recorded sessions and materials are available for review at any time during the one-year access period.

Live Online

Course Fee: The Live Online MCAT course is priced at $2,695.
Payment Plans: Interest-free payment plans are available to accommodate different budgets.
Additional Support: Includes live tutoring sessions, personalized study plans, and access to a variety of study materials.
Discounts: Occasional promotions and discounts may be available; for instance, a $550 discount was offered with the code "550OFF" until April 20.

Experienced Educators: Instructors with extensive teaching experience in MCAT preparation.
Subject Matter Experts: Specialists in various subjects, including biology, chemistry, and psychology.
Engaging Teaching Style: Known for making complex topics understandable and engaging.
Accessible Support: Available for questions and additional help during live tutoring sessions and via email.

What we liked

Comprehensive Resources: A wide array of study materials and tools, including hyperbooks, practice exams, and flashcards.
Personalized Support: Tailored coaching and progress tracking through assigned MCAT coaches.
Flexible Access: One-year access to course materials, including recordings of all live sessions.
Three-Phase Learning Model: Pre-class, in-class, and post-class structure helps reinforce material and ensures thorough understanding.

What we didn't like

High Time Commitment: The course requires substantial weekly hours, which may be overwhelming for students with other commitments.
Premium Pricing: At $2,695, the course is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum.
Overwhelming Volume: The sheer quantity of practice materials and resources can be daunting for some students.
No Score Guarantee: Unlike some competitors, Prep101 does not offer a money-back score improvement guarantee.

Students are saying

Here is some of what the community is saying about Prep101, these are comments and posts from actual students discussing Prep101 and not bias testimonial:

Thorough Content: Students appreciate the depth and breadth of the material, especially the inclusion of multiple resource providers like Examkrackers and Altius.
Effective Instructors: Many reviews praise the instructors for their engaging and clear teaching styles.
Strong Support System: The personalized coaching is often highlighted as a key benefit.
Challenging Workload: Some students note the heavy workload, emphasizing the need for strong time management.

Marketing vs reality

Comprehensive 146-hour course with 55 lessons: Students confirm extensive coverage but note that staying on top of all content requires discipline.
Includes materials from Examkrackers, Altius, AAMC: Students value the variety of materials but feel that more guidance on prioritizing resources would be helpful.
Assigned personal MCAT coach for tailored support: Generally appreciated, though the quality of support can vary depending on the coach.
1-year access to all course materials: True, and students appreciate being able to review sessions, though some wish for longer live interaction periods.

How to sign-up

Visit the Website: Go to Prep101 MCAT Live Online.
Choose Your Course: Select the Live Online course and any additional resources or tutoring you may want.
Register an Account: Provide your personal details and create a student account.
Payment: Choose a payment plan or pay in full, apply any promo codes if available.
Start Preparing: Gain immediate access to resources and begin scheduling your live sessions.

Change log

Posted: May 2025