The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course Review

Best Materials • Best Instructors • Online Course • In-Person Course • Prep Course • Best Overall • Nov 17, 2024 2:07:15 PM

About the company

The Princeton Review has long been recognized as one of the most established names in standardized test preparation. With decades of experience, it provides a wide array of courses for students worldwide, including comprehensive MCAT prep. Known for its structured programs and analytics-driven progress tracking, The Princeton Review blends traditional test prep strategies with modern learning tools to support students on their journey to medical school.

Our verdict

The Princeton Review delivers one of the most comprehensive and structured MCAT prep programs available, with its MCAT Ultimate Course standing out for its blend of live instruction, extensive study materials, and personalized support. From detailed progress tracking to one-on-one coaching and application assistance, this course is clearly designed for students who want hands-on guidance every step of the way. The performance-based guarantee also adds a layer of confidence for students investing in this premium offering.

That said, the program’s high volume of resources and time demands may overwhelm students who prefer a lighter or more self-directed approach. Additionally, the online-only format might not appeal to those who learn best with in-person interaction. Cost is another consideration—it’s one of the pricier options on the market. Still, for students seeking an all-in-one, guided MCAT prep experience with strong academic and admissions support, The Princeton Review remains a top-tier contender.

Compared to other courses

The Princeton Review is a long-standing name in MCAT prep, known for its comprehensive courses and tons of practice materials. It offers one of the highest numbers of class hours and full-length exams, which can be great if you want a deep dive into every topic. Compared to Kaplan, it’s similarly content-heavy but sometimes seen as a bit more rigid. Blueprint stands out with a more modern, engaging platform, while Examkrackers offers a more streamlined, strategy-focused approach. Prep101 gives you even more live instruction and structure, making it ideal for students who thrive with daily guidance. Magoosh is still the go-to for budget-conscious learners, though it doesn’t provide the same level of depth. If you're looking for a traditional, thorough prep experience with lots of resources, The Princeton Review delivers.

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.

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.

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

The Princeton Review’s MCAT Ultimate Course delivers a comprehensive prep experience with live online instruction, extensive study materials, and personalized support. Students gain access to digital textbooks, large question banks, flashcards, and detailed analytics to monitor progress. The course includes a structured study plan, flexible scheduling, and one-on-one coaching to help tailor preparation to individual needs. With added benefits like medical school application guidance, interview prep, and a performance-based tuition refund guarantee, The Princeton Review remains a solid choice for students seeking a thorough and supportive MCAT prep program.

Live Online MCAT Ultimate Course: Interactive sessions led by experienced instructors.
Comprehensive Study Materials: Access to a wide range of resources, including practice tests and question banks.
Personalized Support: One-on-one sessions to tailor study plans and address individual needs.
Application Assistance: Guidance on medical school applications, including interview preparation.

Interactive Sessions: Live classes focusing on various MCAT sections.
Progress Tracking: Tools to monitor and assess performance over time.
Flexible Learning: Options to revisit materials and sessions as needed.
Support System: Regular check-ins and progress reports to ensure continuous improvement.

Digital Textbooks: Comprehensive materials covering all MCAT topics.
Practice Questions: Extensive question banks to simulate test conditions.
Flashcards: Digital flashcards for quick reviews and retention.
Progress Analytics: Tools to monitor and assess performance over time.

Flexible Timings: Multiple live sessions scheduled to accommodate different time zones.
Structured Plan: A recommended study schedule to guide students through the course.
Regular Assessments: Periodic evaluations to track progress and adjust study plans.
Continuous Access: Ability to revisit recorded sessions and materials at any time.

Live Online

MCAT Ultimate Course: Offers comprehensive preparation with live online classes.
Performance-Based Guarantee: Tuition refund based on actual MCAT scores.
Additional Support: Includes application assistance and interview preparation.
Payment Plans: Flexible payment options to accommodate different budgets.

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 outside of class sessions.

What we liked

Comprehensive Resources: A wide array of study materials and tools.
Personalized Support: Tailored coaching and progress tracking.
Flexible Learning: Ability to learn at one's own pace with continuous access to materials.
Performance Guarantee: A unique refund policy based on actual test performance.

What we didn't like

Limited In-Person Interaction: Entirely online format may not suit all learning styles.
Potential Overwhelm: The abundance of resources might be overwhelming for some students.
Time Commitment: Requires significant dedication and self-discipline.
Cost Consideration: Premium pricing may not be affordable for all students.

Students are saying

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

Positive Feedback: Many students report significant score improvements and appreciate the personalized support.
Instructor Praise: High marks for knowledgeable and approachable instructors.
Resource Appreciation: Students value the comprehensive materials provided.
Some Challenges: A few students mention the need for better time management strategies within the course.

Marketing vs reality

Comprehensive preparation with live online classes: Students find the classes thorough and engaging, though some desire more interactive elements.
Personalized coaching and progress tracking: Students appreciate the tailored support, though some desire more frequent interactions.
Extensive study materials and tools: Resources are extensive, but some students feel overwhelmed without proper guidance.
Performance-based refund policy: Beneficial for some, but others find the conditions for refunds stringent.

Deals and how to sign-up

Visit the Website: Go to The Princeton Review MCAT Ultimate Course.
Choose a Plan: Review the available plans and select the one that fits your needs.
Create an Account: Sign up by providing the necessary information.
Start Learning: Access the materials and begin your preparation journey.

Change log

Updated: May 2025
Posted: Feb 2025