Do you need an MCAT prep course to achieve your dream MCAT score? Do you need some help in improving your MCAT taking-strategies or your content knowledge? Some students achieve success by creating their own rigorous MCAT study schedule and sticking to it, but most seek guidance and help in tackling this intimidating examination. But as one of our students, Stevie Sampedro, found after using a personalized MCAT prep course, the MCAT is “more intimidating than it is difficult,” so any good MCAT prep course should also give you the confidence to take the test.

In this blog, we will explore what is the best MCAT prep course, help you decide whether an MCAT prep course is right for you, and how you can choose the one that fits your needs.

Disclaimer: MCAT is a registered trademark of AAMC. BeMo and AAMC do not endorse or affiliate with one another.


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Article Contents
7 min read

Are MCAT Prep Courses Worth It? What Is the Best MCAT Prep Course? Why BeMo MCAT Prep is Your Best Choice Do I Need an MCAT Prep Course? Benefits of Taking an MCAT Prep Course FAQs

Are MCAT Prep Courses Worth It?

Will the MCAT determine your worth as a physician? No, not really. As our expert Dr. Monica Taneja, MD and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says, metrics such as your “MCAT and GPA are important screening tools.” While Dr. Taneja does concede that your GPA and MCAT “are often that first look” that medical schools get of you, she is quick to contrast that by saying your GPA and MCAT scores are NOT “the end all for you to get in or be rejected from a school.”

The MCAT isn’t great at determining whether you will have any value as a doctor or medical professional, which is something that Dr. Taneja agrees with, as she believes it is the “the other pieces of your application,” such as your medical school personal statements, medical school recommendation letters and interview performance “are what differentiate you from a crowd.” Going even further, Dr. Taneja argues that these “other pieces” are what “will ultimately be why a school chooses to accept you” So, your MCAT score matters as much as every other part of your medical school application, but it’s not the only thing that matters.

“I was really intimidated about CARS prep, but Gautham did a wonderful job at introducing the section from its basics to going through each question in the passage to figure out gaps in comprehension. By reviewing the passage and questions so earnestly and with such patience, I felt so much more confident in how to read, comprehend, and take appropriate notes for the passages. Really grateful to Gautham.” - Helen, BeMo student


We at BeMo don’t necessarily think that the MCAT is the best way to evaluate a student. We believe that students have unique traits to offer that cannot always be quantified by numbers and that their experiences and abilities are not limited to such tests. For example, one of our students, Allison, who applied to medical schools in Texas and got into the Dell Medical School said that her new hobby – woodworking – got brought up in all her medical school interviews, unlike her MCAT score or her GPA. She notes that sometimes “it’s the thing you find weirdest about yourself” or the “things that make you different” are ultimately what are going to “make you stand out the most.”

However, because the MCAT is commonly required for admission to medical school, it is still important to score well on this test. To score well on the MCAT, you’ll need the proper tools. This is the point of an MCAT prep course, to provide you with the strategies and knowledge of how to ace this test so you can have a better shot of getting accepted to the medical school of your choice.

MCAT prep courses coach students on what to expect from the MCAT, how to study for it, and what they need to know about this rigorous medical school admissions requirement. An MCAT prep course also covers test-taking strategies. But the right MCAT prep course can offer so much more. An MCAT prep course with a professional can also make you feel supported and listened to. One of our students found that her MCAT prep course tutor “was very compassionate at the beginning of our lesson,” which helped establish a bond. Our student also remembered that her MCAT prep course tutor “encouraged me to continue with my MCAT journey even during the hard times,” which only emphasizes the importance of going with an MCAT prep course that makes you feel supported during this tough time.

If you don’t do well on tests, we can help. You don’t have a knowledge problem or a competency problem; it’s just that some students are better and more responsive to tests. Just because you aren’t a test-taker doesn’t mean you deserve to lose out. We give you the strategies to put you in the same game: an even shot at the goal. Take a look at our student Addie who initially had trouble with MCAT graphs but found our MCAT prep course helpful in tackling this obstacle:

“I was able to understand how to properly understand difficult graphs that show up on the exam and understand them with ease, making me so much more confident going into test day!!" - Addie, BeMo student

 

So, to sum up, while we do think you should try to ace the MCAT and work hard to get the best grades you can, you should also recognize your value as a student and person outside of mere numbers. 

Wondering if you need an MCAT prep course or tutor to get a good MCAT score? Watch this video:

What Is the Best MCAT Prep Course?

The answer might seem obvious, right? The best MCAT prep course is the course that gets you your desired MCAT score! But how to choose the right one?

In our experience, no two students are the same. Every student we work with has a unique learning style and needs. This is why a one-on-one MCAT prep course might be the best option for those looking to improve their MCAT score. The personalized feedback and attention to your needs you receive in these sessions can greatly improve your MCAT skills, whether it’s your MCAT CARS strategy, MCAT timing, or knowledge of the MCAT content. Mantej can speak to this, as he said that after his MCAT prep course training he “felt more motivated after the session.” which is one of the positive effects of getting personalized, in-person instruction.

Sarah, one of our students who got into medical school, says that her MCAT prep course helped her with “very complex biochemistry topics,” and “made them super easy to understand and digest.” The one-on-one sessions are not necessary for every student, but if you are gambling on what kind of course will be most helpful in getting you the score you want, then it’s a sure bet that this prep course style is the best. Sometimes all you need is some personalized support and encouragement:

“I had a medical onboarding session with Shiti Malhotra. She took the time to sit with me and made such a nice comprehensive MCAT study plan with me. She made sure I understood every step of the plan. It made me a lot more confident in terms of tackling this extensive exam!” – Anonymous BeMo student


However, before you jump into signing up for a course, we strongly advise you to read this article to analyze whether your need an MCAT prep course, what kind of course would work best for your learning style, and what kind of costs you should expect. The information below will help you weigh all the pros and cons of learning in a course vs independent study, so you can make a sound decision that is right for you.

Why BeMo MCAT Prep is Your Best Choice

The best type of prep is always personalized. Sara Hsiang discovered the benefits of personalized tutoring when she worked with us to improve her MCAT score. She says that getting “proactive follow-ups and encouragement” to better understand the most challenging MCAT questions made “the learning experience highly effective.” At BeMo, we understand that every student has a unique learning style. This is why we are the leaders in personalized prep. Rather trying to make one size fit all, we offer tailored prep to every student in any of our programs, whether it’s our personalized CASPer test prep courses, MMI prep, med applications review, and so on.

But if you are worried that we only help those who score high, think again! We understand that it may take you a couple of times to get to that coveted 520 score – a score that will get you accepted to most medical schools in Canada and the US:

“Amanda Thompson was really helpful in my post-test strategy session today. One thing I really liked about the session was that she seemed to genuinely care about my progress. I also appreciated that she was not judgmental about my lower score (as I have found that some previous consultants have been a little judgmental). Overall, she made me feel a little more confident despite not doing super well on my last practice test.” – Erica Vaz, BeMo student

 

So if you do not get this score on your first try, we will let you repeat our MCAT prep program for free!

Why do we provide such bold guarantees? Because we are certain in our ability to help you achieve your goal score and get into the program of your dreams. We are ready to provide you with unlimited personalized prep to make sure you are absolutely ready for the test!

Are you wondering what makes the MCAT challenging?

Do I Need an MCAT Prep Course?

Start with asking yourself the following questions:

Benefits of Taking an MCAT Prep Course

Looking at the cost outlay for an MCAT prep course can be daunting, especially when you consider the overall medical school cost! The important thing, however, is not to focus on the amount you have to pay, but to consider if you are getting value for your money. You also want your MCAT prep course to put you at ease when necessary. As Rishi, a former BeMo student who got into the Carver College of Medicine, says, when he worked with an MCAT prep course professional, it did “a great job in reducing stress.” 

Here are some benefits for you to consider:

Keep these in mind before you enroll!

FAQs

1. What are the different types of MCAT prep courses?

The most common types of MCAT prep courses are either group courses or private courses. We recommend one-on-one private courses, as they allow for more focus on your personal improvement. 

2. Will an MCAT prep course actually help me improve my MCAT score?

A private one-on-one approach is sure to help you improve your score, as long as you put in the work.

3. What are the benefits of taking an MCAT prep course?

In the short-term, it will help you improve your score and keep you accountable. In the long-term, it will save you money, since you will not need to retake the MCAT again!

4. Are MCAT prep courses worth it?

Yes, if you just want a one-stop shop where you can access all materials, instruction, study schedules and so on, an MCAT prep course could save you a lot of stress.

5. Can I get a good MCAT score without an MCAT prep course?

Yes. A lot of students take the MCAT without enrolling in any prep course and manage to achieve their desired score. 

6. Which is the best MCAT prep course?

Logically, whichever course will help you the most. We recommend one-on-one prep courses and tutoring.

7. What are the disadvantages of MCAT prep classes?

In the short-term, MCAT courses are expensive. But they save you a lot of money in the long term by helping you avoid retaking the MCAT.

8. How can I find an MCAT prep class that is right for me?

Before signing up for the course, do read the independent reviews of the course and talk to some ex-students to get an impartial assessment. Following these few guidelines can help you make the right decision about which MCAT prep class to pick.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting


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1 Comments

Juan Carlos Vazquez

If i struggled in particular pre-req or two –– would you recommend retaking these courses first before beginning to study for the MCAT?

Reply

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hi Juan Carlos! Thank you very much for your question. If you are going to retake a course, you must also restructure your study strategies. Simply retaking a class using the same learning habits might not result in better learning and understanding, or a better grade. The key to successful MCAT prep is developing the right strategies and tactics that allow you to maximize your learning, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of MCAT content. Retaking a class might help, but you must work on your personal study habits to increase comprehension and knowledge of content. I hope this helps your decision. If you have any more questions, let us know!

BeMo Academic Consulting

Juan Carlos, you are the winner of our weekly draw. Please email us by the end of the day tomorrow (October 2nd) at content[at]bemoacademicconsulting.com from the same email address you used to leave your comment to claim your prize!

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