Cost of MCAT Prep and Application Process

[Osteoth]

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Sorry if I missed this on the search function, but I am currently a third year undergraduate planning on taking the MCAT summer of 2013, graduating June of 2014, and applying in June of 2015.

I was just wondering, over the course of the next few years, how much money should I save up in order to prepare myself for the MCAT and the application process as a whole? I plan on applying to ~30 schools, and since I feel as though the general sense is that MCAT classes are a waste of time/money, just buying books to study on my own.

Thanks,

 

[aSagacious]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=823966

 

[Osteoth]

Thank you! I guess I didn't search the right thing :X

 

[sliceofbread136]

I liked the MCAT class alot. I think it depends on the person. I did have my parents pay for everything though, so if you're strapped for money just get the books.

 

[Osteoth]

I liked the MCAT class alot. I think it depends on the person. I did have my parents pay for everything though, so if you're strapped for money just get the books.

Which class did you take? So far, the reviews on Kaplan have been negative, but Princeton Review have been a bit better.

 

[ur2l8]

For everything, based on what I've seen...runs people from 3k - 10k 🙁
7-8k maybe average??

 

[flodhi1]

Yeah I would definitely imagine 7 grand being the total average especially if you get a decent amount if interviews.

 

[Osteoth]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=823966

Yes, based on this post that seems about the average, especially for flights.

This post is from a D.O. subforum though, are the costs for secondiaries/holds generally the same for allopathic schools?

 

[aSagacious]

Yes, based on this post that seems about the average, especially for flights.

This post is from a D.O. subforum though, are the costs for secondiaries/holds generally the same for allopathic schools?

Yep. The only major difference is in the seat deposits. DO schools are anywhere from $500-2000 (or higher?) whereas MD deposits are usually $0-200.

 

[MT Headed]

My MCAT prep was $500, just a bunch of books.

The application process is usually $5,000-$10,000. Mine was on the high side, but I live in a remote area with costly flights, and I have expensive tastes in hotels & food. 😎

 

[sliceofbread136]

Which class did you take? So far, the reviews on Kaplan have been negative, but Princeton Review have been a bit better.

I did princeton review at a site that is known for being very good. I loved it, thought the verbal teacher and physical science teachers in particular were amazing. I think the class was especially good if you haven't seen the content in forever.