Did you take an MCAT prep course?

[pinfeathers6]

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Just wondering -- for all of you who took the MCAT already, did you take a prep course? If so, what one and what was your MCAT score? Also, what did you think of the course?

Thanks!😀

 

[dookbloo]

princeton review, 35, total waste of money. just get the books from someone

 

[Hawaiiandoc04]

I think this should be in the MCAT forum. . .but I will answer your question anyways. I got a 35Q taking kaplan. I thought that kaplan was alright and only because my parents are rich that I decided to shell out the $1400. If I were not so wealthy, I would definately not have taken the course and honestly, I would have probably done just as well. As long as you feel you have a decent science background, then you can re-learn the stuff yourself and practice on your own. The kaplan teachers don't offer anything earth-shattering... The training library (the place where all of the practice materials are) is kind of a nuisance because you can not take the materials out of there. You can find just as good study materials else where for a fraction of the cost of the tuition. As far as courses keeping one on schedule, I know so many people who did not even follow the schedule, including myself. I got bored of going to classes because they take 25min to go over material that would take me 5min to understand on my own. Also, I felt that all of the physical science passages that Kaplan devises are not worth much because they are way beyond the scope of the actual MCAT. People say that it is better to practice with harder material so that the actual test will not freak you out, I agree with this but Kaplan's physical science has gone too far with this notion.

 

[tygrwds]

I took Kaplan 2 years ago, and the best I could muster was a 25P this past August. I did OK on the PS and BS, but horribly on the verbal. Kaplan obviously didn't help me in the verbal department. I was alright with the PS material, but spent half the time lost with the biology. It would've helped me to have taken some relevant upper division classes before taking the prep course.

The teachers were insightful (they were all students at OHSU), but the commute was a headache (40min each way, $5 for parking).

Basically, if you have the $$$ and need structured curriculum, then I would recommend it. But, you need to take advantage of their study materials, or you will gain nothing. If you are motivated to study on your own (or with friends), then save yourself some money and buy some books (examkrackers, kaplan, etc.) and practice tests.

Also, my classes were on Saturday and Sunday, which gave me classes 7 days/week. If you decide to opt for a test prep course, schedule your classes carefully.

 

[AthanasiusJam]

I took Kaplan (and now also teach the course) and got an 11+11+11+P (Their diagnostic put me at 22 for a starting score). I put in a fair amount of studying but I know I could've done atleast two points better If I used all of the resources the Kaplan centers are all stocked with.

I do definitely believe in review courses, of any kind, for help with the MCAT, but it will probably rely on what type of person you are. I know a guy at my school who got a 38 using only the four tests found at www.e-mcat.com .

I personally find myself someone who performs better with more testing material, which wasnot even truly for the knowledge within the test, but rather for things like learning to time oneself and test-stamina training (at the end of the test your head will feel like a vacuum).

Just as a side note, if you still have latitude to choose your major, choose biochemistry. People who majored in that, I have found from seeing MCAT results broken down by major from my school, tended to do the best.

 

[Robz]

I did Kaplan and had a crap score. I studied on my own with all the book from Kaplan, PR, and others and did much better. I just wish I knew that before I blew the 1000 bucks. 🙁 At least I gave all my MCAT books away so someone else didn't have to do what I did.

 

[Bones2008]

For me the best things that Kaplan offered were their timed full-day practice tests. The experience helped a lot on test day. In terms of instruction, though, I found that Kaplan offered helpful reminders of what I should know but was somewhat incompetent in terms of teaching the material. ExamKrackers is by far the best study aid out there. The books are pricey, but they're worth every penny. In fact, if you're disciplined enough to completely self-direct your study, do full-day tests, etc., go for ExamKrackers and the AAMC practice tests. That'll save you about a grand.

 

[Nor2themax]

I took PR and got a 33N. My last practice exame I got a 33S. Bombed the writing on the real day 🙁 I thought it was very helpful.... if you go to all the classes and DO THE ASSIGNMENTS. It takes a lot of motivation

Nora

 

[Fritz]

Did not take a prep course, but did lots, lots, lots practice tests. At first with no timer, and then timed.
I think all of us know the material, the most important part is to get to know the type of questions MCAT will be asking.
Good luck!

 

[Sweet Tea]

took Kaplan, but supplemented with EK books b/c i needed extra help in physical science as i hadn't seen the material in 6 years and didn't pay much attention when i had it. the best thing about kaplan was the access to all the practice tests-- that alone was worth the $$ to me. i got a 32S (i think it was an S...might have been an R. i really didn't care about the writing score.)

 

[ad_sharp]

I didn't take any prep course because I don't have the 1000+ dollars that one costs. If you can study on your own or with a friend that will motivate you, I recommend saving your cash. I studied my class notes, Kaplan MCAT Comprehensive Review, and The MCAT Physics Book from Nova Press. I don't have a stellar score (32P), but it will be enough to get to where I need to go. Be sure to work plenty of practice tests and take many upper division courses at your school and you will be fine. All things considered, I spent very little time studying specifically for the MCAT. I devoted myself to making sure that I understood everything in my classwork. If you are a dedicated student, most of the MCAT will be review of the concepts that you have already learned.

 

[greggth]

Kaplan, 41. It helped me a lot. I needed a classroom review course; I don't think it mattered what company it was.