I second the Berkeley Review as a course. A little background on my situation might shine some light on things. I took the MCAT in September 2018 and did well (516) but completely faceplanted on CARS. I applied this cycle and while I got a good number of secondaries, I'm on hold for one interview and nothing else. I'm still holding out hope but know I need to take the MCAT again to raise my CARS. I studied on my own the first time and can attest firsthand that it is possible to do well with self study if you use the right materials and are dedicated to it every day, even if it's just an hour.
This time I chose to take a class, because I'm super nervous my C/P and B/B scores might drop. I am more stressed this time than my first time. 🙁 Against the suggestions I got here, I decided to take a prep class. I chose TBR because the author of the chemistry books is the actual teacher for the class and I loved (and I mean LOVED) their chemistry and physics books. I've been in class two weeks and I can say it is the best thing I could have ever done for the MCAT. I should have done it the first time because I wouldn't be doing it a second time. I get that classes are expensive (mine was $1700) but it is so absolutely worth every penny if for no other reason than how time efficient it is. Lectures are WAY, WAY better than any reading or video you will find. It's with the f*$@ing author! The guy just has this amazing way of making everything make sense.
So if you are considering a class, trust yourself no matter how many people say no to a course. Maybe I got really lucky with this class and other courses are not very good, but I am far more energized being in class than I was studying on my own and most of us stay after to study for hours. It is really motivational in a positive way. There is something I am enjoying about being around other people studying as hard as I am and just as committed. My MCAT is two months away and I'm feeling on target.
