Hello, I was wondering if anyone has any opinions or experiences to share on online or self-paced MCAT courses from companies like Kaplan and Princeton Review. I'm planning to purchase Kaplan's course because I knew people that took it (I saw their stuff once in a while because of that); and I work full time, so taking in-class courses would be out of the question. A small part of it is also that I'm one of those that need something of a study plan to follow. I'd rather hear what folks on SDN has to say about it before I dish out +$1000 on it. Thanks!
Opinions on online/self-paced MCAT courses?
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I don't think spending that much money on MCAT prep is necessary at all. If you need a plan, there are quite a few on here, SN2ed's being the most popular. You would have to keep to the schedule but you would have to do that with any class. Make a planner and stick to it. Most of the MCAT tests reasoning skills that you either have or don't. The rest is content review and any test prep company's book series will prepare you for that. Heck, Khan Academy will prepare you for that.
True. I'm hesitant on dishing out that much money, which is why I came here. I was looking at SN2ed's plans, but they seem to be for the previous MCAT version. I'm more nervous on what materials to get for the new MCAT since all books I inherited from my friends were for the old MCAT. I am also hesitant of how to balance materials from different books while keeping good pace and staying on topic 🙁 I'm such a mess...
I think you should just get the content review books from one test company - choose one and stick with it. They all prepare you well for the exam although some go into more extraneous detail than others. Then use Khan Academy for practice and the practice FLs. Depending on what books you purchase, you will also have more than enough FLs from that company. That, in my opinion, is more than sufficient practice for the MCAT - no thousands of $$$ needed.
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I bought TPR's self paced course. I thought it was a great idea because I got a lot of challenging practice tests (Although not the most representative of the actual exam), and a bunch of passages for some good practice because they are very tough.
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I agree with 'aldol 16'. Before jumping in to any fancy course try out what is on offer. Then I must also admit that it is human nature as to give less importance to anything for free. When you spend a fortune you try to motivate also to make the full use of it. I am just talking in general.
Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciated it! I was looking at some of the schedules and guides from the forum and found that I can re-use my TBR set from pre-2015 MCAT (I even called them to confirm whether or not there were major changes, and the guy said its pretty much the same with the exception of the psych book). So I just ordered the EK1001 set to get some practice. I'm so glad I came here to get some input first before dropping more money than I make in one paycheck.
I also found a set of Kaplan 2010 books, and one IvyHall Review Verbal book, I got during my sophomore year from someone that graduated (I totally forgot I had it). I know this is a long shot, but does anyone know if the practice material is relevant to the new MCAT now in terms of style and content? Other than the writing section, of course.
I also found a set of Kaplan 2010 books, and one IvyHall Review Verbal book, I got during my sophomore year from someone that graduated (I totally forgot I had it). I know this is a long shot, but does anyone know if the practice material is relevant to the new MCAT now in terms of style and content? Other than the writing section, of course.
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How did you decide between the self-paced vs the live online? I am not sure which one to be more valuable because I have heard the live online lectures are not that great. Did you find that you had enough material with the self-paced?
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The 2010 books are of little value at this point as the exam changed pretty significantly in 2015. The content is similar but I would fear that using those books substantially would denigrate your final outcome.
Some physics removed, lots of the orgo removed, bichem added (tested in multiple sections), and psych/soc added.
CARS is very much like the old VR so that might be okay - just know that any science passages in the VR will now be out. Things like humanities, arts, legal, philosophy, etc will be the norm.
I took both the live online and self-paced from Kaplan starting with live first.
What I liked about the live online is that teachers outside of the one on-camera were available to answer any questions whether on that night's topic or not. Additionally, I liked being able to "attend" the live, online mini-lectures on topics not covered in detail during the regular class. Things like kidney, acid/base, etc were all covered in depth in the mini-sessions. Those were gold.
With the self-paced, the only advantage I saw is that you get the AAMC materials with it. Otherwise, not worth the money, imo and I say that having gotten the self-paced for free.
What is worth the money?
Kaplan/TPR books (including practice FLs)
ALL AAMC materials (including the flashcards)
Khan Academy especially for the CARS pieces and any science review
Coursera (yes, for somethings like A&P, I found the Duke professors excellent and the course an excellent refresher pre-MCAT)
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I am currently torn between taking the Kaplan live online course and self-studying.
Firstly, it's obviously really expensive and probably not super useful. Plus, it's six hours a week and I am enrolled full-time this semester, so I don't know whether or not I can make everything in my life work time-wise. But I am a major, major procrastinator who cannot stay on schedule, and I feel like if I spend money on a course that also meets on a regular basis, I'll at least be reviewing material at a steady pace and will force myself to do it because of all the money I spent. So should I take the course? Or are there any other live courses out there that are cheaper?
Secondly, does Kaplan's live online course also provide access to all the AAMC stuff? They seem to imply this on their website, but I can't find a full breakdown of what all they provide, so I am skeptical.
Firstly, it's obviously really expensive and probably not super useful. Plus, it's six hours a week and I am enrolled full-time this semester, so I don't know whether or not I can make everything in my life work time-wise. But I am a major, major procrastinator who cannot stay on schedule, and I feel like if I spend money on a course that also meets on a regular basis, I'll at least be reviewing material at a steady pace and will force myself to do it because of all the money I spent. So should I take the course? Or are there any other live courses out there that are cheaper?
Secondly, does Kaplan's live online course also provide access to all the AAMC stuff? They seem to imply this on their website, but I can't find a full breakdown of what all they provide, so I am skeptical.
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Kaplan gives you access to all AAMC except for flashcards which are hard stocky
If you can't make an online class session, you can attend a make-up anyway. I found the regular classes to be good because the instructors I had were great at explaining things (get Eli or John if you can)
The live people are also really good at responding to emails to the class and personal ones. The one noted above + Amit always gave guidance and suggestions long after class was over.
No, I don't work for Kaplan 😉
If you can't make an online class session, you can attend a make-up anyway. I found the regular classes to be good because the instructors I had were great at explaining things (get Eli or John if you can)
The live people are also really good at responding to emails to the class and personal ones. The one noted above + Amit always gave guidance and suggestions long after class was over.
No, I don't work for Kaplan 😉
