Hi there,
I did not take a MCAT prep course as I did not have the time back when I took the MCAT. Maybe it was luck or someting else, but I did OK without one.
I did attend our recent Kaplan versus Princeton Review head-to-head presentation at our convention in Washinton, DC. I had a chance to listen to both presentations and review the course materials from both companies. Here is my unbiased opinion based on my review:
First, you need to determine what your needs are. Do you have a knowledge deficit or need intense refreshment of material that you took in courses long ago? Do you need help with test-taking skills or reading comprehension? Do you need help with both?
After determining your needs, you need to figure out how much time you can devote to a MCAT review course. If you have to work full-time or cannot meet the course schedule, you might do better on your own with one of the audio or video courses in addition to working through a good review book.
If you can devote the time, and the money, (these courses are in the $1,500 range) then you need to investigate the differences between Kaplan and Princeton Review. Both offer courses in most of the larger cities and both have different options.
In terms of course materials, Princeton Review beats Kaplan by miles. They acquired Hyperlearning back in the late 1990s and have coursebooks that are very detailed in terms of how to approach the MCAT and how to solve problems. They also have more hours in class than Kaplan.
Kaplan tends to have better instructors and more practice tests. They also have more centers nationwide and more options other than just attending a course. If you are the type of student who tends to be very dependent on an instructor, then Kaplan is going to be more suited to your needs.
Both Princeton Review and Kaplan have options for you to obtain help online and in class. Both have the option of re-taking the course if your score is not what you expected. Both have extensive pre-course assessment tools.
Again, you have to determine what your needs are and determine which method of preparation will best meet them. These are expensive courses and you should be the most informed consumer and get your needs met for the money.
I have no bias for or against any form of commercial MCAT preparation other than to say, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the testing methods utilized by this exam. You also need to plan on taking this exam only ONE time after careful and diligent preparation. As a former member of an admissions committee, I automatically red-flagged anyone with more than two attempts on this exam without significant improvement on the second attempt.
Check out the websites of many different methods of commercial MCAT prep and see what fits your needs.
Good luck and happy reviewing!
Natalie 