The Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Course Review

February 20, 2024

minute read

The MCAT is a significant commitment; you must make the most of your MCAT preparation to get a strong MCAT score on your first try.  

While some students can succeed on the MCAT independently, others require additional help, such as MCAT tutors and MCAT prep courses

Princeton Review is one of the MCAT prep courses that have built a good reputation for helping students achieve their target score on the MCAT. Students who enrolled in their MCAT prep courses throughout the years assert that it is what enabled them to pass the difficult MCAT exam.

This article is a thorough review of the Princeton Review MCAT prep course. We will discuss the many MCAT prep bundles they provide, their prices, and the pros and cons. If you want to know more, please stay on this page. 

What is the Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Course?

Princeton Review Official Website

The Princeton Review, a provider of educational services, was established in 1981 and assists students with tutoring, test preparation, and admissions. More than 400 million students have benefited from Princeton Review since that time.

The Princeton Review was started by John Katzman, a recent graduate of Princeton University. He had been conducting his SAT coaching business from his Upper West Side apartment. However, Princeton University is not associated with The Princeton Review.

For any aspiring medical student, Princeton Review provides a vast assortment of preparation courses. 

The Princeton Review MCAT prep courses are based on varying levels of instruction, content accessibility, and guarantees. The prep courses comprise all of the content published by the AAMC and include 16 comprehensive online practice tests.

The thorough score reports used to assess a student's progress are a cool element of the Princeton Review MCAT prep course as well. A student's progress on the course's diagnostic examinations for each MCAT subject is tracked.

These diagnostic tests will help students focus on the areas they need to improve while saving them time. Students can concentrate on the material they struggled with the most by using the 16 practice tests' thorough score reports.

Who Needs the Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses? 

Princeton Review MCAT prep courses are for students with extra budget who need help with their MCAT preparation

In addition, Princeton Review MCAT prep courses are for students who learn best from guided instruction, whether online or face-to-face instruction. It is okay that not all students can prepare for the MCAT on their own or with a home study or on-demand program. 

The Princeton Review MCAT prep courses are thorough and contain all the information you need for the MCAT (and maybe even a little extra). Their courses are for you if you feel more at ease using a program with a solid reputation that has helped many people just like you perform well on the MCAT.

Additionally, Princeton Review offers an MCAT prep course that covers every subject on the MCAT if you feel you are falling behind in your MCAT preparation and would benefit from a lot of assistance with all of the MCAT's parts.

The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses: What Does it Include? 

One of the most effective methods of MCAT preparation to achieve a high MCAT score is to enroll in MCAT prep courses.

When you enroll in the Princeton Review MCAT prep courses, you also get the following:

Princeton Review 510+ MCAT Score Guarantee

A 510+ score guarantee is alluring because it triples the acceptance rate into admissions programs

The 510+ Princeton Review MCAT prep course substantially improves the program as a whole. It is highly regarded and one of the qualities for which Princeton Review is renowned. Historically, there have been fewer than 2% of refunds for the course as it stands.

Princeton Review MCAT Subject Review Books 

Aside from the MCAT prep course itself, when you enroll in Princeton Review MCAT prep courses, you also get access to their MCAT subject review books. 

These review books are essential in your MCAT preparation because they contain all the concepts covered on the MCAT.

Princeton Review MCAT Diagnostic Tests

Taking MCAT diagnostic tests is crucial in your MCAT journey. They are an essential tool to help you identify your weak areas. 

Once you are aware of the topics you need to improve on, you can create a study plan to help you make the most of your MCAT preparation. 

Princeton Review MCAT Full-Length Exams

No MCAT preparation is complete without taking full-length practice exams. When enrolling in Princeton Review MCAT prep courses, you have 16 practice exams. 

These practice exams are important because they familiarize you with how the questions and passages on the MCAT are structured

MCAT practice exams also give you the feeling of confidence so that when you do take the MCAT, it won’t feel as if it is your first time taking the test.

Princeton Review Practice Questions

Answering practice questions are also an effective way to prepare for the MCAT. By regularly answering MCAT practice questions, you tend to remember key concepts, definitions, and equations

Thus, as the day of the MCAT approaches, it will be easier for you to remember all this information.   

Princeton Review MCAT Live Instruction Hours 

Unlike other MCAT prep courses that offer self-study programs, Princeton Review includes live instruction hours for their students. 

You get to join an online meeting with an MCAT expert who shares ideas and insights on how to succeed on the MCAT. You should take advantage of this chance to ask any queries you may have. 

Access to MedFlix Videos 

MedFlix is a collection of videos about the different topics that are covered in the MCAT. These videos are helpful, especially when you do not feel like reading a textbook during your MCAT preparation. 

You can just click on these videos and take down notes as you watch these informative clips.

Access to AAMC MCAT Materials 

The AAMC, being the administering body of the MCAT, provides reliable materials that you will need for the MCAT. 

Enrolling in Princeton Review MCAT prep courses gives you full access to these materials, which is a sure way to help you better prepare for the MCAT. Other MCAT prep companies do not offer this advantage.

The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses Pricing Options

One of the best MCAT preparation programs is Princeton Review, but it is also one of the priciest. But as many of their students will attest, Princeton Review has helped them improve their MCAT results, making the price tag worthwhile.

The Princeton Review's MCAT prep courses are thoroughly broken down below.

Princeton Review Live Online MCAT Prep Course

Princeton Review Sample Princeton Review Live Online Course on Biology

Price

What’s Included?

USD 2,349

- 11 MCAT books


- 35 MCAT diagnostic tests


- 40 live instruction hours


- 500+ videos on MedFlix


- 16 complete practice exams


- Thousands of practice questions


- 24/7 accessibility to all materials


- Accessible AAMC practice materials


- Access to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)


- Medical School Admissions Sessions with an Advantage


- The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review MCAT 513+ Prep Course

Princeton Review 513 Guarantee courses

Source: Princeton Review Official Website 

Price

What’s Included?

Price: USD 2,949

- 513+ score guarantee


- 11 MCAT books


- 123 live instruction hours


- 500+ Videos on MedFlix


- 16 complete practice exams


- Thousands of practice questions


- 1:1 mentoring session with an MCAT expert 


- Access to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)


- Online flashcards included in all official AAMC products


- Medical School Admissions Sessions with an Advantage


- The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review MCAT 515+ Immersion Prep Course

Princeton Review MCAT 515+ Immersion Prep Course

Price

What’s Included?

USD 6,799

- 515+ score guarantee


- 11 MCAT books


- 16 full-length practice tests


- 4 subject-specific practice tests


- Personalized study advisor on-demand


- Unlimited continuous on-demand tutoring


- 500+ MCAT lessons available on MedFlix


- Access to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)


- Facilitated by certified online teaching professionals


- Quick access to all of Princeton Review MCAT resources


- Extended practice on each subject plus adaptive drilling tools


- 860+ hours of teaching, practice, and support, including 195 hours of live coaching from MCAT professionals


- The Princeton Review Guarantee

Princeton Review Winter Bootcamp Prep Course

Price:

Princeton Review Winter Bootcamp Prep Course

Price

What’s Included?

USD 2,399

- 11 MCAT books

- 500+ videos on MedFlix

- 40 live instruction hours

- 35 MCAT diagnostic tests 

- 16 complete practice exams

- 24/7 accessibility to all materials

- Thousands of practice questions

- Access to all AAMC-approved MCAT materials 

- Access only to MCAT Topic Focus (worth $1,399)

- Medical School Admissions Sessions with an Advantage

- The Princeton Review Guarantee

The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses Pros and Cons

The Princeton Review MCAT prep courses have advantages and limitations, much like other MCAT preparation programs. 

You must carefully consider your options in order to decide which is the most worthwhile financial investment.

The following Princeton Review MCAT prep course benefits and drawbacks might help you decide if it is something you would want to try.

The Pros of The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses:

  • The Princeton Review MCAT prep books are incredible and simply reliable. The prep materials are a standout perk of the Princeton Review MCAT prep courses. Eleven (11) printed prep books are included in their bundle, which saves you more than 100 hours of preparation work.
  • The Princeton Review MCAT prep courses offer a significantly more thorough material review than other MCAT prep companies. You will also have access to hundreds of hours of top-quality video content, practice exams, and thorough explanations. They clearly pay attention to content review, and they spend a lot of your time on the essential information that will help you when the real test rolls around.
  • There are 16 full-length exams. Princeton Review offers the largest number of practice exams. As stated previously, taking MCAT full-length exams are essential in your MCAT preparation. With Princeton Review, you get more than enough practice exams to answer. 
  • MCAT prep materials are provided when you enroll in Princeton Review MCAT prep courses. They do not need to be purchased separately, unlike in other MCAT test prep companies. This somehow compensates for the high price tags that they ask from their customers.
  • You get to experience live instruction hours that are facilitated by MCAT experts. This is a good venue for you to ask questions about the different MCAT topics that you are having difficulties with. These MCAT experts also share tips on performing well on the MCAT during live instruction hours.
  • You are guaranteed a 510+ score. Most students who enrolled in Princeton Review MCAT prep courses indeed can achieve this score, and for them, they wouldn’t have been able to do so without the materials and prep course from Princeton Review.

The Cons of The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Courses:

  • The Princeton Review MCAT prep courses are expensive. Their MCAT prep courses are priced on the higher end, and if you factor in any optional extras, you could easily spend a fortune enrolling with them. They do, however, make up for it by frequently giving discounts.
  • The materials for the MCAT CARS section lack content. While some of their courses are outstanding, others fall short of your expectations for their level of detail. Their course for the CARS section is only somewhat average. Given the time allotted for CARS, it falls short of students’ expectations for thoroughness.
  • While 500+ videos about the different MCAT topics are a good thing for others, this may seem a lot and overwhelming to others. Additionally, with so many videos to watch, some students do not know which one to prioritize over the others.
  • Some of the explanations in the practice questions lack depth and details. This is a crucial drawback since part of your MCAT preparation requires you to analyze why your answers are correct or incorrect.

The Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Course Users’ Experience

Over the years, Princeton Review has gained popularity as a good MCAT prep company. They have assisted thousands of students to achieve their dreams of becoming a doctor through the different MCAT prep programs they offer. 

A 4.6 rating (excellent) on Trustpilot shows that they provide a fantastic service to their clients. Note, however, that this rating is for the different test prep they offer, such as SAT, ACT, LSAT, USMLE, and NCLEX, among others. 

For your reference, here are a few feedbacks and testimonials from clients who avail of the Princeton Review MCAT prep courses. 

Princeton Review Google Reviews 1
Princeton Review Google Reviews 2
Princeton Review TrustPilot Reviews 1
Princeton Review TrustPilot Reviews 2

Princeton Review MCAT Supplemental Resources 

Aside from MCAT prep courses, Princeton Review offers other MCAT programs and resources to help you prepare for the MCAT. 

Below are some of them:

Verdict: Is Princeton Review MCAT Prep Course Worth it?

The Princeton Review provides high-quality MCAT prep resources. They have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with for aiding students in doing well on the MCAT over the course of 40 years.

Without a doubt, Princeton Review is definitely worth a try…if you have the budget. 

However, the Princeton Review MCAT prep courses are pricey; their least expensive package costs USD 2,349. This sum might be a lot for medical students who also have to pay for additional MCAT preparation resources and academic requirements.

There are other alternatives for students looking for more affordable alternative prep courses from experienced MCAT mentors and experts. If you are unsure if the prep courses from The Princeton Review are suitable for you – then how about you check out the MCAT Mastery prep courses

We at MCAT Mastery also have a variety of courses and programs that will help you get through your MCAT with a high score

MCATMastery Strategy Course

Additional FAQs – The Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Course Review

Are MCAT Prep Courses Expensive?

MCAT prep courses can be expensive. If you look at Princeton Review, Kaplan, or Blueprint, you can tell that the different MCAT prep courses they offer are pricey.

On the other hand, other MCAT prep courses are less expensive than others. MCAT Mastery is one of the most affordable MCAT prep courses there is today.

How Long is an MCAT Prep Course? 

The duration of the different MCAT prep courses offered by various MCAT prep companies varies from one program to another. 

Some MCAT prep courses take only weeks and are much cheaper. 

Furthermore, other MCAT prep courses take months to finish. These are the more comprehensive programs and, therefore, need longer duration. 

Depending on where you are on your MCAT preparation and how much help you need, you can opt for either short-term or long-term MCAT prep courses. 

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About the Author

We're a team of future doctors passionate about giving back and mentoring other future doctors! All mentors on the team are top MCAT scorers and we all are committed to seeing you succeed in achieving your physician dreams ???? To help you achieve your goal MCAT score, we take turns hosting these Live MCAT Courses and are also available for 1:1 private tutoring!

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