Best Podcasts for MCAT Test Preparation

June 25, 2024

minute read

The MCAT is highly challenging. Being one of the most critical aspects of your admission to medical school, it is incredibly stressful. 

If you approach MCAT preparation incorrectly and perform poorly on the exam, your chances of getting into your targeted medical schools will significantly drop.

The truth is that no matter how much science you learn, you will only achieve the top score if you grasp the various MCAT approaches and strategies. Fortunately, there are MCAT prep techniques and strategies that will help you ace the MCAT.  

One such technique is listening to podcasts. 

MCAT podcasts will help you get a strong MCAT score. You are on the right page if you want to know the best podcasts for MCAT preparation.

What are MCAT Podcasts?

Podcasts are collections or series of digital audio recordings available online and can be downloaded or streamed. On almost any topic, including the MCAT, you can discover podcasts.

Numerous podcasts can assist you in understanding the MCAT, learning about success stories, and preparing for the MCAT.

The MCAT podcast segments range from sharing personal stories to providing organized instructions on how to ace the four sections of the MCAT and the different subjects required in the MCAT

These shows feature teachers, residents, and medical students in their podcast interviews. They share tips, suggestions, and recommendations to guide future MCAT test-takers' performance on the MCAT. 

Over the years, many MCAT students have attested that MCAT podcasts are essential to their MCAT preparation. One of the things they attribute to their MCAT success is listening to podcasts.

Podcasts for the MCAT: Pros and Cons 

In addition to learning the different MCAT materials, podcasts are also an excellent way to prepare and improve your knowledge for the MCAT. Some people might argue that listening to podcasts is effective. However, others will counter that it has its disadvantages.

Here are the pros and cons of listening to podcasts as part of your MCAT preparation.

The Pros of Listening to MCAT Podcasts: 

  • MCAT podcasts are free. Preparing for the MCAT is expensive, especially if you’re a student on a limited budget. Hence, resorting to every free MCAT tool and resource you can find is brilliant. 
  • MCAT podcasts offer first-hand experience from people who took the MCAT themselves. You are bound to listen to and learn tips and strategies from students who have seen what the actual MCAT looks like. You will have a better chance of scoring high if you follow their advice. 
  • You can listen to podcasts anytime, anywhere. Unlike MCAT prep courses and programs where you must follow a specific timeframe, you may listen to the best MCAT podcasts at your most convenient time. This is a good plus if you are attending school and working simultaneously.
  • You can multitask while listening to the best podcasts for the MCAT. While this is discouraged as you need to be focused when studying for the MCAT, it is still good to know that if you employ podcasts as an MCAT prep technique, you may also do other tasks. Just ensure that you are one of those people with the skills for this. 

The Cons of Listening to MCAT Podcasts: 

  • MCAT podcasts are not for visual and photographic learners. The MCAT, especially the sciences, includes topics that need illustrations and graphs. Listening to these podcasts without an idea of how the diagrams and graphics look like is challenging, especially if you are a visual learner. 
  • There are fewer MCAT podcasts than MCAT prep books, courses, and MCAT YouTube channels. Even if podcasts are proven to have helped students get a strong MCAT score, their numbers are limited. Most students still prefer using MCAT prep books, prep courses, and MCAT tutoring programs. 
  • Some students find listening to MCAT podcasts tedious. Listening to an interview and lecture by someone without any visuals to focus your attention on is something some students find difficult. But then again, it all depends on your learning style and preference. 

How Should You Utilize Podcasts to Prepare for the MCAT? 

Like other MCAT preparation tools and resources, MCAT podcasts are only as effective as how you use them. Otherwise, you are wasting the time and effort you are putting in. 

Here are a few pointers you need to keep in mind to get the most out of the best podcasts for the MCAT.

Be Selective and Picky about which MCAT podcasts to listen to. 

Everyone can host a podcast these days. Remember that just because a podcast is there does not mean it is reliable and credible. 

Do your research on which ones offer credible information. You can refer to MCAT forums to know which are good and which are not.

Improve your Listening Skills.

The best podcasts for the MCAT are for aural learners. You must have good listening skills to maximize listening to these podcasts. 

Take note that hearing and listening are two completely distinct activities. The MCAT is a universal and standardized exam; you are bound to listen to people with different diction and accents. Be familiar with them.

Take Notes as You Listen to the Best podcasts for the MCAT. 

Make sure you have a notebook on hand so you can take notes when you listen to podcasts. 

Although you can do a playback, writing while you hear is a great way to save time. Practice taking notes as you start listening to the podcasts.

Have Your MCAT Prep Books and Resources with You When You Listen to Podcasts. 

Since there are no illustrations and diagrams in podcasts for the MCAT, it is highly recommended that you have your MCAT prep books ready. Bookmark pages so that you can find the pages more efficiently. 

Listening to the best podcasts for the MCAT while looking at the graphics on your prep books is more effective than merely listening.

Invest Money in a Reputable MCAT Podcast Subscription. 

Spending on the best podcasts for the MCAT can also be a good investment because you already paid about USD 320 on the MCAT and a few hundred dollars on other MCAT preparation. 

The MCAT is a difficult test, so getting your desired score on your first attempt requires all the assistance you can muster.

DO NOT Rely on MCAT Podcasts Alone. 

One of the most efficient methods to prepare for the MCAT is by listening to podcasts. However, relying just on them might not be sufficient. We advise using other MCAT preparation resources and tools. This covers MCAT preparation guides, classes, and tutoring services.

10 Best Podcasts for MCAT Preparation

Here are the best podcasts for the MCAT for your reference.

1. MCAT Mastery Podcast

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 23
  • Podcast Frequency: Weekly  
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Mastery Podcasts About How To Ease Mcat Anxiety

Source: Spotify

MCAT Mastery podcasts provide encouragement, inspiration, and in-depth content from their 30+ MCAT Mastery Mentors, who have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties and setbacks. 

This podcast is for individuals struggling with the MCAT, who need extra motivation, or who want to hear how high scorers studied before you and discover their best strategies. 

Episodes are released every week.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the MCAT Mastery podcast:

2. The MCAT Podcast

  • Price: 
  • Premium – USD 1.79 per month
  • Premium Plus – USD 2.39 per month 
  • Number of Episodes: 274
  • Podcast Frequency: Weekly 
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Mcat Podcast About The Biggest Mistakes When Preparing For The Mcat
  • Source: The MCAT Podcast Official Website

A partnership between the Medical School Headquarters and Blueprint MCAT Prep, the MCAT Podcast is available to guarantee that you possess the necessary knowledge to excel on the day of your MCAT exam. 

We are all aware that passing the MCAT is one of the significant challenges to becoming a doctor. You might get the motivation and information you need by listening to this podcast to help you get the grade you merit in order to one day use the title "doctor" for yourself.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the MCAT Podcast:

3. Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 100 
  • Podcast Frequency: Every two days 
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Prospective Doctor Podcast About The Journey To Becoming A Physician

Source: Player.FM

Anyone thinking about or pursuing a career in medicine should consider the Prospective Doctor podcast

Doctors with admissions committee experience offer advice, methods, and personal stories to help pre-med students succeed in pursuing a career in medicine

Guest speakers provide advice on choosing a medical specialty, applying for residency, and applying to medical school

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the Prospective Doctor podcast:

4. The Pre-Med Years 

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 494
  • Podcast Frequency: Every Wednesday
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Pre-Med Years Podcast About The Different Mcat Faqs

Source: Player.FM

The Pre-Med Years podcast is award-nominated. It has everything you need to know if you are having trouble with your pre-med journey, figuring out the best techniques to study for the MCAT, or attempting to understand how to apply to medical school. 

The Pre-Med Years is like having a pre-med adviser in your pocket, including interviews with admissions committee members and directors and motivational tales from those who have come before you. 

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the Pre-Med Years podcast:

  • Technology and the Future of Medicine for Pre-Meds
  • Clinging to Med Traditions and Where We are Today
  • BTS of an Osteopathic Med School Admissions Office

5. GroSeries: An MCAT Review Podcast

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 15 
  • Podcast Frequency: Twice a month  
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Groseries Podcast About Senses, Sleep, And Drugs

Source: Player.FM

The MCAT content review podcast GroSeries was created to provide an overview of a wide range of topics, beginning with a thorough examination of psychology and sociology and moving on to biology and biochemistry.

This podcast is an excellent additional resource for students preparing for a future in medicine because each episode is jam-packed with plenty of information.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the GroSeries podcast:

6. Medical Mnemonist Podcast

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 102
  • Podcast Frequency: Weekly  
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Medical Mnemonist Podcast About Boosting Mcat Score

Source: Medical Mnemonist Official Website

MD education innovation for pre-med, medical, PA, and nursing students. For the MCAT, COMLEX, USMLE, NCLEX, PANCE, and any other healthcare board exam you may need, there are mnemonics, memory palaces, speed reading, study hacks, and mind maps you can use.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the Medical Mnemonist podcast:

7. MCAT Modules Podcast

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 60
  • Podcast Frequency: Weekly 
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Mcat Modules Podcast About Peptide Bonds

Source: Anchor.FM 

The MCAT Modules podcast is created to review the Khan Academy MCAT videos. The episodes focus on the different topics required for the MCAT. If you are struggling with these topics, you must listen to this podcast established by Hamza Taj. 

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the MCAT Modules podcast:

8. Doomsday Prepper's Guide to the MCAT Podcast 

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 11
  • Podcast Frequency: Every Month 
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Doomsday Prepper’s Guide Podcast About Mcat Biochemistry

Source: Spotify

Doomsday Prepper’s Guide podcast focuses on the different subjects required for the MCAT. This podcast can be used as an addition to your MCAT prep, for general enrichment, lifelong learning, or to sate your need for scientific information.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the Doomsday Prepper’s Guide podcast:

9. MCAT Flash Go Podcast

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 59
  • Podcast Frequency: Weekly  
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Mcat Flash Go Podcast About Hydrogen Bonding

Source: Anchor.FM 

Pre-medical students getting ready to take the MCAT should listen to the MCAT Flash Go podcast. Every week, a brand-new episode of the show will be made available. It features a question-of-the-day format.

You will learn tricks and tactics in this podcast to help you perform well on the MCAT and ultimately become a doctor.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the MCAT Flash Go podcast:

10. The MCAT CARS Podcast

  • Price: Free
  • Number of Episodes: 121
  • Podcast Frequency: Weekly  
Screenshot Of One Of The Mcat Episodes Of The Mcat Cars Podcast About Understanding Passage Structures

Source: Feedspot

Thousands of future doctors have nightmares about the CARS section of the MCAT every night. 

Whether you're an ESL student, lack reading confidence, or are a slow reader, Jack Westin  and the Medical School Headquarters are here to help you score higher in every part so you can be sure you are ready to get the MCAT score of your dreams.

Sample MCAT episodes to check out on the MCAT CARS podcast:

Summary Table of the Best Podcasts for the MCAT

Podcast Name

Price

Number of Episodes

Podcast Frequency 

MCAT Mastery

Free

23

Weekly

The MCAT Podcast

Premium – USD 1.79 per month


Premium Plus – USD 2.39 per month

274

Weekly

Prospective Doctor (from MedSchoolCoach)

Free

100

Every two days

The Pre-Med Years

Free

494

Every Wednesday

Medical Mnemonist Podcast

Free

102

6 every year

Medical Mnemonist Podcast

Free

102

Weekly

MCAT Modules Podcast

Free

60

Weekly

Doomsday Prepper's Guide to the MCAT

Free

11

Every month

MCAT Flash Go

Free

59

Weekly

MCAT CARS Podcast

Free

121

Weekly

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