Best MCAT Prep (November 2026): Courses, Books and Apps Ranked
The best MCAT prep for most students is official AAMC practice plus a strong question bank like UWorld, because the exam rewards passage reasoning more than memorizing a brand-name course. Add Kaplan or Blueprint if you need a full course with books and schedule structure, Magoosh if your budget is tight, and free Khan Academy content review. StudySim is on this list too, but it is not a full MCAT course. We build StudySim, so keep that in mind as you read this entry.
Updated November 7, 2026. Prices were checked on each vendor's official page on that date (Kaplan list prices from kaptest.com/mcat course cards when the site blocked automated fetch).
| Use case | Best MCAT prep pick | Price from (checked Nov 7, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Official practice that matches the real exam | AAMC Official Prep | Free planning tools; low-cost official practice products |
| Practice questions with deep explanations | UWorld MCAT QBank | QBank from $339; Core from $599; Comprehensive from $1,199 |
| Full course with many practice tests | Kaplan MCAT | On Demand from $1,599; Live Online from $2,699 |
| Visual self-paced or live online course | Blueprint MCAT | Self-Paced $1,199; Live Online $1,999; 515+ $2,999 |
| Live instruction with a 515+ track | The Princeton Review | Self-Paced from $1,599; 515+ Course from $3,499 |
| Budget video course | Magoosh MCAT | 1 Month Premium $379; 12 Month Premium $399 |
| Free content review and passages | Khan Academy MCAT | Free |
| Spaced-repetition flashcards | Anki | Free desktop app; AnkiWeb sync free |
| Practice quizzes from your own notes (not a full course) | StudySim | Free tools; Pro $1 for 3 days, then $20/month or $120/year |
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How we ranked the best MCAT prep
There isn’t a single best MCAT prep for everyone. Depending on your baseline MCAT performance, available study time (number of months), need for accountability (live classes, etc.), and budget, different options make sense for different students. That said, self-study (which can involve a question bank and official AAMC materials) can be an alternative to pricier all-in-one MCAT classes, unless added structure/accountability is specifically desired. Rather than trying to pick a winner, we’ve tried our best to comprehensively review/rank the different types of MCAT prep resources/courses available.
We ranked options on five criteria: (1) how close the practice is to the real exam, (2) quality of explanations, (3) whether you get a full content review or only practice, (4) free tier or trial, and (5) list price checked on November 7, 2026. Note that all pricing/availability information was pulled from the respective vendor’s website (in Kaplan’s case, from the Kaplan MCAT prep course cards hosted on kaptest.com/mcat, as we weren’t able to successfully headlessly scrape Kaplan’s site).
Official facts about the exam itself come from the AAMC. The MCAT is the Medical College Admission Test administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges. StudySim's own MCAT practice test page notes the exam's four content areas and the 230-question length; use AAMC materials as the source of truth for scoring and registration. We also plan a dedicated MCAT study plan post (coming soon at /blog/mcat-study-plan).
Best MCAT prep compared
We’d recommend using the below table to identify 2-3 potential resources/courses that might work for you, and then reviewing our comments/opinions below on each resource/course. For most students, a combination of official AAMC materials + one question bank/course is likely all that’s needed – there’s probably not much added value in signing up for 3-5 different question banks/courses.
| Tool | Best for | Free tier | Paid price (checked Nov 7, 2026) | Platforms | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAMC Official Prep | Exam-true practice | Free planning and study resources | Low-cost official practice products | Web | Written by the test developers |
| UWorld | QBank explanations | 7-day trial with sample questions | QBank from $339; Core from $599; Comprehensive from $1,199 | Web, mobile | 3,000+ questions with visual explanations |
| Kaplan | Full course + many FLs | Check Kaplan site for current free options | On Demand from $1,599; Live Online from $2,699 | Web, live online, in person | 21 full-length practice tests |
| Blueprint | Visual self-paced / live | Free trial of Self-Paced (no card) | Self-Paced $1,199; Live Online $1,999; 515+ $2,999 | Web, live online | 5,000+ Qbank questions; 10 practice exams |
| Princeton Review | Live 515+ track | Self-Paced free trial listed | Self-Paced from $1,599; 515+ from $3,499 | Web, LiveOnline | 123 live hours on 515+ Course |
| Magoosh | Budget video course | 7-day free trial | $379 (1 month) or $399 (12 months) | Web, mobile | 380+ videos; +10 score guarantee |
| Khan Academy | Free content + passages | Free | Free | Web | AAMC partnership; free for everyone |
| Anki | Flashcard retention | Desktop app free | Free (AnkiWeb sync free) | Desktop, AnkiMobile (paid on iOS) | Spaced repetition you control |
| StudySim | Quizzes from your notes | 1 run signed out; 3/month free account | Pro $1 for 3 days, then $20/month or $120/year | Web | Free 25-question MCAT sample + AI quiz from notes |
If you want broader study apps beyond MCAT prep, see our roundups of the best study apps and AI study tools.
1. AAMC Official Prep: best MCAT prep for exam-true practice
What it does
Regardless of which (if any) MCAT prep course/question bank you decide to use, we’d highly recommend incorporating official AAMC practice materials (particularly full-length practice exams) towards the latter portion of your MCAT prep to ensure your MCAT test-day performance/timing expectations are in line with your official AAMC practice performance.
Standout features
Some of these materials (official MCAT practice exams, section/question banks, CARS practice/diagnostic tool) can be accessed/purchased through the AAMC Prep Hub, and some materials (Official Prep products) may be available for free to students that qualify for/receive Fee Assistance. Go to the prepare for the MCAT page of the AAMC.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Official practice from the test developers | Focused on official practice products |
| Free planning tools plus Fee Assistance benefits | Paid practice products add up if you buy every pack |
| Useful near the end of a study plan | Official products, not a third-party QBank |
Pricing
We’d encourage double-checking pricing/availability with the respective MCAT prep resource before making a purchase.
2. UWorld: best MCAT prep for practice questions
What it does
UWorld offers an MCAT QBank (question bank) consisting of 3,000+ MCAT practice questions w/ detailed (and typically visually-appealing) answer explanations. UWorld also offers MCAT review courses (Core and Comprehensive) that layer in additional MCAT content review materials (books) on top of their QBank.
Standout features
The QBank also includes additional study aid tools/features (spaced repetition flashcards, AI-powered MCAT study assistant/tutor [UAsk], analytics/reporting, MCAT studying/planning tool, etc.), and comes with two full-length UWorld-developed MCAT practice exams. The Comprehensive Course tacks on 1,300+ additional video content review lessons, (digital + physical) content review books, seven official AAMC MCAT practice exams, and access to the AAMC Official Prep Online Bundle (worth $405 according to UWorld).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Explanations that teach the "why" with visuals | QBank alone is not a full live course |
| QBank, Core and Comprehensive tiers | Sold as dated access periods on UWorld's site |
| Comprehensive bundles official AAMC practice | Higher tiers cost as much as a mid-range course |
Pricing
As of November 7, 2026 on UWorld's MCAT QBank page: QBank starting at $339, Core Prep Course starting at $599, Comprehensive Prep Course starting at $1,199.
3. Kaplan: best full MCAT prep course with many practice tests
What it does
Kaplan offers a comprehensive MCAT prep course (available in On Demand, Live Online, and In Person formats), likely best-suited for students looking for an all-in-one solution that includes content review materials (videos) and a high number of full-length MCAT practice exams (Kaplan touts 21 in most of their MCAT courses).
Standout features
Live Online includes 42 hours of live, interactive, instructor-led (by a high MCAT scorer) video lessons, while On Demand provides pre-recorded lessons (so you can view on your own time/schedule).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very high full-length practice test count | List prices are among the highest on this list |
| Live Online and In Person if you need accountability | Can be more course than a disciplined self-studier needs |
| On Demand option without live class times | Sale prices can differ from list |
Pricing
Kaplan MCAT On Demand, Live Online, and In Person courses start at $1,599, $2,699, and $3,399, respectively (though they may be available for less – they were the day we looked). Make sure to double-check Kaplan MCAT prep before signing up.
4. Blueprint: best MCAT prep for visual learners
What it does
Blueprint (formerly Next Step Test Prep) offers MCAT prep courses/packages with an emphasis on high-quality/production value video content review lessons, robust MCAT Qbank (question bank), and (optionally) live online MCAT classes w/ an emphasis on MCAT CARS/other section test-taking strategies. Their main course offerings/tracks are Self-Paced, Live Online, and 515+ Course.
Standout features
Blueprint touts their MCAT Qbank as containing 5,000+ practice MCAT questions, and their course(s) also include 10 full-length MCAT practice exams, content review books (digital + hard copy) addressing all six MCAT content areas/topics, online AAMC practice materials, and (for Live Online) 40 hours of live online MCAT instruction. A free trial of the Self-Paced course is offered without a credit card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong visual lessons and analytics | Full live and 515+ tiers are expensive |
| Free Self-Paced trial with no card | Self-Paced alone still costs over $1,000 |
| Clear Self-Paced vs Live vs 515+ ladder | Score-boost claims have specific completion conditions |
Pricing
As of Blueprint's MCAT courses page on November 7, 2026, the Self-Paced course was $1,199, the Live Online course was $1,999, and the 515+ Course was $2,999.
5. The Princeton Review: best for a structured live 515+ track
What it does
TPR offers a few different flavors/formats of their MCAT course (Self-Paced, LiveOnline, 515+ Course [live instruction-heavy w/ score guarantee*]). Depends on your individual needs/goals/schedule/etc., don’t just go based on which MCAT course has the largest advertised score increase/guarantee, etc.!
Standout features
Self-Paced comes with 500+ hours of video content review, 18 full-length practice MCAT exams, 4,900+ practice MCAT questions, official AAMC practice materials, 8 eBooks, and 365 days of access. The 515+ LiveOnline touts 123 hours of live instruction + a score improvement guarantee (*515+ MCAT score or improve by 15 points or get your money back – see terms).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of live hours on the 515+ track | 515+ list price is $3,499 |
| Self-Paced packs AAMC materials and many FLs | Easy to overbuy relative to a QBank-first plan |
| Score guarantee on qualifying programs | Guarantee has attendance and score conditions |
Pricing
Self-Paced for $1,599 (shown on sale for $1,099), and 515+ Course for $3,499 (shown on sale for $2,799). Princeton Review MCAT prep as of November 7, 2026 There are a few other (live instruction-heavy) course offerings/tracks (Ultimate, Immersion, Bootcamp, etc.) – we’re referencing list price above.
6. Magoosh: best budget MCAT prep course
What it does
Magoosh offers a self-paced video-based MCAT course w/ an emphasis on high-yield/concise content review, MCAT practice questions, and email-based MCAT tutoring/Q&A – likely best for students looking for a more structured/scaffolded (video + questions + emailing tutors w/ questions) MCAT studying/experience/solution that doesn’t cost upwards of $1,000+.
Standout features
Comes with 380+ content review videos, 740+ practice MCAT questions (up to 3 full-length practice exams), MCAT score guarantee* (+10 points on all sections combined), customizable MCAT studying/scheduling, ability to pause your Magoosh account, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12-month plan costs about the same as 1 month | Far fewer practice questions than UWorld or Blueprint |
| Clear +10 score guarantee with stated terms | No live classroom option |
| Free trial and pause feature | AAMC Official Prep is still recommended |
Pricing
From Magoosh MCAT plans on November 7, 2026: 1 Month Premium $379; 12 Month Premium $399 (or 4 payments of $99.75). There’s a 7-day free trial (no cc required).
7. Khan Academy: best free MCAT prep content
What it does
Khan Academy offers free MCAT content review videos + practice MCAT questions/passes addressing all four MCAT sections (CARS, Psych/Soc, Chem/Phys, Bio/Biochem) + topic-specific science MCAT questions. They mention on their website that they plan to continue their MCAT course/content partnership w/ AAMC (so students have continued access to high-quality/free MCAT content). Likely the best (and strong free) free MCAT content currently available – and likely where we’d start if we weren’t purchasing a MCAT course at this point in our MCAT journey.
Standout features
Practice passages cover Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Chemical and Physical Foundations, Psychological/Social/Biological Foundations, and CARS, plus science topic question sets. It is the default free content layer for students who cannot buy a big course yet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free | Not a paid commercial QBank |
| Aligned with AAMC partnership messaging | You still need official AAMC full-lengths |
| Science and CARS practice passages available | Continued AAMC partnership stated on page |
Pricing
Free on Khan Academy's MCAT course.
8. Anki: best free flashcard companion for MCAT prep
What it does
A flashcard program which utilises spaced repetition, Anki is open-source. Not exactly an MCAT course, but (open-source) flashcard app utilizing spaced repetition – can be used by MCAT students to memorize MCAT-relevant info (science terms/vocab, equations/formulas, metabolic pathways, etc.). There are Anki decks available – but depending on your QBank/course/etc. it might be more helpful to create/edit flashcards (esp. for questions/problems you get wrong). should you get/use? See our guides to spaced repetition and how to make flashcards for the method.
Standout features
You have complete control/ability to add/edit/create flashcards + adjust spacing/algorithms/etc.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free desktop flashcard app | Layouts and review timing are customizable |
| Built for spaced review of hard cards | Not a passage-strategy course on its own |
| Works alongside any course or QBank | iOS app is a separate paid download |
Pricing
Anki can be downloaded for free (desktop version) from AnkiWeb. AnkiWeb syncing is free – check out their website for (potential) pricing wrt mobile Anki apps.
9. StudySim: best for practice quizzes from your notes (not a full MCAT course)
What it does
We make StudySim. It is an AI study workspace that turns your class notes and PDFs into quizzes, flashcards and study guides. It is not a full MCAT prep course: it does not replace AAMC practice, a dedicated QBank or a content-review program with MCAT-specific strategy.
Standout features
StudySim offers a free MCAT practice test with 25 original sample questions and explanations across the exam's four content areas. You can also generate a practice quiz from your notes or a PDF when you want extra retrieval practice on weak topics. Pair that with active recall and the methods in how to study effectively.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free MCAT sample set plus quizzes from your own notes | Not a substitute for AAMC or a major QBank |
| Low-cost Pro if you already study from PDFs | Focused on note-based practice tools |
| Useful for daily retrieval between full-lengths | Free runs are limited |
Pricing
Limited free usage (signed out: 1-time; free account: 3 times per month). Otherwise $1 to try it out (first three days), then $20 per month (or $120 per year – cancel anytime). Refer to StudySim pricing.
How to pick the right MCAT prep for you
Start with how you learn and what is missing, not with the brand that advertises the biggest score jump.
| If you need... | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Practice that mirrors the real exam | AAMC Official Prep | Written by the test developers |
| Daily question practice with strong explanations | UWorld QBank | 3,000+ questions with visual rationales |
| A full course and lots of full-lengths | Kaplan | 21 practice tests and On Demand or live formats |
| Visual lessons and video-heavy content | Blueprint | Self-Paced or Live Online with a large Qbank |
| Heavy live instruction and a 515+ track | Princeton Review 515+ | 123 live hours on the 515+ Course |
| A course under $400 | Magoosh | 12 months for $399 |
| Free content review | Khan Academy | Full free MCAT course |
| Retention for facts and pathways | Anki | Spaced repetition you control |
| Extra quizzes from lecture PDFs | StudySim | Supports practice; does not replace a full course |
For many students we’d likely recommend Khan Academy (or videos from other MCAT courses) to shore up content knowledge/topics you’re weaker in, followed by daily MCAT practice via UWorld or other QBank, Anki flashcards to memorize info you keep missing on, and last month-ish AAMC full-length MCAT practice exams. Depending on your personality/motivation/etc. you may or may not benefit from one of the more structured/live-instruction MCAT courses. For more on building study systems, see best AI quiz generators and best AI tutors.
Free printable MCAT prep checklist
Download the MCAT prep checklist (PDF).
First published November 7, 2026, with prices checked that day. Note: We’ll (roughly) monthly verify pricing + MCAT course/product ranking/ordering – we’ll note significant changes.
FAQ
What is the best MCAT prep overall?
For most students, the best core is AAMC Official Prep plus a strong question bank such as UWorld. Add Kaplan, Blueprint or Princeton Review if you need a full course, or Magoosh if you need a budget video course. Free Khan Academy content review helps fill science gaps.
Do I need an expensive MCAT prep course?
Not always. Many students score well with disciplined self-study, a QBank, Anki and official AAMC practice. Pay for a live course when you need external accountability, a set schedule or heavier content teaching.
Is UWorld enough for the MCAT?
UWorld is excellent for practice questions, but you still need official AAMC practice exams and enough content review for your weak topics. Treat UWorld as the main third-party QBank, not as a replacement for AAMC materials.
What free MCAT prep should I use?
Start with Khan Academy's free MCAT course and the AAMC's free planning resources. Add Anki for flashcards. StudySim also offers a free 25-question MCAT sample practice set and a free quiz generator from your notes.
Is StudySim a full MCAT course?
No. We make StudySim, and it is honest about the limit: it helps you practice from your notes and try sample MCAT-style questions, but it does not replace AAMC Official Prep, a dedicated QBank or a full content-review course.
About the author
Jozef Gherman is the founder of XYZAI, the company behind StudySim, where he builds AI tools that help students and writers study smarter and write with confidence. He writes about study techniques, exam prep, and practical ways to use AI for learning.
