Does everyone need to take a prep course?

Here’s our honest advice: NO! Not everyone needs to take a course to score well on the MCAT.

In fact, with the resources available, some test-takers prefer to self-study. So should you self-study for the MCAT? Before we can answer this question, there’s something important you should understand: whether you take a prep course or not, first and foremost, you should understand that you are capable of writing this exam and doing well on it – you can achieve your target score!

That being said, a well-designed prep course that offers quality instruction, stellar practice materials and tried-and-tested standardized test-taking strategies offers considerable benefits.

The decision to enroll in a course is entirely your own. To help you decide, at Prep101, we believe that you should know about your study habits, target MCAT score and target medical schools and make a logical decision about whether a prep course would be a good option for you.

KEY TAKEAWAY
While there are numerous benefits to taking an MCAT preparation course, it is not the right option for everyone. However, course enrollment is but one option! If you feel that you need some expert guidance and in specific areas or with particular question types, perhaps a private tutor would be best for you. Maybe your self-study game is strong and you just need a bit of social motivation. In this case, creating an enthusiastic study group may be best for you. The important thing to remember is whether you take a course or go it alone, you keep in mind your ideal effective study states and seek environments that bring those about!

To help you understand whether you should take a course, get a tutor, find a study group or study solo, we think you should begin by asking yourself some key questions:

1. What is your timeline?
2. What target score are you aiming for?
3. In addition to studying for the MCAT, what other activities will you be engaged in simultaneously?
4. Will you be able to create a structure for yourself?
5. How familiar are you with the material?
6. Do you have previous experience in sitting standardized tests?
7. Are you willing to rewrite the MCAT if necessary?
8. What are your top 3 strengths and weaknesses when it comes to studying? Are any of them related to needing structure in the course material?
9. How do you cope with stress and what are outlets you turn to for support and help?
10. Do you have a strong support system (friends, family, peers, professors) who can guide you or be there for you if needed?

Answering these questions will help you determine your preferred study habits and thereafter select the study method that will be ideal for your personality type and goals.

If you’re debating on whether an MCAT course will be right for you, considering the pros and cons of what in-class learning can provide can also help you reach your decision. Given our history in exam preparation for undergraduate courses and professional designations, below are factors we think you should examine.

• A course will provide structure: the MCAT is a monster of an exam – may be one of the hardest entrance exams that exist. After years of experience, test prep companies design their course such that all content is covered. This means students who enroll in a course, attend classes, do the pre-readings and homework can rest assured that they have covered all testable content. In addition, course schedules balance learning content with practice and writing mock exams to ensure that students take a focused approach. 
• Quality instructors: all of the instructors you encounter will have either taken the MCAT or written mock exams to score very high on the exam (usually 90th percentile or higher). On top, at Prep101 we hire after successful completion of a competitive teaching audition and training program. This means that the individuals who will be teaching you are both content and teaching experts. 
• Vetted materials: at Prep101 hours of research and testing go into creating and selecting the ideal materials for our MCAT course. When you take a course, you do not have to spend hours finding the materials that are well-suited for this exam because they’re already embedded into the course schedule and provided to you at the beginning of your studies. 
• Peer support: being in a course allows you endless opportunities to get in touch with those in a similar boat as yours. Not only will you meet others with similar goals and therefore, find endless networking opportunities; you will also build connections with others whom you can turn to for clarification or help with homework. 

• Financial considerations: courses can often be expensive. Note that there is no correlation between how much a course costs and the value it delivers – a more expensive course isn’t necessarily the best for you. Also remember that when you pay for a course, the cost typically includes all of the materials and mock exams, you will not have to buy individual books or official MCAT materials for more offerings. Consider your financial position and look at options available within your means. 
• May not fit your timeline: you should know what your timeline looks like and whether a course fits into that schedule. For example, if you intend to write in February but the course schedule runs into March, this probably isn’t the right option for you. You may be working weekday and a course with a weekend or online classes may suit your needs. In any case, do your research and know your needs. Find a course that suits you and do not hesitate to call the test prep company or get in touch with previous students who can share their feedback!