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MCAT Preparation Resources

It is important to take the MCAT when YOU feel you are best prepared. Keep in mind that MCAT preparation requires at least as much time as your most rigorous course, in terms of time commitment. Students often tell us that they studied approximately 3 hours every day, for 10-12 weeks before an MCAT exam, and also scheduled in time for full, real-time practice testing during that time frame. Some Dartmouth students study during an off-term, along with an internship or job (one that is usually less than full-time). Some study during an on-term, often with a 2-course load. While some students choose to take a prep course, many students prepare on their own using review materials from their science courses, Khan Academy, MCAT/AAMC, and/or some form Kaplan, Princeton, etc. More information about these resources below:

AAMC MCAT Materials

You should become familiar with the DETAILS of the MCAT exam well in advance. There are a number of preparation and AAMC practice materials for free or that you can purchase directly from AAMC. These include:

  • AAMC's What's on the MCAT Exam Section: There is a great deal of detail there for you. Click all the way through to see the competencies that will be tested. Look specifically at the "Section Content" PDFs under each section for a comprehensive list of things you should review.
  • Official AAMC MCAT Prep Hub/Store: You can purchase items straight from AAMC and you will have access to these materials in your personal "hub." Items for purchase include full-length practice exams, question banks, and flashcards. These items will most reflect the actual exam. If you have applied for the Fee Assistance Program, many of these resources will be provided to you for free.
  • MCAT Sample Question Guide: Contains 12 MCAT questions—three questions in each of the four sections of the MCAT exam—to provide examples of the types of questions you will see on test day.
  • Roadmap to MCAT Content in Sociology and Psychology Textbooks (FREE): The AAMC reached out to publishers of introductory psychology and sociology textbooks for detailed information on where to find the concepts that you'll need for the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT exam.
  • How to Create a Study Plan: Everyone's study plan will look different. Here are some suggestions from the AAMC. As mentioned above, Dartmouth students spend, on average, 10-12 weeks studying.

FREE MCAT Materials

  • Khan Academy: With more than 1,100 FREE videos and 3,000 review questions, the Khan Academy MCAT Collection has collaborated with the AAMC to cover all of the content that is tested on the MCAT exam.
  • Kaplan Online MCAT Practice Test: Sign up for FREE scheduled 3 1/2hr online practice exams and receive a detailed score report, strategies for improvement, complete explanations for every question. They also offer FREE Question of the Day, FREE MCAT Pop Quiz questions, and a FREE 20-Minute Workout for the MCAT, plus more.
  • Princeton Review FREE MCAT Practice Exam: full-length practice test given under the same testing conditions as the actual exams. They also offer an MCAT Prep FREE Trial that covers the first biochemistry learning module found in all their prep courses and includes a full-length practice test, on-demand videos, and practice drills--only a one week trial. Look out for free strategy sessions and webinars that are offered at random.
  • Altius FREE 2015 Practice Exam
  • BluePrint (formally NextStep): you can sign up for a free practice account which includes a full-length practice exam, 7 learning modules, a diagnostic tool to determine your baseline knowledge, a study planner, and question of the day emails.
  • Jack Westin: Offers both free and paid services. Free services include CARS Practice Exam, MCAT Question Bank, and well as other services. They also offer free trials on their courses.

Self-Study Materials

Paid Prep Courses

The following companies charge a significant price for in-person and live online tutoring. Some Dartmouth students choose to take these courses, while those who do not and self-study still do just as well. Before spending costs on a test prep course, evaluate your study strategies and time management skills and be absolutely sure that you either need to enroll in a course or not. While the AMCAS Fee Assistance Program does NOT cover prep courses, most prep companies have some form of fee-assistance. If you feel you might qualify do contact them to learn more!

We do not promote or sponsor any specific prep company, though Kaplan is the company that holds local classes for students on the Dartmouth campus.