The Best Free MCAT Prep Resources

Best Free Video Tutorials: NextStep Test Prep

If you’re a visual or auditory learner, NextStep Test Prep’s free MCAT Practice Bundle has you covered with high-quality video tutorials on important exam concepts. The video lessons, taught by expert MCAT instructors, are more detailed and straightforward than many comparable tutorials. Each 2-3 hour lesson is broken down into smaller sections so you can follow along easily. The lessons feature interactive elements to keep you on task, and you can save and track your progress as you prep.

The bundle, which you can access by providing your email address, also offers plenty of other MCAT resources, including one half-length diagnostic practice exam, a full-length practice test, and sample lessons.

Best Self-Directed MCAT Prep: Khan Academy MCAT

For self-directed free MCAT prep, Khan Academy is the best available alternative to a full-length, comprehensive prep course.

Khan Academy creates practice materials in partnership with the Association of American Medical College (AAMC), so you can be sure that everything you read is accurate and up-to-date. The materials include video tutorials that review all relevant MCAT concepts, from the most commonly tested topics to the nitty-gritty details. Each section is divided into smaller subtopics, providing a comprehensive review of virtually everything you’ll need to know on exam day. 

You can track your progress in sets of practice questions for all MCAT sections, complete with detailed answer explanations. 

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Affordable MCAT Prep For The Not-So-Rich

By Kelly Roell

Best Variety of Free Materials: The Association of American Medical Colleges

When you need high-quality MCAT prep materials, look to the official source: the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The AAMC administers the MCAT, which means the organization’s free exam prep hub is the best first stop for updated resources. 

The AAMC's “What’s on the MCAT Exam?” interactive tool includes video tutorials, sample questions and explanations, and a detailed rundown of all the concepts you’ll need to know on exam day. The “Roadmaps” section will help you track down all the relevant concepts in biology, chemistry, and other commonly tested subjects in popular college textbooks. 

The AAMC platform also provides samples of real MCAT sections, complete with free practice questions, to give you a feel for the layout of the test. Finally, the site also provides informative articles from MCAT experts, with topics ranging from study tips to test day strategies.

Best Free Practice Test: Kaplan

Kaplan’s free MCAT practice test, created by expert Kaplan instructors, is written in the same tone and at the same level as the real MCAT. The test is a great resource to supplement your exam prep or to serve as an initial diagnostic practice exam.

After you take the Kaplan MCAT practice test online, you’ll receive a score report that details your areas of strength and weakness, as well as what subject areas you should study most for the best results. The free report also includes in-depth answer explanations for every question on the diagnostic exam, an assessment of your test-taking style, and suggestions for improving your strategy. 

Best Full Free MCAT Prep Course: MCAT Self Prep

For a detailed rundown of MCAT sections and all the relevant concepts that will be tested, check out MCAT Self Prep. Although the Khan Academy’s materials come close, MCAT Self Prep is the only company to offer a truly full-length MCAT prep eCourse. 

The course includes 150 modules, each focusing on a specific MCAT topic, and a library of over 300 video tutorials that delve deeper into each topic. Official AAMC practice questions and answer explanations accompany each lesson. If you sign up for the course, you’ll get access to direct customer support from the CEO and a Facebook study group for homework help, accountability, commiseration, and emotional support.

Best MCAT Forums: PreMed Forums at the Student Doctor Network

You can find a wealth of resources on the PreMed Forums at the Student Doctor Network, from flashcards to study schedule templates. Even more valuable are the in-depth discussions about specific MCAT concepts, test-taking techniques, and even emotional support.

The MCAT forum is one of the board’s most active, with hundreds of thousands of posts and replies. Many of the pinned threads feature valuable free resources, including detailed study plans for every possible timeline (from years of careful preparation to last-minute cramming) and a compilation thread of hundreds of MCAT study strategies from fellow test-takers. There’s also an ongoing thread where you can find an online study buddy to keep you accountable on your path to med school. 

Best Free MCAT Flashcards: Magoosh

Magoosh is known for its high-quality, low-cost exam prep materials, and the free MCAT Flashcards app is a perfect example. The user-friendly app covers all the basic MCAT subject areas: Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology and Sociology, Physics, and Biology. Each subject area features 20-40 cards covering many of the most common formulas, theories, concepts, and definitions you’ll need to know on exam day. You can track your progress by creating a free account. The app is available for iPhone, Android, and on your web browser.

Best Free Study Schedule: Examkrackers

Looking for an easy way to manage your MCAT prep? If you struggle with time management or need help creating a study schedule, Examkrackers' free MCAT study plans will do the heavy logistical lifting for you.

Examkrackers' MCAT Self-Study Syllabus is a day-to-day guide for MCAT prep, breaking down exactly what to review each day before the exam to reach your goals. Examkrackers regularly revises the syllabus so that it reflects the most recent changes to the MCAT, so you don’t have to worry that any information on the study guide is out of date. You can download the syllabus as a free PDF by providing your name, email address, and estimated MCAT timeline.