The Best 50+ Free Resources for the MCAT Exam

The MCAT exam, at first glance, can feel like an impossible hurdle on your journey to becoming a medical professional. Because MCAT prep is a months-long process filled with practice exams, extended study sessions, and maybe even a prep course along the way, the whole process can easily feel overwhelming. But your test prep doesn’t have to be a daunting task; we’re here to help.

Who Takes the MCAT Exam?

The Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is required for admission into all medical schools in the United States. If you are planning on applying to medical school, you are eligible to take the test. It is highly recommended that you engage in some kind of MCAT prep before taking the actual exam, whether that’s an official MCAT prep course or any of the resources we’ve compiled for you.

Read: MCAT Test: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare | Leland

How Many Months Should You Prepare for the MCAT Exam?

It’s generally recommended that you begin your MCAT prep four to six months prior to taking the actual exam. Experts recommend dedicating about 300 to 350 hours total to prepare for your MCAT exam. You can divide that number of hours into a per-week amount that works best for your schedule, and spend those hours studying different MCAT materials using the resources below.

Here is the breakdown of three common timelines: 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

3 Months

For a shorter timeline, you’ll need a more intensive weekly commitment. This schedule is ideal for students who can dedicate a significant number of hours each week.

Hours per Week: 25-30 hours

Weekly Breakdown: Roughly 4-5 hours per day, 5-6 days a week

Recommended Approach:

• Prioritize full-length practice tests and comprehensive content review.
• Allocate time for focused practice in weak areas to optimize improvement quickly.
• Plan for at least one rest day each week to avoid burnout.

6 Months

A 6-month schedule provides a balanced pace, allowing for consistent progress without an overwhelming weekly commitment. This is a great option for those balancing MCAT prep with school or work.

Hours per Week: 12-15 hours

Weekly Breakdown: 2-3 hours per day, 5-6 days a week

Recommended Approach:

• Start with broad content review and gradually increase practice question sessions.
• Use spaced repetition and cumulative review to reinforce material.
• Reserve the final 6-8 weeks for full-length practice tests and targeted review of weaker areas.

1 Year

With a full year to prepare, you can take a steady, low-stress approach, perfect for students with a busy schedule or those who prefer a gradual build-up in preparation.

Hours per Week: 6-8 hours

Weekly Breakdown: About 1-1.5 hours per day, 5-6 days a week

Recommended Approach:

• Start with a strong emphasis on content review and foundational understanding in each subject.
• Gradually incorporate practice questions and diagnostic tests.
• In the final 3 months, increase your focus on timed practice tests and targeted review to build test-taking endurance and fine-tune areas needing improvement.

Medical School Application Checklist

Download our free checklist to stay organized and on schedule throughout the medical school application process

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MCAT Prep Tips: How to Get Ready Ahead of Time

• Create a study schedule (and stick to it!). Outline a realistic timeline that breaks down your study materials into manageable sections. Consistency is key, so aim for daily study blocks.
• Join study groups. Collaborate with peers in a study group to share insights and quiz each other. Teaching concepts to others can reinforce your own understanding. Preparing for the MCAT is tough but having a group of people going through the same thing would help you stay on-track and motivated.
• Focus on high-yield topics. Identify the subjects that frequently appear on the exam and prioritize your study on those areas. Resources like online forums can help you pinpoint these topics.
• Enroll in an MCAT prep course. If the option is available to you, a prep course could help fill in any gaps in your MCAT prep and boost your confidence ahead of the test.
• Take care of yourself. Balance your MCAT prep with breaks, exercise, and healthy meals. A clear mind and strong body will enhance your retention and focus. Consistency is better than perfection, and you’ll be a better person and doctor if you’ve maintained your health and well-being.
• Track your progress. Keep a study log to monitor what you’ve covered. Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated throughout your preparation.
• Practice mindfulness and stress management. Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help manage your mental health and test anxiety. Incorporate these into your routine to build resilience.
• Stay positive. Remind yourself why you’re pursuing this path. Keeping your end goal in mind can help sustain your motivation during tough study sessions.

Helpful MCAT Prep Resources

Now, here are over 50 resources that will help you prepare for and ace the Medical School Admissions Test. Many of these companies require you to first register or sign up with a free account, and you will then be able to access the free resource.

Best Free MCAT Practice Tests

Practice exams are a great way to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may appear on the actual MCAT exam. There are plenty of free options available online that will give you a pretty good feel for what to expect when your test date arrives. Some are full-length practice examples while others focus on certain sections or drills. Both can be equally helpful and allow you to tailor your MCAT practice.

• Princeton Review Free MCAT Practice Test Online
• AAMC MCAT Official Prep Free Practice Exam
• Blueprint’s Free Full-Lenth MCAT Exam (With Answers, Explanations, and Analytics) – To access this, you’ll need to sign up for a free practice account
• Altius Test Prep MCAT-2015 Practice Exam
• Kaplan – Full-Length Practice Exam (With Predictive Scoring) – Sign up for a Kaplan free trial to access
• Med-Pathway – Free Diagnostic MCAT Exam
• MCAT Prep – Full-Length Practice Test
• Test-Guide – Practice Exams, By Section
• Varsity Tutors – Free MCAT Diagnostic and Practice Tests
• Test Prep Preview MCAT
• Magoosh Free MCAT Practice Test – Sign up for a free Magoosh account to access
• Jack Westin – MCAT Practice Exam
• 4Tests Free 60-Minute Practice MCAT
• MedSchoolCoach Free Half-Length MCAT Practice Exam

MCAT Question Banks

Practice questions are an excellent way to spend your allotted study time because you can go through a few at a time or marathon as many as you want if you’re on a roll. Knowing how to answer different types of MCAT questions will leave fewer surprises for you when you take the real exam. Use these question banks strategically and with intention, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or not focus on the right questions. Practice questions are another great thing to review with an MCAT tutor who can walk you through the logic and correct approach.

• Union Test Prep – 150 Practice Questions
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills – Khan Academy
• Biological and Chemical Foundations of Living Systems – Khan Academy
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems – Khan Academy
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior – Khan Academy
• Aptare Prep – 4800+ Practice Questions
• UWorld – 100 Free Practice Questions
• AAMC – Sample MCAT Question Bank Guide
• Shemmasian Consulting – MCAT Question of the Day

Study Plan & Study Resources

Test prep of any kind is most successful when it’s all planned out. If you aren’t sure how to create an MCAT study schedule on your own, take a look at these examples and use the one that best fits your needs or adapt it.

There are lots of MCAT study tips for self-study online like this and this – at the end of the day, you should pick the route that works and feels the best to you.

• Blueprint – MCAT Study Schedule
• Kaplan – 3-Month MCAT Study Schedule
• Study Schedule – Personalized MCAT Plan
• MCAT Prep – 2, 3, 4, and 6-Month Study Plans
• BeMo – MCAT Study Schedule
• AAMC – Self-Study Plan Worksheet
• Inspira Advantage – Sample 3-Month Study Schedule
• 100-Day MCAT Study Plan
• Elite Medical Prep – Guide to a 6-Month Study Plan
• MCAT Bros – Free Google Sheets Study Schedule
• Leland – Medical School Application Checklist

Question Strategy

No matter how well-prepared you are for the MCAT, there’s a lot of information to remember along the way. These question strategy guides target the exact kinds of problems you’ll need to be able to solve on the test.

• Blueprint’s Equation Sheets
• Examkracker’s Free MCA Strategy Book
• Error Logs for Practice Problems

Prep Courses

Some people prefer a more rigid schedule and authority when preparing for the MCAT. If that sounds like you, then you may consider joining a prep course. There are many different kinds of prep courses – some are self-paced while others are completed with a group of peers.

• Free MCAT Self-Prep Course
• Princeton Review – Free Biology Class
• Khan Academy/AAMC – Free MCAT Course
• Bonus: Paid MCAT Prep Courses
  • Kaplan – MCAT Bootcamp
  • UWorld – MCAT Prep Course
  • Blueprint Prep – MCAT Self-Prep Course
  • Magoosh – MCAT Course (there is also a free, limited version)

Other MCAT Exam Resources

Everyone learns differently! Maybe you absorb information best by working one-on-one with a coach, listening to podcasts, flipping through flashcards, or taking practice exams. Check out the resources below and see if anything stands out to you.

• MCAT Flashcards by The Princeton Review
• Blueprint’s Guide to Retaking the MCAT
• Varsity Tutors – Free MCAT Flashcards with Solutions
• AAMC: What’s on the MCAT Exam Guide
• MCAT Podcasts
• 335-Page Behavioral Sciences Review
• Khan Academy PDF Notes of the C/P, B/B, and P/S Sections
• MCAT Bros AAMC Content Checklist
• MCAT Explanations Google Sheets Tracker – Use this to keep track of the explanations for different answers of the AAMC’s full-length tests.
• MCAT Bros Score Converter – See the estimated scaled score and percentile rank based on the total number and percentage of questions correct.
• How to Improve Your MCAT Timing
• MCAT Mastery: 5 Strategies for Increasing Your Score
• The Leland Community – Receive an invite to join after you sign up, and you’ll get to meet, interact with, and support other aspiring med school applicants.

Medical School Admissions Coaches – Personalized help on all the different parts of your med school application, including the MCAT.

Ace Your MCAT & Get Into Med School With the Help of an Expert

FAQs for MCAT Preparation

Is it possible to study for the MCAT without spending money?

• Yes! Our article outlines how you can fully prepare for the MCAT using only free resource options. Using completely free options may make it harder to stay on a strict timeline and will require a lot of self-study but it is possible for motivated pre-med students.

How do I choose the right free MCAT resources for my study style?

• Test out multiple resources. Don’t hesitate to try different resources before committing. Use sample MCAT materials to gauge their effectiveness and see which ones resonate with your learning style.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when using free MCAT resources?

• Some students focus only on content review and skip practice exams. Full-length practice exams are crucial for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and timing. Make sure to incorporate these into your study plan.

What are the benefits of using free MCAT prep resources?

• Accessing MCAT resources for free can save you money while providing valuable study materials and practice opportunities to boost your MCAT score.

How should I use free MCAT resources to prepare for the exam?

• To effectively use these resources for MCAT preparation, combine the different types of study materials, practice exams, and Leland coaching to get the most out of your free MCAT preparation.

When will I receive my MCAT score?

• MCAT scores are typically released 30-35 days after the test date. You can find your detailed score report by logging into your AAMC account on the scheduled release date. For the exact release date for your exam, check the official AAMC MCAT test dates and score release schedule.