Get results. Guaranteed.
We're proud of our students and the improved scores they've achieved. We believe your student can do the same. That's why we promise to help them get a better score or we'll give you your money back.*
If you're studying for the MCAT, Varsity Tutors can help you prepare with several MCAT course options to choose from. If you've ever spent time online looking for "MCAT tutoring near me", then you may already know how impactful it can be to work with a private tutor during the test preparation process. Taking an MCAT class can help you get more out of the time you had already planned on devoting towards studying for your upcoming exam. You can quickly get started with the MCAT courses that are the best fit for your needs when you contact us today. Or, keep reading to get more in-depth information on why MCAT classes could enhance the quality of your study sessions.
Why Take the MCAT?
The MCAT is a standardized admissions test that is generally taken by students who wish to apply to get a medical degree. Students who perform well on this exam may give themselves a better chance of getting accepted into the medical school program of their choice. If you earn a top score on the MCAT, then you could also set yourself up to receive additional scholarship offers. MCAT classes can help you get more out of your study sessions and may help you feel more confident on the day of your exam. If you'd like to learn more about MCAT classes, continue reading. Or, you can contact Varsity Tutors directly to get started with the MCAT courses of your choice.
MCAT Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin the MCAT courses that you eventually decide on, it's important to spend some time researching whether or not you're actually eligible to take the MCAT. Generally, you must intend to apply to a health professional school that grants a degree like the M.D., D.O., or D.V.M. However, if you don't plan on applying to one of those degree granting programs, then you may be able to get special permission to take the MCAT exam by making a formal request with the MCAT exam office.
Although the requirements to take the MCAT are relatively lax, there are some important eligibility requirements you should be aware of when applying to medical schools in general. In order to be eligible to apply to medical schools, you'll need a high school diploma as well as an undergraduate degree in a science field like biology, chemistry, or physics. If you didn't get your undergraduate degree in one of these subjects, you can still apply to medical school but you may first need to take some post-baccalaureate courses to complete the series of classes you need to have taken before applying to medical programs.
During the medical school admissions process, you'll also want to ensure that you have a good GPA and strong letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors at a relevant job. It's also a good idea to show your commitment to the field of medicine through extracurricular activities. For example, you can volunteer at a hospital, shadow a doctor, or do something similar. Students who satisfy these factors may make themselves a more attractive candidate for admission at the medical schools they're interested in attending.
Breaking Down the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a multiple-choice standardized exam that is commonly taken by individuals who are preparing to apply to medical school. The test was designed to assess your scientific knowledge as well as your ability to think critically and problem solve. All of these skills are important for success in medical school as well as for success when working as a practicing physician. Individuals who score highly on the MCAT may have a better chance of getting into the medical schools they're most interested in attending. Taking an MCAT prep course is a great way to prepare for this comprehensive exam.
Here's some information on the format of the MCAT:
Section |
# of Questions |
Time Allotted |
Test-Day Certification |
4 Minutes |
|
Tutorial (optional) |
10 Minutes |
|
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems |
59 |
95 Minutes |
Break (optional) |
10 Minutes |
|
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
53 |
90 Minutes |
Mid-Exam Break (optional) |
30 Minutes |
|
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems |
59 |
95 Minutes |
Break (optional) |
10 Minutes |
|
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior |
59 |
95 Minutes |
Void Question |
3 Minutes |
|
Satisfaction Survey (optional) |
5 Minutes |
|
Total Content Time |
6 Hours & 15 Minutes |
|
Total ""Seated"" Time* |
Approx. 7 Hours & 27 Minutes |
|
* Total seated time does not include check-in time upon arrival at the test center |
Similarly, here are some of the topics you'll be asked questions about while taking the MCAT:
MCAT Topics (Non-Comprehensive)
- MCAT Biology
- DNA
- Genetics
- Evolution
- MCAT Biochemistry
- Enzymes
- Bioenergetics
- Pentose Phosphate Pathway
- MCAT Physics
- Translational motion
- Equilibrium
- MCAT Organic Chemistry
- Key functional groups/compounds
- Nomenclature
- MCAT General Chemistry
- Gas phase
- Electrochemistry
- MCAT Psychology and Sociology
- Sensory Processing
- Consciousness
The MCAT is a challenging exam because it asks you to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of core scientific subject areas as well as an ability to think critically and problem solve. If you'd like help developing your abilities in either of these skill sets, then you can easily get it by signing up for MCAT courses with Varsity Tutors. You can find the MCAT prep course that fits your needs best by contacting us today rather than spending time online searching for "MCAT help near me". Below, you'll find a more thorough breakdown of each of the MCAT sections.
The first section of the MCAT you'll need to prepare for is the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. The questions on this section ask you to combine your knowledge of physical sciences and biological sciences. To do well on this test section, you'll need to have a strong understanding of the basic chemical and physical principles that underlie bodily functions, as well.
The next MCAT section you'll need to study for is called Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. This section differs from the other three sections of the MCAT in that it doesn't assess any prior knowledge. Instead, you'll be asked questions that assess how well you're able to analyze arguments and identify their assumptions and references. Third, you'll also take a section called Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems. While the core of this section focuses on biological concepts, you'll also need to have a good understanding of organic chemistry to do well on this test section.
Finally, the last section of the exam is called Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. Here, you'll be asked to showcase your knowledge of the titular topics in the context of how they relate to the biological sciences. If you feel like you would benefit from working with an expert during your study sessions, you can easily get it by signing up for an MCAT prep course with Varsity Tutors.
Finding Your Own Ideal MCAT Course
When you sign up for MCAT prep courses with Varsity Tutors, there are a few different options that you can consider. The MCAT prep courses that you ultimately land on should reflect your learning style, existing academic skill set, and test goals. You'll learn more about each type of MCAT prep class in the paragraphs below.
One option you can pursue is taking an MCAT prep class. MCAT prep courses take place in a small group setting. They are taught by expert MCAT course instructors and include peers that you can interact it. MCAT prep classes retain all of the benefits of the traditional classroom learning experience but take place in a convenient online setting. You can even work with your educator in a one-on-one setting when you need additional guidance with a challenging topic. This may be a good choice for you if you've previously had success with classroom learning.
Alternatively, you may also be interested in signing up for an MCAT prep class with a private MCAT course educator.. This style of MCAT prep classes may be right for test-takers who enjoy getting personalized feedback throughout the duration of their study plan. Your instructor can set you up with a customized lesson plan that is targeted with your growth in mind. You'll be able to work through each lesson at your own speed and get additional guidance whenever you encounter a challenging subject area.
Each style of MCAT prep classes is flexible enough to fit into most individuals' schedules. When you get ready to sign up for the MCAT course you decide on, Varsity Tutors makes every effort to connect you with an educator who meets your scheduling requirements. That means you can easily sign up to take an MCAT class without worrying about how it will impact the rest of your life.
Finally, when you sign up for an MCAT course, you'll also be able to get assistance with developing your general test-taking skills. For instance, your MCAT class instructor can show you techniques you can use to overcome test anxiety. Test anxiety is, unfortunately, a common occurrence for students who take important exams like the MCAT. Experiencing test anxiety could make it harder to stay focused during your exam and may make it difficult to remember what you learned before your test in your MCAT class.
Your MCAT class instructor could also help you manage your time more effectively while taking comprehensive exams like the MCAT. This can help you manage the time limits you'll have while taking your test. These are skills that you'll be able to utilize on your upcoming exam and also on any future tests that you take. Thus, you can get a well-rounded learning plan that fits your specific test needs when you sign up for MCAT help with Varsity Tutors.
Scoring the MCAT
Each MCAT test section is scored on a scale ranging from 118 to 132. Thus, a student's total MCAT score may range from 472-528. In addition to your raw MCAT score, when you take the exam, you'll also earn a percentile rank. This score signifies your performance on the MCAT relative to the other individuals who took it. For instance, if you earn a score of 520, that's generally around the 98th percentile. This means that if you earned that score, you would have done better than 98% of the students who took the exam.
The medical school admissions process is notoriously competitive. This is because there are only a handful of medical schools that students may attend in the United States. Each of these schools only has a limited number of slots available. In order to give yourself the best shot of getting into the medical school of your choice, you should aim to earn a total score of at least 509 on the MCAT. This score would be around the 80th percentile, which signifies just how competitive the admissions process at these schools is.
Given these statistics, it's vital that you have a strong test preparation plan in place when you begin studying for the MCAT. Although you could do this alone, it may not be as effective as signing up to work with an expert educator. Working with a test preparation expert may be the edge you need to feel more confident when sitting down to take the MCAT. If you plan on working with a test prep expert during your study sessions, then you don't have to look online for one by searching for things like "MCAT help near me". Rather, why not let Varsity Tutors help you get more out of your study sessions? You can speak with an educational director today to quickly and easily get started with your own ideal study plan.
Getting Started
Performing well on the MCAT could help you have a more successful medical school application process. If you think you would benefit from having an expert's guidance during your test preparation process, then you don't have to look up "MCAT tutoring near me" online. Instead, consider contacting Varsity Tutors to sign up for an MCAT class today. We'd love to use our experience in the test preparation industry to help you get more out of your study sessions.

Kyle: MCAT course instructor
...only to keep on my toes academically, but to help those who may be struggling with various subjects throughout their academic careers. There is no better feeling than watching someone have a eureka moment of understanding, and I look forward to meeting and working with new students. As a Colorado native, I love spending my free time hiking and climbing my way through the Rockies. I also enjoy playing volleyball (being 6'8" has its advantages)...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor of Science, Biology & Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Anatomy
- Probability
- +46 subjects

Max: MCAT course instructor
...2016. I have done extensive coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, trigonometry, calculus, psychology, sociology, and lab sciences. I have also recently taken the new MCAT and believe that I can teach my tools for success to any pre-student willing to learn them. I have been a teaching assistant for both General Chemistry I and II for two semesters each and have taught CPR, AED, First Aid to Salt Lake City Citizens. I have always...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelors, Exercise and Sports Science
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Math
- Calculus
- PCAT Biology
- +29 subjects

Lee: MCAT course instructor
...I have had students ranging from sophomores in high school to adults transitioning into a new career. My Engineering curriculum at Northwestern was heavily centered around Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, so I can work with a student on more than one class at a time. I also have a lot of experience with test prep and love working with students who need help with standardized tests. I'm a laid back individual, but I like...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- SAT
- Organic Chemistry
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- +41 subjects

Connor: MCAT course instructor
...the ability to grasp even the most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam....
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Algebra
- High School Business
- Organic Chemistry
- +43 subjects

Benjin: MCAT course instructor
...naturally figure things out without a lot of explanation. In most things, I'm not that guy! Like many students, understanding comes with repetition of principles and hard work. I have the perspective of a student trying to understand, not a teacher trying to preach. I love working with people from the ground up; we start at the comfort zone and work our way to improvement. I know I don't know everything, so I'm excited to...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University - Current Undergrad, Biophysics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Organic Chemistry
- Graduate Test Prep
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +16 subjects

Jonathan: MCAT course instructor
...tutoring seriously in college. I began with college algebra and moved on to science courses such as chemistry, genetics, and biology. I also tutored some remedial math and english courses. No jobs other than teaching and medicine bring me everything I want in a career. I love to help others because I have benefited so much from others help in the past. My goal is to inspire a few other students to take up this...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Physics
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Other
- +111 subjects

Neel: MCAT course instructor
My name is Neel Rana. I studied philosophy and film in college and received a B.A. in Humanities with Honors. I also attended a Post-Bacc Pre-Medical program for two years and am in the process of applying to medical school. I have worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA, a private tutor, and in Harm Reduction. ... I believe it is crucial to teach to the style and needs of your students. Good teachers and tutors are chameleons.
Education & Certification
- Shimer College - Bachelors, Humanities
- Mills College - Current Grad Student, Post-Bacc Pre-Med
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Graduate Test Prep
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +2 subjects

Timothy: MCAT course instructor
...Bio, Chem, Physics B, Gov, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Lit, and English Lang). I also participated in several tutoring organizations throughout high school. I then attended UCLA for my undergrad degree in Political Science (Class of 2014) while also completing the pre med requirements there. At UCLA, I took the full General and Organic Chem series with labs, Life Science Physics including labs, Calculus, Biology including labs, and completed an honors thesis for the political science...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Drexel University College of Medicine - Current Grad Student, M.D.
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Electromagnetism
- History
- Graduate Test Prep
- +48 subjects

Andrew: MCAT course instructor
...expert in test taking strategies and specializes in pre-medical, medical and general science exams. He has a wealth of experience as a tutor and formerly worked as an instructor for The Princeton Review MCAT prep course, in which he taught 11 courses across 4 cities and received excellent reviews. Anyone looking for a complete, well-rounded tutor who can coach students for short- and long-term success will find Andrew to be a good fit for their...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Current Grad Student, MD
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Study Skills and Organization
- PSAT Critical Reading
- College Application Essays
- +55 subjects

Clara: MCAT course instructor
...standardized testing. I love the look on a student's face when they realize that they don't have to be nervous about an exam - that it can actually be really fun if the questions are viewed as the simple patterns they really are. In my free time, I love watching movies, reading, swimming, and exploring the city. I also play in a weekly ice hockey league and lately have been busy with a new puppy!
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Competition Math
- Middle School Math
- +44 subjects

Paul: MCAT course instructor
...take the new MCAT in 2015, scoring in the top 5%. Since then, I've tutored over 250 students to Test Day! That's a whole lot of experience seeing what has worked and what hasn't. I'd love to share my best practices with you. I promise if you follow them, you WILL score at your highest potential! I've worked with students scoring over 520, students just trying to break 500 and everything in between. Whether you...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, Neurobiology & Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT Biology
- Graduate Test Prep
- ACT Science
- +33 subjects

Shayan: MCAT course instructor
I'm a pre-health student at the University of Pennsylvania, and have an extensive background in the sciences. I can also rock the SATs and MCAT, so I've got that going for me. I love learning with students and trying to make the tedious work of learning as fun as possible. I think and teach in examples and make abstract concepts easily understandable. I also love sports, adventures, travelling!... My teaching philosophy is to teach in a way that makes materials understandable, accessible, and applicable to the real world!
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Grad Student, Pre-Health
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- IB Biology SL
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- +26 subjects

Matt: MCAT course instructor
...physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school, but in the meantime I try to teach as much as possible!... I know firsthand what it is like to be bogged down by material from way too many classes at once. And it can become even more difficult to focus when you throw a standardized test like the SAT or the MCAT into the mix. Because I have been through it, I bring to my students the unique perspective of a recently stressed out student myself, who can communicate with them on a personal level. I work to understand what is the most difficult, the most motivating, and the most rewarding for my students.
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Elementary School Math
- Anatomy & Physiology
- SAT Mathematics
- +85 subjects

Sunny: MCAT course instructor
I graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University. I earned a B.A. in Biology and Economics. I'm currently working as a Research Associate during my gap year before medical school. During my free time, I enjoy staying active, playing golf, swimming, running, and playing tennis. I love exploring new activities and neighborhoods in the NYC area.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Biology / Economics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- Mandarin Chinese
- High School Chemistry
- +38 subjects

Mihir: MCAT course instructor
...pose unique and varied challenges to students. One of my primary goals is to meet students where they are, understand their specific needs, and develop an individualized plan that challenges them and helps them succeed. To this end, I do not follow a specific formula during sessions with my students. Instead, I work with my students to build a plan that meets their goals and helps them achieve success. I look forward to helping you...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Current Undergrad, Chemistry - Biochemistry Track
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Algebra
- College Biology
- +57 subjects

Adam: MCAT course instructor
...research, using nutrients like zinc, SAMe, or vitamins to improve mental illnesses is inspiring. I enjoy being able to improve the lives of people, and I like medical research because it enables me to help more people. I like what my life has become since graduating from college. I feel like I exist to serve people, and this is a good purpose for life. I hope to attain a medical education so that I can be...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Medical college - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Algebra 2
- AP Calculus AB
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- +37 subjects

Adam: MCAT course instructor
...with a bachelor's and master's of biomedical engineering from Arizona State University. I recently completed three years of my MD curriculum and am now returning to tutoring during my MBA studies. I struggled throughout high school until finally preparing for the SAT and ACT, so I'm adept with picking up just what you're struggling with - I was there once, too. Now having performed in the upper 10% of all standardized exams I have taken...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Organic Chemistry
- Multivariable Calculus
- Study Skills
- +49 subjects

Daniel: MCAT course instructor
...have worked at the neuroscience and psychiatry labs at Yale and Cornell. I enjoy working with people and wish to one day specialize in geriatrics. I have taught chess and English to young children and tutored children from foster care for two years to improve their literacy skills. I plan to work as a Teacher's Assistant for Physics at SUNY Purchase this upcoming Fall, but I am happy to work flexible hours.
Education & Certification
- Boston College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Chemistry
- Graduate Test Prep
- High School Chemistry
- +17 subjects

Jonathan: MCAT course instructor
...Jon Lash, and I am currently a Master's student at Cornell University. I graduated with my Bachelor's of Science from Cornell in 2016 and I plan to attend medical school in the fall of 2017. I am really excited to be tutoring for Varsity tutors because I really enjoy helping students with subjects that gave me trouble in school. I hope that my time spent developing strategies to learn and absorb the tough material can...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Human Biology
- Cornell University - Current Grad Student, Human Development
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Math
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Ecology
- +30 subjects

Katie: MCAT course instructor
Duke University, B.A., cum laude ~ Fulbright Scholar ~ Undergraduate Teaching Fellow I just graduated cum laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Psychology. I have extensive experience tutoring Psychology, English, ESL, Spanish, and SAT prep. I look forward to working with you to achieve your academic goals!
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Current Undergrad, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Languages
- Public Speaking
- GRE Subject Tests
- +70 subjects