Free Intro Session Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the MCAT Launchpad take?
Do I need to complete every video in the MCAT Launchpad?
How helpful are the tips in this Intro Session?
Can I watch this faster?
How can I get the slides, script, or replay?
How do I get access to the Free eCourse?
Help! I’m having technical difficulties completing the Free Intro Session.
What if I have a question not listed here?
Most Commonly Asked Questions
How should I get started with MCAT Self Prep?
After watching that, I’d recommend working your way through my Create-your-own Study Plan Course (will be explained during the Free Intro Session), which will help you use your results from a short diagnostic exam to create an individualized study plan. From there, you’ll be all set to start studying away! 🙂
I’m having trouble accessing Quizlet sets.
If you are having trouble accessing Quizlet flashcards that come with a Memorization Course (i.e. Amino Acid Mastery Course, Behavioral Science Booster Course, etc), you can find the instructions for accessing these by going to the eCourse Homepage, scrolling down and clicking on the Memorization Course, and then following the 3-step instructions for accessing the Quizlet sets on the main page of the course.
If you’ve carefully followed the 3-step instructions for accessing a Quizlet set and are still unable to access them, please shoot me an email with your Quizlet username so that I can manually add you in.
Should I start studying now?
I attended the Free Intro Session, purchased a Pro Plan, and I still can’t access the Content Modules.
Should I take my diagnostic now or wait until after I’ve reviewed the content / after I’ve finished my pre-med classes?
The Study Plan Spreadsheet recommends too many study hours.
The spreadsheet calculates the number of hours needed to study based on what I’ve found to be true for the average student. For instance, the average student will improve at a rate of 1 scaled score point increase per 50-75 hours of studying. This rate may be higher for the average student based on other factors such as difficulties with certain subjects, history with English, etc. We take these factors into account in the spreadsheet, but obviously, we can’t take into account every factor under the sun and for this reason, we can’t know with exact certainty what your unique rate of improvement will be.Â
That being said, with my private tutoring students, I plan for the average. This means, I’d recommend making your plan based on the recommendations in the spreadsheet and then adjusting along the way if once you begin to discover that your unique rate of improvement is different from the average student. You can always adjust your plan down the road based on this new information, but at the beginning when we don’t know yet, I believe it is best to plan based on what is true for the average student.
This may mean that you will need to adjust your goal score to be lower so that the spreadsheet will give you a number of study hours that is more realistic given your situation. It may also mean extending your test day to give yourself the amount of time required to truly succeed on this exam. If you’d like some one-on-one help deciding which actions to take, I’d recommend signing up for one of our low-cost tutoring packages.
Can I be ready for the MCAT by X date?
We will consider each of these factors in my Create-your-own Study Plan Course, which will help you develop an individualized study plan that will lead you to achieving your goal MCAT score. It will provide you with an exact estimate regarding the number of hours YOU should study in order to succeed, allowing you to determine when you will be ready to take the MCAT. It walks you through the exact same steps that I use to help my private tutoring students create their study plans. I’d strongly recommend starting this course before you dive into your MCAT studying.
How many hours should I study?
We will consider each of these factors in my Create-your-own Study Plan Course, which will help you develop an individualized study plan that will lead you to achieving your goal MCAT score. It walks you through the exact same steps that I use to help my private tutoring students create their study plans. I’d strongly recommend starting this course before you dive into your MCAT studying.
Is this free?
How long should each lesson/module take?
Do I need to watch every video from every video playlist?
The basic idea is to do more for the topics that are challenging for you and less for the topics that are easy for you. But, because knowing how much YOU should be doing for each lesson can be challenging to discern, I’d suggest working your way through my Create-your-own Study Plan Course in order to generate a personalized study plan. In this course, I will help you determine exactly how much or how little to do for each lesson based on your ongoing performance on AAMC practice problems.
For instance, let’s say you are performing within 2 points of your goal score for the Behavioral Science Section, I might simply suggest that you just watch the Khan Academy videos from each playlist and then study my pre-made Quizlet flashcards. On the other hand, if you are 7 points away from your goal score, I would instead recommend that you watch all the videos from the video playlist while making your own flashcards, read the Kaplan book reading assignments while making your own flashcards, and study my pre-made flashcards. Through this approach, you will be focusing more of your time and energy into the sections that need it most.
For access to both my Create-your-own Study Plan Course and my collection of 5,000+ Quizlet Flashcards (a huge time saver), I’d highly recommend upgrading to the Advanced Pro Plan. It is my very most popular plan.
Do I need to read both reading assignments?
The basic idea is to do more for the topics that are challenging for you and less for the topics that are easy for you. But, because knowing how much YOU should be doing for each lesson can be challenging to discern, I’d suggest working your way through my Create-your-own Study Plan Course in order to generate a personalized study plan. In this course, I will help you determine exactly how much or how little to do for each lesson based on your ongoing performance on AAMC practice problems.
For instance, let’s say you are performing within 2 points of your goal score for the Behavioral Science Section, I might simply suggest that you just watch the Khan Academy videos from each playlist and then study my pre-made Quizlet flashcards. On the other hand, if you are 7 points away from your goal score, I would instead recommend that you watch all the videos from the video playlist while making your own flashcards, read the Kaplan book reading assignments while making your own flashcards, and study my pre-made flashcards. Through this approach, you will be focusing more of your time and energy into the sections that need it most.
For access to both my Create-your-own Study Plan Course and my collection of 5,000+ Quizlet Flashcards (a huge time saver), I’d highly recommend upgrading to the Advanced Pro Plan. It is my very most popular plan.
What should I be doing for each lesson of the Content Modules?
For instance, let’s say you are performing within 2 points of your goal score for the Behavioral Science Section, I might simply suggest that you just watch the Khan Academy videos from each playlist and then study my pre-made Quizlet flashcards. On the other hand, if you are 7 points away from your goal score, I would instead recommend that you watch all the videos from the video playlist while making your own flashcards, read the Kaplan book reading assignments while making your own flashcards, and study my pre-made flashcards. Through this approach, you will be focusing more of your time and energy into the sections that need it most.
For access to both my Create-your-own Study Plan Course and my collection of 5,000+ Quizlet Flashcards (a huge time saver), I’d highly recommend upgrading to the Advanced Pro Plan. It is my very most popular plan.
Does this reading assignment actually belong?
Why don’t the reading assignment sections match up with my books?
Should I complete one Content Module at a time? Or is it okay to jump around?
- Your brain will learn best with structure. The MCAT covers a vast amount of material, and as you learn your brain is trying to organize all the information into semantic networks (networks of connected information). The network that is created within your brain is often related to the order in which you learn the information. For instance, if you jump from topic to topic, your brain’s semantic networks will be disorganized similar to an office with papers scattered all around the room. On the other hand, if you learn one topic in a clear order, your brain will be able to create a neatly organized semantic network similar to a filing cabinet. Think of each concept like a piece of paper, each lesson like a folder, and each drawer like a Content Module.
- You’ll be better able to stay on top of your reviewing of previous material. Our eCourse has a carefully structured system of review. In each lesson, you will review the current lesson’s flashcards as well as review the previous lesson’s flashcards. For instance, you’d review the flashcards from lesson 1 at the end of lesson 1 and at the end of lesson 2. Then, after completing lesson 1 through 12 of the Content Module, in lesson 13, you will review all the flashcards from lessons 1 through 12 again. And once you’ve completed all ten content modules, you’ll start MCAT Bootcamp. During MCAT Bootcamp, in addition to taking Full-length exams, you will also review every single flashcard from the 10 Content Modules again. By completing the Content Modules in order from lesson 1 all the way to lesson 15, you’ll be better able to follow this system of review.
- You should regularly take AAMC Mini Exams. After you finish that first content module, you’ll take your first AAMC Mini Exam, which acts as a diagnostic exam. The Create-your-own Study Plan Course will then help you use your results on that AAMC Mini Exam to determine which Content Module to study next and which materials to utilize while studying that module. You will then map out the next few weeks of studying using the Study Plan Spreadsheet. And the cycle continues with you completing a Content Module, checking your progress using the AAMC Mini Exam, adjusting your plan for the next Content Module, and on and on until you’ve completed all ten Content Modules. Taking AAMC Mini Exams regularly at the end of each Content Module allows you to have a study plan that is adaptable and adjusts over time to your changing needs. It is also important to practice on AAMC practice problems regularly throughout your Content Review Phase in order to develop test-taking skills and an AAMC mindset.
Can I skip reading books and watching videos and just use your Quizlet flashcards?
The basic idea is to do more for the topics that are challenging for you and less for the topics that are easy for you. But, because knowing how much YOU should be doing for each lesson can be challenging to discern, I’d suggest working your way through my Create-your-own Study Plan Course in order to generate a personalized study plan. In this course, I will help you determine exactly how much or how little to do for each lesson based on your ongoing performance on AAMC practice problems.
For instance, let’s say you are performing within 2 points of your goal score for the Behavioral Science Section, I might simply suggest that you just watch the Khan Academy videos from each playlist and then study my pre-made Quizlet flashcards. On the other hand, if you are 7 points away from your goal score, I would instead recommend that you watch all the videos from the video playlist while making your own flashcards, read the Kaplan book reading assignments while making your own flashcards, and study my pre-made flashcards. Through this approach, you will be focusing more of your time and energy into the sections that need it most.
For access to both my Create-your-own Study Plan Course and my collection of 5,000+ Quizlet Flashcards (a huge time saver), I’d highly recommend upgrading to the Advanced Pro Plan. It is my very most popular plan.
What Should I Take for a Diagnostic Exam?
For your first diagnostic exam, I’d suggest taking the AAMC Official Guide Questions as a half-length diagnostic. Using the score converter in our Create-your-own Study Plan Course, you can convert your percent correct on each section into a predicted scaled score. This gives students a very accurate idea as to where they are starting from.
You can buy the AAMC Official Guide Questions for $10 as a stand-alone product here.
If you want to save money in the long run, however, I would suggest buying the complete AAMC online practice bundle and the AAMC flashcards. This will give you access to every single AAMC practice question you need including the AAMC Official Guide Questions.
How do I access the 100 Free CARS Passages at the end of the Free CARS Strategy Session?
What AAMC Materials Do I Need?
Free MCAT Prep Course
Is this really free?
How can it be free!?
What makes your program better than an alternative?
What should I expect as I start the free eCourse?
How do I get started?
Basic Pro Plan
Which plan is right for me?
Who should sign up for this course?
What comes with my purchase of this course?
- Full access to the Create-your-own Study Plan Course
- Create-your-own Study Plan Spreadsheet (plus Score Tracker)
- MCAT Self Prep Study Portal
- Our MCAT Video Collection, which covers ALL the MCAT topics as listed by the AAMC
- All ten content modules (Biology I, Physics II, etc) as well as MCAT Bootcamp with customization
- Ad-free studying experience
If I start with the Basic or Advanced Pro Plan first, will you reimburse me when I upgrade to the Deluxe Pro Plan later?
How is this course structured?
- A Study Plan Just for You. This first lesson will provide you with a detailed overview of the course.
- Taking Your First Diagnostic Exam. In this lesson, you will take a diagnostic exam composed of official practice questions from the AAMC. This will give you a solid idea of where you are starting from.
- Setting Your MCAT Goal. Using the score you achieved on the diagnostic exam and a knowledge of which medical schools you are aiming for, I will help you set an appropriate goal MCAT score.
- Making Your Study Schedule. Using the Study Plan Spreadsheet, I will help you determine how many total hours you will need to study in order to achieve your goal. We will then organize those study hours into a detailed timeline.
- Carefully Reviewing Your First Diagnostic Exam. I will provide you with a step-by-step exam review procedure that you should use every time you review a practice exam. After this lesson, you will be completely ready to start following your study plan to MCAT success! 🙂
How long will this course take to complete?
Why should I upgrade from the Free Forever Plan to the Basic Pro Plan?
When will my access expire?
Does this course include one-on-one assistance?
What outside materials will I need in order to complete this course?
Advanced Pro Plan
Which plan is right for me?
If I am not currently using the MCAT Self Prep eCourse, will these Quizlet Flashcards help me?
Why should I upgrade from the Free Forever Plan or Basic Pro Plan to the Advanced Pro Plan?
If I start with the Basic or Advanced Pro Plan first, will you reimburse me when I upgrade to the Deluxe Pro Plan later?
Who created these flashcards?
When will my access expire?
Can I defer my payment or pay in increments over time?
Yes! At the checkout page, you can select Pay Over Time for any product over $200. Many students who are looking to avoid paying upfront really enjoy this Pay in Four option. It allows you to get started on any premium package for only 25% paid up front. The payment plan will automatically charge outstanding balance in 25% increments monthly (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days), and it’s completely interest free!
Can I share my account with a friend or relative?
Deluxe Pro Plan
Which plan is right for me?
Who should sign up for the Deluxe Pro Plan?
Why should I start with the Deluxe Pro Plan as compared to the Basic or Advanced Pro Plans?
If I start with the Basic or Advanced Pro Plan first, will you reimburse me when I upgrade to the Deluxe Pro Plan later?
Do any of the Pro Plans offer access to third-party materials?
What third-party materials will I need in addition to the Deluxe Pro Plan?
When will my access expire?
Can I defer my payment or pay in increments over time?
Yes! At the checkout page, you can select Pay Over Time for any product over $200. Many students who are looking to avoid paying upfront really enjoy this Pay in Four option. It allows you to get started on any premium package for only 25% paid up front. The payment plan will automatically charge outstanding balance in 25% increments monthly (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days), and it’s completely interest free!
Can I share my account with a friend or relative?
Do you offer a Higher Score Guarantee?
How long does it take to complete the Deluxe Pro Plan?
Can I fit the Deluxe Pro Plan resources into my final phase of studying?
The 5,000+ Quizlet Flashcard Collection allows you to quickly review every single concept taught by Khan Academy, Kaplan, and Princeton. The Memorization Courses such as the Metabolic Pathways Mastery Course and 100 Most Essential Equations Mastery Course allow you to quickly review the most highly-tested topics. Most importantly, the Ultimate CARS Strategy Course and Science Passage Reading Strategy Course allow you to learn key passage reading techniques in a step-by-step, go-at-your-own-pace manner.
Fitting these resources into your final phase of MCAT studying will allow you to steadily increase your scores on full-length practice exams and ultimately your score on test day. I’ve seen this for many students such as Adrianna (see her testimonial) who boosted her score from a 508 to a 521 by using the Deluxe Pro Plan during her final study phase. I would highly recommend it.
Elite Tutoring
Which plan is right for me?
What are sessions like?
Meticulous Preparation. Before the session even starts, your tutor will look through your Study Portal as they prepare an individualized lesson plan.
Pivotal Adjustments. At the beginning of each hourlong session, your Premium Elite Tutor will examine your progress and help you adjust your study plan using the Study Plan Spreadsheet.
Individualized Training. Your Premium Elite Tutor will spend the bulk of the session focused on teaching you the strategies and content that address your exact needs.
Can a tutor help me with my study plan?
Will Elite Tutoring help me during my final month of MCAT studying?
I need help with the CARS section. Can an Elite Tutor help me with that?
How do I start meeting with a tutor?
You can immediately start our Create-your-own Study Plan Course, which will walk you through developing a rough draft study plan using the Study Plan Spreadsheet.
After that, you can schedule a your first at your convenience so that you can discuss your study plan with one of our Elite Tutors in a one-on-one setting.
How often will I meet with a tutor? How does scheduling a session work?
Is there any way to meet in person with my tutor?
Can I defer my payment or pay in increments over time?
Yes! At the checkout page, you can select Pay Over Time. Many students who are looking to avoid paying upfront really enjoy this Pay in Four option. It allows you to get started on any premium package for only 25% paid up front. This payment plan will automatically charge the outstanding balance in 25% increments monthly (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days), and it’s completely interest free!
Can I schedule sessions before my payment plan is paid off?
What materials will I receive as part of this tutoring program?
- Our MCAT Video Collection, which covers ALL the MCAT topics as listed by the AAMC.
- All ten of our online content modules (Biology I, Physics II, etc) as well as MCAT Bootcamp with customization.
- Create-your-own Study Plan Course, which includes our Create-your-own Study Plan Spreadsheet and Score Tracker.
Ultimate CARS Strategy Course
Which plan is right for me?
Who should sign up for this CARS Course?
How is this course structured?
Will you reimburse me for this mastery course if I upgrade to the Deluxe Pro Plan later?
How long does this course take to complete?
I get anxious when I study or practice. Will this course help me with that?
I really struggle with timing. Will this course help me with that?
When will my access expire?
Do I need both your Ultimate CARS Course and your Science Passage Reading Strategy Course?
What outside materials will I need to complete this course?
Can I defer my payment or pay in increments over time?
Yes! At the checkout page, you can select Pay Over Time for any product over $200. Many students who are looking to avoid paying upfront really enjoy this Pay in Four option. It allows you to get started on any premium package for only 25% paid up front. The payment plan will automatically charge outstanding balance in 25% increments monthly (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days), and it’s completely interest free!
I’ve already done CARS Question Packs 1 and 2 from the AAMC. Will this course still work for me?
Do you offer a Higher Score Guarantee?
Science Passage Reading Strategy Course
Which plan is right for me?
Who should sign up for this Strategy Course?
How is this course structured?
Will you reimburse me for this mastery course if I upgrade to the Deluxe Pro Plan later?
How long does this course take to complete?
I get anxious when I study or practice. Will this course help me with that?
I really struggle with timing. Will this course help me with that?
When will my access expire?
Do I need both your Ultimate CARS Course and your Science Passage Reading Strategy Course?
Can I defer my payment or pay in increments over time?
Yes! At the checkout page, you can select Pay Over Time for any product over $200. Many students who are looking to avoid paying upfront really enjoy this Pay in Four option. It allows you to get started on any premium package for only 25% paid up front. The payment plan will automatically charge outstanding balance in 25% increments monthly (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days), and it’s completely interest free!
What outside materials will I need to complete this course?
I’ve already done the questions from the AAMC Section Bank. Will this course still work for me?
Do you offer a Higher Score Guarantee?
Medical School Application Course
Which plan is right for me?
Who should sign up for this course?
How is this course structured?
- The first section of this course provides you with a detailed overview of the application process and how to best prepare yourself to get accepted to medical school. It is meant for pre-medical students of all stages, whether you just finished high school or will be applying to medical school next week.
- Section 2 can be started at any point within six months of submitting your application. It will walk you through everything you need to accomplish in order to submit your primary application.
- Finally, during section three, you will learn how to wow each and every medical school that shows interest in you through strong secondary essays and interviews. By the time you’ve finished this section, that medical school acceptance letter should be in your hands.
How long does this course take to complete?
What outside materials will I need to complete this course?
When will my access expire?
Can I defer my payment or pay in increments over time?
Yes! At the checkout page, you can select Pay Over Time for any product over $200. Many students who are looking to avoid paying upfront really enjoy this Pay in Four option. It allows you to get started on any premium package for only 25% paid up front. The payment plan will automatically charge outstanding balance in 25% increments monthly (30 days, 60 days, and 90 days), and it’s completely interest free!