MCAT Raffle – Free MCAT LiveOnline Course

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What are the minimum computer requirements/internet requirements to take the online course?

Just an Internet connection.

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1. what is the method and style of teaching of TPR? Does it follow the prep books closely?
2. Does the program include full length exams? If so, how many? Also, what type of feedback do we get from the mistakes we make?
3. Are we able and allowed to print notes or pdf version of questions/tests/summaries?
4. What do you think is the advantage of your program? And also, what benefits do you think you offer comparitively to Kaplan?
5. What is the average test score of TPR students?
6. How long is this class valid for?
7. Are any of the lectures video based?
8. What standards are used to track progress of students during the course?

We teach strategy and content in a live interactive class. The materials for class cannot be purchased in a bookstore so the books in class follow the teaching closely but each teacher adds their own personality and expertise to their lectures and reviews. The supplemental material and practice books also work in line with the lessons.
2. Yes 17 exams. You get a personal score analysis of the questions based on style and types as well as annotations for review.
3. Yes
4. Advantages include:
  • RESULTS: Our students boast an average 10 point score improvement on the MCAT. In fact, the top quarter of our students average 12 points improvement. Kaplan does not have an independently verified claim that shows how students across the nation do after their programs - we do.
  • LIVE HOURS: We have the most live hours - we believe in the teach-student relationship where we guide you through the material teaching you strategy and content (and it is necessary to have so many hours - we have 105, Kaplan has about 54)
  • LIVE CLASSES: We have 42 class sessions so you can learn and implement what you learn while having time with your instructors to make sure you fully understand the concepts; Kaplan has 18.
  • INSTRUCTORS: We have a team of 3-5 superior instructors, each an expert in his or her subject - unlike some other companies who may provide one instructor. We believe in the specialist approach while Kaplan uses 1 teacher.
  • MATERIALS: We hand out more materials in class - up to 4,300 pages of comprehensive, up-to-date materials
  • VERBAL: We have 22.5 hours of Verbal preparation, an area in which students are very fearful of; Kaplan has about 9 hours.
  • ESSAY GRADING: We use Livegrader technology for feedback, including 2 from AAMC; Kaplan does not offer this.
  • EXAMS: We have 17 CBT exams - 9 of ours + all 8 of the AAMC exams.
  • GUARANTEE: We offer a satisfaction/moneyback guarantee:
  • ONLINE: We have additional MCATs' worth of subject-specific drills online plus all our exams and explanations are online while some companies do not offer online resources.
5. Our students boast an average 10 point score improvement on the MCAT. In fact, the top quarter of our students average 12 points improvement. Most companies do not have an indepently verified claim that shows how students across the nation do after thier programs - we do.
6. The class takes roughly 10-12 weeks and you have access to your online resources for 9 months.
7. Lectures are live but there are also recorded lessons for your viewing pleasure.
8. We use the score reports of the practice tests which not only give scores but also breaks down the questions so your instructors know what you miss and why.
 
Do the LiveOnline classes represent a complete study package? In other words, besides practice tests, will they completely prepare you for the MCAT?

Definitely. It is exactly like our classroom course model (instead of classes in a classroom, the classes are in our vitrual classroom).

  • 105 hours of real-time online instruction by a team of MCAT experts
  • Real-time testing <
  • 9 full-length computer-based MCATs with score reports
  • Unlimited access to all 8 AAMC practice MCATs
  • Complete review of all MCAT subjects
  • 6 additional subject-specific drills
  • 4,300+ pages of MCAT study materials, including the AAMC's The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam
Yeah, and?

  • No travel time, convenient format. We bring our full-length MCAT Hyperlearning course to you <
  • Personalized Feedback - Diagnostic score reports
  • Practice Tests and Tools - Print materials shipped via UPS to your home, plus access to our MCAT Online Student Center with additional drills and exercises <
  • Free Tech Support - 24/7 support is provided by email or phone
  • The Score You Need. Guaranteed
 
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What is the average MCAT score (and standard deviation) achieved by students who take the Live Online Course? Also, how does that performance compare to students who take the live classroom course?

We do not have that information (at least not this year) but uur classroom students boast an average 10 point score improvement on the MCAT. In fact, the top quarter of our students average 12 points improvement. It is an indepently verified claim. We expect the LiveOnline course to produce similar results as it has all the same elements (except for where the students take the class sessions - live classroom vs live online classroom).
 
What supplemental material is available to complement the class(es) and can they be used in an offline setting? Are there any hardcopy books that are sent to the student to be used?

Snow,

The hardcopy materials would be the same as the classroom course such as:
  • Physical Sciences Review - More than 500 pages of physics and general chemistry review
  • Biological Sciences Review - More than 600 pages of biology and organic chemistry review
  • Science Workbook - 700 pages with hundreds of MCAT-style practice passages and questions with complete explanations
  • Verbal Reasoning and Writing Reviews - More than 200 pages of review, including descriptions of passages, strategies, tips, and techniques
  • Verbal Workbook - Dozens of MCAT practice passages and 4 full-length Verbal Reasoning practice tests with complete explanations
  • In-Class Passage Compendium - The equivalent of 4 MCATs' worth of additional test questions
  • Science Review Q&S - A "Questions and Solutions" booklet with hundreds of practice questions reflecting material from the most recent MCAT
  • Access to LiveGraderSM (MCAT essay grader) to get feedback on your essay from an MCAT expert
 
I have heard great things about TPR. Can you indicate what section of the MCAT you provide the most material for?

I am glad you have heard great things. We provide tons of material for all areas - here is a sampling (plus we have 17 full-length CBT exams online):
  • Physical Sciences Review - More than 500 pages of physics and general chemistry review
  • Biological Sciences Review - More than 600 pages of biology and organic chemistry review
  • Science Workbook - 700 pages with hundreds of MCAT-style practice passages and questions with complete explanations
  • Verbal Reasoning and Writing Reviews - More than 200 pages of review, including descriptions of passages, strategies, tips, and techniques
  • Verbal Workbook - Dozens of MCAT practice passages and 4 full-length Verbal Reasoning practice tests with complete explanations
  • In-Class Passage Compendium - The equivalent of 4 MCATs' worth of additional test questions
  • Science Review Q&S - A "Questions and Solutions" booklet with hundreds of practice questions reflecting material from the most recent MCAT
  • Online subject spefici drills - 6+ MCATs worth
 
Is the course time divided evenly between the sections of the MCAT, or are certain sections given greater attention? If the division is not equal, how is the time apportioned?

The course is designed around the content of the test as well as the strategy so here is how the class is set up
  • Biology – 10 classes @ 2.5 hours each
  • Chemistry – 14 @ 2.5 hours each
  • Physics – 9 @ 2.5 hours each
  • Verbal – 9 @ 2.5 hours each
Total Sessions - 42 @ 2.5 hrs
Total Instructional Hours - 105
*Does not include Office hours (20+)
 
I was also curious as to the type of practice material TPR offers. Is there online review in addition to CBTs or is it separate workbooks?

Yes there are online drills in addition to the online CBTs plus you will get hardcopy review materials and practice books.
 
What are your instructors' qualifications?

We look at:
  • expertise in his or her specific field
  • put them through a screening interview
  • put them through a Princeton Review training
  • certification process include qualifying exams and teaching evaluations
And this is all before one gets to teach in our class. Some may be professors and some may be professionials in the work force as many have varied backgrounds.
 
About how long, on average, does it take students to complete the entire program?

Is there a limit on how long you have access to the material?

The program schedule is about 10-12 weeks and you have access online for a 9 month period (and can keep all your hardcopy materials).
 
If a student has already taken the Hyperlearning Course but needs a refresher, do you think the online course would be too much review?

It really depends on their score and how much improvement you are looking for. It may be but you would still have the option to not attend certain lectures if you were strong on that particular topic.
 
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A friend of mine took the Princeton Review MCAT course in GA this past year and said it was fantastic! Although he did a good bit of research between the Kaplan and PR classroom courses (sat in both classes), he noted the PR had better teachers and overall the material within the Hyperlearning books were excellent when compared to Kaplan. Although he also said Kaplan contained good online material... So I did have one question, what type of material does PR have online? Is it just practice tests or are there any topic related practice questions, etc..?

I am glad you have heard such great things. Yes we have online subject specific drills - over 6 MCATs worth in addition to the 17 practice tests online (with annotations). For the LiveOnline course we also have video recordings of lessons.
 
How exactly is the 10 point improvement documented? Is it based on a diagnostic test given before any prep is done?

First it is an independently verified by another company and it is based on the 1st initial exam a student provides (whether our first diag, an AAMC practice exam, or a 1st attempt on a real MCAT) and the real MCAT they take after our program.
 
Does Your guarantee apply when one is unsatisfied with their score based on your provided TPR exams? or the real MCAT?
 
I used TPR Books for my ACT prep and it was invaluable! How do the classes differ from the books I can buy in-store. Also, I didn't use all the techniques provided in the books. How do I choose which techniques I want to use/learn and which ones I skip? Will i have to watch all of them?
 
Hello,
I love the thread; it has been very informative and, at times, amusing. I'm a 30 something living in poverty and considering financing myself to the teeth to pay for a prep course, so I greatly apreciate all the insight offered here. My question is: As a student in the on-line MCAT course, would I be allowed to contact instructors at my local TPR in person for assistance, or is the instruction strictly limited to on-line communication?

Thanks again.
 
I have read many great reviews of the hyperlearning courses. Two questions:
1. do we get automatical/CBT generated feedback on thosee questions in the practice exams that we get wrong or do we need to review each incorrect answer with the instructor(s)?
2. Are the original instructors available after the 10-12 week instruction period for consultation while we still have access to exams, etc?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
 
What is the typical daily time commitment neccessary to really succeed at this program? How long does it take to complete? Thanks for this raffle!
 
Thanks for the raffle.

How do instructors office hour work for live courses?
 
I am using TPR's MCAT-CBT book right now, and the MCAT workout books. The first includes four practice tests accessible on the website, and the second includes two. Does this mean six, total, practice tests, or do these overlap? I'd like to take as many as I can!

Yes 6 total practice tests as they should be different. If you take our course or tutoring, you get 17 practice exams but good luck on the 6. If you feel you need help in a particular area, I would suggest do some private tutoring and you could potentially get access to more exams. Just call 800.2.Review.
 
I used TPR Books for my ACT prep and it was invaluable! How do the classes differ from the books I can buy in-store. Also, I didn't use all the techniques provided in the books. How do I choose which techniques I want to use/learn and which ones I skip? Will i have to watch all of them?

Classes give you a lot more in depth instruction than books (and books are only a good choice for a certain type of learner).

What a class can offer:
  • In depth understanding of our mehtodology of how to take the exam (strategy) as well as the content material
  • Discipline to follow the lessons and methods
  • Instructors to guide you and focus in on areas you need additional help on (which increases your score)
  • Personalized analysis of your practice test scores - which helps you determine which areas you should focis more on (or ones you can skip according to your question). If you have Bio down and are scoring a 13 already maybe you dont need some of the lessons if you are looking to save some class time.
  • Interaction with other students to motivate, assist in preparation and homework
There are more but you get the gist - Books are good for disciplined learners with a good content base and their own strategies that work. Your question is difficult to just explain via text but I hope this gives you an idea as to your questions.

Thanks
 
How is the material introduced (i.e. through audio lessons, reading books, etc)? How is your program more advanced and in tune with the MCAT than the other programs? Do you have ties with AAMC exams? Do you know what questions they consist of and thats how you formulate your material?
 
Hello,
I love the thread; it has been very informative and, at times, amusing. I'm a 30 something living in poverty and considering financing myself to the teeth to pay for a prep course, so I greatly apreciate all the insight offered here. My question is: As a student in the on-line MCAT course, would I be allowed to contact instructors at my local TPR in person for assistance, or is the instruction strictly limited to on-line communication?

Thanks again.

For the LiveOnline course you would typically get access to your LiveOnline instructors not the local classroom course instructors. But the communication is not just via email, as there are phone interaction as well as the LiveOnline platform for office hours which is like a virtual classroom so I dont think you would need local instructors. I am sure if they could not help you, they would make some accomodation for you to get what you needed.
 
I have read many great reviews of the hyperlearning courses. Two questions:
1. do we get automatical/CBT generated feedback on thosee questions in the practice exams that we get wrong or do we need to review each incorrect answer with the instructor(s)?
2. Are the original instructors available after the 10-12 week instruction period for consultation while we still have access to exams, etc?
Thanks in advance for your responses.

I am glad you have seen some greta reviews. As for your specific questions...
1. Yes you get generated feedback plus annotations online so you dont need your instructors to review your exams. You will actually get quite good at reading and understaning your feedback and setting a new plan to get more points in motion.
2. It depends on the instructors but many times, yes. Plus you have The Princeton Review online staff or if you take a classroom course (the local staff) to contact for questions about your prepping. We want to make sure you are getting what you need. We don't just leave you once you stop class.
 
What is the typical daily time commitment neccessary to really succeed at this program? How long does it take to complete? Thanks for this raffle!

The daily commitment varies depending on your content knowledge as well as how fast you pick up the information and methods we teach. Some students spend a lot of time reviewing while others focus on more practice problems/passgaes. Just think the class in itself is 105 hours over 10-12 week, then add in 17 full-length tests which will tkae you about 5 hours each over that same time so that is nearly 200 hours so about 10-15 hours per week and that has not counted the homework and review you may do. As you can see it is quite intensive. For you to really succeed then you probably want to add in another 5-10 hours per week of practice and review. All in all, I would say if you hit a 250-300 hour prep milestone during the program including attending all classes, taking your tests and practice/homework, you will succeed. About 15-20 hours per week is a good number give or take a few hours.

Hope I didn't scare you.

This is another reason why I tell students to take the minimum course load when you are prepping for the MCAT as it is like 2 classes itself. And I also tell them if they can stop working for a few months as the commitment is quite big so you want to make sure you do this only once.
 
Thanks for the raffle.

How do instructors office hour work for live courses?

There is a set schedule they hand out to you at the start of class (sometimes they may change or add some throughtout the course depending on their students).
 
How is the material introduced (i.e. through audio lessons, reading books, etc)? How is your program more advanced and in tune with the MCAT than the other programs? Do you have ties with AAMC exams? Do you know what questions they consist of and thats how you formulate your material?

The material is introduced with LIVE instruction (either through the LiveOnline platform for LiveOnline course or in a classroom setting for the classroom course). The materials/books reinforce the lessons as you review in class as well as highlight our methodology. Our matrials are consistently updated to be more in tune with the MCAt than any other program plus our instructors and experts in their subject. This is how we separate ourselves with other programs too. Lots of Expert led instruction of content and strategy with materials to back it up and guide students. And yes we provide all 8 AAMC exams. Our reasearch and development know all the ins and outs of the MCAT so we are able to put a ton of money into developing our resources - books and online exams/drills. And this is why we have the best results in the industry.
 
Does the tuition cost include room and board? If not, how much do students typically pay?
 
Imagine one ordered the online course and did the course at pace where one would done with the course just before taking the MCAT but decided to take the MCAT at a later date. Could one use the course longer for free or does one has to pay extra for more time?
 
Does the tuition cost include room and board? If not, how much do students typically pay?

The only program that requires room and board is our Summer MCAT Bootcamp - Ultimate MCAT
This summer we're running two five week intensive MCAT bootcamps where you'll have 350+ hours of MCAT classroom instruction with 5 specialists. Also included is one-on-one and group tutoring plus medical school admissions and application assistance. Room and Board are additional fees.
o Austin, Texas (July 9 - Aug 15, 2010)
o San Diego, CA June 26-August 7, 2010

All our other programs are available from most US and Canadian cities.

Special Discount Offer:
SDN members SAVE $250 on The Princeton Review’s MCAT, LSAT, GMAT or GRE Classroom or LiveOnline courses when you enroll between 1/4-2/3. Your current offer is $100 off so enroll now to take advantage during this limited time. Use the appropriate Promo Code from www.princetonreview.com/sdn when enrolling – this cannot be combined with any other offer or is not valid for previously enrolled students). Enroll - Give us a call at 800.2REVIEW (800-273-8439) or visit www.princetonreview.com.

Hyperlearning MCAT Classroom Courses by the Numbers

10 & 12 Points of Improvement
Our students boast an average 10-point score improvement on the MCAT. In fact, the top quarter of our students average 12 points improvement.

3-5 Number of Expert Instructors
Your course will be led by a team of specialists, each of whom is an expert in his or her specific field. Our instructors are screened, trained, and certified. Other companies may have only 1 teacher. Plus we think it’s worthless having rock star instructors unless you can spend quality time with them. You’ll have your instructor’s cell phone number and e-mail address, and you’ll be able to reach him any time.

105 Hours of Live Classroom Instruction
You’ll meet up to 42 times over 3-4 months (or 6 months for the early start programs) for up to 105 hours of instruction (see syllabus), and we help you master every aspect by guiding you through our extensive practice materials and rigorous schedule. •Expert content knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics
•Fundamental reading comprehension skills
•Effective time-management and strategic skills
•The Princeton Review methodology
•Class session breakdown: 10 Biology, 14 Chemistry, 9 Physics and 9 Verbal.

17 Practice Tests
The only way you’ll know how you’ll do on the MCAT is by taking a real test. That’s why you’ll have unlimited access to all 8 AAMC exams as well our 9 full-length, computer-based MCATs with detailed score reports and complete with annotations.

4300 Pages of Material
Comprehensive up-to date materials with review, practice passages and questions, complete with full explanations.

24/7 Online Access
We give you the tools to study any time, any place through your Online Student Center, which includes extra drills (6 additional MCATs' worth of subject-specific drills), materials, and explanations.

Summer MCAT Bootcamp - Ultimate MCAT
Eat, breathe, and live the MCAT – Summer 2010
This summer we're running two five week intensive MCAT bootcamps where you'll have 350+ hours of MCAT classroom instruction with 5 specialists. Also included is one-on-one and group tutoring plus medical school admissions and application assistance.
o Austin, Texas (July 9 - Aug 15, 2010)
o San Diego, CA June 26-August 7, 2010

Additional MCAT Test Preparation Options:
· MCAT LiveOnline – Mirrors the classroom experience in a convenient state of the art virtual interactive setting. Experience the full benefit of our Hyperlearning MCAT course from the comfort and convenience of your home, dorm or office.View a LiveOnline demo here.
· MCAT Private Tutoring - The most effective, convenient and flexible prep program available. We'll select a tutor who best matches your individual needs and send them to you.
· MCAT Small Group Tutoring - Offers the structure of our prep course and the flexibility of private tutoring. A program that's built around you – you pick the schedule and location. You can form your own group, or let us match you with other students who have similar goals.
· MCAT Books
 
Imagine one ordered the online course and did the course at pace where one would done with the course just before taking the MCAT but decided to take the MCAT at a later date. Could one use the course longer for free or does one has to pay extra for more time?

Actually the LiveOnline course is not at your own pace as it has a set schedule over a 10-12 week period, a few days per week.

And yes you could continue the use of your online resources. For more details, please read our Guarantee policy and explain your options.
 
Since the online course does allow for quite a bit of interaction with other students and with instructors, does the material covered during the lectures adjust to the weaker topics that students in the class of difficulties with? For example, do the instructors spend more time on a particular concept that students are having trouble with? And, vice versa, i.e. less time on concepts students have done fairly well?
 
How long does the online course last?
 
Since the online course does allow for quite a bit of interaction with other students and with instructors, does the material covered during the lectures adjust to the weaker topics that students in the class of difficulties with? For example, do the instructors spend more time on a particular concept that students are having trouble with? And, vice versa, i.e. less time on concepts students have done fairly well?

Sure the instructor has the flexibility to do that.
 
Is the lecture a recorded video? or a powerpoint with an instructor's voice like Kaplan's?

also, who are the instructors?
 
Does Princeton get their test questions in their course from actual MCAT past tests, or are they created by the Princeton staff to be similar?

Are there services provided such as personal statement writing, and is it included or does it cost extra?

What feedback do online students get on their writing section of the MCAT?
 
How soon will the raffle winner be picked for the online class? When will the class start and how long will the class run? Thanks!
 
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I have a question regarding the rules for the raffle prize. If the person wins, can the person choose when to start the course like taking it in 2011 instead of 2010?
 
Which course do majority of test takers prefer? Do they like an actual teacher and desk class, or the online class, and why?
 
Is the lecture a recorded video? or a powerpoint with an instructor's voice like Kaplan's?

also, who are the instructors?

The lecture is Live in real-time in our virtual classroom with powerpoints and an actual teacher. If you miss class you can view recorded lectures.

The instructors are specialists in their area of expertise who pass out certifications and trainings.
 
Does Princeton get their test questions in their course from actual MCAT past tests, or are they created by the Princeton staff to be similar?

Are there services provided such as personal statement writing, and is it included or does it cost extra?

What feedback do online students get on their writing section of the MCAT?

We use all the 8 AAMC exams plus 9 of our own so we use both. The ones we create are identical in all facets.

Personal Statement writing costs extra and is available in certain cities - you would have to inquire.

Online students get the same feedback as classroom course students - Livegrader review + individual instructor feedback.
 
How soon will the raffle winner be picked for the online class? When will the class start and how long will the class run? Thanks!

SDN choose the winners but should be done in the next week or so.
We have 2 February starts and 2 March starts. Schedules for July and beyond will be available in the next 2 to 3 weeks. Visit MCAT LiveOnline for details or view a LiveOnline demo here.
 
Which course do majority of test takers prefer? Do they like an actual teacher and desk class, or the online class, and why?

Most students choose a classroom course (in a class with a desk) but our LiveOnline course does use an actual teacher but your desk is in a virtual classroom.

Why? Most students are used to attending class on campus and that is what they know best and most feel that is how they learn best. It does not mean that is the case.
 
Hi, I am a non-traditional student just starting to study for the MCAT. I have been looking at several courses, Kaplan, PR, Prep101 and am having trouble deciding which one to sign up for.
My quandry is not the material covered and the understanding of the material but the fact I get pretty bad exam anxiety. What does the PR provide that will help me overcome, or at least minimize this test anxiety issue when I sit the actual MCAT? And how does the PR's approach to this issue differ from the other test prep courses?

Thanks in Advance,
Jacksun
 
Hi, I am a non-traditional student just starting to study for the MCAT. I have been looking at several courses, Kaplan, PR, Prep101 and am having trouble deciding which one to sign up for.
My quandry is not the material covered and the understanding of the material but the fact I get pretty bad exam anxiety. What does the PR provide that will help me overcome, or at least minimize this test anxiety issue when I sit the actual MCAT? And how does the PR's approach to this issue differ from the other test prep courses?

Thanks in Advance,
Jacksun

Jacksun,

Test anxiety is very common with our students so one of the things that helps relieve that in our program is the focus on mutiple instructors on you (some companies use 1 instructor). With attention from experts focused on your specific sections, then can help pinpoint your areas of weakness plus give you the confidence. to reduce your anxiety. In addition, our pogram nearly doubles some of the others in terms of hours so you will get more time to make sure you are fully prepared and not only have the content down but also the strategic approaches - timing, pacing, approach, when to skip, etc. This is another area where students do not have the skills and with plenty of time in class, you get to make sure you have those areas covered as opposed with some other programs where they expect you to do a lot of it on your own. Finally we give 17 practice exams - doing full-length exams will minimize your anxiety because you will know everything about the exam and what is to come.

hope that helps,
Anthony
 
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