MCAT The Princeton Review’s Hyperlearning MCAT Program

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ThePrincetonReview

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Welcome to Test Prep Week. Please find information below on our Courses, Prep Options, Raffle, Bonus, Mailing List, and Special Offer.

WHAT YOU KNOW CAN BE IMPROVED BY WHO YOU KNOW
After 105 hours of intensive learning with our specialist instructors, you will get a great score on the MCAT. Our Hyperlearning program is rigorous, demanding and thorough – like the MCAT itself.

Make an informed decision – your MCAT score deserves as much. You don't believe us? Our students score an average of 30 on the MCAT, and 96% of our students would recommend us to others.* In addition, if you take our course and aren't happy with your score, you can take our entire course again for free. That's our guarantee. If you still don't believe us? Then put our Hyperlearning MCAT course up against the competition.

Hyperlearning MCAT Course, by the Numbers - SAVE $200 - See Special Offer below

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 2009


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.
Additional MCATTest Preparation Options:
· 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

Raffle: The Princeton Review will be giving away one free set of MCAT & Medical School Admissions Books to a lucky user. Anyone who posts a question or helpful comment in this thread will be eligible for the drawing. Winners will be required to disclose their home address to SDN for prize shipping but this information will not be shared with any third party, including this company. Includes: Cracking the MCAT CBT, Best Medical Schools, Medical School Essays That Made a Difference & Planning a Life in Medicine.

Bonus: Take a Free MCAT CBT – Easy as 1-2-3
1. Take a free Princeton Review practice MCAT CBT at www.PrincetonReview.com/MCATPracticeTest
2. Get a detailed score report and print it out
3. Call a Princeton Review expert instructor/counselor to discuss your results

Join Our Mailing List!
Interested in receiving more information from The Princeton Review? Want to learn more about our courses & programs, free events and medical school admissions updates? Just click here to submit your contact information and you will be well on your way to the graduate school of your dreams! For information on our Privacy Policy, click here.

Special Offer:
SDN members SAVE $200 on The Princeton Review's Hyperlearning MCAT course. It's an exclusive, one-of-a-kind offer to members and it ends February 13, 2009, two weeks after SDN's Test Prep Week. Use Promo Code NAMMCATSDN when enrolling – this cannot be combined with any other offer and not available if you are currently enrolled.

Enroll Now:
Give us a call at 800.2REVIEW (800-273-8439)or click www.PrincetonReview.com to learn more.

Anatomy of the MCAT (Feb 21- Mar 1)
Don't miss these free events so you can see our instructors preview the subjects on the MCAT.

*Independently verified – 2005
Members don't see this ad.
 
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Is it possible to sit in on a local class? I've heard mixed reviews on the level of teaching in various sites...
 
How well do you think the aamc diagnostics reflect the current test? Do you think the MCAT is changing?
 
Members don't see this ad :)
How much as the TPN hyperlearning system adapted to the changes in the verbal section?
 
This sounds great. I'm studying for the MCAT and have taken The Princeton Review Cracking the MCAT CBT out of the library. Unfortunately, it is due back tomorrow. I highly recommend it and will be trying to get another copy.
 
I have heard that the hyperlearning books are a really great tool for mcat content prep and I'm interested in a trial session for additional help in the physical sciences. Also, I read on your website that you have LiveGrader, are they quick at returning your essays and giving constructive criticism? Finally, I have taken a course with one of your competitors and have found that the MCAT instructors are sometimes qualified only by their score and not necessarily by their "teaching" ability. What can you tell us about PR's mcat instructors? Thank you for your time!
 
This question is sort of similar to the previous post, but I was wondering if it is possible to see reviews of previous instructors of the area in which you will take the review course?
 
What kind of things that will inside these books? Will it be the same as any other admissions book?
 
Focus30 said:
Is it possible to sit in on a local class? I've heard mixed reviews on the level of teaching in various sites...
Click to expand...

Actually The Princeton Review is hosting events around the country called Anatomy of the MCAT (click here for more info). You will be able to attend review sessions in each subject with our instructors so you can actually see the level of our teachers. I suggest you attend these events in a few locations if you are curious about their expertise. My other suggestion is to contact the local office and ask who your teachers will be for that specific schedule - then you can also see their backgrounds. Hope that helps.
 
aevea said:
How well do you think the aamc diagnostics reflect the current test? Do you think the MCAT is changing?
Click to expand...

The AAMC practice exams mimic the real test as do our Princeton Review diagnostics so if you complete all 17, you should be confident in the score you will get. The MCAT may be changing in 2012 - you can check the AAMC website for details regarding the committee that is checking into this over the next few years.
 
idiosyncratici said:
I have heard that the hyperlearning books are a really great tool for mcat content prep and I'm interested in a trial session for additional help in the physical sciences. Also, I read on your website that you have LiveGrader, are they quick at returning your essays and giving constructive criticism? Finally, I have taken a course with one of your competitors and have found that the MCAT instructors are sometimes qualified only by their score and not necessarily by their "teaching" ability. What can you tell us about PR's mcat instructors? Thank you for your time!
Click to expand...


That is great that you heard good things about our materials. I would suggest attending our Anatomy of the MCAT (click here for more info) so you can review sample sessions, instructors and take a peak at our materials. We actually qualify our instructors by both expertise and teaching ability. Expertise in their subject area (top % MCAT score plus advanced degrees) then through our audition process during and after training they must prove that ability to teach before they actually get certified to be in a classroom. Other companies use just the MCAT score as the sole determinant in certifying a teacher because they may only have 1 instructor teaching the entire course while we employ specialists in each subject area.
 
Maygyver said:
This question is sort of similar to the previous post, but I was wondering if it is possible to see reviews of previous instructors of the area in which you will take the review course?
Click to expand...

You can see my response from the previous post for more detials. All our instructors get evaluated through the course by their students so a local office may be able to provide you some general results about those evaluations (I can't guarantee that they will be able to). In addition, they may have some testimonials from their students regarding those particualr instructors (they need releases from the students in order to provide those to you).

For example (I have releases for some testimonials about our teachers)
  • Eric from Vanderbilt said this about Josh..."Josh Wiedermann was an amazing bio teacher, well versed in all of the material and communicated in an effective manner."
  • Samara V. from University of Toronto...."Jessica Adams is a gifted and effective teacher. She knows her material inside and out and made it fun and interesting to learn. She demonstrated genuine concern for her students and really created a welcoming environment. I felt like we were all a team."
So I suggest reach out to the local office in your area and see if they can provide you with that. Understand we take the feedback and evaluations very seriously so I would expect the ones teaching should have high marks.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
How does the Princeton Review's Hyperlearning MCAT Program compare with the Kaplan Review. I'm currently taking the MCAT prep from Kaplan and have heard conflicting views from those that have taken both. How do you differ from Kaplan? Is your review more comprehensive in the organic section?

Thanks ahead of time.
 
are you not offering course in south Carolina?
 
PharMed2016 said:
How does the Princeton Review's Hyperlearning MCAT Program compare with the Kaplan Review. I'm currently taking the MCAT prep from Kaplan and have heard conflicting views from those that have taken both. How do you differ from Kaplan? Is your review more comprehensive in the organic section?

Thanks ahead of time.
Click to expand...

We get that question a lot. The biggest differences are in the classroom.
  • HOURS: We have more live in class hours – nearly double. We have 105 hours of instruction vs. Kaplan at 54 (based on their sample syllabus). That is a huge difference. Check our syllabus .
  • CLASSES: We have 42 class sessions; Kaplan only has 18. Specifically in O-Chem, they have 3 classes, we have 6.
  • INSTRUCTORS: We have a team of 3-5 superior instructors, each an expert in his or her subject - unlike Kaplan who typically provides one instructor.
  • VERBAL: We have 22.5 hours of Verbal preparation, an area in which students are very fearful of ; Kaplan has 9 hours.
  • ESSAY GRADING: We use Livegrader technology for feedback, including 2 from AAMC; Kaplan does not.
 
emno said:
are you not offering course in south Carolina?
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Yes we offer courses in SC. Visit our web site for courses and look it up using your zip or city. If you want to speak with a rep, call 800.2.Review. Different times of the year also may mean different schedule offerings. I would also suggest calling the local office
 
ThePrincetonReview said:
Yes we offer courses in SC. Visit our web site for courses and look it up using your zip or city. If you want to speak with a rep, call 800.2.Review. Different times of the year also may mean different schedule offerings. I would also suggest calling the local office
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Emno,

You can also consider online private tutoring for the MCAT if you can't find a classroom course in your area. Basically, the Online Private Tutoring program for the MCAT consists out of:


  • A full set of Hyperlearning MCAT printed materials
  • A group of 3 -5 dedicated tutors, each an expert in his/her subject, for 48 hours of one-on-one instruction delivered through our award-winning online classroom environment.
  • Access to 17 practice MCAT CBTs.
  • The ability to prep from anywhere at any time..
For more info, give us a call at 888.755.7737. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Cheers,

Andrea @ TPR Online
 
Is there a score guarantee for TPR?
 
de_la_soul said:
Is there a score guarantee for TPR?
Click to expand...

Our students score an average of 30 on the MCAT but we do not have a number score guarantee. We do offer a satisfaction or money-back guarantee. If you take our course and aren't happy with your score, you can take our entire course again for free. Check out our guarantee.
 
I know this is a while out, but if the MCAT does change in 2012, when could the Princeton Review feasibly have test prep material ready? Would it potentially be better to try to take it in 2011 with an established system, or do you suppose that there will be sufficient time to take full advantage of new test prep material before exam time?
 
GeekSquad said:
I know this is a while out, but if the MCAT does change in 2012, when could the Princeton Review feasibly have test prep material ready? Would it potentially be better to try to take it in 2011 with an established system, or do you suppose that there will be sufficient time to take full advantage of new test prep material before exam time?
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Well first of all, potential scheduled changes to most entrance exams usually do not happen as planned - they either cancel their plans or get delayed. So who knows if it will happen - it is a long way away. Second, when the test changed to CBT in 2007, we were the first to have our materials changed so we are the first into the market with changes to the materials and tests so you can be sure that we will be on it. Third, many times, they are more lenient during the first handful of administrations on any new exam as they are figuring out the potnetial risks so it is not always a bad idea to go for it first - it allows you some flexibility. My advice would be to take the exam when it fits your timeline not if the test is changing. It is all relative because other students would be in the same boat as you. Plus I expect the changes will be smaller in nature and not a big sweeping change. If you are worried, keep checking AAMC to see if they stay on schedule with changes coming but like I said we are always ready for the changes. We update our materials every year to keep them up-to-date (since sometimes there are some small content updates each year on the MCAT).
 
Just out of curiosity, what is the average score of a participant who successfully completes your in-class course as opposed to those who use your self-study materials? Do you have any data on how this compares to people who use different programs (e.g. Kaplan, Examkrackers)?
 
gsquared said:
Just out of curiosity, what is the average score of a participant who successfully completes your in-class course as opposed to those who use your self-study materials? Do you have any data on how this compares to people who use different programs (e.g. Kaplan, Examkrackers)?
Click to expand...

Our students boast an average score of 30 on the MCAT*, which is usually what gets you accepted to medical school. In addition, 96% of our students would recommend us to others.* This is national data so that means our program works all over the country so no matter where you take it, you can trust the program will be effective. All this data is independently verified by an outside agency. Other companies like ExamKrackers and Kaplan do not release any verified score data. See how our Hyperlearning MCAT course stacks up against the competition. There is no data about those who use self-study but here is some interesting data (this shows you how strong our prep course is to make you a qualified applicant to medical school)....

In 2008 (from AAMC's website)
· 75,809 MCAT exams were administered. The mean was 24.9.
· The average MCAT score for applicants was 28.1 (total of 42,231 students)
· The average MCAT score for those accepted was 30.9 (total of 18,036 students)


*Independently verified – 2005
 
With the hyper learning course would you suggest any other books to go along with the online information or is it set up to be a good enough comprehensive review for the MCAT?
 
udlax16 said:
With the hyper learning course would you suggest any other books to go along with the online information or is it set up to be a good enough comprehensive review for the MCAT?
Click to expand...

The materials we provide (including the online practice passages and exams) are all you're going to need to go along with our Hyperlearning course. If you complete all of the practice problems you'll be more than ready for the MCAT!
 
Are the TPR books sold separately from the courses?

Thanks!
 
The general consensus at my campus is that you guys are better than Kaplan (which is big over here), but I know Kaplan offers either scholarships for their classes or help in making payments for their courses. Does Princeton Review offer any financial aid for students, because I really would like to take your course over there's (simply due to physical sciences which I havent had a class for in like 3 years) but it's far out of my price range.
 
ThePrincetonReview said:
Our students score an average of 30 on the MCAT but we do not have a number score guarantee. We do offer a satisfaction or money-back guarantee. If you take our course and aren't happy with your score, you can take our entire course again for free. Check out our guarantee.
Click to expand...

Does the course have to be completed in it's entirety to be repeated. I previously signed up for the KAPLAN online course and the retake again if your not satisfied guarantee but the small print says that every quiz must be taken and all lectures watched. Life happened and I was unable to finish the program with no way to retake it again unless I pay the money all over. Basically I'm wondering if this is the case with PR Hyperlearning? I had a friend who took the course and she was very pleased with her MCAT score on the actual test.

Also do you address any specific issues not directly related to MCAT material like test anxiety?
 
LuckBALady said:
Does the course have to be completed in it's entirety to be repeated. I previously signed up for the KAPLAN online course and the retake again if your not satisfied guarantee but the small print says that every quiz must be taken and all lectures watched. Life happened and I was unable to finish the program with no way to retake it again unless I pay the money all over. Basically I'm wondering if this is the case with PR Hyperlearning? I had a friend who took the course and she was very pleased with her MCAT score on the actual test.

Also do you address any specific issues not directly related to MCAT material like test anxiety?
Click to expand...

Our Satisfaction Guarantee to repeat the course is...Regardless of how much your test score improves, you are eligible to repeat the course during the year following your program if you meet the following requirements:
  • You attend all of the program sessions, take all of the practice tests, and complete all of your homework.
If you do not sit for the official test for which you prepared within 45 days following the final session of your program, offices may charge you an administrative fee for the program (typically $150-$300).

Offices also account for special circumstances differently so you would have to openly communicate with them to determine what they can or plan to do for you - usually case by case basis if there are some hardships.

If you miss lots of classes and tests (not being a model TPR student), offices can charge you 60% of the original course fee - so you get a 40% discount (again based on your circumstances and communication with the office)

A lot of this has to do with our limited class sizes so we have some guidelines for repeating.

As for test anxiety, this is always addressed as learning our stategies, methods as well as taking our practice exams, all work together to reduce test anxiety. We build your endurance, confidence, skills and ultimately make you a better test taker. When you learn how to approach the MCAT from all facets (content and strategy) in every class, you shouldn't have anymore test anxiety.
 
SilentSoldier said:
The general consensus at my campus is that you guys are better than Kaplan (which is big over here), but I know Kaplan offers either scholarships for their classes or help in making payments for their courses. Does Princeton Review offer any financial aid for students, because I really would like to take your course over there's (simply due to physical sciences which I havent had a class for in like 3 years) but it's far out of my price range.
Click to expand...

Well I am glad you hear that we are better. Currently we have a $200 discount (see promo above in the original post) so that should be helpful. We actually just finished a Sweepstakes where 10 students received course scholarships so you just missed that national promotion. I would suggest checking the local office in your area because sometimes they have their own scholarships through either the colleges or organizations on the local campuses. As for financial aid, we no longer have this at this time (we did last year and are trying again to have something but do not). For payment plans I would suggest contacting your local office as well.
 
Hello, I was wondering how to find the information to communicate with your local office?
 
looks great!
 
The teachers are the people who have taken the MCAT in fast or they are professors from local colleges?
 
emno said:
The teachers are the people who have taken the MCAT in fast or they are professors from local colleges?
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That is an interesting question. TPR teachers come from a variety of backgrounds. They run the gamut from people that have taken our course and the MCAT and are in the process of applying to medical school to graduate students to college teachers.

Regardless of their background, TPR MCAT teachers go through a rigorous 2-day training for ONE subject before they get to be in front of the classroom. So in fact, you can be assured they are all experts in the subject they are teaching you. If your teacher is certified in multiple tests or subjects they must go through an additional training for each and even then they will teach only one subject at a time. The only common exception to this is that your GChem and OChem teacher may be the same person due to the large overlap in those subjects.
 
When do you think is an ideal time to take this class? (for most people) How many months before the big exam?
 
KiwiBruin said:
When do you think is an ideal time to take this class? (for most people) How many months before the big exam?
Click to expand...

I don't know if there is an ideal time for all people. We offer many different choices that range from an intensive one month program just before the test to a more leisurely six month program. It really depends on personal choice, learning style, and time availability. It seems most people do best by starting 3-4 months before they take their exam and having the last class within 2 weeks of their test date.

If you speak with the MCAT coordinator at your local site, he or she can help you figure our what is best for you!
 
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KiwiBruin said:
When do you think is an ideal time to take this class? (for most people) How many months before the big exam?
Click to expand...

Some other things to think about as your make you plan to prep...Here is my MCAT Checklist:

1. Do you have all the science prereqs/academics? Do you have 1 year of bio, g-chem, o-chem and at least the first semester/quarter of physics completed? If yes, then you have the academic foundation necessary to prep for the MCAT. If no, then to avoid frustration you should complete these courses before you take an MCAT prep course. Now our Hyperlearning programs does reteach the material in a way that applies to the MCAT so we have had students who have taken our program with some of the classes concurrently but it is best to avoid spending so much time reviewing because you don't know the material.

2. Do you have room in your schedule? Will your class load, research or work commitments, and extra curricular activities allow for 300+ hours of MCAT classes and homework? If yes, then you have the necessary time available to prep for the MCAT. If no, it may be time to temporarily take that fencing club out of your schedule. Preparing for the MCAT should take top priority when you decide to do it.

3. When are you applying – what is your admissions strategy? Med School application timelines have NOT changed– Students can begin submitting med school applications in early June. Students who take the MCAT in January, April or May will have scores back in time to submit a complete application in the opening days. Since most medical schools work on a rolling admissions basis, the sooner you can submit a complete application, the better chances you have, all else being equal. Delaying your MCAT can (at some medical schools) dramatically reduce your chances for an interview or acceptance. So if you have completed the necessary coursework and you have time to dedicate to preparing in your schedule, then you are ready to prep for the MCAT.


And as my colleague pointed out...how do you prefer to learn? Do you like a course more spread out or more compact? When you add your preferences into the checklist, hopefully you will know what may work best for you. If you need assistance, please give one of our advisors a call at 800.2Review.
 
For having access to your FLs should somebody register for your class or you sell them separately?Do you have a Q-bank?
 
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