Is blueprint good for MCAT studying?

Yes, Blueprint is widely considered a very good resource for MCAT studying, particularly praised for its engaging video lectures with visuals, well-structured learning modules, realistic practice exams, and intuitive digital platform with strong analytics, though some find it expensive or prefer combining it with free resources like Khan Academy. It's especially strong for self-paced learners who benefit from its comprehensive content and organized approach, but users often recommend supplementing with official AAMC materials and UWorld for the best results.

Does Blueprint help with MCAT?

TLDR: Blueprint helped me increase my score by 19 points. I found it beneficial for my structured style of learning. Maybe wouldn't work as well if I wasn't in a gap year and had less time. I recommend for people who are looking for structure and don't have many other classes on the side.

Are the Blueprint MCAT books good?

Blueprint MCAT Prep Books

In terms of content, the prep books provide substantive reviews of the primary MCAT subjects, and contain end-of-chapter practice problems and strategies. They are well-written and clearly explain complex and hard-to-understand subjects.

How accurate are blueprint MCAT exams?

Yes, overall we found Blueprint Prep's mock MCAT exams to be realistic in terms of structure and content, albeit slightly more difficult than the real test.

What is the best MCAT study tool?

Quizlet is the best notecarding platform there is for the MCAT. It makes it so easy to stay organized and make diagrams.

Blueprint MCAT Prep Review (Pros & Cons Explained)

Is Kaplan or Blueprint better for MCAT prep?

Highlight: Live MCAT Classes

With small class sizes (typically fewer than 10 students), top-tier live lesson plans, and exceptional instructors, Kaplan is the clear choice if live classes are going to be a key part of your study plan.

What is 90% correct on MCAT?

Getting 90% correct on the MCAT usually translates to a score in the 90th percentile (around 515+ total), meaning you scored better than 90% of test-takers, with scores of 128-130 per section, though exact raw scores vary by section difficulty and test date due to statistical equating. Achieving this means answering most questions correctly, often around 44-48 questions per section, placing you as a very competitive applicant for medical school. 

Is Blueprint MCAT harder?

Yes, Blueprint (formerly NextStep) MCAT practice exams are generally considered harder than the actual AAMC MCAT tests, especially in CARS and C/P (Chemical & Physical), featuring denser passages, more challenging question logic, and calculation-heavy problems, serving as excellent stamina builders but often yielding lower scores than AAMC exams. While some find them tough ("BlewPrint"), many report scoring significantly higher on official AAMC exams, using Blueprint to prepare for the real test's difficulty.
 

What score is 50% correct on MCAT?

A 50% on the MCAT usually means a total score around 500-502, placing you at the 50th percentile (the average), meaning you scored better than roughly half of all test-takers, though this can fluctuate slightly with test years, with recent averages often being around 500.5. It's considered an average score, not necessarily competitive for top-tier schools but often meeting minimums for many programs, with scores above 508 being in the 75th percentile (good) and above 515 in the 90th percentile (excellent).
 

Has anyone ever gotten a 528 on the MCAT?

Yes, people have achieved a perfect 528 MCAT score, the highest possible score, though it is extremely rare and signifies exceptional performance across all sections (132 in each). Several individuals have shared their experiences and strategies on platforms like Reddit and in interviews, detailing rigorous study plans, extensive practice, and deep content mastery to reach this peak achievement.
 

How long should I study with Blueprint MCAT?

Most MCAT study schedules are 12-20 weeks long. Some students come into their MCAT preparation with a strong background in MCAT topics (looking at you, STEM Majors). There's a reason Blueprint MCAT personalizes MCAT study plans for each student because we understand that no two MCAT students are alike.

What would a 70% on the MCAT be?

A 70th percentile on the MCAT means you scored better than 70% of test-takers, which generally translates to a total score around 507-508, placing you in a competitive range for MD medical school admissions, though specific school averages vary. Your actual score might differ slightly as percentiles shift, but this score is strong, showing solid performance above the average (around 500).
 

Which MCAT prep is most effective?

The best MCAT prep depends on your learning style, with Kaplan often cited as the best overall for its comprehensive structure, live classes, and realistic practice, while Blueprint excels for visual learners with engaging video lessons, and UWorld is top-tier for practice questions with detailed explanations. Other strong options include Princeton Review for materials, Magoosh for budget-friendly value, and personalized tutoring through services like MCAT Nerds for customized support. 

Is 491 a bad MCAT score?

Yes, a 491 on the MCAT is generally considered a low or below-average score, placing you in the lower percentiles (around the 20th percentile), far from the average score of 501 and the competitive range of 511+, making admission to most MD programs very difficult, though it might be considered for some DO programs or with extraordinary supporting qualifications like a high GPA or extensive research, and it's often a strong signal to retake the exam for most applicants.
 

Which MCAT textbook is best?

Top MCAT Prep Books in 2025

1. Kaplan MCAT Complete Subject Review 2026-2027. Price: $270-300. Pages: 3596. ...
2. The Princeton Review MCAT Subject Review. Price: $260. Pages: 2976. ...
3. Examkrackers MCAT Complete Study Package. Price: $230-280. Pages: 832. ...
4. Next Step MCAT Review Books. Price: $42-65 per book. Pages: 260-650 pages per book.

What score is 80% right on MCAT?

If you were to get say a 510 on the mcat, you're about 80th percentile.

Is 512 MCAT too low?

No, a 512 MCAT score is not bad; it's a strong, competitive score, generally around the 84th percentile, meaning you scored better than most test-takers and are competitive for many MD programs, with averages often around 511-512 for admitted students, though higher scores (515+) boost chances for top-tier schools. It's a solid score that allows for broad applications, but consider your overall profile (GPA, experiences) and target schools, as very selective programs may prefer scores above 515. 

What is a top 1% MCAT score?

A top 1% MCAT score generally starts around 517-518+, with the highest percentile being the perfect 528, but scores in the low 520s (like 521-522) already put you in the 98th percentile or above, meaning you're scoring better than nearly everyone else and firmly in that elite tier for top medical schools, though a 528 is statistically extremely rare.
 

How rare is a 525 MCAT?

A 525 MCAT score is extremely rare and exceptional, placing you in the top 1% (100th percentile) of test-takers, just three points shy of a perfect 528, making you a top-tier applicant highly competitive for even the most selective medical schools. While exact numbers vary, only a tiny fraction of test-takers (around 1 in 450 or less) achieve scores of 525+, signifying mastery of the material. 

Is the MCAT just memorization?

If acing the MCAT is your goal, you're well aware of the importance of memory. Beyond memorizing facts, the exam demands a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to recall and apply that knowledge under pressure.

Which is the no. 1 toughest exam in the world?

The Gaokao (China's National College Entrance Examination) is often ranked as the No. 1 toughest exam in the world due to its extreme difficulty, high competition, and the immense pressure it puts on millions of students every year.

What's the hardest section on MCAT?

Because CARS requires speedy reading and covers often non-medical subjects, a majority of test-takers say that CARS is the hardest MCAT section.

Should you retake a 514 MCAT?

Bottom line: If you scored 498 or below, I definitely recommend retaking the MCAT. If you scored 499-505 your first time, you should probably retake the MCAT. If you scored 506-511, you may not need to retake, but you could if you know you'd score much higher — especially if you're applying to Ivy League schools.

Is the 99th percentile the top 1%?

Yes, the 99th percentile is effectively the top 1% because it signifies you scored better than 99% of the population, placing you in the highest-scoring group, which is the top one percent. If 100 people are ranked, the person at the 99th percentile is above 99 of them, making them the top performer alongside those in that highest bracket. 

What's the lowest MCAT score accepted?

What Is the Lowest MCAT Score Accepted By a Med School? The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the US is 490-495. Scores below 490 are seldom accepted. That said, just meeting the minimum won't make you competitive.