AAMC Preparing for the MCAT Exam YouTube Playlist

The AAMC doesn't just make the MCAT — they also produce free video content to help you prepare for it. The "Preparing for the MCAT Exam" YouTube playlist on the official AAMCtoday channel features 25 videos covering exam overviews, registration guidance, study strategies, and advice from real medical students who aced the test.

If you're just starting to think about the MCAT and feel overwhelmed by where to begin, this playlist is a zero-cost, zero-risk way to get oriented — straight from the source.

Summary Table

AAMC MCAT YouTube Playlist Overview

The playlist is published by AAMCtoday, the official YouTube channel of the Association of American Medical Colleges. It contains 25 videos ranging from quick 1-minute tips to full hour-long webinar recordings.

The content falls into several categories:

• Exam prep overviews: General webinars like "Preparing for the MCAT Exam" that walk through the exam structure, scoring, and prep strategies
• Testing year updates: Annual briefings like "2026 MCAT Testing Year Update for Examinees" covering registration dates, policy changes, and exam day logistics
• Registration Q&As: Recorded Q&A sessions answering common questions about MCAT registration, scheduling, and fees
• Khan Academy integration: Tutorials on how to use the free Khan Academy MCAT course effectively, including study planning and targeted studying
• Student testimonials: Short videos from real medical students sharing their study tips, mistakes, and advice
• Test-day tips: Practical advice on topics like using break time and balancing MCAT study with work

AAMC MCAT YouTube Playlist Review For 2026

Content Quality

The biggest advantage of this playlist is the source: every video comes directly from the AAMC. There's no risk of outdated information, misleading advice, or biased product recommendations. When the AAMC says "this is what's on the MCAT," you can trust that completely.

The webinar-style videos are particularly valuable for students who are brand new to the MCAT. The "Preparing for the MCAT Exam" overview videos break down the exam's four sections, explain the scoring system, and outline the AAMC's recommended prep timeline. This is information you'd otherwise have to piece together from multiple websites and Reddit threads.

Student Testimonial Videos

Some of the most engaging content comes from real medical students sharing their experiences. Videos like "What Would You Do Differently if You Could Prepare for the MCAT Exam All Over Again?" and "How to Balance Studying for the MCAT Exam While Working" offer genuine, practical advice that goes beyond what any prep company can provide.

These testimonials are short (1–3 minutes each) and give you a realistic picture of what MCAT prep actually looks like — including the struggles and mistakes along the way.

Khan Academy MCAT Course Tutorials

Several videos in the playlist focus specifically on how to use the free Khan Academy MCAT course, which was created with AAMC funding. These tutorials cover:

• How to create a study plan using Khan Academy
• Practicing active learning with the course
• Targeted studying strategies
• Filling in knowledge gaps

Since the Khan Academy MCAT course is one of the best free content review resources available, these tutorials help you get maximum value from it.

What's Missing

The playlist is informational and strategic — it does not teach MCAT science content. You won't find video lessons on biochemistry, physics, or psychology here. For that, you'll need actual content review resources like the Khan Academy MCAT Collection, an MCAT prep course, or MCAT prep books.

Some of the webinar recordings are also quite long (60–75 minutes) and could have been edited down significantly. If you're short on time, you'll want to skip around to the sections most relevant to you.

Key Videos Worth Watching

If you don't want to watch all 25 videos, here are the most valuable ones:

Who the AAMC MCAT YouTube Playlist Is Best For

• Students just beginning to explore MCAT prep who want a trustworthy overview
• Anyone confused about MCAT registration, scheduling, or exam logistics
• Students looking to maximize the free Khan Academy MCAT course
• Pre-med students who want to hear from real medical students about their MCAT experience
• Budget-conscious students seeking free, high-quality prep guidance

When You Might Look Elsewhere

• If you need actual MCAT content review (science lessons, practice questions)
• If you prefer concise, edited content — some webinar recordings are over an hour long
• If you're already deep into prep and know the exam structure well — this content is mostly for beginners
• If you want video-based content review, consider a full MCAT prep course instead

Final Verdict

The AAMC "Preparing for the MCAT Exam" YouTube playlist is exactly what it claims to be: a free collection of official videos to help you understand and prepare for the MCAT. It won't replace a study plan, a prep course, or practice tests — but it will give you a solid foundation of knowledge about the exam itself and how to approach your prep strategically.

Watch the full playlist on YouTube.

AAMC MCAT YouTube Playlist FAQs

How Much Does the AAMC MCAT YouTube Playlist Cost?

It's completely free. All 25 videos are publicly available on the AAMCtoday YouTube channel with no account or login required.

Is the AAMC MCAT YouTube Playlist Worth Watching?

Yes, especially if you're new to the MCAT. The overview videos and student testimonials provide valuable context that helps you plan your prep more effectively. It's not a substitute for studying, but it's a great starting point.

How Often Is the Playlist Updated?

The AAMC adds new videos periodically, typically around registration season and when testing year updates are released. The playlist was last updated in December 2025 with 25 videos total.

Does the Playlist Cover MCAT Science Content?

No. The playlist focuses on exam logistics, prep strategies, and student advice. For science content review, use the free Khan Academy MCAT Collection, MCAT prep books, or a structured prep course.

Can I Use This Playlist as My Only MCAT Prep Resource?

No. The playlist is informational and strategic — it helps you understand the MCAT and plan your prep, but it doesn't provide the content review, practice questions, or full-length practice exams you need to actually prepare for the test.