average score increase by points
of students increased their score
of students increased their score by 6+ points
of students increased their CARS score
Maybe you had the right books the first time around, but that doesn't mean you had the right prep. Those people who said you failed? They were wrong. You didn't fail - your prep failed you. A one-size-fits-all approach to the MCAT won't cut it; you need lessons and strategies that cater to your strengths and address your weaknesses. You need prep made for you, the MCAT Retaker.
You came up short on your first try... now it's time to find out why. Through our exclusive Retaker Diagnostic exercise, you'll explore exactly what you need to focus on this time around.
By now, you know how this works. You know the resources, you know the content... now it's time to go deeper. Time to learn strategies for thorough passage reading, answer evaluation, and mindset management. Altogether, you'll have a more complete understanding of the MCAT itself.
When you complete the Retaker Course, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of both yourself and the MCAT exam. Most importantly, you'll achieve the goal you arrived with. You will improve your MCAT score - we guarantee it.
When you choose Pillar Prep for your MCAT retake, we promise you a better score. Our guarantee is just as simple - you get 100% of your money back if you don't increase your MCAT score after completing the Retaker Course in full.
The Retaker Diagnostic is an exclusive Pillar Prep creation. This exercise will help you understand where your past prep failed you and identify the areas you can build on to improve your prep.
You've met the MCAT, now it's time to get to know it. Our comprehensive strategy lessons are presented to you online, in video and written form. With them, you'll learn to engage with MCAT passages through critical reading and evaluate your answer options with confidence.
The Retaker Course includes over 130 AAMC formatted CARS passages for extra practice. Apply the analytical strategies you learn in a real exam setting, all possible thanks to our proud partnership with Testing Solutions.
Need to add MCAT Content to your prep? Start here to simplify your search for reliable sources. Our Science Content Review is a collection of expert-instructed online lectures tailor-made for students struggling with MCAT Content. Unlock access to over 300 videos when you enroll in the Core + Content Retaker Course.
Put the strategies you learn to the ultimate test, before test day. Gain full access to UWorld MCAT prep resources for 90 days when you enroll in the Complete Retaker Course.
When you choose Pillar Prep for your MCAT retake, we promise you a better score. Our guarantee is just as simple - you get 100% of your money back if you don't increase your MCAT score after completing the Retaker Course in full.
The Retaker Diagnostic is an exclusive Pillar Prep creation. This exercise will help you understand where your past prep failed you and identify the areas you can build on to improve your prep.
You've met the MCAT, now it's time to get to know it. Our comprehensive strategy lessons are presented to you online, in video and written form. With them, you'll learn to engage with MCAT passages through critical reading and evaluate your answer options with confidence.
The Retaker Course includes over 130 AAMC formatted CARS passages for extra practice. Apply the analytical strategies you learn in a real exam setting, all possible thanks to our proud partnership with Testing Solutions.
Need to add MCAT Content to your prep? Start here to simplify your search for reliable sources. Our Science Content Review is a collection of expert-instructed online lectures tailor-made for students struggling with MCAT Content. Unlock access to over 300 videos when you enroll in the Core + Content Retaker Course.
Put the strategies you learn to the ultimate test, before test day. Gain full access to UWorld MCAT prep resources for 90 days when you enroll in the Complete Retaker Course.
We love to help students that are eager to help themselves. The Retaker Course is right for you if:
You're retaking the MCAT within the next year.
You want to take control of your application and show medical schools what you are truly capable of.
You're confident that your MCAT score is not a true reflection of your abilities, and you're ready to learn the strategies that will help you succeed where your past prep failed you.
Toby
I ended up scoring 22 points higher... so if you are looking for similar improvements, consider Pillar Prep.
Tommy
Pillar Prep and their team are the reason I was able to improve my score from a 503 to a 516.
Sydney
The strategies Pillar Prep taught really helped me look at the exam in a different way and learn how to take the test...
Steffanie
I will recommend this program to anybody prepping for their MCAT!!!
Kalee
I am so impressed by how much my understanding and capability in comprehending CARS has increased.
Kara
Seriously the BEST decision I ever made... I saw a 15 point increase.
Toby
I ended up scoring 22 points higher... so if you are looking for similar improvements, consider Pillar Prep.
Tommy
Pillar Prep and their team are the reason I was able to improve my score from a 503 to a 516.
Sydney
The strategies Pillar Prep taught really helped me look at the exam in a different way and learn how to take the test...
Steffanie
I will recommend this program to anybody prepping for their MCAT!!!
Kalee
I am so impressed by how much my understanding and capability in comprehending CARS has increased.
Kara
Seriously the BEST decision I ever made... I saw a 15 point increase.
We understand that every student has unique needs. The Retaker Course is available in three different packages, so you can choose the prep that’s right for you. Our Core course package includes all the strategy you need to know to succeed on the MCAT. The Content package combines our strategy lessons with 300 videos of MCAT content. Get all this plus access to UWorld in our Complete course package.
The Retaker Course is specifically designed to help you understand your weaknesses and learn how to increase your score.
Instructor Welcome
Before We Begin... A Brief Survey
Pillar Prep Strategy Diagnostic
Why Students Need to Retake
Intro to the MCAT Retaker Diagnostic
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 1
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 2
Next Steps
The Complete Study Plan - Why it's Important
Creating A Study Plan You'll ACTUALLY Follow
Retaker Resources
Making Your Own MCAT Retaker Study Plan
Resources Recap
Intro to Critically Engaged Reading
Physical Engagement
Main Idea
Remembering The Details
Connecting Ideas Within a Passage
Predict What's Coming Next
Passage Organization
CARS Passage Example
B/B Passage Example
Critically Engaged Recap
Intro - How to Dissect & Answer Questions
Find the Goal
Explicit Approach
Always Get the 50/50 Questions Correct
Picking the Extreme
CARS Example
B/B Example
Dynamic Strategy 2 Quiz
CARS Introduction
Red Alert Words
Passage Example - Leading with the Main Idea
Passage Example - Organization of the Passage
Live CARS Passage
CARS Recap Quiz
Bio & Biochem Intro
Experiment Design & The Main Idea
How to Read Graphs
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Bonus: Lab Techniques - Essential Info
Bio & Biochem Recap Quiz
Chemistry & Physics Intro
Math in Context
Organic Chemistry - Get FUNKtional & Notice the Changes
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Chemistry & Physics Recap Quiz
Psychology & Sociology Intro
Terminology in Context
Experiments - Designed for the People
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Behavioral Science Recap Quiz
Congrats! Here's What's Next....
Bonus Resources
Our Content course combines all the lessons of the Core Retaker Course with 300+ science content videos and additional passage walkthroughs.
Instructor Welcome
Before We Begin... A Brief Survey
Pillar Prep Strategy Diagnostic
Why Students Need to Retake
Welcome & Schedule
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 1
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 2
Strategy - What is a Complete Study Plan?
Strategy - Making Your Own Complete Study Plan
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Biology In The Behavioral Sciences
Content - Organic Chemistry: Nomenclature, Structure & Bond Properties
Content - Biochemistry: Amino Acids & Peptides
Strategy - Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Content - Chemistry: Atomic Structure
Content - Physics: Applied Kinematics
Content - Biology: The Cell
Intro to Critically Engaged Reading
Physical Engagement
Main Idea
Remembering The Details
Connecting Ideas Within a Passage
Predict What's Coming Next
Passage Organization
CARS Passage Example
B/B Passage Example
Critically Engaged Recap
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Sensation & Perception
Content - Biochemistry: Enzymes & Biosignaling
Content - Biology: Reproduction, Embryogenesis, & Development
Content - Chemistry: Periodic Table & Trends
Content & Strategy - Organic Chemistry: Acid/Base, SN1 & SN2 Reactions
Content - Physics: Work & Energy
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Learning & Memory
Content - Biochemistry: Carbohydrates & Lipids
Content - Biology: The Nervous System
Content - Chemistry: Bonding & Chemical Interactions
Content - Organic Chemistry: Alcohol
Content - Physics: Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry
Intro - How to Dissect & Answer Questions
Find the Goal
Explicit Approach
Always Get the 50/50 Questions Correct
Picking the Extreme
CARS Example
B/B Example
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Cognition, Consciousness, & Language
Content - Biochemistry: Carbohydrate Metabolism
Content - Biology: The Endocrine System
Content - Chemistry: Compounds & Chemical Reactions
Content - Organic Chemistry: Aldehydes & Ketones
Content - Physics: Fluids
CARS Strategy
CARS - Red Alert Words
CARS - Leading with the Main Idea
CARS - Passage Organization & Conclusion
Live CARS Passage
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Motivation, Emotion & Stress
Content - Biochemistry: Fatty Acid, TAGS & Lipids
Content - Biology: The Respiratory System
Content - Chemistry: Equilibrium
Content - Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acid & Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Content - Physics: Electrostatics & Magnetism
Bio & Biochem Strategy
Experiment Design & The Main Idea
How to Read Graphs
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Lab Techniques - Essential Info
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Identity & Personality
Content - Biochemistry: Metabolic Homeostasis & Bioenergetics
Content - Biology: The Cardiovascular System
Content - Chemistry: Atomic Structure
Content - Organic Chemistry: Nitrogen & Phosphorus Compounds
Content - Physics: Circuits
Chemistry & Physics Strategy
Math in Context
Organic Chemistry - Get FUNKtional & Notice the Changes
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Psychological Disorders
Content - Biochemistry: DNA, RNA & Biotechnology
Content - Biology: The Immune System
Content - Chemistry: The Gas Phase
Content - Organic Chemistry: Spectroscopy & Absorption Spectra
Content - Physics: Sound & Motion
Behavioral Sciences Strategy
Terminology in Context
Experiments - Designed for the People
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Social Processes, Attitude, & Behaviors
Content - Biology: The Digestive System
Content - Chemistry: Solutions
Strategy & Content - Organic Chemistry: Separation & Purification
Content - Physics: Lights & Optics
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Social Interaction & Social Thinking
Content - Biology: The Excretory System & The Skin
Content - Chemistry: Acids & Bases & Redox Reactions
Content - Physics: Atomic Physics
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Social Structure
Content - Biology: The Musculoskeletal System & Genetic Evolution
Content - Chemistry: Electrochemistry
Congrats! Here's What's Next....
Bonus Resources
The Complete Retaker Course combines the Content Retaker Course lessons with UWorld passages that align with the course content.
All Core Course Features
All Content Course Features
Access to UWorld for 90 Days
The Retaker Course is specifically designed to help you understand your weaknesses and learn how to increase your score.
Instructor Welcome
Before We Begin... A Brief Survey
Pillar Prep Strategy Diagnostic
Why Students Need to Retake
Intro to the MCAT Retaker Diagnostic
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 1
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 2
Next Steps
The Complete Study Plan - Why it's Important
Creating A Study Plan You'll ACTUALLY Follow
Retaker Resources
Making Your Own MCAT Retaker Study Plan
Resources Recap
Intro to Critically Engaged Reading
Physical Engagement
Main Idea
Remembering The Details
Connecting Ideas Within a Passage
Predict What's Coming Next
Passage Organization
CARS Passage Example
B/B Passage Example
Critically Engaged Recap
Intro - How to Dissect & Answer Questions
Find the Goal
Explicit Approach
Always Get the 50/50 Questions Correct
Picking the Extreme
CARS Example
B/B Example
Dynamic Strategy 2 Quiz
CARS Introduction
Red Alert Words
Passage Example - Leading with the Main Idea
Passage Example - Organization of the Passage
Live CARS Passage
CARS Recap Quiz
Bio & Biochem Intro
Experiment Design & The Main Idea
How to Read Graphs
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Bonus: Lab Techniques - Essential Info
Bio & Biochem Recap Quiz
Chemistry & Physics Intro
Math in Context
Organic Chemistry - Get FUNKtional & Notice the Changes
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Chemistry & Physics Recap Quiz
Psychology & Sociology Intro
Terminology in Context
Experiments - Designed for the People
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Behavioral Science Recap Quiz
Congrats! Here's What's Next....
Bonus Resources
Our Content course combines all the lessons of the Core Retaker Course with 300+ science content videos and additional passage walkthroughs.
Instructor Welcome
Before We Begin... A Brief Survey
Pillar Prep Strategy Diagnostic
Why Students Need to Retake
Welcome & Schedule
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 1
MCAT Retaker Diagnostic: Part 2
Strategy - What is a Complete Study Plan?
Strategy - Making Your Own Complete Study Plan
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Biology In The Behavioral Sciences
Content - Organic Chemistry: Nomenclature, Structure & Bond Properties
Content - Biochemistry: Amino Acids & Peptides
Strategy - Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Content - Chemistry: Atomic Structure
Content - Physics: Applied Kinematics
Content - Biology: The Cell
Intro to Critically Engaged Reading
Physical Engagement
Main Idea
Remembering The Details
Connecting Ideas Within a Passage
Predict What's Coming Next
Passage Organization
CARS Passage Example
B/B Passage Example
Critically Engaged Recap
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Sensation & Perception
Content - Biochemistry: Enzymes & Biosignaling
Content - Biology: Reproduction, Embryogenesis, & Development
Content - Chemistry: Periodic Table & Trends
Content & Strategy - Organic Chemistry: Acid/Base, SN1 & SN2 Reactions
Content - Physics: Work & Energy
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Learning & Memory
Content - Biochemistry: Carbohydrates & Lipids
Content - Biology: The Nervous System
Content - Chemistry: Bonding & Chemical Interactions
Content - Organic Chemistry: Alcohol
Content - Physics: Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry
Intro - How to Dissect & Answer Questions
Find the Goal
Explicit Approach
Always Get the 50/50 Questions Correct
Picking the Extreme
CARS Example
B/B Example
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Cognition, Consciousness, & Language
Content - Biochemistry: Carbohydrate Metabolism
Content - Biology: The Endocrine System
Content - Chemistry: Compounds & Chemical Reactions
Content - Organic Chemistry: Aldehydes & Ketones
Content - Physics: Fluids
CARS Strategy
CARS - Red Alert Words
CARS - Leading with the Main Idea
CARS - Passage Organization & Conclusion
Live CARS Passage
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Motivation, Emotion & Stress
Content - Biochemistry: Fatty Acid, TAGS & Lipids
Content - Biology: The Respiratory System
Content - Chemistry: Equilibrium
Content - Organic Chemistry: Carboxylic Acid & Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Content - Physics: Electrostatics & Magnetism
Bio & Biochem Strategy
Experiment Design & The Main Idea
How to Read Graphs
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Lab Techniques - Essential Info
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Identity & Personality
Content - Biochemistry: Metabolic Homeostasis & Bioenergetics
Content - Biology: The Cardiovascular System
Content - Chemistry: Atomic Structure
Content - Organic Chemistry: Nitrogen & Phosphorus Compounds
Content - Physics: Circuits
Chemistry & Physics Strategy
Math in Context
Organic Chemistry - Get FUNKtional & Notice the Changes
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Psychological Disorders
Content - Biochemistry: DNA, RNA & Biotechnology
Content - Biology: The Immune System
Content - Chemistry: The Gas Phase
Content - Organic Chemistry: Spectroscopy & Absorption Spectra
Content - Physics: Sound & Motion
Behavioral Sciences Strategy
Terminology in Context
Experiments - Designed for the People
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 1
Bringing it all Together - Passage Example 2
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Social Processes, Attitude, & Behaviors
Content - Biology: The Digestive System
Content - Chemistry: Solutions
Strategy & Content - Organic Chemistry: Separation & Purification
Content - Physics: Lights & Optics
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Social Interaction & Social Thinking
Content - Biology: The Excretory System & The Skin
Content - Chemistry: Acids & Bases & Redox Reactions
Content - Physics: Atomic Physics
Unit Schedule
Content - Behavioral Sciences: Social Structure
Content - Biology: The Musculoskeletal System & Genetic Evolution
Content - Chemistry: Electrochemistry
Congrats! Here's What's Next....
Bonus Resources
The Complete Retaker Course combines the Content Retaker Course lessons with UWorld passages that align with the course content.
All Core Course Features
All Content Course Features
Access to UWorld for 90 Days
Our expert instructors are current and former students who believe in the power of peer support. All Pillar Prep instructors have scored in the 92nd percentile or higher in the sections they teach.
Cali is a well accomplished graduate of Villanova University, having achieved the school's top GPA in Biochemistry. She now works in research at Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.
Brandon graduated from prestigious Carnegie Mellon University with a double major in Biology and Music. His extraordinary violin talents have taken him all over the United States to perform.
Tommy graduated from Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He currently works with the Flotte Lab at UMass Medical School, where they are close to finding a gene therapy cure for Tay Sachs Disease.
Webb graduated from Salem State University, and is currently an MS2 at UMass Medical School. Outside his studies, he works in neurology research in hopes of soon becoming a neurosurgeon.
Greg rescinded his acceptance to Veterinary School to complete a Master's in Infectious Biology at Tufts University. Since then, he has worked in research at world renowned institutions such as MGH.
Cali is a well accomplished graduate of Villanova University, having achieved the school's top GPA in Biochemistry. She now works in research at Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.
Brandon graduated from prestigious Carnegie Mellon University with a double major in Biology and Music. His extraordinary violin talents have taken him all over the United States to perform.
Tommy graduated from Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He currently works with the Flotte Lab at UMass Medical School, where they are close to finding a gene therapy cure for Tay Sachs Disease.
Webb graduated from Salem State University, and is currently an MS2 at UMass Medical School. Outside his studies, he works in neurology research in hopes of soon becoming a neurosurgeon.
Greg rescinded his acceptance to Veterinary School to complete a Master's in Infectious Biology at Tufts University. Since then, he has worked in research at world renowned institutions such as MGH.
The one and only MCAT prep program tailor-made for Retakers. We know you already have a good foundation. With The Retaker Course, you can build on what you've accomplished and rise to new heights on test day. A better score starts with better prep.
The one and only MCAT prep course designed for Retakers.
The Retaker Diagnostic.
50+ Strategy lessons.
130+ CARS passages.
Self directed, flipped classroom MCAT course exclusively for Retakers.
All Core course items.
300+ science content videos.
Flipped classroom format.
Our full Content Retaker course, plus free access to UWorld.
All Core course items.
All Content course items.
90 day UWorld access.
If you need help paying for your MCAT prep, please send us an email. We'd be happy to help.
At Pillar Prep, we've spent years working with MCAT Retakers to research why students need to retake, what challenges Retakers face, and how they can better prepare for the exam. That research is the foundation of our Retaker Course, the only MCAT prep program specifically designed to fit your needs as a Retaker.
When you choose Pillar Prep for your MCAT retake, we promise you a better score. If, after completing the Retaker Course in full, you do not increase your MCAT score, you'll get 100% of your money back.
The Retaker Course is self directed - you can study at your own pace. We recommend that you complete the course in about 6 weeks for best results, but access to the main course material is available for a full year.
Yes, you should purchase the AAMC practice material to complete this course. The AAMC practice material is extremely representative of the actual MCAT exam.
We understand the uncertainty that comes with retaking the MCAT, especially when it comes to resources. You should still ensure that you have access to the AAMC material when taking this course. Many of our students have gone through the material multiple times; the Retaker Course provides new and unique ways to learn from any material, whether you're already familiar with it or not.
We know how easy it can be to get overwhelmed by all the options you have for MCAT content review. There's a lot of good material out there, but most MCAT content review is made with a general approach to educational content. Our MCAT Science Content videos never follow a generic template - we always create them with our unique, specialized approach to the MCAT in mind.
We've been there - the MCAT is designed to make you doubt yourself and stumble. As a Retaker, you wear the badge of someone who had the courage to get back up. In the Retaker Course, you'll discover strategies you can use to overcome MCAT self doubt and approach the exam with confidence.
