Blueprint (formerly Next Step) Tutoring Reviews

Next Step merged with Blueprint over two years ago. Blueprint has been and continues to be committed to maintaining the same tutors and tutor-matching staff to ensure continued excellence in the high quality in our tutoring programs. Our students have found that Blueprint’s (formerly Next Step’s) one-on-one tutoring approach has been incredibly effective in helping them raise their test scores. Whether studying for the first time or improving scores on a re-take, our students consistently praise the personal attention they receive from our outstanding tutors. Read each review and watch success stories below.

MCAT® Success Stories

“The greatest asset provided by my tutor was a system of organization I wouldn’t have otherwise known or used. The organized approach to deconstructing the material made the process approachable and fun as I learned to master the exam stepwise. My tutor also introduced resources complementary to the NextStep coursework that I would not have found myself and which proved indispensable to my performance.”

- JR
Next Step MCAT Student

"When starting with NextStep, my diagnostic test was only a 493. I increased my score by 14 points from my Diagnostic Test 4 months prior to my MCAT. I scored a 130 in the Biology section, placing me in the 97th percentile.

I had a great experience with Next Step Test Prep! My tutor was extremely helpful in addressing all of my study needs, directing focus to improve my problem areas, and coaching me in overall test preparation. With his help and the resources provided by Next Step, I was able to successfully increase my score by an exceptional amount. The score increase really is a guarantee!"

- Sara
Next Step MCAT Student

“My experience with NextStep was phenomenal! My tutor is amazing! She had a way of making our sessions fun and interesting, yet she made sure that I got my work done and that I got what I needed to get out of the session. I improved from the 49th percentile on the old MCAT to the 76th percentile on the new MCAT! This definitely would not have been possible without NextStep or my tutor. I would recommend this service to anybody!”

- Hannah
Next Step MCAT Student

“I have had many tutors before, for various courses and standard exams, but my experience with my tutor from NextStep had been the most rewarding and worthwhile. I really enjoyed working with him because he was always enthusiastic about our lessons, was always prepared with answers to my questions, and was consistently understanding, flexible, and patient if I couldn’t get something done in time. He was, in short, a phenomenal tutor. Without a doubt, I wouldn’t have scored as well as I did if it hadn’t been for his time and attention. I even had a blast taking the exam because I felt so prepared that it seemed easy!”

- Tammy
Next Step MCAT Student

"Prior to NextStep, I had written my MCAT once previously and completed the Princeton Review online course to prepare. I felt that I was not prepared enough, and my scores were very much indicative of that. The MCAT is all about thinking a certain way, and I found that the Princeton Review was lacking that.

I would highly recommend NextStep prep. You get the one on one experience that no other online prep service can provide you. I was able to develop a rapport with my tutor, and felt comfortable asking her all kinds of questions. We were able to work on my biggest weaknesses, and I steadily improved with each practice test."

- KT
Next Step MCAT Student

“I reached out to Next Step a few days after receiving my June MCAT score. To put things in perspective, I had one more shot to take the MCAT again if I wanted to have a fighting chance to get into medical school in this cycle. From the start of those 30 days, my tutor was there to help me demystify the MCAT. One of my favorite qualities of my tutor was his ability to articulate why an answer was correct from the perspective of the test writer.

Over the course of the month I improved my score on every practice test leading up to Test Day. He was able to adapt to my needs and was integral to me approaching the MCAT in a more confident way, which ultimately led to me raising my score. I’m proud to say that I was accepted to medical school and will be starting in August 2017."

- ML
Next Step MCAT Student

“My tutor always comes incredibly prepared with supplemental images and a breakdown of the passage. He also was very flexible and supportive in designing my study plan. He really helped, mentally and academically, with preparing for the MCAT. Without him, I don’t think I would have been able to have such a clear, focused mindset for the exam. He was very understanding and personalized everything for my specific needs and I will recommend him (and have) for friends I believe could use the extra help.”

- Jen
Next Step MCAT Student

"My experience with Next Step Test Prep was great, and my tutor was an invaluable resource as I worked to master the MCAT. Something I realized is that the MCAT is not only about what you know, but also about knowing how to tackle a standardized test. That’s where tutoring came in handy the most: learning how to approach the MCAT with effective study plans and test-taking strategies. It was also reassuring to know that I was studying in a way that has been proven effective by previous test-takers, giving me the freedom to devoting my energy to my studies, not to crafting a study plan. Went from a 499 on initial diagnostic to a 515 on official MCAT."

- Evan
Next Step MCAT Student

“My tutor helped me design an organized schedule from Day 1, which kept my preparation manageable and well-paced. I found the 1-on-1 sessions to be the most efficient and beneficial way to get ready for the MCAT because he was able to teach me in real-time, point out where I needed the most work, and suggest other supplemental resources to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. I am so thankful for my tutor’s resourcefulness and willingness to find a learning style that worked most appropriately for me; when I was not understanding a concept, he provided me with additional videos, worksheets, and readings. I appreciated the NextStep exam feedback and my tutor’s individual feedback.”

- WS
Next Step MCAT Student

“Got a 518 (previously got a 506 with Kaplan). The tutor was adaptable and catered to what I needed to work on. He was realistic, and even though I only needed my score to go up 4 points, he helped me get it up 12 points in just under 2 months. I’m really happy with the amount of work we put in.”

- AH
Next Step MCAT Student

"Just wanted to thank you and your company for working with me. I ended up receiving a 514 on my MCAT with an initial goal of 510. This was a 10 point improvement from my 504 that I had received the first time. Plus, this was only after 1 month of extra studying."

- James
Next Step MCAT Student

“I checked my Mcat results and I am so excited! I got a 513

130 Chem physics
127 cars
126 bio
130 psy

Thank you so much for helping me. The Chem and physics is such a surprise I can’t even believe it!!”

- Hayley
Next Step MCAT Student

“I’ve already recommended Next Step to a couple of people. I was very happy with the product. This is my second time taking the MCAT. The first time I used Kaplan and I didn’t get a lot out of it. All the money I made at school went towards it and I was so disappointed. This was an in-person class where you have a group of people and 1 out of 3 hours can be wasted by two or three students. It got to the point where I used it solely for the practice tests.

I thought the strongest aspect of the Next Step program was their focus on high yield subjects. I saw significant increases in my score this time around. I just wasn’t satisfied with Kaplan at all, but for the price, this time around I was much happier with Next Step. I did a bunch of research before deciding to buy Next Step’s program and unanimously on SDN and Reddit Next Step was viewed as having the best practice tests. That held true. I was very happy with how the FL and section tests correlated to the real MCAT.”

- Chris
Next Step MCAT Student

“I figured I’d report back and let you guys know my official scores on the May 22nd MCAT.

Chem/Physical Sciences – 128
CARS – 128
Bio/Biochem – 128
Psych/Soc – 128

Total – 512 (87% Percentile)

Overall, I’m happy with my score. For future test takers, I would definitely advise them to not take the exam unless they have had at least one full semester of biochemistry and can become comfortable with the material. Biochemistry showed up on over 50% of the test, even the non Biological Sciences section. Other tips I learned from my experience: Don’t use any Kaplan test scores as indicative of actual scores, they were always significantly lower and not a good guide! Also, use EVERYTHING possible from the AAMC. I ended up doing strictly practice problems from e-MCAT the last week before the test and it was one of the best studying tools.”

- Molly
Next Step MCAT Student

"On the Next Step Diagnostic Test, I scored: Total: 503 (Chem/Phys: 125 – CARS: 125 – Bio/Biochem: 125 – Psych/Soc: 128). On test day I scored hit 518 (Chem/Phys: 130 – CARS: 129 – Bio/Biochem: 129 – Psych/Soc: 130)

Working with NextStep was an excellent experience. They did an incredible job at tailoring the program to my specific needs and weaknesses. I found the program to be especially helpful at breaking down months of preparation into a step-by-step schedule that was completely manageable. The MCAT is a beast, but working with NextStep definitely alleviated my feelings of being overwhelmed. Before working with NextStep, I initially took a large group class with a different test prep company and saw little improvement. Even though NextStep was more expensive than the course, with NextStep I felt that I received SUBSTANTIALLY more value for my money. Looking back, my only regret is that I didn’t forgo the large group class and instead work with NextStep from the beginning."

- JB
Next Step MCAT Student

“I just got my score back today, and I got a 517! Thank you so much for pairing me with Armin and being so amenable to me switching tutors in the beginning. He was really helpful in my studying process and played a large role in my progression with the MCAT. I’m really pleased with my score, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this application cycle goes for me with this much improved score. From 505 to 517. I’ll take it.”

- Stuart
Next Step MCAT Student

"When I initially took the MCAT Diagnostic Test, I scored a 496. Then with Bryan’s help, I was able to get my score to a 512. His daily schedule and valuable hints/tools really made the difference. Would recommend 100%!! It truly made the difference between medical school being a dream versus medical school being a reality. Next Step knows what they’re doing with a proven method. Would definitely recommend to anybody looking to improve their score."

- Daniel
Next Step MCAT Student

“I got the score back, and it was a 513! Listed in the 90th percentile, which is a huge jump from my last two tests which were in the 73rd and 67th percentile.

I just wanted to thank you for your help this summer, clearly working with you helped me significantly.”

- Mitra
Next Step MCAT Student

“Working with Lee was an absolute privilege. He always maintained a professional, focused, yet friendly atmosphere during our sessions, and he provided me with an excellent study plan that set me up for success on the MCAT. He has a gift for identifying areas where improvement is needed and breaking down complex concepts into clear terms. In addition, he helped me significantly improve my time management skills. I would strongly recommend him to anyone preparing for the MCAT.”

- Jarrod
Next Step MCAT Student

"I just wanted to say how much of a fantastic job Eli did tutoring me for the MCAT. He always went above and beyond what was expected and was incredibly patient when I struggled with a few concepts. He was always very prepared to each tutoring session and was always able to resolve any issues I had with content or test logic. Overall, he is an awesome person and it was a great experience!"

- Ameya
Next Step MCAT Student

“My experience with NS was really great. Despite receiving a lower score than I wanted and expected, my tutor (Armin) was incredibly helpful, encouraging, and professional. I also received great support from Heather, who encouraged me to sign up with NS and assured me that I would have a positive experience and improve my score to a level where I felt comfortable applying, which I did.”

- Megan
Next Step MCAT Student

“[After scoring a 29 on the old exam] I had no idea where to begin studying for the new MCAT. There seemed like there was so much material and no way to cover it all efficiently and effectively. But after I started getting tutored by Marc, all of that changed. He set me up with a manageable study plan and was very flexible with his tutoring hours. He helped me prepare for the special types of questions which are on the MCAT and calmed my nerves. All of the tips and tricks he told me helped on test day. I am so thankful for Marc and the 514 I received on the MCAT!”

- AT, 514
Next Step MCAT Student

"I scored a 507, that being said I scored a 128 in the chem/physics, and a 130 in the biology section. The psychology section is scored a 124, and CARS a 125. I felt that Next Step definitely helped me improved at how I looked at the passages the MCAT provides and gave me at least 3 points towards my scores."

- Franklin
Next Step MCAT Student

“I absolutely love Next Step’s concept of affordable individualized tutors and tutoring plans. Joe was a fantastic tutor who really pushed me to succeed, resulting in my 508. Also next step provided me constant mechanisms to provide feedback so I felt very incorporated into this process of studying. If you want an individualized plan of action and to be successful on this new exam, Next Step is the company for you!”

- Kevin
Next Step MCAT Student

"[After scoring a 518] This is literally higher than I ever could have hoped for. Thank you so much for everything!!"

- Alexandra
Next Step MCAT Student

"Thank you SO SO SO SO SOOOOOOOO much times a zillion! I’m like shaking. I can’t say enough good things about you and Next Step. [Initially scored a 492, after working with Next Step she scored a 511]"

- Lauren
Next Step MCAT Student

“Update on my score. Nearly didn’t believe it… 518–97th percentile”

- Dan, 518
Next Step MCAT Student

“I just wanted to send a note about my MCAT score. I am very excited about my score and feel that Next Step helped me attain the score I wanted. I started out very weak in the Bio/Physics/Chem disciplines. As you can see below, I was able to improve my scores quite a bit, starting out at 500 for my first full length (493 in the diagnostic) and jumping to 508! With a strong showing in the Chem/Physics and CARS sections I am definitely feeling much more confident about the application process!

Thank you Faraz for your help! Would not have happened without you. Getting in the 87th percentile for that Chem/Physics section was a pipe dream before we started. Your encouragement and helping me to think my way through the passages and really master the content made it happen. Side note, I hope your new baby is doing well!

My score was a 508 (77th percentile)

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 128 (87th percentile)

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 127 (81st percentile)

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 127 (77th percentile)

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: 126 (66th percentile)”

- Andrew, 508
Next Step MCAT Student

“This course was just what I needed. Filled with organized resources, this course contains the high yield content that I’ll need to do well on the exam. Also, it’s great being able to compare my “test-like thinking” to my instructors (whom I know have obliterated this test multiple times) so that I can understand how I need to be thinking in order to do well. I would recommend this course to my friends so that they can immediately organize and focus their MCAT studying.

I love the idea of live office hours and have enjoyed being a part of them. It just gives me more opportunity to talk about the MCAT with an MCAT expert. Being an introvert, sometimes it takes a lot of guts for me to turn on my mic and ask a question, but the small attendance has made it much less intimidating and I feel like I can actually ask a question, no problem. I’ve never had my questions overlooked, the instructors always notice me and genuinely try to help! The previous test prep company I used (I did their online only format) had 100s of students in a “chat room” at a time, so I never got my questions answered.

Now on to the study schedule- I work full time and it is really hard to balance it all, so organization is key for me. The study guide is my plan of action. I know exactly what I need to get done each day and I don’t need to sit there and think about it! Plus there is nothing more satisfying than crossing off a to-do and marking it as complete. Love it.”

- Courtney
Next Step MCAT Student

“My initial diagnostic was a 506 and I scored a 518 on the exam.

Working individually with Michael was an invaluable resource. Rather than wasting time in a classroom going over the material I already understood, we were able to focus our attention on the concepts that were most difficult for me. Michael also made me feel much more comfortable approaching a passage when the subject it was testing was not as familiar to me by demonstrating how to pick up clues in the passage and eliminate wrong answers. Lastly, the weekly deadlines for material I needed to review on my own and practice problems to try made the daunting task of pacing myself in the preparation process much more manageable.

I chose Next Step because I had heard that the company provided exclusive access to hundreds of practice problems and a number of full-length tests. It definitely paid off. The Next Step books have more practice problems associated with each content review chapter than any other prep company, and more importantly, many more practice passages to get comfortable with the format of the exam. I had taken a class the past summer to prepare for the old exam, and compared to individual tutoring, it was a waste of money. I would recommend Next Step to any student preparing for the MCAT, whether they are just getting started or have taken the test and have struggled to raise their scores.”

- Elizabeth, 518
Next Step MCAT Student

“I am extremely pleased with my experience with Jonathan. After taking a course with another prep company I sat for the 2014 MCAT and was very disappointed when I received my scores back. After working with Jonathan preparing for the new 2015 exam I realized there were so many aspects of the MCAT that had not been adequately covered by any other test prep company. In only 3 months with Jonathan I was able to cover the new material on the 2015 MCAT and improve my composite score from a 61% to a 93%. I can confidently say that the service provided by Jonathan and the Next Step team is unique and will not be found in any other MCAT prep company.”

- Don, 93rd Percentile
Next Step MCAT Student

“Working with NextStep was an excellent experience. They did an incredible job at tailoring the program to my specific needs and weaknesses. I found the program to be especially helpful at breaking down months of preparation into a step-by-step schedule that was completely manageable. The MCAT is a beast, but working with NextStep definitely alleviated my feelings of being overwhelmed. Before working with NextStep, I initially took a large group class with a different test prep company and saw little improvement. Even though NextStep was more expensive than the course, with NextStep I felt that I received SUBSTANTIALLY more value for my money. Looking back, my only regret is that I didn’t forgo the large group class and instead work with NextStep from the beginning.”

- John
Next Step MCAT Student

“It’s nice to hear from you.  As far as I could tell I felt strong on each section.  I am very anxious to get my score, mostly because I had improved so much over the course of my sessions with Ethan.  Ethan was very easy to work with and although he is clearly off the charts smart, he did not come off as some arrogant tutor or professor like many people do.  I was and am very pleased with the relationship I built with him throughout the course.  I also want to note that the lessons via skype were much better than I had anticipated. I was a bit weary at first because I was unsure what it would be like, but it felt just as though I was in the room with him.”

- AJ
Next Step MCAT Student

“Bryan was great to work with, he was very patient with me as it took quite a while for me to fully wrap my mind around different concepts. He was always more than willing to help me out on any questions and I had and he was very professional when it came to responding to emails and texts. In my opinion working with your company was a much better choice for me than working with Kaplan. I enjoyed the one-on-one learning experience and sessions were enjoyable because I actually was conversing with someone rather than staring at a screen and typing questions onto a chat board. Overall I thank you for providing me with exceptional tutoring services and I will definitely recommend your service to others I know taking graduate entrance tests.”

- Andrew
Next Step MCAT Student

"I hope all is well with you. I finally got up the courage today to check my MCAT score ( after receiving a secondary from Miami (my dream school) knowing they prescreen). Considering I didn’t get close to the amount of studying in that I wanted to, I think I did fairly well. My score was: Phys -125(55 percentile). Verbal – 125( 58 percentile). Bio -127(77 percentile). Psych- 128( 86 percentile). Total score was 505 (68 percentile). I was shocked by the verbal. I had been doing really well in practice. However, my previous verbal was a 6( 27 percentile). So I more than doubled my percentile, which I am pretty happy with. I could not have come close without your help. Nothing helped before I started working with you.

You truly made all the difference. I am immeasurably grateful! Thank you Matt!"

- Shena, 506
Next Step MCAT Student

“Next Step tutors are dedicated to making their students successful. I really enjoyed working with my tutor. He was very understanding of my schedule and was always encouraging. He truly played a big role in helping me attain the MCAT score I wanted. I’m very grateful to have studied with NextStep! I used the techniques I learned from my tutor and kept practicing exams. Studying paid off! I actually had to call my dad to double check the score! I’m very excited about my score because it has made me competitive and has given me the opportunity to interview at top schools. I can’t wait for medical school!”

- Kaveeta K.
Next Step MCAT Student

“The program is fantastic! I entered tutoring with next step only being able to get through 5 of the 7 passages on the verbal reasoning section. After three sessions I was able to read all seven passages in the allotted hour something I wasn’t able to accomplish before. I wanted to let you know my tutor Matt is very patient and understanding and very knowledgeable. I’ve enjoyed all my sessions and his instruction has already made major improvements in my performance. I’m excited to continue and see where the progress takes me. Thanks again for everything!”

- Matthew S.
Next Step MCAT Student

"It’s going great! I got accepted to both the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville’s med schools and ended up choosing UK. So now I just get to relax this summer and get ready to hit the ground running. Thanks again for everything!"

- Sean
Next Step MCAT Student

“Having already gone through the AAMC tests, she worked to find me other practice tests/passages for me to complete–for this I was truly grateful. She was also really flexible/convenient with session times, and was willing to alter our schedule if it was needed. I definitely felt more prepared going into this test than in the past, and I owe that to Caroline.”

- Lauren R.
Next Step MCAT Student

“This is my second time studying for the MCAT. The first time, I studied by myself with review books from other MCAT prep companies. I would recommend this program to first time students or students who do not need a lot of motivation, but need a sense of direction on what to study. Thy cyclical structure of the course is beneficial in that we revisit concepts multiple times whether it be in the content review books, the content review videos, or the coursebook. This approach has greatly increased my understanding and ability to apply concepts.”

- Lou
Next Step MCAT Student

"I like being accountable to a study plan. It keeps me on track and I think it’s manageable with the homework and videos. I have begun to see improvements in the sections I’ve worked the most on. The qbanks are super awesome and the CR are great. I like how the lesson is broken up into sections so I’m actively paying attention rather than listening to someone go on and on."

- TV
Next Step MCAT Student

“The course is great at preparing you for only the relevant topics that will be seen on the MCAT. Furthermore, the way the class is set up forces you to understand topics rather than memorize, which allows for greater critical thinking capacity during tests when applying relevant information to different topics. Finally, the study schedule revisits topics consistently so you don’t just “learn and forget”. I really enjoy the study schedule and all of the available online resources. If I ever find myself not knowing a sub topic or a topic in general, I quickly watch that review video. It makes learning very easy.”

- Christopher
Next Step MCAT Student

"I got a 512 and was super happy!"

- Sam, 512
Next Step MCAT Student

"It has everything you need to be prepared for the MCAT, plus friendly personnel. It’s like having a study buddy who is really smart and can answer all your questions."

- Lou
Next Step MCAT Student

Which MCAT® Test Prep Option is Right for You?

Live Online

Live Online

The accountability of a structured Live class meets the hassle-free flexibility of an online Course. Attend classes taught by two expert MCAT instructors and double down on your practice in unlimited office hours taught live, five days a week.

Self-Paced Course

Self-Paced Course

Get comprehensive, personalized MCAT prep anywhere, anytime. Built from the ground up to push online, on-demand learning to its limits, our dynamic, animated videos will keep you engaged and learning all the way to test day.

Tutoring

Tutoring

Work closely in a one-on-one setting with a 99th percentile scoring MCAT expert who will tailor your prep journey to your specific needs. Undivided attention, unparalleled resources, and unbelievable results.

Practice Exams

Practice Exams

The most representative exams, after the AAMC. These are the same full-lengths from Next Step but now with amazing test performance analytics!

MCAT® is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which is not affiliated with Blueprint Test Prep, LLC. Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Blueprint Test Prep or this website.

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