About Gold Standard MCAT Prep
Empowering Future Doctors for Over 30 Years
Preparing for the MCAT can be one of the toughest milestones in your medical journey. Between coursework, clinical experience, and personal commitments, finding trusted, high-quality prep materials can feel overwhelming.
At Gold Standard MCAT Prep, we’ve spent over three decades helping premedical students overcome those challenges with confidence. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Brett Ferdinand, MD, our goal has always been simple: to help you ace the MCAT and achieve your dream of becoming a doctor.
Our Mission
To develop and empower future doctors by providing high-quality, evidence-based educational materials that help students master the MCAT—and prepare for long-term success in medicine.
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Our Story: From Student Vision to Industry Leader
Dr. Brett Ferdinand, MD, recognizing the fragmented nature of MCAT preparation while he was a medical student, was determined to simplify the process. His original textbook, first published in 1994, became the foundation of Gold Standard’s content and has evolved through 16 editions. The book was honored as a finalist for the Benjamin Franklin Award in 2010, a recognition that underscores the quality and effectiveness of the study material that has successfully guided students for decades. In 2019, our MCAT Practice Questions Book – 7 Full-Length MCAT Practice Tests (5 in the book, 2 online) was recommended by the US Review of Books and named a finalist at the Best Book Awards of the American Bookfest, further recognizing Gold Standard’s long-standing commitment to excellence in MCAT preparation.
Founded on Innovation
From the very beginning, Gold Standard was built on innovation. We didn’t just publish a textbook—we created a complete learning system that set new standards in MCAT preparation.
Our first comprehensive book included pull-out practice tests designed to simulate the paper exam of the time.
We also developed MCAT review audio cassettes—cross-referenced with the book for integrated learning—long before digital streaming became the norm. As technology advanced, so did we. We introduced MCAT review video CDs for students who didn’t yet have laptops with DVD drives. We also published The Silver Bullet: Real MCATs Explained, marking the first time students could access detailed explanations of real MCAT practice materials without enrolling in an expensive prep course.
Gold Standard continued to launch new learning formats:
- We offered online MCAT videos before YouTube existed.
- We launched interactive online practice tests before the MCAT officially transitioned to a computer-based format in 2007.
- We became the first and only company to provide 10 full-length computer-based practice tests, allowing students to prepare with authentic test simulations from their own computers.
Continuing to Innovate
Today, we continue to innovate with interactive digital tools, expert-led instruction, and student-centered learning strategies that reflect the latest MCAT format and standards—while staying true to our mission of helping future doctors reach their full potential.
What We Offer
We provide flexible, results-driven study options to meet every student’s needs and schedule:
Home Study Package
Our complete MCAT prep system combining all Gold Standard online and physical products, updated official practice tools, and one-on-one MD coaching.
Full-Length MCAT Practice Tests
Accurate test simulations to build content knowledge, reasoning, and timing skills.
Online MCAT Crash Course
Short-term, high-impact course perfect for students preparing under time constraints. Monthly subscription.
MCAT Erasable Noteboard
Simulate real MCAT with 10 laminated graph pages, cover, and fine-point Staedtler marker—perfect for calculations, diagrams, and reusable, realistic practice sessions.
MCAT CARS Booster
Five full-length CARS tests (included in both Home Study and Crash Course) designed to strengthen reasoning and comprehension.
MCAT Practice Questions Book
Five practice tests in print plus two additional online perfect for studying on the go.
Tutor-Peer Discussion Boards
Interactive academic community available to both free and paid students.
Our Commitment to Equity and Access
We believe every aspiring doctor deserves access to quality MCAT preparation. Through our Gold Standard Scholarship Program, we partner with organizations that support underrepresented groups in medicine, providing sponsored materials and resources to eligible students. We have partnered with:
- Charles Drew Premedical Society
- Ursinus University MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students)
- Brown University MAPS
- McMaster University Black Aspiring Physicians
- Florida International University MAPS
- Eastern Illinois University Health Professions
- University of Southern California (USC) Latino Students in Medicine
This initiative is part of our broader Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) mission—helping create a more diverse and inclusive future in healthcare by empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue medical careers with confidence.
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Why Students and Advisors Trust Gold Standard MCAT
Proven Experience
Over 30 years of continuous innovation in MCAT education.
Expert Authorship
Created by doctors and educators who mastered the MCAT themselves.
Comprehensive Learning
From content mastery to real test simulations and personalized coaching.
Educational Integrity
Grounded in science, accuracy, and transparency.
Community Focus
Supporting students, advisors, and partner organizations across the U.S. and Canada.
Our Core Values
Quality
We pursue premium excellence in every product, ensuring our students receive only the best tools to reach their goals.
Integrity
We are committed to academic honesty and transparency in all our educational materials.
Innovation
We continuously adapt to the evolving MCAT format and the needs of modern learners.
Empowerment
We aim to do more than teach—we help students believe in their ability to succeed in medicine.
→ Start Your MCAT Journey Today