MCAT Frequently Asked Questions

About the MCAT

What is the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a prerequisite for admission to nearly all the medical schools in North America. Each year, over 80,000 applicants to American and Canadian medical schools submit MCAT test results. While the actual weight given to MCAT scores in the admission process varies from school to school, they are often regarded in a similar manner to your college/university GPA (i.e. your academic standing). For example, when applying for medicine at some medical schools, the MCAT score is as important as three or four years of undergraduate study! On the other hand, some universities will set a minimum level of performance on the MCAT and then analyze school grades to decide who will be invited to the interviews. Either way, doing well is imperative for most applicants. To register for the MCAT, you should consult your undergraduate/premed adviser, register online and/or contact:

• MCAT Program
• 655 K Street NW, Suite 100
• Washington, DC, 20001-2399
• Phone: (202) 828-0690

Visit AAMC or MCAT Registration for further information.

What are the MCAT test dates?

You can view the upcoming test dates at MCAT Test Dates.

What are the MCAT subjects?

The MCAT will not only test your scientific knowledge in Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, but it will also test your problem-solving and critical thinking skills and grasp of the interplay between Psychology, Sociology and Biology with the context being basic research methods. All questions are multiple choice with four choices per question. To view the complete topics that are covered in the MCAT, click here: MCAT Topics List

What were the MCAT changes?

The MCAT changed in 1991 and then some minor changes were further instituted in 2003. In 2007, the MCAT became shorter and changed to a Computer Based Test (CBT). It was approximately 5 hours vs. the previous testing time of 8 hours because there were only 3 sections. Students received their test scores more quickly. The MCAT has changed again in the spring of 2015.

For a comparison of the old MCAT and the new MCAT, click here: MCAT Changes.

What is the MCAT Exam Schedule?

For more information and a detailed schedule of the MCAT, click here: MCAT Test Schedule.

How is the MCAT exam scored?

The new MCAT is scored for each of the four sections individually. Each section will receive a scaled score from a low of 118 to a high of 132 with a midpoint of 125. Then, these four scores will be combined to create a total score that will range from 472 to 528, with a midpoint of 500. Note that wrong answers are worth the same as unanswered questions so ALWAYS ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS even if you are not sure of certain answers.

For more information, click here: MCAT Scores.

How many times can I take the MCAT?

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, you may take the exam up to 3 times in a single testing year, 4 times during a two consecutive-year period and 7 times in a lifetime. Subsequently, the medical school to which you would apply may do any one of the following:

• Evaluate the most recent score
• Evaluate only the highest individual and/or set of scores
• Evaluate an average of the sets of scores
• Consider all scores equally and note the improvements.

How do I sign up for the MCAT?

You can register for the MCAT online through the AAMC website. It is important to register early so that you can select your first-choice time, location and date.

Admission to Medical School

Am I eligible to get into medical school?

Unfortunately, we do not provide medical school application information. You must directly contact the medical school that interests you or go to the AAMC website. You may also visit our MCAT Scores page. We are an MCAT preparation company.

What are my chances of entering medical school?

To know your chances of getting accepted into medical school, click here: Medical School Admissions Calculator Based on GPA and MCAT Score

About Gold Standard MCAT

What does 'The only prep you need' really mean?

MCAT-prep.com offers a program that is unprecedented in its completeness. As long as you have completed a first year college education including basic sciences and at least one course requiring English reading/writing, we can offer you a complete program. The expression "The Only Prep You Need" specifically refers to students who dedicate themselves to MCAT exam preparation by registering and fully participating in our Platinum and Platinum Plus Packages. These programs consists of several MCAT books, eBooks, up to 20 full-length MCAT practice tests, MCAT CARS tests, MP3s, apps and online videos.

How does MCAT-prep.com address the changes in the new MCAT?

The content and structure of the MCAT changed in 1991. In 2003, the new MCAT changed a bit in structure but essentially continued to have the same content as all of the MCAT exams since 1991. All paper exams including actual past exams (which you receive in our Platinum Program) require the same knowledge, though the structure is slightly different as compared to the current exam. We made extensive content changes in 2011. In 2015, we have updated our content for the new MCAT. All our ebooks, book and MCAT practice tests as well as study materials reflect the new format in content, structure and scoring. Please visit What is the MCAT? for more information on this topic.

What if I am not satisfied with The Gold Standard MCAT Prep program?

We believe that we are the best at teaching and preparing for the MCAT exam. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your results, you can repeat the course once for an administrative fee. Of course, you will not receive a second set of course materials. Course refunds are not possible.

Free MCAT Prep Resources

What is the recommended MCAT study schedule for students?

Every student is different, but on average the recommended study time for students is 3-6 hours/day for 3-6 months. For our Gold Standard MCAT study schedule, click here: MCAT Study Schedule. The actual amount of time may be more or less what we recommend depending on your past study experience, grades and study habits.

Are there any free MCAT prep resources you offer?

A free initial access to MCAT-Prep.com includes 1 practice test (78 questions, approx. 1/3 length) and 3 hours of free videos. You can sign up here: Free MCAT Practice Test.

Other useful study tools include the following:

• MCAT Biochemistry Review Summary
• MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms
• MCAT Physics Equations Sheet
• MCAT General Chemistry Review Summary
• Free MCAT videos
• MCAT Biochemistry Flashcards iPhone app
• MCAT Biochemistry Flashcards Android app
• MCAT Blog
• Premed Advice

Where can I access Free MCAT videos online?

You can find free science review videos at MCAT Videos. You can also sign up for a free account on our website to access 3 hours of free videos of your choice.

MCAT Preparation Courses

When should I take an MCAT-prep.com course?

We generally recommend that students complete at least 3 of the 4 basic sciences in university, college/CEGEP, advanced high-school courses and speed reading courses if necessary. Depending on their knowledge or experience, some students may begin our courses weeks, months or even years prior to the anticipated time for the actual MCAT. Bear in mind, our program does not just review the information. MCAT-prep.com teaches the information you need to know to excel at the MCAT. For more information, visit MCAT Preparation Advice.

What is the maximum length of an MCAT Prep course?

Depending on the product purchased, the online access ranges from 6 months to 12 months. Please refer to the appropriate product on our website for more details: MCAT Prep Courses | MCAT Practice Tests

What MCAT review packages do you offer?

Gold Standard Complete Home Study MCAT Course includes the Gold Standard MCAT textbook, AAMC Guide to the MCAT Exam, Examkrackers CARS/Math book, e-books, apps, MP3s, practice tests, flashcards, Medical School Interview video and access to our 30⁺ hours online MCAT videos. All new MCAT topics are reviewed from science to non-science.

Platinum Package includes everything in the Home Study MCAT Package plus 2 more full-length MCAT practice tests; all practice materials published by the AAMC (Official AAMC Sample Test, Practice Exams 1, 2 and 3; MCAT Bundle and flashcards); Next Step Prep Tests NS-1, 2, 3 and 4; Examkrackers EK-Tests EK-1 and EK-2, etc.

Platinum Package Plus includes all of the Platinum Package + any one of these MCAT book sets: Kaplan MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2018-2019, Princeton Review MCAT Complete Box Set (7 books, current edition) or Examkrackers 10th Edition MCAT Complete Study Package (6 books, current edition).

4000⁺ Q&A (Home Study MCAT Package) vs 7000⁺ Q&A (Platinum Package) vs 9000⁺ Q&A (Platinum Package Plus)

What are the key elements of the MCAT University Program?

The key elements of MCAT University are the following:

• 1) e-Books covering MCAT Psychology, Sociology, MCAT Math, Physics, General and Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology
• 2) 30⁺ hours of online videos including science review and chapter commentary videos
• 3) 4 full-length GS MCAT practice tests
• 4) MCAT CARS program with strategies, advice and hundreds of practice questions

What are the differences between the MCAT Crash Course and MCAT University?

1) MCAT University has 4 MCAT practice tests, while the Crash Course has 2 practice tests. If you have the Crash Course and would like to add individual tests separately, it will cost you $20/test.

2) With MCAT University, you have access to additional 5 full-length MCAT CARS tests with content different from the 4 MCAT practice tests.

3) 3000⁺ Q&A (Crash Course) vs 3500⁺ Q&A (MCAT University)

What makes the Complete MCAT Platinum Package and the MCAT-prep.com Home Study Package different from each other?

The Home Study Package has 10 full-length MCAT practice tests while the Complete MCAT Platinum Package has 20.

The Home Study Package provides you with an option to include or not all the AAMC materials. The Complete MCAT Platinum Package already includes all the AAMC materials.

Both packages give you the option to choose one among the following boxed book sets: Kaplan MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review (7 books), Princeton Review MCAT Complete Box Set (7 books) and Examkrackers 10th Edition MCAT Complete Study Package (6 books), always the latest edition.

The Complete MCAT Platinum Package includes 10 weekly online tutorials, MCAT-prep.com MCAT BIO textbook (Biology and Biochemistry review) - updated in full color with questions with solutions and an MCAT score guarantee while the Home Study Package does not.

If I register for The Platinum or Platinum Plus Package, will I need to purchase any additional MCAT preparation materials?

No, the Platinum Plus Package includes all of the tangible and online products that you will require for your MCAT prep.

How do I access the eBooks?

Log in to your account, click on the Lessons tab. Scroll down to see the title “Gold Standard MCAT: Practice Questions' Distribution” where you will find buttons for the following - MCAT CARS, Psychology, Sociology, MCAT Math, Physics, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology.

Click on your desired subject, and then click on the chapter. You will be brought to the multimedia page for that chapter where you can read from the eBook, submit practice questions, and/or watch videos where applicable.

I own the MCAT Platinum Package. How do I access the AAMC, EK and NS exams?

The AAMC, EK and NS content will be accessed through their respective websites with single-user access codes.

AAMC online material: The login details and instructions will be sent to your email address by the next business day. (Please, also check your spam folder). The AAMC practice materials - including tests - are limited to 20 “starts” so you can re-take practice questions up to 20 times, or one year after product activation, whichever comes first.

Examkracker and Next Step Prep exams: To get your login details, email learn@gold-standard.com. You should only use these full-length exams in the last few months before the real MCAT (as per your GS MCAT Study Schedule). NS tests come with 20 single-user exam attempts: a limit of 5 times each for the 4 practice tests within your access period. GS and EK tests come with unlimited single-user exam attempts during your access period. Access lasts for 6 months.

MCAT Practice Tests

What are CBTs?

The 8 Gold Standard MCAT Practice Tests are Computer Based Tests (CBTs) and all multiple-choice sections are instantly corrected after you submit the test. All attempts are saved in your History section so you can review answers and explanations whenever you want.

How well do your MCAT practice tests represent the actual MCAT?

Our Gold Standard MCAT practice tests follow the AAMC format. We based the diversity of our MCAT practice questions on:

1) the AAMC's published average percentages

2) hundreds of student experiences with the real exam (publicly available online).

It is important for you to consider some of the following direct quotes from students on Reddit (different ID’s) who had just completed the real MCAT:

• Holy Enzyme Kinetics.!!!
• barely any physics problems
• Very little physics
• wow, hi physics. :/ I wound up with multiple physics and calculation-heavy problems
• Virtually no chemistry for me
• heavy calculations. Aargh.
• lots and lots of physics for me.
• A LOT of biochemistry
• +++ orgo
• TONS of Orgo.
• Very little orgo
• entire scratch paper page full of calculations

You can see how different student experiences with an exam can be. No one practice test can perfectly replicate the experience of the real MCAT. Many practice tests, if completed according to schedule, and well reviewed thereafter, can ensure that you are very well prepared, despite the imperfections that any one test may have in representing an exam with such variety.

Are the MCAT CARS tests the same as the CARS portion of the Gold Standard full-length MCAT practice tests?

No. Our MCAT CARS exams are different from the CARS section of our full-length MCAT exams GS-1 to GS-7.

I want to revisit the MCAT practice questions and see which ones I got wrong as well as right. Where do I find my answers and obtain explanations for any incorrect ones?

Log in to your online MCAT account, click on the Practice Tests tab. Then click on the fourth column 'Last Taken' of the exam you would like to view. Then click on 'Date Taken'. The corrected exam will open in a new window.

I am having problems saving my test answers. What can you suggest I do?

It is recommended Mozilla Firefox be used for the tests, as they work best with this browser. You need to enable Java Script by following these steps: navigate to the Edit tab on Firefox, click on Firefox Preferences, then Content and Enable JavaScript.

Also, if you use add-ons on Firefox, check if any of them require JavaScript to be off since these can block the application. You can check the add-ons by navigating to the Tools tab and clicking on Add-Ons. Lastly, before closing any test or browser, please ensure that you wait a few seconds so that all of the test data can be properly stored in our database.

What if I need help with the MCAT practice questions?

You can click on your submitted exam to review answers with helpful explanations, as well as the "percent performance" so you can see how other students fared on each question.

Each practice question has a chat area where you can discuss a particular problem with other students (or read what others have said about it), post questions (our staff checks the discussion boards regularly for new questions). Where applicable, we also provide related science videos for further understanding. Basically, we don't just give "A is correct", we really explore each question and don't ever leave you in the dark. As far as we know, we are the only MCAT prep company that offers these features.

Are the results scaled?

Yes. When you click "End Exam", you will be able to assess your raw score, scaled score and scaled score range (similar to what you will receive after the real MCAT).

Are GS scaled scores predictive of the scores I will get in the real exam?

GS scaled scores, like other practice test scores, serve as the best indicator you can get of your score on the real exam. Yet, students often report a two to three point difference between their real exam score and average practice test score regardless of the company they used for MCAT prep.

How do I interpret my practice MCAT score?

Practice exams serve as tools for not only training for the real MCAT, but also evaluating your strengths and weaknesses within each section of the MCAT. Accordingly, your performance on practice exams should guide your content review.

For example, if you have been studying Biochemistry content extensively, then you should anticipate to see some improvement in your Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems score. If not, then that may indicate you need to further your content review in that area.

So, you should interpret each practice exam by 1) comparing your total score to previous practice exam scores and 2) comparing your scores by section to previous practice exam scores by section.

No one practice test can perfectly replicate the experience of the real MCAT. Many practice tests, if completed according to schedule and well reviewed thereafter, can ensure that you are very well prepared despite the imperfections that any one test may have.

My access to the MCAT practice tests has expired. Will I still be able to view my results in the History section?

Once the account has expired, it reverts to a free account and it will only reflect the results for the GS-Free test. However, we do keep all the practice test results in our servers so if you renew or extend your access, the results will be fully reinstated automatically.

MCAT Videos and Audio

Am I able to upload the MCAT videos to my iPod or iPhone?

You can’t upload MCAT videos on your iPod or iPhone but you would be able to watch them once you’re logged in to your student account. Only our MP3s can be uploaded to electronic devices (see next Q&A)

How can I upload the MP3 audio files onto my iPod?

An email on how to download the MP3 files will be sent to you once your payment is processed.

MCAT Book

I own the MCAT book with 7 full-length MCAT practice tests: 5 in the book and 2 online. How do I access the online exams?

Your book comes with an online access card glued to the inside front cover. Login to MCAT-prep.com. On the Members page, click on the image of the book that is located at the upper right portion of the page. A pop-up will appear. Click on "Click here to use your online access code". After scratch and reveal, put the access code written on the back of your card.

You will have 1 year* access to:

• 1. The answers and explanations to full-length MCAT practice tests GS-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
• 2. MCAT Score Calculator for the 4 sections of the 5 exams. Here, you can input the raw score and submit it to get your scaled score.
• 3. Online answer sheet for each of the 5 exams. This allows you to check the answers for the questions in your book quickly.
• 4. Access to the full-length MCAT practice tests GS-6 and GS-7 which you can submit for automated correction, get scores and access the answers/explanations.
  *1 year of continuous online access using the PIN consistent with our Terms of Use, not transferrable.

Where do I enter my Gold Standard MCAT BIO book access? If I purchased the book separately, am I able to purchase online access separately?

Log in to your online MCAT account, click on My Account tab and scroll down to 'GS Book Owner Access'. Enter your access code.

Once you are logged in as a Gold Standard MCAT BIO Owner, click on My Account on the top Menu and it will show the products you are registered for. As an Owner, you have 6 months access to Biology and Biochemistry lessons, extra practice questions and 2 hour access to our online science video library.

How do I access the chapter review questions for the Gold Standard MCAT BIO book?

The chapter review questions can be found under the Lessons tab of your online MCAT account.

I own the MCAT Platinum Package Plus. How do I access the online resources of Kaplan and The Princeton Review books?

First, you have to register your book here: Kaplan MCAT Book | The Princeton Review book

Using the MCAT-Prep.com Site

How do I register to become a member of MCAT-prep.com?

To register, click here: Sign Up

What must I take into account when registering with Gold Standard MCAT Prep?

In the Sign Up section, it is recommended that you fill out the registration form completely. This gives us a better understanding of what you want as a customer and allows us to give you relevant and accurate information when you need it. We do require, however, you supply the proper information for the fields with an adjacent *.

• E-mail - your e-mail address. (e.g. jdoe@mcat-prep.com)
• Password - a case-sensitive phrase you must create and use to log into the web site. It must be at least 6 characters long and contain any characters the student wants. Confirm password.
• Username - a case-sensitive name that you must create and use when you log onto the web site. It must be at least 6 characters long and can contain letters and digits.
• First Name - your given name (e.g. John)
• Last Name - your family name (e.g. Doe)

Your account is a single-user account. Once your account is activated, access is continuous and nonrefundable: no pause/restart. Sharing your account can result in permanent account deletion.

How do I log in on MCAT-prep?

At the upper right corner of MCAT-prep.com, click on the Login button and enter the email address and password that were created when you registered.

How do I change my password?

Log in into your online MCAT account and click on the My Account tab. Enter your new password as well as confirming the new password. Click 'Change password'.

How do I know that I have logged in or registered successfully?

If you've logged in successfully, you will be taken to your Members page. Your contact details and packages purchased can be found under My Account. You will find your practice tests are under the Tests tab, chapter review/online courses under Lessons, online videos under Videos and your scores and explanations by clicking on the date in the ‘Last Taken’ column of the test. If you have any problems logging in, feel free to contact us at learn@gold-standard.com or by phone to our toll free number at 1-866-333-3138.

Now that I've logged in, how do I add a package?

Once you are logged, click on the Enroll tab and choose your MCAT prep.

Purchase, Extension, Cancellation

How do I pay for a Gold Standard MCAT course or product?

After you have selected the package(s) from the MCAT Home Page, you will be directed to our subscription page containing our varied courses and products. Go to the desired course/product and click Sign Up. You will be taken to a PayPal checkout page. The next page will show a breakdown of the details related to that package or product.

Please enter your shipping destination for a calculation of your shipping costs (for tangible items). Click on Checkout and you will be redirected to complete your payment via PayPal. Please confirm the shipping address by modifying the shipping form and verifying the items purchased.

How can I make my payment if I don't want to use PayPal?

After you have clicked on the 'Enroll Now' button, opt for Pay with Debit or Credit Card.

Alternatively, you can pay via our Secure Credit Card Payments. Enter the Package or Item, as well as the Total Cost. Please note that the Total Amount should include both the product cost and if applicable, the shipping cost. Click Checkout to enter your credit card and shipping information.

Note: our online monthly subscriptions can only be purchased via PayPal.

If you would like to pay via phone, call our toll-free number 1-866-333-3138 to complete your payment. Please note that there is an additional $15 administrative charge for orders and payments made over the phone.

What do I do if I want to repeat the MCAT Prep course?

Course extensions work as monthly subscriptions where you can choose the length of access that suits your needs (cancel anytime). Price per month is $89 USD (Platinum Program, Platinum Package Plus, MCAT Question Bank).

Students who wish to have extensions receive full online access and privileges, but they do not receive a second set of tangible course materials.

What are the options to extend the MCAT courses or MCAT practice tests and can I perform the extension even after my access period has expired?

Yes, you may extend your access to the MCAT exams even after your access period has expired. Log into your account. On the main menu click on “Enroll” and choose your preferred subscription (recurring monthly or fixed period of 1, 3 or 6 months or 1 year).

We also offer monthly extensions for the Gold Standard MCAT Question Bank or online GS materials that are included in the Platinum Package Plus for $89 a month.

If someone other than the actual MCAT member pays for an extension to the practice tests how do you know which profile to apply the extension to?

When the email address associated with the payment is not the member email address to which the extension should apply, it is important to inform us in one of the following ways:

• Provide "merchant instructions" within the payment process to inform us of the member profile to which the extension should be applied
• Send an email to learn@gold-standard.com providing us with the appropriate details
• Chat with us online using the Live Chat button shown on the right corner of your monitor
• Call our customer service toll free line 1-866-333-3138 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST)

Can I transfer my online time or materials to another student?

No. All course materials including online access are exclusively for our registered students and are non-refundable. Registering under a different IP address can result in permanent account deletion according to our Terms of Use.

I'm looking for a discount on your packages but do not want to purchase through Amazon or eBay. Can you offer me a discount?

Due to pre-arranged methods or agreements, we are unable to accede to your request. But, if you wish a bulk purchase for your institution or tutor service, please contact us directly for possible discounts at learn@gold-standard.com.

How do I confirm my payment?

Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email from Authorize.net or PayPal with the amount deducted and an invoice number for tracking purposes. If the deduction is unsuccessful, you will also receive an email and the content will state the nature of the problem.

How do I confirm that my MCAT review package has been added to my account?

Once your payment is processed successfully, you will be redirected to the members page and the new subscription will be available under Subscriptions in My Account. You will receive an e-mail from MCAT-prep.com support, confirming the package purchase. Please check your junk mail, since emails can get sent sometimes to that folder.

To check the status of your order, refer to the order summary that was provided to you upon purchase. If you have any problems, please contact us at learn@gold-standard.com. Please have your transaction number and email address of purchase handy.

How soon after I place my order for an online product(s) on your website, will I receive an email with my login information?

Once payment is processed successfully, you will receive 2 emails almost immediately. The 1st will be from either Paypal (if paid via Paypal account) or from authorize.net (if paid using a credit card). The 2nd email will be from help@mcat-prep.com and will contain your login details. This email sometimes goes into the junk or spam folder.

If you haven't received your login information, contact us through Live Chat and provide us with the following information: (1) email address used to purchase the product and (2) Paypal confirmation. Note: If the product was purchased through ebay or Amazon, the login details will be sent to you within 24 hours.

How do I cancel a monthly subscription for an online course or practice tests?

You need to Log into your online MCAT account. Go to My Account page and find the course you want to unsubscribe from. Click the Unsubscribe button beside the selected course. You will be re-directed to a PayPal page to finalize your cancellation request:.

• Log in to your PayPal account.
• Click the 'Settings' icon at the top of the page.
• Under 'Payment settings', click Pre-approved payments..
• Use the filter to select the seller whose agreement you want to cancel and click Cancel.
• Click Cancel Profile to confirm your request.

How to cancel a PayPal subscription

I did not use the MCAT University/Crash course this month but I was charged on my account. Can I get a refund for the extra month?

It is indicated on our website that all of our online programs are monthly subscriptions. Our aim is to provide the service while allowing you to sign up for a limited duration of your choice, hence providing you the freedom to cancel at anytime. Moreover, when the MCAT University/Crash program was purchased, you should have been redirected to a PayPal page to create a subscription/recurring payment. Additionally, monthly PayPal notifications are also sent to the email address associated with the subscription.

As per our Terms of Use, we do not refund any of our online products and hence, we are unable to refund your payment. Please note that the AAMC has similar policies regarding refunds.

Can you pause or temporarily stop my online access to the Gold Standard (GS) MCAT practice tests and reactivate it when I'm ready?

No, online access unfortunately does not generally work that way. This policy is explained further in our Terms of Use.

I have not used my online access to the Gold Standard MCAT practice exams for a while. Can I get a refund or extension because of time not used?

No, online access unfortunately does not generally work that way. You are paying to have access for a specific time period. Whether you used it frequently or not at all during your access period does not change the rate of payment. This policy is explained further in our Terms of Use.

Where can I find the expiry date for my online access?

In your online MCAT account, click on the My Account tab and you will see the access Expiration Date.

System Requirements

What are the system requirements for the online practice courses?

Your PC should include: Windows 95, 98, Me, XP, or NT 4.0, or 2000; Pentium 200Mhz or greater; 32 MB RAM or greater (64 MB for NT or 2000); Sound card and speakers or headphones; 28.8kb modem (56kb recommended) and reliable Internet service; Internet Explorer 5.5 SP1 and Internet Tools or higher; Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher (available as a free download from www.adobe.com); JAVA 2.0 plug-in and greater (also available as a free download from www.java.com) and cookies must be enabled; America Online users will need 5.0 or higher, and will need to minimize the AOL window and open Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher.