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Best MCAT Test Preparation Books
In this article, I’ll analyze the top MCAT prep books based on real user experiences and practical insights. I’ll provide an in-depth overview of each of these best MCAT review books. I’ll also dissect their unique features, value for money, pricing, authors, and what draws readers to them. Then, I’ll answer some questions on what MCAT books are the best, Kaplan vs. Princeton Review, and more.
As an expert in the field, I’ll present these insights in an informative yet engaging style. My aim is to assist high school students and parents seeking the best MCAT prep options online. Let’s delve into the specifics. We’ll analyze what makes each book a potential game-changer in exam preparation.
Here’s a shortlist of the best MCAT books you’ll find around:
What are the best MCAT prep books? Fortunately, I’ve cut your search time in half. To help out, I’ve explicitly outlined the best test prep books you can bank on. Before we get to the crux, here’s a brief overview of each of the five books I’ll check out:
Comprehensive practice questions accompanied by detailed explanations of the answers.
Practice Test Questions with Explanations
Additional review videos for quick understanding and step-by-step working examples.
Step-by-Step Video Tutorials
Priced reasonably, this guide is filled with practice test questions and detailed explanations to bolster understanding. The step-by-step video tutorials included in a CD-ROM were particularly helpful in mastering complex concepts. And you can be sure of the insightful tips and strategies for optimized test performance. This guide covers all test sections comprehensively, from Biological and Biochemical Foundations to Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
It's logically organized, ensuring a smooth flow between topics. The explanations are clear and concise, eliminating any confusion. The practice questions adequately prepare you well for the exam environment. The online review videos supplement learning, making complex topics easily understandable. As someone who values effective preparation, I confidently recommend Mometrix's guide to anyone aiming to excel in the exam.
Unique Features
To separate itself from the competition, Mometrix includes video tutorials covering challenging aspects in each test section. This is in addition to comprehensive practice quizzes tagging complete workouts. Here's a breakdown:
Comprehensive practice questions accompanied by detailed answer explanations.
Video tutorials aid in the mastery of challenging concepts.
In-depth coverage of all MCAT test sections, including Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Chemical and Physical Foundations, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations, Critical Analysis, and Reasoning Skills.
Additional online review videos for quick understanding and worked examples step-by-step.
Value for Money
For your money, you get the following:
Practice Test Questions with Explanations
Step-by-Step Video Tutorials
Complete Review of Exam Test Sections
Logical and Organized Layout
Supplemental Online Review Videos
Pricing
There are two major formats for the Mometrix Prep Books. Here are the price points for both:
After using Examkrackers to prep for the MCAT, I can confidently recommend this comprehensive package. For 25 years, Examkrackers has helped premed students master this critical test, earning 5-star reviews. The books teach you to think in the unique way the MCAT demands. Dual instruction explains content clearly and prepares you to apply knowledge just as needed for the exam's passages and questions.
The full mini-exams ensure you retain key ideas. I found the practice tests highly realistic. By following the savvy reading and study guidelines, I internalized concepts efficiently. If you seek research-backed, specialist-designed prep to build confidence, Examkrackers delivers results. This strategic package prepares your mindset and knowledge.
Unique Features
Examkrackers' unique approach to tackling MCAT questions is evident in its special strategies. That's not all, the study guide additionally features somewhat novel 30-minute Pomodoro tests to improve exam readiness. Here's a breakdown:
Teaches content and specialized strategies for tackling questions and passages.
Columns on each page - Reinforce connections across biological, physical, and social sciences.
Instructions on when to read thoroughly or brush through teach optimized study techniques.
The 30-minute tests in actual exam format provide specialized practice for exam readiness.
Value for Money
At $274.94 for a fresh-cut paperback, we find the Examkrackers Complete Study Guide to be somewhat overpriced. Here's what you'll get for paying that much:
32 topical practice exams
Mini exams after every chapter
Strategic reading guidance
Dual instructional approach
Pricing
Currently, buyers have the option to purchase fresh paperbacks or used ones in good condition. Here's a breakdown of the current price point:
Three full-length practice tests and test-taking strategies aid in preparation.
Strategies for Question Types
Online practice exams mimic the actual exam structure.
Having immersed myself in the Princeton Review MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set, I found it to be one of the best MCAT prep books around. This 4th edition set comprises 7 comprehensive subject guides and 3 online practice tests. Each book covers key subjects like biology, biochemistry, organic and general chemistry, physics, math, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis.
The abundance of practice questions, detailed chapter summaries, and full-color visuals aid understanding, while strategic test-taking techniques sharpen test-taking skills effectively. What stands out are the in-depth subject reviews, extensive glossaries, and online resources that keep pace with AAMC exam updates. As someone well-versed in exam prep, I confidently recommend this set to high school students and parents seeking an all-inclusive MCAT preparation resource.
Unique Features
Just like other notable options, the Princeton Review MCAT Self-Study Set spans several subjects in the sciences. There are tons of helpful features, ranging from online practice exams to three full-length practice tests. Here's a breakdown:
Comprehensive content coverage across MCAT subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis and reasoning.
Three full-length practice tests and test-taking strategies aid in preparation.
Visual aids like diagrams, tables, and illustrations provide clarity for visual learners.
Detailed explanations and a comprehensive index for quick concept access.
Online practice exams mimic the actual exam structure.
Value for Money
Here's what you get when you purchase the complete package
Three Full-Length Practice Tests
16-page Tear-Out Reference Guide
Detailed Content Coverage
Strategies for Question Types
Pricing
For all seven guides, pricing starts at $150 up to $159.16.
Access to Kaplan's 3,000+ question Qbank allowing customized practice quizzes.
Revamped Content and High-Yield Badges
6 online practice tests mimic the actual test interface.
I delved into the Kaplan MCAT Self-Study Toolkit 2024-2025 and found nothing short of a goldmine of resources for exam prep. The 7-Book Subject Review set covers all MCAT subjects. The writers did a great job with updated content and streamlined layouts for easier comprehension. From my assessment, the toolkit's personalized practice through a 3,000+ question Qbank and 6 full-length practice tests does a good job of enhancing learner readiness for the actual exam.
Kaplan's expert-authored materials present efficient strategies, revamped CARS content, and high-yield badges to highlight crucial testable content. The toolkit's visual aids, chapter profiles, and concept summaries aid in understanding complex concepts effectively. As someone who's navigated this toolkit, I recommend it for its expert guidance and efficient review methods. It's nothing short of a valuable asset for aspiring medical students.
Unique Features
Some unique perks attributable to the Kaplan MCAT Self-Study Toolkit include access to Kaplan's 3,000+ Qbank to redesigned CARS content and full-color MCAT QuickSheets. Here's a complete breakdown:
Updated content across all 7 books, reflecting the latest and most testable MCAT materials.
Access to Kaplan's 3,000+ question Qbank allowing customized practice quizzes.
6 online practice tests mimic the actual test interface.
Redesigned CARS content and high-yield badges highlighting the most testable material based on AAMC materials.
Full-color QuickSheets emphasizing important info visually.
Guidance from top-rated Kaplan instructors, expert-authored content vetted by editors with advanced science degrees and medical doctors.
Value for Money
The Premium price range is certainly worth it. For your money, here's what you get:
7-book Subject Review Set
Personalized Practice Tools
Realistic Practice Tests
Revamped Content and High-Yield Badges
Visual Aids, and Summaries
Expert Guidance and Review
Pricing
Priced between $319.00 to $340.88, this comprehensive toolkit combines print and digital tools, offering more than $700 worth of value.
Detailed insights into the content assessed in each section.
120 MCAT Questions with Solutions.
Strategic guidance on preparing effectively for the exam.
Efficient Exam Preparation Tips
My exploration of the MCAT Official Guide by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) was instrumental in preparing for the exam. This guide, priced reasonably between $19.83 and $30.00, offers invaluable resources essential for success. Featuring 120 questions meticulously crafted by AAMC exam developers, it provides insights into the four exam sections, aiding comprehensive preparation.
Beyond questions, it enlightens content descriptions for each section and shares efficient tips for strategic preparation. Additionally, it clarifies the exam scoring process and holistic admissions. While lacking online practice question access, this guide remains a trusted and indispensable resource, aligning closely with AAMC standards for those aspiring to succeed in the examination.
Unique Features
This guide is from the Association of American Medical Colleges, which has a lot going for it. The subsidized price doesn't restrict AAMC from loading it with tons of helpful features, including:
Specifically crafted by AAMC exam developers, including 30 questions for each of the four exam sections.
Detailed insights into the content assessed in each section.
Strategic guidance on preparing effectively for the exam.
Clarifications on the exam scoring system and holistic admissions provide a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation process.
Value for Money
Though reasonably priced, the AAMC MCAT Study Guide does not offer as much value as more comprehensive options on our list. Starting from $19.83, here's what you get for your money:
Insightful Scoring Information
Efficient Exam Preparation Tips
Content Description for Each Exam Section
120 MCAT Questions with Solutions.
Pricing
Compared with other options in our review, the AAMC MCAT Study Guide is notably cheaper, with paperback options starting from $19.83.
Kaplan MCAT Self-Study Toolkit has all you require to excel. Learners will find seven updated best MCAT study books that cover each exam section thoroughly. In addition, the 3,000+ Qbank lets you tailor quizzes to hone weaker areas. There are also six tests that match the real format – take them to get ready. Explanations help cement what you grasp. Efficient tips, badges showing must-know topics, and visual charts that crystallize concepts.
What is the best MCAT prep book?
I fully back Princeton Review’s MCAT subject package as number one for MCAT prep. With seven updated guides that span all test facets, it’s readily one of the best books for MCAT preparation. You get tactics to conquer questions too. As one of the best MCAT practice books, there’s also content aligning tightly with AAMC content. For high schoolers seeking affordable but killer test readiness, this $150 kit is it.
Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for the MCAT?
Having used Princeton Review’s complete MCAT box set, I believe it surpasses Kaplan as one of the best books for MCAT prep. This $150 kit packs seven subject guides, three practice tests, and effective tactics to command the MCAT. For high schoolers seeking stellar yet affordable prep, Princeton Review delivers.
Is ExamKrackers better than Kaplan?
Kaplan’s MCAT Self-Study Toolkit trumps Examkrackers as one of the best MCAT content review books. Kaplan’s comprehensive 7-Book Subject Review set covers all MCAT topics and revamped CARS content. It flaunts 6 online practice tests and personalized quizzes via the 3,000+ Qbank. The $319-$340.88 range truly shines, providing top-notch value compared to Examkrackers’ somewhat pricey $274.94 offering.
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