Top 5 MCAT Prep Books to Ace Your Exam

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is one of the most important exams you’ll ever take; after all, it’s the first step to becoming a doctor. But passing the MCAT isn’t just hard—it’s downright intimidating.

The minute I started preparing for my own exam, I noticed just how overwhelming the process was. There was so much to review and understand, and so many questions that were left unanswered—and that was before I even chose a prep book!

But don’t let all this fretting over the MCAT get you down; in fact, it’s time to start focusing on the good stuff: success. Whether you are prepping for your first or fifth attempt at passing this rigorous exam, it helps to have some expert guidance. These are my top five picks for an MCAT prep book that will help you ace your exam with flying colors!

Content Review: Using the Best MCAT Books

When it comes to preparing for the MCAT, content review is an absolute must. Reviewing all the relevant material – including topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics – is essential for success on the exam. And when it comes to reviewing that material, there’s no better way to do so than by using a good MCAT prep book.

As an MCAT test taker myself, I can attest to the effectiveness of using prep books as a study tool. At Medic Mind, we conducted our own research and reviewed some of the best MCAT prep books available, including those from Princeton Review and Kaplan Books. These books provided me with a wealth of knowledge and helped me understand the structure of the exam and the types of questions I could expect.

What I found most helpful was how the books were sectioned, allowing me to focus on one topic at a time. Also, they included full-length practice exams that allowed me to test my knowledge and gauge my progress.

But using prep books alone may not be enough to guarantee success on the MCAT. Combining them with other MCAT prep activities, like taking courses at top medical universities or enrolling in an Online Prep Course through online platforms, can make a difference in the exam.

I personally chose the Medic Mind MCAT Prep Course, which includes a comprehensive set of practice exams and helpful study guides tailored to each topic on the exam. This course also includes a dedicated team of instructors who will guide you through every part of your MCAT preparation journey as you study for the big test day. It is also worth noting that they also offers its own library of prep books, so you won’t have to worry about finding any on your own!

Which MCAT Prep Books Should You Choose?

I’m sure you’re aware of how difficult it is to pass the MCAT and pursue a successful career in the medical field. With so many Kaplan MCAT books and MCAT preparation books on the market, it can be difficult to decide what to invest your time and money in.

• Kaplan MCAT 528 Advanced Prep

My top pick for the best overall MCAT prep book is undoubtedly Kaplan’s MCAT 528 Advanced Prep. This series does an excellent job of providing comprehensive coverage of all the material tested on the exam, from physics and biology to chemistry and psychology. The book itself is also well-written, detailed, and easy to read. Moreover, it includes practice exams for all four sections of the exam.

• ExamKrackers 1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry

For those who are more focused on preparing for the Chemistry portion of the MCAT, ExamKrackers 1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry offers everything you need: a comprehensive overview of all topics covered by the exam, including organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. The practice questions also come with detailed explanations so you can understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect.

• The Princeton Review Complete MCAT

This book provides a comprehensive overview of all sections covered by the exam as well as hundreds of practice questions with detailed explanations and a diagnostic exam to help identify your strong areas as well as weaknesses that need to be addressed before the exam day arrives. Furthermore, this book also includes strategies for tackling various types of questions found on the test and tips on pacing yourself during exams.

• Examkrackers 101 Passages in MCAT Verbal Reasoning

Examkrackers 101 Passages in MCAT Verbal Reasoning is a great option for those who struggle with the verbal reasoning portion of the exam. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the types of passages and questions found on the exam and includes over 100 practice passages with detailed explanations. The passages cover a wide range of topics, from humanities to social sciences, to help you prepare for any type of passage you might encounter on the actual test.

• Barron’s MCAT Flash Cards

Finally, for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to studying, Barron’s MCAT Flash Cards are an excellent option. These flashcards cover all sections of the exam and provide an easy way to review key concepts and facts on the go. The cards are color-coded by subject and include detailed explanations and mnemonics to help you remember important information.

Choosing the right MCAT prep book can be a daunting task, but investing in a high-quality resource can make all the difference in your test preparation and ultimate success on the exam. Whether you’re struggling with a specific subject or need a comprehensive review of all sections, there’s a book out there for you.

Developing an MCAT Study Plan: Tips to Stay on Track

No matter which MCAT Prep book you choose, nothing is more important than developing and sticking to an effective study plan. If I’m being honest, when I was preparing for the MCAT, I didn’t have a proper plan in place. It wasn’t until I came across the Medic Mind MCAT Prep Course that things finally clicked. Through their course, I was able to identify all my weaknesses and develop a plan of attack tailored to my own personal needs that helped maximize my studying efficiency.

Given all the nuances of taking on the MCAT exam, here are some of the tips I picked up from my experience while taking their preparation course:

1. Set realistic goals: Design your study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus on what matters most for you and make improvements as quickly as possible.
2. Create an efficient schedule: Establish a routine that allows you to get enough rest and breaks in-between sessions so that you can stay motivated throughout the entire process. Make sure to include ample time for revision too!
3. Canvas different resources: Don’t limit yourself to just one single prep book material; supplement it with videos or lectures if they help your understanding better. Also, don’t forget about practice questions – they are key!
4. Be accountable: Break down your goals into smaller milestones along the way, then find someone and let them know what you want to achieve this week, or this month – it really helps with staying motivated and accountable over time!
5. Celebrate the small wins: Don’t forget to congratulate yourself along the way; when you

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is an abundance of MCAT prep books available on the market today, but it’s important to choose the right one that fits your learning style and study needs. While all of these are great options, it’s up to you to decide which book will help you best as you prepare for your MCAT and a successful career in the medical field. With the right resources, dedication, and commitment, you can ace your exam and advance your career. Good luck!

FAQs

Are Kaplan books good for MCAT?

Yes, Kaplan books are one of the most recommended and popular MCAT prep books on the market. They provide comprehensive coverage of all material tested on the exam, including physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology.

Do MCAT books change every year?

While some publishers update their MCAT prep books annually to reflect any changes to the exam, not all do. It’s important to check the publication date of any MCAT prep book you’re considering to make sure it’s up-to-date with the current exam format.

How much are MCAT books?

The cost of MCAT prep books can vary depending on the publisher, the number of books in the series, and whether they include practice exams. On average, expect to spend between $100 and $300 on a set of MCAT prep books.

What MCAT books should I buy?

There are many great MCAT prep books to choose from, including Kaplan MCAT 528 Advanced Prep, The Princeton Review Complete MCAT, and ExamKrackers 1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry. It’s best to research and compare different options to find the one that best fits your needs and learning style.