Struggling to figure out where to begin with your MCAT prep? I’ve been there. I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re bombarded with countless resources and recommendations.
After I scored a 516 on the MCAT, I realized that the key to success definitely lies in simplifying your approach. So, if you’re feeling lost, I’m here to share with you my curated list of MCAT resources, including the absolute best MCAT prep books that I would personally go to if I were starting all over again.
My goal here is to save you from the headache of endless research and decision-making and provide you with a straightforward roadmap to crush the MCAT. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear, concise plan for each phase of your MCAT studying journey.
Say goodbye to “resource overwhelm” and hello to confidence – let’s get you on track to ace that exam!
This post is all about the best mcat prep books.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Ultimate List of the Best MCAT Prep Books
My 3-Phase Study Plan: When to Use MCAT Prep Books
When I was preparing for the MCAT, I found that breaking down my study plan into three distinct phases really helped me stay organized and focused. Relying on this system helped me feel well-prepared and confident by test day, which ultimately led to achieving my dream score!
Here’s an overview of the three phases I used to score a 516, including exactly when to focus on MCAT prep books. (Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique, so feel free to adapt these phases to suit your own learning style and pace.)
Phase 1: Getting Started with Content Review Using MCAT Prep Books
I kicked off my MCAT preparation with a content review using a set of MCAT prep books. These books became my best friends as I went through each chapter. Also, I tackled the practice questions at the end of each book, and I made sure not to skip the CARS sections.
Phase 2: Passage-based Practice and Continued Content Review with Prep Books
Here, I transitioned to passage-based practice to apply the knowledge I gained during the content review phase against realistic MCAT-style questions. I also continued my content review with the prep books to make sure I had a strong grasp of all the required topics. To gauge my progress and build my confidence, I took the practice tests, which helped simulate the actual exam environment and identify areas where I needed to improve.
Phase 3: Fine-Tuning Using Passage-based Practice with all AAMC Materials
As I entered the final phase of my MCAT preparation, I focused solely on AAMC materials. I emphasized timed passage-based practice to mimic the time constraints of the actual exam. Additionally, I completed five more full-length exams from the AAMC to work on my endurance and make sure that I was familiar with the format and types of questions that would appear on test day.
Best MCAT Prep Books for Content Review (During Phase One and Two)
The first phase (and part of the second phase) of your study plan should focus on content review. Your main goal is to get through all the chapters of the content review books.
And then, at the beginning, in the middle, and right at the end, make sure you’re doing the included practice tests. Yes, I mean it – before you even begin studying, just go for it. It’s super helpful to establish that baseline, no matter where you’re starting from.
So, take that diagnostic exam and get a feel for where you’re at. Also, supplement with the Jack Weston MCAT CARS Practice Exams as your go-to for consistent CARS practice.
Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan’s MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review contains the most up-to-date and test-relevant material, presented in a way that’s easy to follow and understand.
Not only will you find streamlined and intuitive layouts that make studying a breeze, but you’ll also get access to expertly crafted strategies, in-depth subject reviews, and three full-length online practice tests.
Features
Here’s a quick run-down of what this Kaplan set includes.
- Revamped CARS content
- Concept summaries with necessary equations
- Full-color MCAT Quicksheets for key information
- One-year online access to 3 full-length practice tests
- Over 2,000 practice questions, with hundreds of them right in the books
- Quizzes at the beginning of each chapter
- Learning objectives and concept checks
Review
I absolutely loved the Quicksheets book that was included with the study materials; it was a lifesaver during both of my MCAT study sessions.
Plus, the Self-Study Toolkit is packed with practice material, making it a valuable resource if you’re not enrolled in a formal MCAT course.
And, the dedicated CARS book provides insightful strategies, tips, and tricks that are tailored to this specific section of the exam.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set is the total package for mastering the MCAT. Packed with 7 comprehensive subject guides and 3 online practice tests, this boxed set has everything you need to conquer the MCAT exam.
Features
The Princeton Review MCAT prep book set includes the following components.
- 7 complete books covering all parts of the MCAT
- 3 full-length practice tests (online access)
- Over 2,400 practice questions and MCAT-style practice passages
- Full-color illustrations, diagrams, and tables for easy visual comprehension
- Chapter summaries for quick review
- Extensive glossaries in each book for quick reference
Review
I found the Princeton Review to be pretty good. With about 84% of the buyers on Amazon giving it five stars, most seem to agree that it’s a worthwhile MCAT resource.
However, personally, I felt that The Princeton Review went a bit too deeply into the nitty-gritty. If it weren’t for the fact that I had already taken the MCAT in 2017, I might have felt overwhelmed thinking I had to memorize everything in each chapter.
One reviewer who gave it three stars stated a similar issue: “General chemistry was great, but the organic chemistry textbook is a nightmare to understand. The author is either trolling or under the impression that the audience has extensive background in the subject.”
Pro tip: You don’t need to get bogged down in every single detail of each chapter; instead, grasp the key points of a wide range of topics.
So, while the Princeton Review MCAT prep books may have been a bit too detailed, I still liked using their materials, and clearly, it all worked out fine for me this time around!
Examkrackers
The Examkrackers MCAT Complete Study Package+ offers concise and crystal-clear explanations of every science concept that may appear on the MCAT. It’s the kind of book that’s well-written with you in mind, meaning you’ll grasp concepts faster and boost your score.
Features
You’ll have all your bases covered! This complete study package includes each of the following resources.
- 6 books covering Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), Biology (1 & 2), Chemistry (CHE), Physics (PHY), and Psychology (PSY)
- A full-length MCAT practice exam
- 34 mini-MCAT practice exams conveniently available online, complete with detailed diagnostics to help you track your progress
Review
The illustrations and diagrams are what I love about these books! And the margins have all sorts of quick hacks and goofy mnemonics that make it so much easier to remember facts and concepts.
As one Amazon reviewer wrote, “These books made studying for the MCAT way less daunting of a task. Practice problems are in line with the difficulty of the test, and the core concepts are covered in a clear and concise manner.”
And another reviewer on the Examkrackers home page stated they scored a 525 after using these test prep materials!
However, I wouldn’t recommend only using the Examkrackers prep book package. It’s much more effective as an addition to the above test prep book kits.
Choosing the Self-Study Route?
If you want to nail your MCAT exam without investing in a $5,000 prep course (as helpful as they can be), you gotta get really dang good at researching all the details and setting up a clear study plan.
…or you spend $96 on MCAT Roadmap and get my Study Schedule Tool, step-by-step video lessons and additional templates to create your own realistic plan. One that actually fits your schedule, responsibilities and practice speed.
This will not only set you up with a powerful study strategy, it will also answer those common questions you will sooner or later stumble across:
- How much time will I need to get to my goal score?
- When is the best MCAT test date for me?
- How much do I actually need to study each day to see meaningful improvements?
- What’s the best way to review full-length exams?
- How the heck can I make sense of CARS?
- What other nitty gritty details do I need to know to succeed?
The MCAT is already a big enough challenge in itself. Don’t make this harder for you as it has to be.
Final Thoughts on Best MCAT Prep Books
That’s truly all you’ll need to study for the MCAT and be super successful! I know it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin and what resources to use. But with the books I’ve listed, I truly believe you’ll have everything you need to study effectively and efficiently.
So, no more second-guessing or overthinking – go ahead and buy the books on the list. Then, start your MCAT prep with confidence and determination, knowing that you have all the resources at your fingertips.
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