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The final school tests have always been quite difficult for graduating children. Thus, students have to study a lot and prepare for exams for a long time, of course, in case they want to have a good mark. However, the most challenging test ever must be MCAT for medical students-to-be. And if you are one of them, you might need help. But you shouldn’t worry about which source of help it will be. BooKKooks has already prepared the list of best MCAT prep books. So don’t waste your time, go and choose one of them.
10 Top-Rated MCAT Preparation Books
| Rank | Review | Name | Books | Date | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | STERLING Test Prep MCAT | 1 | June 8, 2018 | 9.9 |
| 2 |  | The Princeton Review® MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set (3rd Edition) | 7 | December 18, 2018 | 9.7 |
| 3 |  | Kaplan MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2020-2021 | 7 | December 3, 2019 | 9.5 |
| 4 |  | NextStep MCAT Complete Review | 6 | July 1, 2018 | 9.4 |
| 5 |  | The Gold Standard MCAT Practice Questions Book: 1610 Q&As | 1 | January 8, 2019 | 9.2 |
| 6 |  | Mometrix MCAT Secrets | 1 | February 15, 2019 | 9.1 |
| 7 |  | Examkrackers MCAT® Complete Study Package (10th Edition) | 6 | March 10, 2016 | 9.0 |
| 8 |  | Kaplan MCAT 528 Advanced Prep 2019-2020 | 1 | October 2, 2018 | 8.9 |
| 9 |  | Triumphant Test Prep MCAT: Comprehensive Beginners Guide | 1 | June 7, 2019 | 8.8 |
| 10 |  | NextStep MCAT Verbal Practice | 1 | July 1, 2018 | 8.7 |
MCAT Practice Tests by STERLING Test Prep
The top rated books for potential students of medical school are quite rare. However, MCAT Practice Tests by Sterling is something different from the majority. Here, you will find not dry answers to the tests but their explanations so you can reply to related topics as well.
On a separate note, you will learn the principles of passing the tests successfully. In particular, there are some rules that will help you learn significant formulas and terms much easier than you could before. And there is no wonder since the test differs from the others by the necessity of extended knowledge of fundamentals of hard science and biology.
- There is a detailed explanation of each answer on why it is so
- The tests simulate the real exam
- Some questions may be easier than the real ones
MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set (3rd Edition) by The Princeton Review®
The next helper is the digest of 7 books covering each subject in depth. To be more precise, each volume is dedicated to one subject. Thus, you will get a more detailed overview of one exam aspect, practice the test, and learn the information not only through reading but watching colorful pictures, tables, and diagrams.
Besides, the organizing topics such as techniques of how you can pass your exam and get good scores are also here along with the summary and glossary. This helps you familiarize and recall everything you will need during the real test.
However, the books may not be complete or up-to-date since information tends to change. Thus, The Princeton Review has a special online source where readers can check the updates and all changes.
- There is an individual volume for each subject with extended information and tests
- An online source for updated information
- Some of the questions from the tests are not covered in the corresponding chapter
MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2020-2021 by Kaplan
Kaplan is known for its unusual methodology of teaching. And there is no exception to MCAT preparation books. In fact, it does help you hone your current skills and provides each subject in a separate volume, but learning is performed in its own way.
The subject review includes the comprehension of the topic and tips on how you can remember it better and then pass the test. Once you read all seven volumes, you can try yourself in training questions that are available online. And finally, go and check yourself taking one of 6 full tests.
- A detailed overview of each discipline
- Auxiliary online resources
- The training questions are mixed in subjects, so there is no option to check yourself after reading each chapter
MCAT Complete Review 6-Book Series by NextStep Test Prep
If your target is to get the highest score, then you need to prepare really thoroughly so there won’t be any gaps in your comprehension. In this case, you might want to check the MCAT Complete Review by NextStep.
In fact, there aren’t any significant differences in arranging the information, particularly dividing it into portions and then into volumes. However, there are lots of drills with complete explanations that will make you well-trained and prepared for any level of difficulty in the real test.
- Each discipline has its individual volume
- There is a separate volume dedicated to the learning methodology
- The training questions may be easier than the ones in the real test
MCAT Practice Questions Book: 1610 Q&As in 7 FL Exams
For sure, you will agree that in order to pass the exam, you need to know and practice a lot. It’s really good to be familiar with all the aspects of each discipline, but it doesn’t guarantee you the highest score.
Thus, once you feel that you are ready to pass the real exam, don’t be in a hurry and try the MCAT Practice Questions Book that is ideal for self study. The diversity of topics and questions may reveal all the gaps so you can define which ones you should revise again.
- There is a 1-year access to the online interactive learning platform
- A variety of questions
- The book is pretty small to cover 7 disciplines
MCAT Secrets Study Guide by Mometrix Test Preparation
While the majority of MCAT preparation books comprise lots of tests and blocks of text that you need to study, the MCAT Secrets Study Guide reveals the most useful and effective secrets of how to pass the test and get a high score.
As proof, there you can find links to online sources with video tutorials, strategies, and explanations of each section of the test. The same concerns the basic information that is also given as extended answers to the questions that may appear in the test and detailed subject reviews instead of a large amount of text.
- It helps learn the huge amount of information in a shorter period of time
- The questions are not divided into sections that correspond to a particular topic
MCAT® Complete Study Package (10th Edition) by Examkrackers
Examkrackers, the name of creators, speaks for itself. In other words, this set of books will teach readers how to stick to the rules and MCAT way of thinking rather than provide deep knowledge.
Indeed, this is the guide that will help you think and be psychologically prepared for a “stress test” and will tell you how to defeat your confusion and recollect your spirits. However, you can still practice and familiarize yourself with all the information better since the guide contains the exams, some visual content, and an overview of significant disciplines.
- There is the colorful visual content that helps familiarize readers with the facts
- There may be some mistakes in the Biochemistry volume
MCAT 528 Advanced Prep 2019-2020 by Kaplan Test Prep
There is another digest from Kaplan – MCAT 528 Advanced Prep. Indeed, this book comprises a large number of questions that may appear in the test. And it is considered to be the biggest set among numerous competitors.
Another distinguishing thing is that each discipline has a deep review. Moreover, all the information is thoroughly checked by medical doctors and scientists.
- There are only certain things described, skipping all the unnecessary details
- The strategies are really effective
- Despite the fact it’s “advanced” edition, the information given here is not extended
MCAT: Comprehensive Beginners Guide by Triumphant Test Prep
If you are not yet familiar with what the MCAT is and what you will deal with, then the better way to figure it out is through the Comprehensive Beginners Guide.
Indeed, the main goal of this book is to introduce the readers to the test and help prepare for its peculiarities. Moreover, in order not to be stressed, you will be presented with some techniques of how you should structurize the information you learn and secrets of what you should pay attention to in order not to miss something important while reading a question.
- There is lots of visual content
- The guide helps get used to the logic of the test
- There are no drills or training tests
MCAT Verbal Practice by NextStep Test Prep
Evaluation of the verbal practice at the MCAT test is one of the important sections that merit special attention. Luckily, there is a special guide from NextStep that will definitely help you get as much information as you can.
The book is divided into 12 chapters, where each aspect is observed really carefully in order not to miss any significant detail. And, it’s safe to say that it’s a great bundle of knowledge and tests dedicated to improving your verbal skills.
- It’s a good guide in case there is a lack of time
- The questions may not be similar to those in the test
FAQ
If you are new to MCAT and everything related to this challenging exam, then it’s highly likely you have lots of questions. In order not to waste your time searching on the Internet, you are invited to check through the explanations that will sort everything out.
How to Use MCAT Prep Book 📖
Actually, it depends on the type of book you use. Usually, there are 2 types: guide and review. In case of guides that usually contain strategies and tips on how to answer correctly and get good marks, they should be used as supplementary literature. Meanwhile, the review books are designed to highlight the necessary information. Moreover, once you go through all the sections, you may be invited to check yourself answering training questions and then exams. This activity is really important: you will get used to the structure of the real test so you won’t be confused.
What Books 📚 Included in Kaplan MCAT Prep Course?
Kaplan MCAT preparation books are dedicated to the disciplines necessary for passing the exam. In particular, there are Biology Review, Organic Chemistry Review, Physics and Math Review, Behavioral Sciences Review, Biochemistry Review, General Chemistry Review. However, speaking about the set of Kaplan prep books, it also comes with the online resources where you can practice your skills and knowledge.
How to Take Notes 📝 While Reading MCAT Prep Books
For sure, you can take notes in a way you are used to. Usually, they are written on the margins of the book and notebook or bookmarks. However, the traditional way of taking notes may not help you at all since the structure of the exam is absolutely different. The better way to do this is to make notecards. Then, you should use them along with the MCAT prep books, following the strategies that are suggested there.
Where to Buy 🛒 MCAT Prep Books?
Luckily, nowadays, people can save time by buying the necessary things online. MCAT prep books are no exception. You can get them wherever you want. However, if you want to be sure that your purchase is in good condition and you get exactly the same book as stated in the description, then it’s better to buy from trusted platforms. In particular, it can be Amazon or eBay that constantly arranges sales so you can find a better offer.
Summing Up
You must always apply many efforts in order to get the best results. However, when it comes to not ordinary things, such as exams, they also consume your energy and sometimes mental health. Of course, some people pass tests without getting any significant health loss. But there is still a portion of those who can’t deal with this challenge at all. In both cases, you may require help. This article presents you with all the effective and trusted ranking sources for preparing for the MCAT exam. The only thing you need to do is choose the best matching item depending on the requirements you have. So BooKKooks wishes you good luck!
References
- MCAT Test – https://www.onlinemcatprep.com/
- The Princeton Review – https://www.princetonreview.com/
- Kaplan Test Prep – https://www.kaptest.com/
- NextStep Test Prep – https://nextsteptestprep.com/
- Complete MCAT Preparation Home Study Course – https://www.mcat-prep.com/
- Mometrix Test Preparation – https://www.mometrix.com/
- Examkrackers – MCAT Test Prep Courses & Books – https://examkrackers.com/
- Best MCAT Prep Book for Practice – https://www.reddit.com/
