Top 15 Books For Mcat Updated 04 /2024

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a must for anyone who wants to be a doctor. It was created and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It gives schools a simple way to compare the abilities and readiness of applicants.

Preparing for the MCAT is more than just reading any material you can get your hands on. It's a 7-plus-hour test that covers everything from the biological and biochemical foundations of living systems to critical analysis and reasoning. But we think you already knew that.

When you buy an MCAT study book you need it to be complete and up-to-date, as well as easy to read and fit your learning style. With images and diagrams, some people learn better than with quick flashcards or simple explanations. So, think very carefully about what you need before you buy it.

To help you make the right choice, we've put together a list of the best MCAT study materials. In this guide, you'll find summaries of each book, as well as detailed pros and cons. If you're looking for the best MCAT prep books, look no further.

Let's start now.

MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2021-2022

It's really not that hard to find the best MCAT test preparation books in 2021 – and Kaplan is one of the best.

Their books are popular for a good reason. This is why they're number one on this list: No other subject reviews can match them for the level of detail they give.

Content is broken down into chapters that are easy to read and understand. There are charts, graphs, concept checks, and 3-D illustrations to help students learn.

With a year's worth of access to three full-length online tests, quizzes, and questions, you'll have plenty of time to prepare for the real thing.

Pros:

The most detailed and comprehensive MCAT preparation books on the market today.

A website with practice tests and quizzes.

There are summaries at the end of each chapter and concept tests to help students remember what they have learned.

Cons:

The Kaplan MCAT books are pricey, even though they are very detailed.

The level of detail can be a problem if you haven't done everything you need to do in a long time.

Between new editions, there aren't many changes.

Princeton Review MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set

Princeton Review is a good choice for MCAT study materials because it is another well-known and well-respected publisher.

Like Kaplan's MCAT books, this complete set comes with seven books and three online practice tests, with tried-and-true strategies for getting a better score.

They also come from real teachers who add a little humor (and high-quality graphics) to the books, which make them even better. You can trust us when we say that when you're studying the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, this helps!

Pros:

In-depth look at important principles and information.

Good value for money, written with a lot of heart.

Online practice tests and a lot of questions to answer.

Cons:

You might find that taking practice tests is a lot more difficult than taking the real thing.

Some parts of the content are more detailed than others.

Learning can be slowed down if there is too much in-depth information.

Barron’s Test Prep: MCAT with Online Tests

When looking for the best MCAT test preparation books in 2021, Barron's Test Prep might be the best choice.

If you want to learn about a subject with confidence, this book has enough information. It also has 39 online passages and four practice tests that almost exactly match the real thing.

With extra materials on test-taking anxiety and important strategies, this book is a good choice for anyone who is nervous about the exam.

Pros:

A budget-friendly option that still has a lot to offer.

Exam anxiety, exam pace, and problem-solving advice.

Can be used with Barron flashcards to help students learn.

Cons:

Some practice questions can be hard to understand.

The information is short and easy to understand, but at times it feels like there isn't enough.

There are a lot more general reviews than detailed explanations.

AAMC the Official Guide to the McAt(r) Exam

A book called AAMC Prep stands out because it's the official guide for the AAMC.

Given that it was made by the people who are going to be giving the test, you can expect questions that are realistic and expert summaries.

You will get a good idea of what to expect, but the content can be dry and high-level.

This guide, on the other hand, would go well with more in-depth reviews (like Kaplan or Princeton) as a preparation aid.

Pros:

120 practice questions that are real.

People who have taken the exam can give you advice on how to do well and give you some ideas for

Created by the AAMC on its own.

Cons:

There is no way to get practice questions online.

Limited reviews of the subject matter.

Exams that aren't full-length.

MCAT Prep Books 2021-2022 (Test Prep Books)

Another cheap MCAT book is Barron's Test Prep.

It has everything you need to study for the MCAT and is updated every year, so you can be sure you're working with the most up-to-date material.

Test Prep Books have practice questions, exercises, well-organized review material, and detailed explanations of answers. They also have practice tests.

This is great for people who want to know why things are the way they are (and who doesn't?).

Pros:

Content that is easy to read and has important points for each section.

Every answer or question has a detailed explanation.

Printed practice questions with simple answers.

Cons:

A lot of practice questions aren't that hard.

Having more information about the exam would be good.

For people who need extra help, the material could be more detailed.

Examkrackers MCAT Complete Study Package

Examkrackers is one of the best books for studying for the MCAT. We'd be wrong not to include them in this list.

Even though some students have said that these books are too detailed, they are still great sources for not only the content, but also for exam and study strategies.

Examkrackers can be a big help if you're afraid of taking tests, so check them out.

There are practice questions and clear graphics and diagrams in every Examkrackers MCAT study book in the set. As a bonus, there are two real MCAT-style mini-exams.

Pros:

Concepts that can be used across different fields of study.

There are a lot of practice questions and two short tests.

These are really good ways to take and revise tests.

Cons:

Some information can be too much or too little at times, so it can be hard to keep up.

Updates to new editions are very limited.

It may be necessary to get more review material.

The best of luck to anyone who is studying for the MCAT test. With the right MCAT study books, you'll be off to the best start possible.

---