Moreover, your MCAT score and GPA (i.e., your stats) are the single most important factor for medical school admissions, so it’s critical that you do as well as possible on the exam.
The Best MCAT Prep Books in 2023 (and Other Resources)
Learn which MCAT prep books are the best so you can maximize your score in the least amount of time
Choosing the best MCAT prep books is important, and it’s even more critical to pair the right resources with a great study schedule.
The MCAT is a notoriously difficult and time-consuming exam, one that requires at least two months of focused study.
Moreover, your MCAT score and GPA (i.e., your stats) are the single most important factor for medical school admissions, so it’s critical that you do as well as possible on the exam.
A big part of your MCAT performance depends on how you study. Of course, everyone learns differently. Some students prefer to study alone and others in groups. Some students like the structure of MCAT courses, some like to self-study, yet others prefer the accountability and personal attention of a dedicated MCAT tutor. There is no right or wrong answer here. We’ve observed students who do very well on the MCAT using all of these methods.
That said, your score is contingent not only on your MCAT study schedule and study approach, but also on using the right study materials. While the MCAT requires significant knowledge of biology, natural sciences (i.e., chemistry, physics), and social sciences (i.e., psychology, sociology), it is not strictly a science test. Rather, every section requires comprehension and knowledge of how to do well on the MCAT specifically.
Regardless of how you choose to study for the exam, you will likely purchase MCAT prep materials, and you’ve likely wondered which are the best MCAT prep books.
Unfortunately, many MCAT prep books have issues. Some teach too much content, whereas others don’t teach enough content. The problem with learning too much content is two-fold:
- You’ll devote unnecessary mental effort to material that is unlikely to appear on the exam
- You’ll focus on content at the expense of MCAT strategy
Therefore, developing and following the right test strategy is what separates the highest scorers from everyone else. Along with our friends at Noodle Pros, we developed a list of the best MCAT prep books and other resources so that you can study most effectively and maximize your score.
What is the best MCAT prep book and resource for an absolute beginner who recently started studying for the MCAT?
Hey everyone,
I am going to start my journey in studying for the MCAT taking this august. I was wondering what is the best MCAT prep book/ resources that can be used to boost my score up to 520. Please let me know.
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The best place to start is with the AAMC Guide to the MCAT. It is the ONLY book that gives you the exact rundown of what is on the MCAT and how the questions are asked. No commercial prep book is as helpful as that book. Once you’ve worked your way through that book, then you can start hunting for practice questions from the various resources.
WildWing just invested a whole ton of time putting together a list of materials in the 2023 version of the 100-Day SDN schedule. That is a good thing to check out once you are done with the AAMC guide. The truth is that what is best for one person is not the best for another, because we all learn differently. Before you look for a study plan, assess what you honestly need for YOU. Know how you study, how you best learn, and how much content review versus realistic practice (for building test-taking skills) you need.
There is also a thread about what people who scored 509 and higher used. It’s worth checking that one out, because you’ll discover many different successful approaches. Good luck!
