Best MCAT Prep Books and Study Materials 2021

What? Are you looking to pass your medical college admission test with flying marks? In this case, you will need a best MCAT prep books to study for the test in the best possible way.

MCAT prep books are specially made for students who are keen on passing the admission test by good marks. A best MCAT prep book should include all those necessary materials and instructions that could help you in making a great impression at your test.

To help you study without wasting your time, I am here with some of the best MCAT prep books for you people so that you will get assisted for your test in the best possible way.

Without further ado, let’s take a look :

Best MCAT Prep Books- Top 10 Picks

PictureBook NameAuthorPrice
Examkrackers MCATJonathan Orsay
best-mcat-practice-testsPrinceton Review MCATPrinceton Review
mcat-study-booksSterling Test Prep MCAT Sterling Test Prep
best act prep bookMCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review
Editor's Choice
Kaplan Test Prep
mcat-self-prepMCAT Prep 2018-2019MCAT Prep 2018-19 Team
examkrackers-mcatSterling MCAT Biology & BiochemistrySterling Test Prep

How I Choose Best MCAT Prep Books?

As a medical student myself, I know the problems one can face in finding the best MCAT prep book. That’s why I have done all the research for you and after reading almost 20 TO 30 prep books, I have gathered the top ones solely on a book’s instruction material, test pattern, key points remembrance and clear reading visibility.

Your trust is my utmost priority and all the books you will find here will be of top-notch with the best reading material.

Let’s start reviewing the top 10 best MCAT prep books with some key points, pros, cons and final views.

1. Examkracker MCAT Study Package

best mcat prep course

Examkrackers MCAT Study package is on the top of our list solely because of the main reason that it is the complete package for a medical student in case he or she wants to top his medical college test or get good marks in the test. The book contains all those strategies and instructions that are necessary for the test. The best MCAT prep books have got a lot of key points. Let’s have a look at them

Key Points

  • The complete package includes a study guide for medical students as this book has got all the information about specific notes, instructions, with great infographics as well.
  • With the help of cartoon images, you will clearly remember specific notes about different subjects and its top highlights.
  • Memorizing small details of different subjects is the main aspect of this prep book and EK is a pioneer in helping you memorize all important information regarding a medical admission test.
  • Complete package includes six MCAT prep books comprising of Organic and General Chemistry, Sociology Manual and Psychology, Physics, Verbal Research, Math, and Biology.
  • All these books include test-taking strategies for MCAT preparation with necessary reasoning skills as well. Three to Four quiz tests are also scattered all over different chapters in these books so that you can remember what you have studied.

Why Medical Students Like It?

For starters, this is a complete package of six MCAT prep books containing all the necessary information and is composed in the best possible way. You can get yourself prepared for the test in the best possible way and that’s why this study package is the topmost priority of almost any medical student.

Cost and Value

Examkrackers have got one of the best MCAT prep books for medical students in case they want to pass the examination by flying marks. Go for it if you really want to self-study by buying the best MCAT study package written perfectly by Jonathon Orsay.

Pros
  • Lots of examples in a humorous way.
  • Unique Composing.
  • Helps you remember important notes.
  • Gets you prepared for a test.
  • Great for reasoning skills.
  • Complete package.
Cons
  • Unnecessary information is also included

2. Princeton Review MCAT Books

best-mcat-practice-tests

This book has got a lot of popularity and that's because many students including me have got benefit from it. Princeton best MCAT Review books have got all of the necessary information and keynotes that are required in the admission test. This book is regarded as one of the best MCAT prep books for self-study. The book has got a lot of key points that are discussed in details below

Key Points

  • The complete package includes a set of 7 MCAT subject review books. All of the medical subjects are covered by the package. Contrary to that, you also get access to 3 full0length practice tests for gripping your palm on the test.
  • The book package covers all parts of MCAT including Biology, Math, Biochemistry, Organic and General Chemistry Psychology and sociology as well. Critical analysis and reasoning skills are also included.
  • Each subject includes in-depth and critical information that must be needed from a medical point of view.
  • There are almost thousands of practice questions included in each chapter with MCAT style so that you can get fully prepared for test pattern as well as memorizing different subjects.
  • Full-color illustrations with different diagrams, tables, and infographics are also available that helps a student in memorizing most of the keynotes perfectly.

Why Med Students Like It?

Princeton MCAT package is mostly liked by medical students because it has got a unique way of remembering key points. Besides, a lot of practice questions with an access to 3 full-length tests will allow you to have an upper hand whenever you are giving the exam.

Cost and Value

Princeton MCAT package is the best MCAT prep book in terms of study and test practice. All seven books cover vast areas of information and in-depth subject reviews for studying and to enhance reasoning skills. In my point of view, you must invest in this book package if you want to have a firm grip on your test skills.

Pros
  • Complete Package of 7 books.
  • Access to 3 full-length tests.
  • A lot of practice tests.
  • In-depth subject review.
  • Full-color illustrations.
  • Full Chapter summaries.
Cons
  • Extra Content.
  • Out of scope information is added.

3. Sterling Test Prep MCAT Book

mcat-study-books

Another versatile MCAT prep book or self-study is none other than Sterling Test Prep MCAT. The complete book comprises of many sections covering different subjects for a complete test study. The knowledge that this MCAT book possess is very rare to be found in other books. Some of its key points are as follows :

Key Points

  • Covering almost all psychology and sociology aspects, this book has got a lot of knowledge and information that helps a student to get prepared for the admission test in the best possible way.
  • The book has got almost 15 knowledge areas and has got a lot of topics, concepts plus psychological theories to prepare you for the test.
  • The price is also affordable. In case if you only want to cover your sociology and psychology subject, this book may be the best choice for you.
  • On the other hand, practice questions are present all over the book with a test pattern that will not only help you in testing yourself but will also keep you updated about the test pattern.
  • Last but not least, at the end of the book, there is a comprehensive full-length test for medical students for having an idea about how the original test will look like. It will help you a lot in having a firm grip on the test pattern.

Why Med Students Like It?

One of the primary reasons to like this book is its affordable price. Besides, you will discover a lot of new psychological concepts and theories for preparing yourself in the best possible way.

Cost and Value

Sterling MCAT prep book is perfect in case you only want to cover psychology and sociology subjects. The book covers two subjects with vast information and practice questions. Must buy it to top the subjects of psychology and sociology in the best possible way.

Pros
  • Covers Psychology
  • 15 distinct knowledge areas
  • Covers Sociology
  • Practice questions
  • Illustrations
  • Perfect for selective study
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Only covers two subjects

4. Kaplan Test Prep - MCAT Complete 7-Books

Editor's Choice

best act prep book

Kaplan Test Prep has introduced the newest edition of their MCAT study package including 7 comprehensive books covering almost all medical admission test subjects. The best MCAT prep book offers an expert study plan and reviews all subjects in the best possible way. The prep book has helped a lot of medical students in getting top marks whenever they appear in the test. Let's have a look at some of the key points this package includes:

Key Points

  • Complete package includes 7 detailed Kaplan MCAT review books on each subject including Math, Biology, Organic and General Chemistry, Psychology and Sociology and critical analysis as well.
  • There are more than 350 questions in each book of this package. You will also get access to an online testing pattern that will help you in grooming yourself for the MCAT test.
  • The best MCAT test prep covers a comprehensive review of all subjects and all of the information has been compiled and written by versatile and top-rated Kaplan instructors.
  • Full Colored and 3D illustrations of different topics, tables and graphs are also included to help in understanding complex concepts easily.
  • With an expert guidance, and special Kaplan instructing series, you will be able to get yourself prepared for the test with high marks. The probability of you passing the test will boost up after giving this book series a try.

Why Med Students Like It?

Med students like this book series because of the reason that it is one of the most updated test prep books available on the market. Compiled by professional instructors and tutors, all you will be getting is top-notch study material to help you get passed in your medical test.

Cost and Value

Kaplan MCAT 2019-2020 Review Book Series is all you know to study for your upcoming medical test. The book series not only has got 7 books, it also allows you to give a test on an online platform which is a boost for students. Give it a try and you will see the impact of this series by yourself in a couple of weeks.

Pros
  • More than 350 questions.
  • Good practice for the test.
  • Professional instructors.
  • Full 3D illustrations.
  • Complex study becomes easier.
  • Online study available.
Cons
  • No major negatives found as per my view

5. MCAT Prep 2018-2019

mcat-self-prep

Another versatile MCAT prep book for scoring in admission test with good marks is MCAT Prep 2018-19. The best MCAT prep book has been considered as a perfect solution to all of your medical test related problems as it has got a lot of concepts and understands with easy illustrations and guide. Let's have a look at its key points and top highlights in details below

Key Points

  • The guidebook includes a quick overview of all subjects that are due in admission test so that you have a better idea about your test preparation.
  • There are a lot of test strategies explained in the best MCAT prep book which allows you to understand the pattern of the test and so that you can complete the test in due time easily.
  • This test guide covers all subjects i.e. biology, mathematics, psychology, sociology, critically analysis and reasoning skills as well. After practicing the whole book, you will see for yourself the awesome concepts that have been memorized by your brain automatically.
  • A lot of practice questions scattered in almost every chapter helps you in preparing for the test. You will also get an idea about your study whenever you solve these questions after reading a chapter.
  • Last but not least, detailed answers to different complicated questions are also present so that you can never face any issue or confusion in solving the particular question whenever you appear in the test.

Why Med Students Like It?

One reason for liking this book is, it covers all subjects in one single book. You don't have to read different subject books. This book is more than enough to understand test strategies, solving MCAT questions and building concepts to different topics easily.

Cost and Value

MCAT Prep 2018-2019 is a brief but best MCAT prep book in terms of strategies and learning about small information. This book allows you to get yourself prepared for the test in the most awesome way. Must buy it and give it a try in order to have a firm grip on the MCAT test.

Pros
  • Quick Overview
  • Test strategies
  • Concept building
  • Practice questions
  • Full-length tests at the end
  • Ideal for MCAT study
Cons
  • Brief content

6. Sterling MCAT Biology and Biochemistry

examkrackers-mcat

Sterling Test Prep is a famous name in introducing the best MCAT study books and this biology + biochemistry book is perfect for medical students who haven't covered these two subjects yet. The complete guidebook consists of complete knowledge about two subjects that may help you in covering almost 30 to 40 percent of test easily. Let's talk about some of its distinct features in details below :

Key Points

  • The guidebook contains all respective information about biology and biochemistry with concept building material that may help you in understanding the complex topics easily.
  • On the other hand, the book has also got keynotes that you couldn't have heard before. Every minute detail about biology and biochemistry is given in the book.
  • With the presence of practice questions at the end of each chapter, you will be able to revise the chapter in the best possible way. Practice questions will also help you in preparing for the test.
  • Illustrations of diagrams, tables, charts and key information with the help of cartoon sketching are also present so that you never get bored of the book whenever you are studying for a long period of time.
  • With an enhanced full-length test at the end of the book, you will surely master the concepts of biology and biochemistry and will remember it for a long period of time.

Why Med Students Like It?

Med students who have got only biology and biochemistry to study prefer this book over all other books because it has got very informational material that may help in mastering the concepts of these two subjects sufficiently.

Cost and Value

Sterling MCAT prep book for biology and biochemistry covers a vast area of two subjects and will provide you with the best and accurate information so that you can perform well in medical college admission test. Go for it in case you have got only two subjects to cover.

Pros
  • Full-length test.
  • Practice Questions.
  • Concept building.
  • Ideal for med students.
  • Detailed subject review.
  • Knowledge-based infographics
Cons

Only covers two subjects

7. The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Interview

This book is only for students who have got issues in clearing medical school interviews. The definitive guide includes all those secrets and strategies needed to top the medical college interview perfectly. Let's take a look at some of its key points in details below :

Key Points

  • The book has been written and compiled by Dr. Gray. Doctor Gray is widely known as a popular medical surgeon and He has got many awards and certificates in the medical field.
  • The best MCAT prep book includes all those secrets and knowledge that one must know before appearing to the admission committee.
  • A lot of med students get confused about what they can expect from the college's admission staff. That's why this guide is made to clear all of your confusions and issues regarding the med school interview.
  • With almost 600 interview questions, there is a good chance to prepare yourself in order to get the best out of you in front of the admission committee.
  • By only spending under 15 bucks, you will get to know how interviews are done in a medical college and how you should get yourself prepared for your admission interview in the best possible way.

Why Med Students Like It?

Pre Med students like it because this book provides all the information and knowledge about college admission interview. It explains that how you can answer different questions and how you can place a good impression against the admission committee in the best possible way.

Cost and Value

The best MCAT prep book covers the interview section of the test. It has got a lot of questions that might help in boosting your confidence whenever you present yourself in front of the admission staff. Buy it as this book has got a low price range and will help you a lot in making the best impression at your admission interview.

Pros
  • Med School Interview guide.
  • For Pre Med Students.
  • Written by Dr. Gray.
  • Includes 600 questions.
  • Affordable Price.
  • Interview Secrets explained.
Cons

No negative points reported

8. MCAT 528

MCAT 528 has been compiled by Kaplan Test Prep and it covers almost all subjects briefly. The best MCAT prep book provides you with information, necessary knowledge and has got a lot of practice questions with detailed answers so that you can prepare for the test easily. Let's have a look at some of its key points in details below.

Key Points

  • The book has got almost 500 practice questions that are scattered all over the chapters to help you prepare for the test easily. With these questions, you can also get yourself prepared for admission test pattern.
  • A comprehensive subject-wise review is also given by top-rated instructors and tutors to help you understand any chapter of the particular subject easily.
  • All materials included in this book has been prepared by professionals of respective field and a medical doctor so that this book can help you to score good marks in the admission test you are about to appear.
  • Star ratings are given to each topic which will allow you to have an idea that how much a specific topic is important from a medical point of view.
  • Online resources provided with this book helps you in understanding difficult and confusing concepts by explaining them in a short and easy way.

Why Do Students like It?

Med students like this guidebook because it has got a lot of resources and will help you a lot in understanding difficult concepts easily. Other than that, the book also provides online resources to help you get a clear view of the topics you are facing difficulty to understand.

Cost and Value

MCAT 528 is one of the best MCAT prep books one should buy if he or she wants to get good marks in the admission test. The book has got a lot of practice questions with a comprehensive study guide and will help you in scoring good marks as well.

Pros
  • 500 practice questions.
  • Written by Kaplan Instructors.
  • Online resources.
  • Illustrations and diagrams.
  • Ideal for premed students.
Cons
  • Content is a bit brief.
  • Issues in online practice tests

9. MCAT Secrets Study Guide

MCAT Secrets Study Guide helps you in getting perfect scoring at admission test and makes you prepare for the test with some of its best strategies as well. The best MCAT prep book has got a lot to offer and let's discuss it in details below

Key Points

  • This guide covers a lot of test strategies to help you become the best contender for passing a medical admission test.
  • The guidebook covers verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences and comprehensive practice questions for memorizing important topics easily.
  • Critical thinking skills and reading comprehension is also included that might help you a lot in gripping these subjects.
  • Detailed information and knowledge about specific topics and having practice questions at the end of each chapter let you cover all subjects in the best possible way.
  • At the end of the book, there is a full-length test that allows you to study and memorize all those topics that you have studied before. With the help of this guidebook, you will cover all aspects of your admission test easily.

Why Do Students like It?

The sole reason for liking this guide is because every minute detail is covered subject-wise. The book has got a lot of practice questions that might help you to remember all the important aspects of the test.

Cost and Value

MCAT Secrets Study Guide is one of the best guides for students so that, They can easily pass the admission test. The book has got a lot of guides, information, knowledge subject-wise so as to prepare for the test quickly. Better buy it and give it a try for your upcoming test to get flying marks.

Pros
  • Great for premed students.
  • Practice questions included.
  • Easy illustrations.
  • Covers all subjects.
  • Full-length test at the end.
Cons

No major negatives found

10. MCAT – The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam

This guide comes at last of our list but you won't underestimate it as it has been specially prepared by AAMC professionals and instructors. This guide includes questions prepared by the officials of the MCAT test and has got a lot of key points that are listed in details below

Key Points

  • The guide has been specially made for students who don't know much about the pattern of the test and its questions et cetera.
  • Fresh high school graduates who are just about to start to study their MCAT preparation can get a lot of help from this guide as it is made for simple study.
  • The best MCAT prep book has got 120 questions that are listed with the same pattern as the original test. Furthermore, you can also get the key to the test in order to match your answers with the questions you have solved.
  • Brief content is also added about important topics by AAMC professionals. They have cleared almost all important topics and have made them easy to understand and remember as well.
  • Details on how to prepare for the test, tips on test strategies and how to solve more MCQs in short period of time are also given in order to prepare for the test in the best possible way.

Why Do Students like It?

As we have discussed above, the guide has been prepared by AAMC officials and that's why it is liked by many pre-med students. On the other hand, you can also learn a lot of strategies and techniques on how to solve the test effectively

Cost and Value

The Official MCAT guide is perfect to start your test studies. You can easily learn how to solve the test quickly with techniques written by AAMC officials. The price of this guide is also negotiable and you must buy it in order to get a clear idea about the MCAT test.

Pros
  • Written by AAMC officials.
  • 120 test questions.
  • Tips for the admission test.
  • Test solving strategies.
  • Small tips on important topics.
Cons

Content is brief.

It didn’t cover a lot of topics.

How I Scored 97 Percentile on my MCAT in 18 days?

The Final Word

That's it. We have done a lot of research in finding the best MCAT prep books and now it's your decision to choose the one that you want. Remember that self-study matters a lot and these guides are only for techniques and strategies. In case you feel any confusion, we will recommend you to go for the Princeton Review MCAT Study Package in order to get the best out of yourself in the admission test.

Good Luck!!

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