Hey guys!

I had a couple of questions about TBR biology book.

I just finished my undergrad in May but I was not a biology major (only a minor). I took all the lower division bio pre-reqs I needed as well as bio-chem, developmental biology, human physiology, and human anatomy. I also got an A in all of these courses.

My question is this...should I invest in the TBR Biology books? I know that the general consensus is that the bio book is too detailed for the purposes of the MCAT..but I was thinking that maybe this would benefit me since I don't have as strong of a biology background as many pre-meds. I already have the EK Bio book and plan on getting the EK bio 1001. I also plan on buying TBR gen chem, o chem, and physics.

Also, what are the differences between the newest TBR books and the older (2005) version?

Thanks!

I liked the books only for some passages. They mimic the harder passages I saw on the real one. I think they are good to make you think and see hard stuff.

First of all, if you have taken Biochem, Developmental Bio, and Human Phys, you have a strong Biology background. Don't think that you have any any less prepared than a bio major, because you have most of the bio upperlevel classes that are relevant to MCAT. (Bio majors have to take Plant Biology, Ecology etc).. so first things first, You are in great shape - don't underestimate yourself.

Next, if you have gotten an A in Human Phys, you will breeze through the TBR Bio book 1, because the Physiology part in TBR is NOT detailed; in fact, I think it needs a little bit more detail to match up with it reputation of comprehensive review. (For example, they need to include Metabolic Acidosis/Alkalosis & Respiratory Acidosis/Alkalosis in their Heart and Lungs chapter) As far as book 2 is concerned, thats the fat book that might scare you into thinking that it is very detailed, but keep this in mind - A lot of those pages are practice passages (~ 15 per chapter = 75 passages total). On top of that, a lot of those pages are also answer explanations.

I would suggest that you go for the BR Bio books because of the practice passages, which are great. There is NO difference between the 2005 version and the newest (2008) version. I am not sure if there is a 2009 version and whether or not they have updated it, but I doubt it.

Thanks a bunch!

I do tend to underestimate myself so thanks for the boost :)

I just don't want to get my head clouded with unnecessary details if it can be avoided but I'm sure I can use all the extra practice passages.

Thanks!

the tbr bio books were pretty bad. if detail is your thing, you're much better off getting the tpr hyperlearning bio, and doing the passages from the tpr hyperlearning science workbook (which you should do regardless, as it is excellent practice).