MCAT Study Book

[AA|FCB|DOC]

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Hi all,

I am starting to study for the MCAT and I want to begin with studying independently with a prep book. I was wondering which book most of you would recommend. Also I plan on taking the course after and wanted to know which course most recommend. Finally, I wanted to see how everyone is scheduling what they need to get done. I am going to finish my 4 years of college this coming year and wanted to take MCAT somewhere in between that year before I apply. As we all know studying for MCAT while being in school is no easy task. I already came to terms with the fact that I am taking a gap year. So I will be applying next june. However, I wanted to get some advice on what the best timing is for me to study, and take the exam. Thanks in advance

 

[stsa84]

I used Kaplan's big review book. I had taken all the courses covered on the MCAT within the previous 16 months, and after 6 weeks of content review using Kaplan, was averaging 35-40 on AAMC practice tests.

I can't speak to any other prep book, but I thought Kaplan covered everything that needed to be covered, and covered it well.

I'm a post-bacc student, and took the MCAT after I finished up with all of my classes. I took a leave of absence from work, and studied full-time, 8 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, for 45 days. I would never advise taking the MCAT during a school semester, unless you've been able to study regularly for it, on top of your classes and other school work, for at least 6-9 months.

 

[SN2ed]

Biology: 1. EK Bio (for content) + BR Bio (for passages and further topic depth if needed) 2. TPR Hyperlearning, detail oriented 3. Kaplan

Physics: 1. BR 2. Nova 3. TPR Hyperlearning 4. EK/Kaplan

Verbal: 1. EK 101 Verbal 2. TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook 3. BR 4. Kaplan (Avoid if possible)

Organic Chemistry: 1. BR, by far 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. EK/Kaplan

General Chemistry: 1. BR, by far 2. TPR Hyperlearning 3. EK/Kaplan

Extra Practice Material: 1. TPR Hyperlearing Science Workbook, good source of practice passages 1. AAMC Official Guide to the MCAT Exam (most representative material available) 2. EK 1001 series, helps nail down basics

 

[stsa84]

Hah, that's funny. Why'd you say to avoid Kaplan Verbal? If I recall, I just skimmed that section since I picked up some tips from EK Audio Osmosis and was scoring 13-14 in VB anyway. Ohhh wait, is it Kaplan that suggests you underline stuff, make notes, write down the main idea, etc?

 

[AA|FCB|DOC]

yea the timing is bothering me a lot. I have this summer to study for it, but I do not believe it will be enough. And you say to not do it while in school. so that means I would have to wait for my gap year. But if i did that then I would not be able to apply next June, and it would mean I get a 2 year gap which is a lot in my eyes 🙁

 

[RunawayMD]

It really depends on how much time you have. There are different books out and materials out. If you have enough time you could study them all. Most people use EK and then BR or TPR or Kaplan as primary study materials. Practice is really key in all of the things you do to make a a strong candidate. Feel free to refer to mcat study guide for more tips or ask specific questions I don't mind lending a helping hand.

Cheers

 

[AA|FCB|DOC]

It really depends on how much time you have. There are different books out and materials out. If you have enough time you could study them all. Most people use EK and then BR or TPR or Kaplan as primary study materials. Practice is really key in all of the things you do to make a a strong candidate. Feel free to refer to mcat study guide for more tips or ask specific questions I don't mind lending a helping hand.

Cheers

Thank you 🙂 i will refer to those. Just so intimidating at first. Im thinking about taking one or two quarters off this coming year to study and take MCAT and then make up for those two quarters the year after when I have gap year.