Reputable hard MCAT prep books etc... ?

[C.A.R25]

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I would like to know from all you experenced MCAT takers on whats the hardest MCAT prep material out there... I will be taking it about a yr from now but would like to get an early start.

Seeing that I did a few Kaplan verbal sections, which was the 1st time I ever saw anything to do with the MCAT... I would score and average of 10 (I never understud this because I dont read much).

Right now I am pretty sceptical on certain material because I dont want anything which is easer, if anything, I rather it be alittle more difficult...

Also, is it possable to do very well on the MCATs without taking a $1400 prep cource... considering I am a real penny pincher?

THANKS !

 

[Mudd]

You can DEFINITELY do well without a course, if you study and do tons of passages. As for materials, it's best to do a cocktail, so that you are exposed to many different styles of writing.

I can only speak for chemistry and physics (that's what I tutor), but I'd recommend Berkeley Review books as your foundation and then sample exams from all the different sources (at least one from each publisher). They have the best passages and explanations by far. IMO, they have the most integrated materials as well, which is what the MCAT test writers do.

Whatever you do, best of luck!

 

[md_student10021]

Originally posted by C.A.R25
I would like to know from all you experenced MCAT takers on whats the hardest MCAT prep material out there... I will be taking it about a yr from now but would like to get an early start.

Seeing that I did a few Kaplan verbal sections, which was the 1st time I ever saw anything to do with the MCAT... I would score and average of 10 (I never understud this because I dont read much).

Right now I am pretty sceptical on certain material because I dont want anything which is easer, if anything, I rather it be alittle more difficult...

Also, is it possable to do very well on the MCATs without taking a $1400 prep cource... considering I am a real penny pincher?

THANKS !

I recommend the Columbia Review book. It's comprehensive, difficult, and overall very good. I'm not familiar with Berkeley Review, it may be good too.

Practice is the key; buy as many practice tests as you can. Make sure you get all the AAMC materials as well.

And it is definitely possible to do well without flushing your money down the toilet...er.. taking a prep course. Just study hard.

 

[futuredo32]

I took Kaplan's course and I found the structure and practice tests helpful. However, if you opt to take the MCAT without taking a prep course, I would highly recommend getting either Kaplan's review book or one from Princeton Review. Also, Practice, Practice, Practice. Take all of the AAMC practice tests under simulated test conditions.
Good Luck!