So, what is wrong with the Kaplan Bio book?

[ipodtouch]

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I took the MCAT a few years ago and received an 11 on the Bio section using the Kaplan book (I think it was in 2009?).

Unfortunately I will have to be studying for the MCAT again soon, and was wanting to use the old notes that I had for the Kaplan Bio book.


My note system is usually extensive (~80 pages for that Kaplan book) and I really really do not want to make a new set of notes if I don't have to. I hear this forum continually praise EK and downplay Kaplan.


I was wondering, do you think it's worth it starting from scratch with an EK book? I will lose about 2 weeks time in the process.

 

[ipodtouch]

Oh, and I already bought the EK 1001 Bio questions.

So practice problems are not a problem.

 

[411309]

It's not that theres anything wrong with it, it's just that it's not as good as EK and TPR. I say that from experience because I own all 3 along with TBR. Kaplan just has end of the chapter questions too, nothing passage related which isnt really helpful. Also they have a tendency to throw a lot of random facts out there without much meaningful application. i ended up giving my kaplan book away to a friend because I had no use for it honestly. Its not a bad bio review book in the sense that it tells you what you need to know for the bio section of the mcat..its just bad at making you think like the mcat. You got an 11 the first time on bio, youll prob be fine just using kaplan again..I wouldnt worry if I was you. you obviously know the material. I would practice doing tons of passages. Buy the TPR science workbook and use that to improve your bio.

 

[ipodtouch]

Thanks a million.

In all honesty, I want to do anything I can to maximize my score.
I will most likely buy the EK Bio book as well, and just read through it to get a sense of how they frame the MCAT. While using my Kaplan notes for the content review. and my EK Bio 1001 for practice problems.



It seems like a long about way, but it saves me some time.

 

[flodhi1]

OP honestly Kaplan biology review is a lot more in depth than Examkracker. EK biology content review to me was a great secondary source definitely not primary. People love EK because of the 1001 series and concise (a little too concise) review. If you could get Kaplan BS section and full length exams you would be set.

 

[CodeRedDew]

OP, I believe you should try ExamKrackers given the fact that you've already utilized the Kaplan biology book. The EK book is pretty concise which I believe would fit you because of the score you've already received in the BS section.

I used it and felt that it supplied me with all of the information that I needed to know for the MCAT along with multiple passages in the back of the book that were extremely helpful. Go for EK! You'll be much more satisfied with yourself in the end.

 

[saoj]

I liked the Kaplan bio. Better than EK and TBR in my opinion. Of course you do need the passages from TBR to practice.