Supplement the Kaplan course?

[kjj17]

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I've lurked on the forums for a couple years now but I finally have a question of my own to ask!

I'm taking the Kaplan course this summer before taking the MCAT in September. I have the EK Verbal 101, but what other books are highly recommended to supplement?

I'm a bit rusty on my sciences, having taken most of them 2-4 years ago. Without any study or review at all, my diagnostic was a lopsided 30 (12 on verbal, then 9/9). My goal is a 40.

Kaplan's review books are pretty streamlined, so I'm slightly worried that it might not be enough? They insist it's all you need, that you do not need to consult other books and as long as you know what's in their books that's enough for the MCAT.

I've read that TBR is better because they explain things in more detail in case you don't remember a lot of things from your classes. But for Kaplan's book I haven't found this to be an issue yet; I've taken about 2 weeks of the course so far and all the material is coming back to me pretty easily. In terms of understanding the concepts I think the Kaplan book explanations are enough on its own.

But I just wonder if the content is enough, whether the topics are too streamlined. Also, do I need additional practice?

Thank you! Any input appreciated!

 

[SH3]

I've lurked on the forums for a couple years now but I finally have a question of my own to ask!

I'm taking the Kaplan course this summer before taking the MCAT in September. I have the EK Verbal 101, but what other books are highly recommended to supplement?

I'm a bit rusty on my sciences, having taken most of them 2-4 years ago. Without any study or review at all, my diagnostic was a lopsided 30 (12 on verbal, then 9/9).

Kaplan's review books are pretty streamlined, so I'm slightly worried that it might not be enough? They insist it's all you need, that you do not need to consult other books and as long as you know what's in their books that's enough for the MCAT.

I've read that BKR is better because they explain things in more detail in case you don't remember a lot of things from your classes. But for Kaplan's book I haven't found this to be an issue yet; I've taken about 2 weeks of the course so far and all the material is coming back to me pretty easily. In terms of understanding the concepts I think the Kaplan book explanations are enough on its own.

But I just wonder if the content is enough, whether the topics are too streamlined. Also, do I need additional practice?

Thank you! Any input appreciated!

Just make sure you get enough passage practice. I'd probably suggest trying some TBR passages for topics you think you are fluent with. It might be a wake up call or you might find yourself on track.

 

[kjj17]

ok, thanks!! so TBR books are good not only for content review but because they have good passage examples?

 

[Skizzard]

I am following SN2ed's schedule (seen as a stick in this forum) which uses TBR as content review. With TBR you get a in-depth understanding of the material along with a plethora of passage material and discrete questions based on every subject to be test on the MCAT. I took the Kaplan course last summer and used it as my sole resource and scored horribly on the actual test (a lot has to do with me not taking it very serious). This summer, however, I am retaking the Kaplan course, free of charge, and using the extra materials and in-class meetings to supplement my independent study using TBR.

Kaplan, in my honest opinion, does not serve as a good resource for MCAT prep. My girlfriend is using it as her sole resource right now and when I try to tutor her based on the Kaplan prep books you are given such a lack of information it would be hard for someone who does no have a strong background in the material to keep up to speed and understand the processes. Kaplan verbal passages are representative of AAMC passages and the other resources also seemed farfetched from the real deal, as well.

I would recommend using TBR/TPR prep books as your content review if you are not very familiar with the material anymore. Just my two-cents. Kaplan and me go way back and it is an unhappy relationship 😛