Thoughts on TPR "Cracking the MCAT" 2011-2012?

[stannislaus]

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I've been reading up on the threads about this book but keep getting mixed thoughts.
Some say it's a good content review with rigorous FL's, and others say it sucks.

After studying with this book for the past few weeks, I am starting to feel more and more uncomfortable with it.

My apartmentmate is currently studying with the Princeton Review books, but she seems to have the Hyperlearning series, which appears COMPLETELY different from mine. I feel uneasy because the material review in my book ("Cracking the MCAT") just glosses over a lot of the content and I don't think I'm being fully prepared. I've also caught a few factual errors and typos. After reading every chapter, I'm still left with a lot of questions, and the Hyperlearning book seems a lot more detailed and thorough.

Which is more appropriate for MCAT preparation?
The introduction of my "Cracking" book claims that the book "fully prepares" you for the MCAT (lol but I guess I shouldn't just take their word for it?). Is this because the MCAT doesn't go very indepth into anything? Does the Hyperlearning series simply overprepare you for the MCAT?

Or is the Cracking book inadequate? Should I consider switching to another book?

 

[SN2ed]

Cracking the MCAT isn't a good book. You need better resources and more practice passages.

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

 

[Medmegs]

Hi SN2ed,

Been observing your study schedule for a year, and am just about to start collecting my books to start the 4 months program in the spring. I am trying to find TPR hyperlearning, but it looks like they don't print it anymore. Do you advise getting older copies, or buying one of their newer books ("MCAT Verbal Reasoning and Writing Review" on their website) that they no longer title "Hyperlearning". Maybe it's the same book? I am leaning toward getting an older Hyperlearning book used on Amazon, in part to stick as close to your advice as possible. But also cause BR is pretty darned expensive. What do you advise?

ps - Thanks for all the effort you put into this! I am amazed you still dedicate so much time to it. I tell all my non-trad not-so-wealthy friends to look up your schedule. Hopefully the savings in $ will work out.

 

[Medmegs]

Cracking the MCAT isn't a good book. You need better resources and more practice passages.

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

One other question - Are the above numbers alongside the recommended books rankings?