Will EK be enough for me?

[golimumab]

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This is my second MCAT-related post in as many days but I've changed my study plans and have decided to abandon TPR - I went through their biochem and felt like I was basically re-reading my biochem textbook. I've recently taken bio, chem, biochem and cell bio and I made detailed summaries of these courses, so I don't feel like re-writing the same types of summaries all over again.

I want a prep book that is really focussed on the MCAT, and isn't just presenting the general subject matter.​

So, I am now deciding between EK and Kaplan 7-book set. EK sounds very focussed and efficient but my big concern is that I never took physics, not even in high school. ​

Would EK be sufficient, alongside KA, or will I be totally lost with physics? And what about Kaplan 7-book set?​

I'm really hoping someone who has used EK and/or Kaplan can give me some advice. Thanks!

 

[Ad2b]

I have used both EK and Kaplan. EK is sufficient for me in most ways, however, I do refer back to Kaplan if something doesn't make sense in EK (for instance the EK explanation of PPP was a bit ... lacking)

To me, Kaplan is overkill; EK is good with a little bit of oomph where needed (and you already have the TPR books so you might as well just use those with EK rather than buy Kaplan which is going to be just like buying TPR again - both are dense)

 

[golimumab]

Thanks Ad2b. I glanced at an EK biochem book yesterday and it looked great, so I'll probably buy the 10th ed set. How did you find EK for cars?

 

[Ad2b]

I use any resource for CARS even old AAMC exams

This site always has good opinion type pieces to read without reasoning or questions:

Longform

 

[deleted967981]

I liked EK’s CARS strategy, but bear in mind I was already strong in CARS, so those who need more in that area might need more.

 

[Dochopeful13]

I puchased both Kaplan and EK in my studying and found that I personally craved more details - although EK had nice summaries, tricks, and figures at times which was nic. They also has 30-minute practice exams which were great as well - but for my 'content' I ended up sticking with Kaplan more than anything since it had the details I wanted (esp for Biochem). For Psych - I read Kaplan and EK - and found they both were subpar to Khan academy videos.

if you never took physics - EK physics will be difficult to understand IMO.

What do you mean by "really focused on the MCAT?" - lots of practice questions?

EK is def not enough for Biochem. I highly recommend reading Kaplan Biochem and doing passages from TBR bio book 2.

 

[golimumab]

What do you mean by "really focused on the MCAT?" - lots of practice questions?

I wasn't referring to practice questions; what I meant is I want a book that presents the subject matter that is needed for the MCAT and nothing more, and that presents it in a way that it might appear on the exam.

I've spend the past 2 years studying the sciences (except physics) in great detail, so I don't want to repeat this process; I want to refine my current knowledge so that I can apply it to the MCAT. EK seems like a good fit, but I will probably use another physics book.

 

[PlsLetMeIn21]

I agree that while EK is a great resource for quickly reviewing the material to get your basics set, you need passages. You especially need useful answer explanations as most of the learning you'll do will come from going over your questions. Like Dochopeful and MCATKing mentioned, you cannot beat TBR for passages. They are the best in the sciences.