If you plan to appear for the MCAT exam to get admission into one of the best medical universities abroad, you are at the right place! Read on to find out the best MCAT books to help you prepare for the exam effectively.
What is MCAT?
Medical College Admission Test or MCAT is an entrance exam conducted by the Association of American Colleges (AAMC). It provides admission into medical colleges in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Caribbean Island. This exam is conducted 25 times annually in 21 countries.
The MCAT Application Form is available throughout the year. The main aim of this exam is to assess the analysis, reasoning, psychological skills, and knowledge of the biological system of the candidates.
MCAT Exam Highlights
| Exam Name | MCAT |
| Full-Form | Medical College Admission Test |
| Organizing Body | Association of American Medical colleges (AAMC) |
| Official Website | aamc.org |
| Exam Level | International |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based |
| Questions Type | Multiple Type Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration of Exam | 7 hours 30 minutes |
MCAT Syllabus
The question paper includes 4 sections namely: Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior, and
Critical analysis and reasoning skills.
Here is the section-wise syllabus in detail.
Chemical & Physical Foundations Of Biological Systems Syllabus:
| Translational motion, forces, work, energy, and equilibrium in living systems. | Separation and purification methods. |
| Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically relevant molecules. | Principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. |
| Unique nature of water and its solutions. | Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions. |
| Atoms, nuclear decay, electronic structure, and atomic, chemical behavior. | How light and sound interact with matter. |
| Electrochemistry and electrical circuits and their elements. | Importance of fluids for the circulation of blood, gas movement, and gas exchange. |
Biological & Biochemical Foundations Of Living Systems Syllabus:
| Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids. | Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways these systems coordinate the organ systems. |
| Processes of cell division, differentiation, and specialization. | The structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of prokaryotes and viruses. |
| Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cells and multicellular organisms. | Principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule metabolism. |
| Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic diversity. | Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systems. |
| Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein. |
Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations Of Behavior Syllabus:
| Making sense of the environment | Sensing the environment |
| Demographic characteristics and processes | Responding to the world |
| Social inequality | Social thinking |
| Self-identity | Understanding social structure |
| Attitude and behavior change | Social processes that influence human behavior. |
| Individual influences on behavior. |
Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills Syllabus:
| Passages from Humanities. | Passages from Social Science. | Passages from Psychology, sociology, studies of diverse cultures. |
Why MCAT Books?
Before we get into the list of best MCAT books, here are some factors you need to consider while choosing the best book.
- Choose the latest edition of the book covering all the topics mentioned in the MCAT Syllabus.
- Since many books are written by the same author but different publication houses, some books might be bogus. So check for the publisher’s name.
- Avoid using too many books for the same subjects as it will confuse you and reduce your focus.
- Buy a book that offers solved and unsolved problems for every concept and chapter. Additionally, the book you choose should also include solutions.
- Every concept in the book should be explained in a detailed yet simple to understand manner.
- The graphics should be attractive and detailed.
- The book should also include some expert advice and synopsis at the end of each chapter.
Best MCAT Books
Here are the best MCAT Books for MCAT 2024, making your exam preparation easy. So let us get started:
1. MCAT Prep Books 2024-2025: MCAT Study Guide Review and Practice Test Questions [6th Edition]
![MCAT Prep Books 2022-2023 MCAT Study Guide Review and Practice Test Questions [6th Edition]](https://learndunia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MCAT-Prep-Books-2022-2023-MCAT-Study-Guide-Review-and-Practice-Test-Questions-6th-Edition-232x300.jpg)
Author: Joshua Rueda
Latest Edition: 10 November, 2021
Publisher: Test Prep Books
It is one of the best MCAT books written by MCAT experts at Test Prep Books. It is a highly-recommended book for candidates who want to get good marks in the MCAT exam.
This comprehensive MCAT guide includes the following:
- Effective test-taking strategies.
- An introduction of the book and the exam.
- Section I- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems.
- Section II- Chemical and Physical foundations of Biological Systems.
- Section III- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
- Section IV- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
- Practice question papers with solutions.
This book is also known for its detailed explanations of each concept and comprehensive illustrations.
You can buy this book from here.
2. MCAT 528 Advanced Prep 2024–2025: Online + Book (Kaplan Test Prep)
Author: Kaplan Test Prep
Latest Edition: 3 November, 2020
Publisher: Kaplan Test Prep
MCAT 528 Advanced Prep 2024–2024 by Kaplan is known for the detailed subject reviews and a large number of questions.
This will help the candidates analyze their strengths and weaknesses and prepare accordingly. This book has helped many aspirants clear the exam and get into the best medical courses.
In addition, it has detailed instructions written by Kaplan MCAT experts. This guide also has updated guidelines provided by AAMC. The book includes:
- More than 500 questions and provides access to online resources.
- Expert editors with science degrees and medical doctors edit all the written material.
- The book also provides access to online resources that include full-length practice papers.
You can buy this book from here.
3. MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2024–2025: Books + Online + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep)
Author: Kaplan Test Prep
Latest Edition: 6 July, 2021
Publisher: Kaplan Test Prep
MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2024–2024 is known as the best MCAT prep book by the Chicago Tribune. The book provides effective and efficient test strategies, detailed subject reviews, and three full-length online test papers written by experts. These features will help people get admissions into the best medical schools.
Some of the important features of the MCAT guide are
- A full-colored, 24-page MCAT quick sheet that provides important information.
- Includes charts, graphs, 3D illustrations, and diagrams from scientific Americans that help students understand complex concepts easily.
- There is one-year online access to full-length practice papers, instructional videos, practice papers, and quizzes.
- Over 100 quizzes at the beginning of each chapter will help the candidates efficiently.
- Advanced science experts edit all the material given in the book, so you can be assured that the content is right.
You can buy this book from here.
4. The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam
Author: Association of American Medical Colleges
Latest Editon: 1 November, 2017
Publisher: Ruveneco Inc
This MCAT exam guide is written by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This book is designed for aspiring doctors preparing for the MCAT exam.
This book includes the following:
- Effective tips and strategies to prepare for the MCAT exam.
- Complete details about each section of the question paper.
- Details on the marking scheme, admission process, and much more.
However, the candidates need to know that the book does not provide access to 120 online practice questions. It is a great guide for candidates preparing for the MCAT exam and who wish to know everything about the exam in detail.
You can buy this book from here.
5. MCAT Biology Review, 2nd Edition (Graduate School Test Preparation)
Author: The Princeton Review
Latest Editon: 5 January, 2016
Publisher: Princeton Review
MCAT Biology Review by The Princeton Review helps you to ace the biology syllabus of the MCAT. It also offers comprehensive subject review, practice questions with step-by-step explanations, practical problems, and 3 full-length practice sets to help you analyze your strengths and weaknesses.
In this book, you will learn the strategies to solve the biology questions. The MCAT prep book provides the following:
- Covers all the complex topics in biology.
- Sample MCAT questions with comprehensive explanations.
- A quick review of the chapter summary.
- Colorful illustrations, diagrams, and tables.
- A comprehensive glossary for easy reference.
Moreover, some of the important biology topics covered in this book are Biology Strategy, Microbiology, Eukaryotic Cells, Genetics and Evolution, The Nervous and Endocrine Systems, The Circulatory, Molecular Biology, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems, The Muscular and Skeletal Systems, The Excretory and Digestive Systems, Biologically Important Molecules, The Respiratory System and the Skin, and The Reproductive Systems.
You can buy this book from here.
6. The Princeton Review MCAT, 3rd Edition: 4 Practice Tests + Complete Content Coverage (Graduate School Test Preparation)
Author: The Princeton Review
Latest Edition: 18 December, 2018 (3rd Edition)
Publisher: The Princeton Review
This is a must-have for candidates who want to score good marks in the exam. This guide offers an all-in-one resource with in-depth content reviews, test clearing strategies, a cheat sheet guide, and 4 comprehensive online practice test papers.
It includes the following features:
- Offers topic-wise subject review for Organic chemistry, general chemistry, CARS, Physics & Maths, Biochemistry, and Psychology & Sociology.
- Strategies to solve questions easily.
- Full-color, 16-page tear reference guide with important formulas, information, diagrams, concepts, and charts.
- Comprehensive illustrations, diagrams, and tables.
You can buy this book from here.
7. MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Review, 2nd Edition (Graduate School Test Preparation)
Author: The Princeton Review
Latest Edition: 5 January, 2016
Publisher: Princeton Review
MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Review by The Princeton Review is a complete guide that helps to improve CARS passages solving skills. Moreover, the book includes over a hundred practice problems and 3 full-length comprehensive practice sets.
The features of the book include:
- In-depth coverage of the critical analysis and reasoning syllabus.
- A step-by-step guide to solving the CARS questions easily.
- An overview and summary.
- A 6 step guide to solve any critical reasoning passage.
Some of the important CARS topics covered in this book are:
- Critical Reasoning Skills Development
- Ranking and Ordering Passages
- Active Reading
- Mental Preparation
- Process of Elimination and Attractors
- Question Types and Formats
- Passage Annotating and Mapping
- Strategy and Tactics
You can buy this book from here.
8. MCAT Biochemistry Review 2024-2025: Online + Book (Kaplan Test Prep)
Author: Kaplan Test Prep
Latest Edition: 6 July, 2021
Publisher: Kaplan Test Prep
This MCAT prep book provides a tried and tested study plan, detailed subject review, and over a hundred online and in-book practice questions written by MCAT experts.
If you are the one who wants to crack the MCAT exam, then this book is a must-have.
Kaplan’s MCAT prep book includes the following:
- Includes over 350 in-book questions and access to more online practice questions.
- Full-color books that include 3D illustrations from Scientific Americans, graphs, charts, diagrams, and more will easily help you understand the most complex biochemistry questions.
- It has questions that the AAMC frequently asks.
- It includes online resources with a full-length practice test that helps you practice in the same computer-based format preparing for the exam day.
You can buy this book from here.
9. MCAT Organic Chemistry Review 2024-2025: Online + Book
Author: Kaplan Test Prep
Latest Edition: 6 July, 2021
Publisher: Kaplan Test Prep
The Kaplan’s MCAT Organic Chemistry Review 2024-2024 offers a detailed study plan, subject review, and online and in-book practice questions written by MCAT exam experts.
Kaplan’s MCAT prep book includes the following:
- Comprehensive and detailed 3D illustrations, graphs, charts, diagrams, etc. that helps the candidates to understand complicated organic chemistry questions easily.
- Over 350 in-book questions and access to more online practice questions.
- Questions that the AAMC frequently asks.
- Online resources with a full-length practice test that helps you practice in the same computer-based format.
You can buy this book from here.
10. The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement: Write Your Best Story. Secure Your Interview.
Author: Ryan Gray
Latest Edition: 21 August, 2018
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing LLC
The Premed Playbook by Ryan Gray is a complete guide that helps students craft their stories for medical school admission committees.
It provides a collection of essays written by students and showcases essays that were started badly and turned into great stories.
However, this book is mainly for students who want to get into medical schools in America and is not suitable for medical colleges in the United Kingdom. The author provides extensive clarity on the journey of getting into the best medical schools.
You can buy this book from here.
Conclusion
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an entrance exam conducted by the Association of American Medical College (AAMC). The main aim of this exam is to provide admissions into medical colleges in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Caribbean Island.
This exam is conducted 25 times a year and in 21 countries all over the world. Moreover, the registration for this exam is open throughout the year.
Since there is a lot of competition, the candidates need to prepare effectively for this exam. One of the best ways to crack the MCAT exam is to choose the best book.
Here in this post, we have listed the 10 best MCAT books for preparation. We hope that this information benefits you in the best way possible.
Good luck!
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