The Best MCAT Prep Books in 2024 (and Other Resources)

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Learn which MCAT prep books are the best so you can maximize your score in the least amount of time

Choosing the best MCAT prep books is important, and it’s even more critical to pair the right resources with a great study schedule.

(Note: This resource also appears in our MCAT Ultimate Guide.)

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The MCAT is a notoriously difficult and time-consuming exam, one that requires at least two months of focused study.

Moreover, your MCAT score and GPA (i.e., your stats) are the single most important factor for medical school admissions, so it’s critical that you do as well as possible on the exam.

A big part of your MCAT performance depends on how you study. Of course, everyone learns differently. Some students prefer to study alone and others in groups. Some students like the structure of MCAT courses, some like to self-study, yet others prefer the accountability and personal attention of a dedicated MCAT tutor. There is no right or wrong answer here. We’ve observed students who do very well on the MCAT using all of these methods.

That said, your score is contingent not only on your MCAT study schedule and study approach, but also on using the right study materials. While the MCAT requires significant knowledge of biology, natural sciences (i.e., chemistry, physics), and social sciences (i.e., psychology, sociology), it is not strictly a science test. Rather, every section requires comprehension and knowledge of how to do well on the MCAT specifically.

Regardless of how you choose to study for the exam, you will likely purchase MCAT prep materials, and you’ve likely wondered which are the best MCAT prep books.

Unfortunately, many MCAT prep books have issues. Some teach too much content, whereas others don’t teach enough content. The problem with learning too much content is two-fold:

  1. You’ll devote unnecessary mental effort to material that is unlikely to appear on the exam

  2. You’ll focus on content at the expense of MCAT strategy

Therefore, developing and following the right test strategy is what separates the highest scorers from everyone else. Along with our friends at Noodle Pros, we developed a list of the best MCAT prep books and other resources so that you can study most effectively and maximize your score.

The best MCAT prep books and resources

*Indicates particularly effective test prep books and resources | ^Indicates free resources

Full-length MCAT practice exams

MCAT question banks

Comprehensive MCAT study resources

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MCAT section study materials

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

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Next steps: Review additional MCAT and medical school admissions resources