6 Best MCAT Prep Books

The best MCAT prep books, ranked by how many expert sources recommend each one, with notes on comprehensive review, official questions, and who each suits.

Our take

MCAT preparation involves both knowing the tested material and using it in unfamiliar passages. A large subject-review set can help organize biology, chemistry, physics, and behavioral science, but reading alone does not show whether you can reason through questions under time pressure. These books serve different roles, from an initial exam overview to focused content review and more challenging practice.

The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam explains the assessment and provides a limited set of official questions. The Princeton Review and Examkrackers collections offer different levels of detail for subject review, while Kaplan’s revised seven-book set provides another route through the tested subjects. Shorter guides can help with orientation, but their coverage is less extensive. Check edition dates and the terms of any included online access before buying a used copy. Start with the official guide to understand the exam, then choose one main review set that fits the gaps in your knowledge.

6 books · 7 sources · Last updated October 23, 2026

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How to choose from this list

Skip to the full ranking

If you’re learning how the exam works: The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam
If you want updated subject-by-subject review: MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2027–2028
If you prefer extensive explanations: MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set
If you prefer concise review: MCAT Study Package

The 6 books, ranked

Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.

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MCAT Subject Review Complete Box Set

7 Complete Books + 3 Online Practice Tests

by The Princeton Review

For students who want substantial explanations across the tested subjects. The subject-by-subject organization supports a structured review more readily than a brief overview, though the large set can encourage spending too long rereading instead of practicing.

What it's about

The Princeton Review’s seven-book collection reviews biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis and reasoning. Chapter questions and illustrations support the content review, with three online practice tests providing full-length exam rehearsal.

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MCAT Study Package

Chemistry, Biology 2 Systems, Biology 1 Molecules

by Examkrackers

For students with a reasonable science foundation who prefer concise review. The emphasis on essential content and reasoning is leaner than the larger sets, though weak prerequisite knowledge may require fuller explanations elsewhere.

What it's about

Examkrackers combines review of MCAT science and behavioral subjects with instruction in approaching the exam’s reasoning tasks. Its study books distinguish essential content from test-taking guidance and use practice passages to connect subject knowledge with exam-style questions.

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MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2027–2028

by Kaplan Test Prep2026

For students who want an updated, organized content-review set with separate subject volumes. The revised illustrations and CARS material distinguish it from the older Kaplan edition, though the substantial reading load still needs balancing with passage practice.

What it's about

Kaplan’s revised seven-book set reviews the MCAT’s tested science, behavioral, and reasoning subjects. The edition includes updated science illustrations, a rebuilt critical-analysis volume, review questions, and access to three full-length practice tests for exam preparation.

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The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam

by Association of American Medical Colleges

For students who want to understand the exam through material from its creators. The official questions make it a useful reference point for third-party practice, though its limited question count cannot provide a complete preparation program.

What it's about

Produced by the exam’s creators, this guide explains the MCAT’s structure, scoring, and place in medical-school admissions. It includes 120 practice questions across the four sections, with explanations that help readers understand the reasoning behind correct answers.

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MCAT 528 Advanced Prep 2021–2022

by Kaplan

For students who have completed foundational review and want harder reasoning practice. The advanced focus offers a different role from a comprehensive starter set, though this dated edition is a supplement rather than a current exam overview.

What it's about

Kaplan targets advanced MCAT preparation through challenging questions, subject review, and strategies for scientific inquiry and reasoning. Practice material asks students to apply knowledge across unfamiliar passages, with explanations intended to clarify difficult concepts and answer choices.

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MCAT with Online Tests

by Barron's

For students who want content review alongside help with reasoning and test-taking habits. The single-volume approach is more compact than the larger sets, though its age and limited depth make it better for orientation than exhaustive preparation.

What it's about

Jay B. Cutts combines MCAT science review with guidance on reasoning, timing, and test anxiety. Practice material and online tests support a study plan that addresses both subject knowledge and the challenges of working through unfamiliar research-based questions.