Everything you need to know about the Kaplan MCAT prep books
Preparing for the MCAT can be a daunting task, but using the right study materials can make all the difference. Kaplan’s MCAT prep books are renowned for their comprehensive content, practice questions, and test-taking strategies that cater to a variety of learning styles. This article will guide you through the best ways to utilize Kaplan’s resources to maximize your study efficiency and boost your confidence. Whether you’re just starting your prep or looking to refine your knowledge, these tips will help you get the most out of your Kaplan MCAT prep books.
Kaplan offers a total of seven MCAT prep books. Each book is designed to provide in-depth coverage of the topics, practice questions, and test-taking strategies specific to that subject area.
Together, these seven books form a complete study package to help you excel on the MCAT.
What Are The 7 Kaplan MCAT Books?
Kaplan’s MCAT prep series consists of seven comprehensive books, each focusing on a specific subject area critical to the exam:
Biology: This book covers molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and the structure and function of systems, providing detailed explanations and practice questions to reinforce learning.
Biochemistry: Focuses on the biochemical processes and pathways essential for understanding metabolism and molecular biology, with emphasis on enzyme function and regulation.
General Chemistry: Reviews fundamental concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics, offering practice problems to master these topics.
Organic Chemistry: Explains the principles of organic reactions, mechanisms, and molecular structure, with plenty of practice questions to enhance understanding.
Physics and Math: Combines key physics principles like mechanics, electricity, and magnetism with essential math skills needed for problem-solving on the MCAT.
Behavioral Sciences: Covers psychology and sociology topics, including behavioral theories, mental health, and social processes, crucial for the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Provides strategies and practice for the CARS section, focusing on reading comprehension, analytical skills, and critical thinking necessary for analyzing complex texts.
The Kaplan MCAT prep books vary in the number of chapters, with each book tailored to cover its subject comprehensively.
On average, each book contains around 12 to 15 chapters, ensuring in-depth coverage of all essential topics.
Example MCAT practice question from Kaplan
The Biology and Biochemistry books tend to have more chapters due to the extensive material they need to cover. Each chapter is designed to provide detailed explanations, practice questions, and review exercises to solidify understanding and test readiness.
Overall, the books are structured to facilitate a thorough and systematic approach to MCAT preparation.
MCAT Study Schedule Using Kaplan Books
An ideal MCAT study schedule using Kaplan books involves a structured and consistent approach over several months. Begin by allocating at least 12 weeks, dedicating 2-3 hours each weekday and additional time on weekends for thorough review.
Start with the core subjects, spending 2-3 weeks on each book: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics, integrating Biochemistry and Behavioral Sciences throughout.
Kaplan MCAT study plan
Reserve the last few weeks for intensive practice with the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) book, and take full-length practice tests to simulate the exam environment and gauge your readiness. Regularly review challenging topics and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure comprehensive coverage and confidence in all areas.
In addition to using Kaplan’s MCAT prep books, we recommend purchasing a Kaplan MCAT prep course to enhance your preparation. Their courses offer structured guidance, expert instruction, and interactive learning tools that can help clarify complex topics and provide personalized feedback. These resources, combined with the extensive practice materials and support from experienced tutors, can significantly boost your confidence and readiness for the exam.
Create a Study Schedule: Develop a detailed study plan that outlines which chapters to cover each day, ensuring balanced progress through all subjects. Stick to this schedule to maintain consistent study habits and avoid last-minute cramming.
Utilize Practice Questions: Take advantage of the practice questions at the end of each chapter to test your understanding and reinforce key concepts. Review your answers thoroughly to identify and address any weaknesses.
Integrate Active Learning: Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing chapters in your own words, creating flashcards for important terms and concepts, and teaching the material to a study partner.
Mix Up Subjects: Alternate between different subjects to prevent burnout and enhance retention. For example, study Biology one day and switch to Organic Chemistry the next to keep your brain engaged and versatile.
Review Regularly: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit previously covered material. This spaced repetition will help reinforce your memory and ensure that earlier topics remain fresh as you progress through the books.
Take Full-Length Practice Exams: Periodically take full-length Kaplan practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the test day experience. This will help you build stamina, identify areas needing improvement, and develop effective test-taking strategies.
By following these tips, you’ll maximize the benefits of Kaplan’s resources and be well-prepared for the MCAT.
FAQ
How Much Do The Kaplan MCAT Books Cost?
The Kaplan MCAT prep books typically cost around $275 for the complete seven-book set. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any available discounts or promotions.
Are The Kaplan MCAT Books Good?
Yes, the Kaplan MCAT books are highly regarded for their comprehensive coverage, detailed explanations, and effective practice questions. Many students find them invaluable for building a strong foundation and achieving high scores on the MCAT.
