Overview of the ExamKrackers MCAT Package
The ExamKrackers Complete MCAT Study Package consists of 5 books, one for each of the subjects covered on the MCAT: bio, chem, orgo, physics, and the verbal section. Overall, it contains just under 1,000 pages of MCAT prep material. That includes about 1,500 MCAT-format questions, 1 very realistic full-length MCAT practice test, and a 30-minute exam after each chapter (there are 31 of those). The pages are glossy with eye-catching color illustrations to keep your attention. There are also perforated study cards that you can tear out of each volume.Does that sound like too much to handle? All of the major MCAT prep books hover around 1,000 pages, but they're all in one thick volume. I like that the ExamKrackers series breaks up the subjects so you can focus on one subject at a time, carry one volume around easily, and keep the info separate in your brain.
For all of this you'll pay about $110 - a bit more than other prep books on the market, but well worth it in my opinion because it is the most efficient, clear, and comprehensive text. When you're trying to get into med school, it's not the time to settle for the second-best preparation.
How Does it Prepare You For the MCAT?
I love the ExamKrackers series because it's just so efficient and well-written. It covers everything you need to know thoroughly, and tells you clearly how much you need to focus on each topic based on the likelihood of it showing up on the MCAT. You won't need to refer to any of your old textbooks or other review books because all of the necessary information is here, condensed and made relevant for the MCAT.What sets ExamKrackers apart from other books is that it doesn't just focus on teaching information for memorization. So many pre-meds skate through college by memorizing, then are hit hard when the MCAT requires that they actually apply scientific concepts in new and unexpected ways. The ExamKrackers series emphasizes the underlying concepts of the material, so you end up with a much deeper understanding than if you simply memorize terms and processes. Its practice questions train you to think through the MCAT questions by referring to the concepts you've learned.
That's not to say that ExamKrackers ignores memorization, of course - the series contains plenty of learning shortcuts and memory tricks that will really help you retain the information. But it isn't restricted to rote memorization like some other MCAT prep books.
Beyond the MCAT Review Material
Besides the great explanations of MCAT topics and concepts, you will be frequently tested with very authentic MCAT-style questions. It's important to answer as many realistic MCAT questions as possible before test day until you become quick and confident at answering them. ExamKrackers has some of the best MCAT-style questions available, so it provides great practice in combination with the official past MCATs from the AAMC that everyone needs. Though it doesn't include a CD with computer-based practice MCATs, you can easily access the eight official CBTs online: one is free, and the others are $35 each.If you encounter any difficulties or confusion when going through the questions and material, you can visit the ExamKrackers website to post questions and the authors will respond to you.
How To Use the ExamCrackers MCAT Study Package
There is no shortcut to MCAT preparation because the MCAT simply covers SO much information. You have to be a dedicated and consistent student of whatever MCAT prep book you choose, carefully studying the information, absorbing the concepts, and practicing with MCAT-style questions.So try to buy the MCAT study package at least 3 months before your MCAT test date. You could follow the ExamKrackers MCAT home study schedule, or create your own schedule based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Either way, be sure to map out your MCAT prep plan from the beginning and commit to chip away at it every day until your test date. This is the only guaranteed way to be prepared and score well on the MCAT.
