Test Prep Books

This is a straightforward and well-written guide to the medical college admission test (MCAT). As the name implies, this is a specialized assessment tool designed for those who wish to apply to medical school. According to “Introduction to the MCAT,” section, it is stated that, “Although there are no prerequisites required to take the MCAT, the exam covers topics on introductory biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology and biochemistry; college-level science labs and statistics concepts and skills are also assessed on the MCAT” (page 7). Essentially, this book amounts to a primer on college level biology, chemistry and psychology/sociology concepts. Text is well illustrated with charts, tables and diagrams, while the core material is presented in bite sized nuggets. Each chapter also contains a section of “Practice Questions” and another with “Answers and Explanations.” A concluding chapter covers “Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.” The argument could be made that this is material that should have been learned back in pre-med and the test taker either knows this stuff or doesn’t. On the other hand, there is no “fat” within these pages, just need-to-know basics, and reading this book beforehand should instill confidence in said test taker. Long story short is that “knowledge is power,” and the knowledge clearly presented here will undoubtedly help prospective MCAT takers improve their scores.
Review by Michael Bemis.… (mehr)