The Best MCAT Books of 2025-2026
Check out our top four best MCAT prep book picks for this exam cycle. Each book set is reviewed based on content quality, practice resources, visual learning tools, and student feedback.
UWorld Books vs. Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Blueprint
When comparing MCAT prep books, you can expect to find similar prices and content coverage. Most providers also include a wealth of concept check questions. Differences are nuanced and usually seen in how the material is presented. Below is a product comparison of the top MCAT book providers, followed by a more detailed analysis:
| UWorld Books | Kaplan | Princeton Review | Blueprint | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | $289 | $289.99 | $249.99 | Included in course (starting at $1,699) |
| Number of Books | 6 Science books, 2 CARS books | 6 Science books, 1 CARS book | 6 Science books, 1 CARS book | 5 Science books, 1 CARS and Science book |
| Publication Date | 2024 | 2024 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Format | Print and interactive eBooks | Print and eBooks | Print and digital resources | Print and eBooks |
| eBook | Interactive eBooks with study tools | eBooks in PDF form | No eBooks | eBooks in PDF form |
| Illustrations | High-quality educational images, charts, graphs, and diagrams | Charts, graphs, diagrams, and 3D illustrations | Illustrations, diagrams, and tables | Charts, diagrams, and illustrations |
| Concept Checks | Available with detailed, step-by-step solutions | Available solutions are mainly text-based | Available solutions are mainly text-based | Available solutions are mainly text-based |
| Authors | Advanced degrees only (Master’s and PhDs) | A mix of bachelor's and advanced degrees | A mix of bachelor's and advanced degrees | A mix of bachelor's and advanced degrees |
| CARS Content | 2 CARS books (a practice book and passage booklet) | 1 CARS book | 1 CARS book | 1 book on MCAT Reasoning that combines CARS and Science |
| CARS Subskills | Covers 3 main CARS skills plus 19 proprietary CARS subskills and a step-by-step approach to tackle each one | Covers 3 main CARS skills | Covers 3 main CARS skills | Covers 3 main CARS skills |
The Princeton Review MCAT Prep Books
Pros:
- Good strategy guides, especially for test-taking tips.
- Thorough content coverage across all MCAT subjects.
- Includes practice questions that reinforce concepts and additional online practice.
Cons:
- Pages are dense and may be time-consuming to work through.
- Books are not available in digital form.
- Visuals are simple and less engaging.
Verdict:
Overall, they are a solid choice for content-heavy preparation with a traditional, textbook-based approach. They are best suited for students seeking detailed subject coverage with integrated practice.
Kaplan MCAT Prep Books
Pros:
- Comprehensive review across all seven MCAT subjects.
- Emphasizes test-taking strategies, such as time management and question prioritization
- Includes practice questions within books and access to additional online practice.
Cons:
- Text-heavy—can be overwhelming for visual learners.
- Practice question explanations typically don’t include visuals.
- No digital interactivity, the eBook is a PDF.
Verdict:
Kaplan remains a good choice for comprehensive coverage, but its materials are dense and lack the interactivity students now expect.
Blueprint MCAT Prep Books
Pros:
- Book content is streamlined for efficient content review.
- Integrated with Blueprint’s online platform.
- Supportive visual aids enhance conceptual understanding.
Cons:
- Less comprehensive than Kaplan and Princeton Review.
- Students report that practice questions aren’t as reflective of AAMC logic.
- Books are only available with a prep course purchase.
Verdict:
Blueprint shines in its design and digital resources, but some students find it lacks the depth needed for high MCAT scores.
UWorld MCAT Prep Books – Why UWorld is the Best Choice
The UWorld MCAT books combine deeply engaging visuals, expert-written targeted content, and interactive digital tools that help students truly understand—and retain—MCAT concepts, not just memorize them. From student-praised CARS strategies to thousands of illustrations, print and digital flexibility, and built-in concept checks, explore each section below to see why UWorld is the best MCAT prep book choice for 2025-2026.
Visual Learning
UWorld’s MCAT Books feature 4,000+ custom illustrations that bring science concepts to life and boost retention. In the digital version, in-text hyperlinks add depth without interrupting your reading flow.
Amazing diagrams, as someone who struggles with physics this book is so good at breaking the big concepts down into images and cases. I love it."-UWorld MCAT Prep Book User
Digital + Print Access
Every MCAT Book is available in print and interactive digital formats, letting you study your way—online, on mobile, or with a physical book. Unlike basic PDFs, the digital books include hyperlinked visuals, flashcards, annotations, and a smart notebook to streamline studying.
Great work; whoever worked on the content and UI did a phenomenal job.”-UWorld MCAT Prep Book User
CARS Mastery
UWorld’s two-book CARS system offers unmatched depth and strategy. The CARS Practice Book breaks down the 4 AAMC skills into 19 proprietary subskills with step-by-step methods for each question type, while the CARS Passage Booklet provides expert annotations and detailed passage analysis to build critical reading skills.
I really appreciate all of the hard work that you guys do. The concepts are deconstructed extremely well, which makes understanding that much easier for me. I'm on book 6/7 and every book I've read so far has provided me with the confidence I was so desperately searching for. Seriously, thank you for all of your hard work and sacrifices. I will be sure to pay it forward!”-UWorld MCAT Prep Book User
Integrated Practice
Each MCAT Book includes 450+ concept check questions with detailed explanations and illustrations to reinforce learning. Unlike others, UWorld integrates these into the study process with dynamic digital tools that boost active learning and critical thinking.
Content wise - excellent and succinct with great structure and organization. Straight to the point and direct, I LOVE THAT! No fluff, straight to the point.”-UWorld MCAT Prep Book User
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which MCAT prep book is best for the CARS section?
The UWorld CARS prep books include everything you need for a top CARS score.
- The CARS Practice Book breaks down all three AAMC skills into 19 subskills to ensure you can answer each question type.
- The CARS Passage Booklet contains the 12 passages in the CARS practice book and provides insights into passage structure and content analysis.
Preparing with both books will help you master this difficult exam section.
What is the best MCAT prep book for biology?
The UWorld MCAT biology book is filled with detailed information and numerous colorful illustrations that bring difficult-to-visualize concepts to life. This added visual component makes learning about the topic more enjoyable and easier to remember.
Which MCAT prep book is most helpful for the chemistry section?
There are three UWorld MCAT chemistry books: biochemistry, organic chemistry, and general chemistry. Each one comprehensively covers what you need to know for the exam and includes concept check questions and professionally produced illustrations for deeper understanding.
Which MCAT prep book is best for the physics section?
The UWorld MCAT physics book features concise content breakdowns and clearly labeled diagrams and illustrations demonstrating important concepts you need to learn to master MCAT physics. Paired with concept check questions that feature step-by-step digital explanations and time-saving study tools.
Which MCAT prep book is best for psychology and sociology?
The UWorld MCAT behavioral sciences book explores how psychological, social, and biological elements impact one’s perception and response to the world. The illustrations greatly enhance the text by displaying realistic scenarios of concepts and experimental procedures.
Do UWorld’s MCAT prep books come with practice questions?
Yes! UWorld MCAT books include over 450 concept check questions with detailed, step-by-step digital explanations. Want more? Explore our full MCAT QBank for robust practice.
Which MCAT prep book is best for students with limited time to study?
The UWorld MCAT books are designed to be streamlined, high-yield, and targeted. They skip the fluff and maximize your study time with focused, efficient content.
