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Test Prep7 min read·Updated April 17, 2026

Best MCAT Content Review Resources Compared

Kaplan, The Berkeley Review, UPrep, Princeton Review — every prep company sells comprehensive books. Here is an honest comparison based on what high scorers actually use.

ByElias Woodbury·
Key Takeaways
  • Most high scorers use one comprehensive content set plus AAMC official materials — not multiple full content libraries.
  • Anki flashcards (especially the Miledown deck) appear in nearly every 515+ score report.
  • For most test-takers, the biggest gains come from practice volume, not additional content material.

The Core Stack Most High Scorers Use

Across surveys of 515+ scorers, a consistent stack emerges:

  • One comprehensive content review set (Kaplan, TBR, UPrep, or Princeton Review)
  • Anki — typically the Miledown deck — for daily spaced repetition
  • UWorld for question-bank practice in the middle phase
  • All AAMC official materials (FLs, Section Banks, Question Packs) in the final 8 weeks

Adding more content books rarely helps. Adding more practice almost always does.

Content Books Compared

Kaplan — Clear, well-organized, beginner-friendly. The most accessible starting point for students new to MCAT prep. Weaker on chemistry depth.

The Berkeley Review (TBR) — Deep chemistry and physics, often considered the gold standard for those two sections. Dense and demanding; better for students with strong baseline in those subjects.

UPrep (Khan Academy alternative) — Free comprehensive review. Less polished than paid options but covers everything. Good budget choice.

Princeton Review — Comprehensive coverage with strong B/B and P/S sections. Many practice questions integrated into the text.

Examkrackers — Conversational style, lighter content, designed to be paired with heavy AAMC practice. Best for students with a strong undergraduate science background.

Anki: The High-Yield Habit

Almost every high score report mentions daily Anki. The Miledown deck is the most widely used MCAT Anki deck — it is free, well-maintained, and covers all four sections.

Allocate 30–60 minutes per day for Anki starting from week 1 of content review. The spaced repetition compounds — by week 8, your reviews will surface foundational knowledge you otherwise would have forgotten.

Practice Materials (AAMC and Third-Party)

Practice materials in order of priority:

  1. AAMC Full-Length Practice Tests (FL1–FL6): The most predictive material. Take these in the final 8 weeks.
  2. AAMC Section Bank: Among the hardest AAMC questions. Excellent in the middle phase.
  3. AAMC Question Packs: Subject-specific drills. Good for targeted practice.
  4. UWorld: The strongest third-party question bank. Excellent question explanations.
  5. Third-party FLs (Blueprint, Kaplan): Useful for stamina but score 3–5 points lower than the real test.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single best — high scorers use Kaplan, The Berkeley Review (TBR), UPrep, and Princeton Review with similar success. Pick one set and use it thoroughly. TBR is most often cited for chemistry depth; Kaplan for clarity; UPrep for being free.

No. Self-study with books, Anki, and AAMC official materials produces top scores routinely. Paid courses can help with structure and accountability, but they do not have unique content that drives scores.

Yes — it is the most widely used MCAT Anki deck and is free. It covers all four sections at high yield. Daily review (30–60 minutes) for 8–12 weeks builds durable recall.

Khan Academy is no longer officially supported for MCAT prep (AAMC sunset the partnership), but the legacy videos remain useful for P/S and CARS content. Do not rely on it as your primary content source today.

UWorld is widely regarded as the best third-party MCAT question bank. Most high scorers complete UWorld in the middle phase of prep, between content review and AAMC full-lengths.

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About the Author

Elias Woodbury
Elias Woodbury

Co-Founder · Dental School Applicant

B.S. BiochemistryAADSAS Applicant 2026Co-Founder, White Coat World

Elias went through the AADSAS process in 2026 and built White Coat World to give every pre-health student the guidance he had to piece together himself. He writes about the tactical side of applications: hours, GPA, and what schools actually care about.

Educational Disclaimer: White Coat World provides educational resources for pre-health students. Admissions requirements vary by institution and change each cycle. Always verify shadowing hour requirements, GPA cutoffs, and application deadlines directly with your target schools. This content is not licensed advising.