The Gold Standard MCAT 2010 by Brett Ferdinand (2009, Hardcover)

I got into medical school just using Gold Standard (GS) products. Now I sell them, AAMC and Examkrackers and nothing else because I believe those are simply the best materials available period.

Anyway, about the book, I felt that the physical science portion was the most helpful. That includes both physics and general chemistry. As far as biology and organic chemistry goes, it provides more information than you actually need. I admire the sheer amount of content, but the scope of biology is the longest. Most of the questions on MCAT bio were biochemistry/genetics-based, and you have to keep that balance in mind when you are reading other bio topics. Still, if you take the entire book into account, read the whole thing (which takes a while), and write down what you don't already know, you will get what is offered in the introduction "an acceptable score on the MCAT." If you want an outstanding score, then you need to do more . . .

Those of you who don't already have a solid science background and good test habits, must do more test-taking before you start studying content, so you know the nature of the beast. Take some online GS tests, and you're good. Definitely buy and take some AAMC practice tests. Either way, don't drop the HUGE $$$ on Kaplan because that's extortion. (Unless you have a metric ton of hundred dollar bills sitting in trunk of your SUV AND you really suck at science and test taking, in which case, be a business major. You'll be happier.)

So far this has been a great prep tool for my upcoming exam. The questions range from easy to difficult, and they're really helpful in assessing strengths and weaknesses. I found the range of material covered a bit more comprehensive than those covered by Kaplan, and would highly recommend this series of products to anyone who plans to study for the MCAT independently.

OK, so I had the older edition (black and white, softcover) and it was pretty good but missing chapter review questions. The new edition is hardcover (not really important but different) and full color in a way that makes things easier to understand. Now there is more than 150 new pages, all the details you need to know, and chapter review questions online. They still have the online full practice tests (AAMC format) that come with the book but wha'ts new is 10 hours of free online videos which is pretty surprising for the price of the book. Summary: thumbs up.

This book is a temple of knowledge. I didnt expect it to be as big as it is, but it has EVERYTHING in it. You literally can't go wrong with this book. Love it.

It's a very long, elaborate, study guide. It is helpful only if enough time spent on it. The book summarized what is important from the related topics, which helps with the question very much...