The Gold Standard MCAT 2010 (2009, Hardcover)

Easy to read layout with amazing 3D color diagrams. All topics are clearly explained and easy to understand. Wish me luck!!!

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.)