Should I Do the Kaplan CARS Book?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are in the early or middle stages of MCAT preparation and want a structured introduction to the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section. The book typically provides a clear framework for reading passages, identifying question types, and managing time, which can help if you feel overwhelmed by CARS.
• Good fit: You are self-studying and need a portable, affordable resource that explains methodology in detail. If you learn well from textbooks and want to work through passages and explanations at your own pace, a dedicated CARS book can be a convenient supplement to broader MCAT prep.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You are only a few weeks away from your MCAT date. At that stage, your priority should be official AAMC practice materials and full-length exams rather than learning new strategies from a book. Switching approaches late in the process can disrupt your timing and confidence.
• Warning sign: You are already scoring consistently well on CARS practice passages. In that case, adding a strategy-heavy book may offer diminishing returns, and your study time may be better spent on weaker sections or on additional timed practice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Structured methodology. Kaplan CARS books generally break down passage reading, question types, and elimination techniques into systematic steps. This can help students who do not yet have a consistent approach to CARS passages.
• Self-paced and relatively inexpensive. Compared with a full prep course or private tutoring, a single book is a lower-cost option that lets you study on your own schedule and revisit chapters as needed.

Cons

• Limited substitute for official practice. No third-party book fully replicates the style and logic of AAMC-written CARS passages. Relying primarily on the Kaplan book may leave you less prepared for the actual exam than using AAMC question packs and full-length tests.
• Strategy-heavy format. Some students find that reading about CARS strategy does not translate quickly into score gains. CARS often improves through repeated timed practice, active review, and habit change rather than by absorbing methods from text alone.

Decision Checklist

• How far out is my MCAT test date, and do I have enough time to apply a new CARS strategy before switching to full-length practice?
• What is my current CARS performance on diagnostic or practice passages, and is my main weakness strategy, timing, comprehension, or something else?
• Do I learn best from books, or would I benefit more from video explanations, daily passage practice, a question bank, or a tutor?
• Have I already purchased or planned to use official AAMC CARS materials, which are generally considered the closest representation of the real exam?
• Am I willing to pair the book with regular timed practice and thorough review, rather than just reading it passively?

Alternatives to Consider

Before committing to the Kaplan CARS book, consider the broader prep landscape. The AAMC CARS Question Packs are widely regarded as the most representative official practice available and should usually be part of any study plan. Khan Academy offers free MCAT passages and explanations, including CARS content. UWorld provides a large question bank with detailed explanations that many students find useful for timing and reasoning practice. Jack Westin offers daily free CARS passages that can help build a reading habit. Other commercial prep books, such as those from The Princeton Review or examkrackers, present different strategic approaches. Finally, if you are struggling significantly, a tutor or structured prep course may offer personalized feedback that a book cannot.

Final Recommendation

The Kaplan CARS book is a reasonable option if you are early in your MCAT prep, prefer learning from a structured text, and want a methodical introduction to CARS strategy. However, it should generally be used alongside official AAMC practice materials rather than as your sole resource. Avoid making it your primary focus if you are close to test day or already scoring well. Because MCAT performance can affect medical school admissions, consider discussing your study plan with an academic advisor, pre-health counselor, or qualified test-prep professional to tailor resources to your strengths and weaknesses.