I just took the MCAT about an hour ago. I know, I should be sleeping. Anyway, regarding the book, I felt as though the physical science portion was the most helpful. That includes both physics and general chemistry. As far as biology and organic chemistry goes, it probably provides more information than you actually need. I admire the sheer amount of content, but the scope of biology in the book is both over-shot and off the mark. Most of the questions on the MCAT were biochemistry-based, and I'm not sure if Gold Standard integrates as much as it could. 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."

Those of you who don't already have a solid science background and good test habits, however, might want to do more test-taking before you start studying content, so you know the nature of the beast. Take some online 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.)

UPDATE: MCAT score: 33T

I just took the MCAT about an hour ago. I know, I should be sleeping. Anyway, regarding the book, I felt as though the physical science portion was the most helpful. That includes both physics and general chemistry. As far as biology and organic chemistry goes, it probably provides more information than you actually need. I admire the sheer amount of content, but the scope of biology in the book is both over-shot and off the mark. Most of the questions on the MCAT were biochemistry-based, and I'm not sure if Gold Standard integrates as much as it could. 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."

Those of you who don't already have a solid science background and good test habits, however, might want to do more test-taking before you start studying content, so you know the nature of the beast. Take some online tests, and you're good. By 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.)

Excellent science teaching/review, only pertinent information, below average verbal section (simply not in depth enough), very good writing sample advice/review, three very realistic challenging practice MCAT CBTs (which really is the only format you should practice with). I would give the book 4 and 1/2 stars but it was not an option.