Mometrix MCAT 8th vs 9th: What Changed and Does It Matter?
Mometrix updated its MCAT Secrets guide. The 9th edition adds more video tutorials and is updated for the new test cycle. But is that worth the upgrade? Let's compare.
MCAT Prep Books 2026-2027: Mometrix 9th vs 8th vs Kaplan – Which Should You Buy?
Compare the Mometrix MCAT 9th edition, 8th edition, and Kaplan Self-Study Toolkit to find the best MCAT prep book for your needs and budget.
Updated August 30, 2026
Curated by Dr. Safwan Ahmad Khan
Dr. Safwan Ahmad Khan is a Consultant Pediatric Surgeon with over a decade of clinical experience. He leads The Medical Literature Desk, a team of dedicated reviewers who provide in-depth analysis and curated recommendations to help students and professionals choose the most effective books for their education and practice.
Key Takeaways
- The 9th edition adds more video support and is updated for the 2026-2027 cycle, but the exact number of practice tests is not clearly specified in official descriptions.
- If you already own the 8th, upgrading is optional unless you need the latest content or additional practice tests.
![MCAT Prep Book 2026-2027 - 3 Full-Length Practice Tests, MCAT Secrets Study Guide and Exam Review with Step-by-Step Video Tutorials: [9th Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710lXnnS7lL._SY385_.jpg)
Best Overall: 9th Edition with Full-Length Practice Tests
★ 4.2/5
Matthew Bowling
Who This Is For
Pre-med students who want a current, all-in-one MCAT review with more practice tests.
Why It Stands Out
The 9th edition includes 3 full-length practice tests (as per the title) and step-by-step video tutorials, matching AAMC content categories exactly. It scores 5.0 in learning effectiveness and 5.0 in curriculum alignment.
Practical application scores slightly lower (4.0) than other metrics, and online access may expire. Content depth is still limited for students with weak foundations.
Expert Angles
Learning Effectiveness
5.0/5Includes online video tutorials, interactive practice tests, and test anxiety reduction strategies.
Great for tech-savvy learners who thrive with multimedia and repeated online practice.
Curriculum Alignment
5.0/5Matches AAMC content categories exactly, covering all four MCAT sections in a single volume.
Ideal as a primary review source for students needing a single, all-in-one MCAT content roadmap.
Practical Application
4.0/5Offers 3 full-length online practice tests with immediate scoring and detailed answer explanations.
Best for test-takers needing realistic MCAT simulation and instant performance feedback.
![MCAT Prep Books 2025-2026 - 650+ Practice Test Questions, MCAT Secrets Study Guide and Exam Review with Step-by-Step Video Tutorials: [8th Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71n69sDtn5L._SY385_.jpg)
Best Budget Pick: 8th Edition Still Solid
★ 3.8/5
Matthew Bowling
Who This Is For
Cost-conscious students who want a reliable MCAT review without paying for the newest edition.
Why It Stands Out
The 8th edition covers all four MCAT sections with video tutorials and includes 650+ practice test questions (as per the official description). It excels in practical application (5.0) and offers solid value for its price.
The 8th edition does not include full-length practice tests, and it lacks the latest content updates of the 9th edition. Learning effectiveness and curriculum alignment are rated 4.0.
Expert Angles
Practical Application
5.0/5Includes 3 online practice tests, printable guide offline, and detailed answer explanations for efficient exam preparation.
Perfect for test-takers wanting realistic exam simulation and immediate performance feedback.
Learning Effectiveness
4.0/5Video tutorials, online interactive tests, and step-by-step problem-solving cater to diverse learning preferences.
Great for learners who benefit from multimedia reinforcement and structured practice.
Curriculum Alignment
4.0/5Covers all four MCAT sections (B/B, C/P, P/S, CARS) with logical topic flow aligned to AAMC content outlines.
Essential for MCAT prep; not a substitute for full premed coursework or specialty reviews.
Mometrix 8th vs 9th: Side-by-Side
Here's how the two editions stack up.
8th Edition (2025-2026)
Solid review with 650+ practice questions and video tutorials. Cheaper, but older and lacks full-length tests.
9th Edition (2026-2027)
Adds more video support and is updated for the new cycle. Includes 3 full-length practice tests.
| Comparison Point | MCAT Prep Books 2025-2026 - 650+ Practice Test Questions, MCAT Secrets Study Guide and Exam Review with Step-by-Step Video Tutorials: [8th Edition] | MCAT Prep Book 2026-2027 - 3 Full-Length Practice Tests, MCAT Secrets Study Guide and Exam Review with Step-by-Step Video Tutorials: [9th Edition] |
|---|---|---|
| Edition | 2025 | 2026 |
| Page Count | 521 pages | 521 pages |
| Practice Tests | None (650+ questions) | 3 full-length (per title) |
| Publication Date | Jan 2025 | Nov 2025 |
| Key Update | None (baseline) | More videos and updated content |
| Practical Application |
5.0/5
Includes 3 online practice tests, printable guide offline, and detailed answer explanations for efficient exam preparation.
Perfect for test-takers wanting realistic exam simulation and immediate performance feedback.
|
4.0/5
Offers 3 full-length online practice tests with immediate scoring and detailed answer explanations.
Best for test-takers needing realistic MCAT simulation and instant performance feedback.
|
| Learning Effectiveness |
4.0/5
Video tutorials, online interactive tests, and step-by-step problem-solving cater to diverse learning preferences.
Great for learners who benefit from multimedia reinforcement and structured practice.
|
5.0/5
Includes online video tutorials, interactive practice tests, and test anxiety reduction strategies.
Great for tech-savvy learners who thrive with multimedia and repeated online practice.
|
If you need the latest content and full-length practice tests, go with the 9th. Otherwise, save money with the 8th.
Best Deep Dive: Kaplan Self-Study Toolkit
★ 4.5/5
Kaplan Test Prep
Who This Is For
Serious pre-med students who want a comprehensive, multi-book review with a huge question bank.
Why It Stands Out
Includes 7 books, 6 full-length practice tests, and a 3,000-question question bank (Qbank), offering unmatched practice volume and deep content.
Overpriced compared to the standard set, and some users report invalid access codes and misprints. The extensive resources may be more than some students need.
Expert Angles
Curriculum Alignment
5.0/5Aligned with AAMC content categories; high-yield badges, chapter profiles, and updated for 2026-2027.
Excellent for comprehensive MCAT curriculum coverage; essential for serious exam candidates.
Knowledge Depth
4.0/5Thorough science review with full-color 3-D illustrations, guided examples, and expanded interactive features.
Provides deep coverage for MCAT sciences; inspect physical copy early for print defects.
Practical Application
4.0/5Includes 6 full-length practice tests, 3,000+ question Qbank, and customizable quizzes for exam simulation.
Best for test-takers wanting extensive practice but verify code activation ahead of time.
Mometrix vs Kaplan: Depth vs. Practice
Choose based on your study style and budget.
Mometrix 9th Edition
Lean, all-in-one guide with videos and 3 practice tests. Good for quick review.
Kaplan Self-Study Toolkit
Massive 7-book set with deep content and 3,000+ Qbank questions. Best for thorough prep.
| Comparison Point | MCAT Prep Book 2026-2027 - 3 Full-Length Practice Tests, MCAT Secrets Study Guide and Exam Review with Step-by-Step Video Tutorials: [9th Edition] | MCAT Self-Study Toolkit 2026-2027: Includes MCAT Complete 7 Book Set, 6 Full Length Online Practice Tests + Customizable 3,000 Question Practice Bank (Kaplan Test Prep) |
|---|---|---|
| Edition | 2026 | 2026 |
| Page Count | 521 pages | 3596 pages |
| Content Depth | Moderate, exam-focused | Deep, subject-level detail |
| Practice Volume | 3 practice tests | 6 practice tests + 3,000 Qbank |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Knowledge Depth |
3.0/5
Explains concepts in accessible detail rather than mere definitions, aided by worked examples.
Pair with subject-specific texts if tackling new, high-yield topics for the first time.
|
4.0/5
Thorough science review with full-color 3-D illustrations, guided examples, and expanded interactive features.
Provides deep coverage for MCAT sciences; inspect physical copy early for print defects.
|
| Practical Application |
4.0/5
Offers 3 full-length online practice tests with immediate scoring and detailed answer explanations.
Best for test-takers needing realistic MCAT simulation and instant performance feedback.
|
4.0/5
Includes 6 full-length practice tests, 3,000+ question Qbank, and customizable quizzes for exam simulation.
Best for test-takers wanting extensive practice but verify code activation ahead of time.
|
If you need heavy practice and deep review, invest in Kaplan. If you want a single, affordable guide, Mometrix works.
How We Evaluated These Resources
We scored each book on curriculum alignment, learning effectiveness, and practical application. We also weighed cost and real-world usability. Clinical relevance and research utility were low for all, as expected for MCAT prep.
Building Your Resource Collection
Start with one solid review guide. Add a question bank (Qbank) if you need more practice. Don't buy multiple books that cover the same material. Match your choice to your weakest areas.
Final Verdict
The 9th edition is a small but real upgrade over the 8th. The key difference is that the 9th includes 3 full-length practice tests, which the 8th lacks entirely. If you already own the 8th, you can skip it. If you're buying new, get the 9th for the added full-length tests. For deeper prep, Kaplan is worth the extra cost for students who need extensive practice and content depth.
Compare your options by practice volume, depth, and budget before you decide.