Molecular imprinting-based solid-phase extraction (MI-SPE) has been in the spotlight to improve the recognition selectivity and detection sensitivity. MI-SPE provides a powerful tool for chemo/bioanalysis in complex matrices and meanwhile, benefits from distinguished advantages such as easy operation, high throughput, low cost, high selectivity and durability. This review proposed the recent advances in molecular imprinting concerning novel preparation strategies of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and typical applications of MI-SPE. Preparation strategies are highlighted by dividing into ten sections mainly including dummy imprinting, multi-template imprinting, surface imprinting, water-compatible imprinting, restricted access material combining imprinting etc.; each section provides the descriptions about what restrictions led to the emergence of any strategy, strengths/weaknesses of every strategy and universal applications of upgraded MIPs in various SPE modes prior to chromatographic analysis. The potential of MIPs for implementation in routine laboratory activities and scale-up is expected, and finally remaining challenges and future perspectives are proposed. Display omitted •Current challenges on MIPs and related imprinting strategies are comprehensively summarized.•Applications of upgraded molecular imprinting based solid-phase extraction are discussed.•The potential of MIPs for implementation in routine laboratory activities and scale-up is summarized.•The future study requirements are highlighted.