In this article, I answer the most common questions students ask before choosing Kaplan for MCAT preparation.
This Kaplan MCAT Review is based on personal experience. I have used the Kaplan platform for over a year and have also recommended it to other students who saw real value from its structured, instructor-led courses.
Overview Of Kaplan MCAT Prep
Kaplan MCAT Live Online Course is a structured study program that focuses on content review, exam strategy, and timed practice. The course includes MCAT prep books, video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests that follow the real exam format.
Students get a guided study plan and progress tracking across all MCAT subjects. Higher plans include live or recorded classes, as well as instructor support. Kaplan MCAT Prep suits students who want a clear study path and all prep materials in one place.
If you want to reduce the cost, you can use 20% off Kaplan discount codes to save on select Kaplan MCAT prep courses.
Kaplan MCAT Live Online Course Options & Pricing
Kaplan offers 4 MCAT prep course types: On-Demand MCAT Prep, Live Online MCAT, In-Person MCAT Prep, and Private Tutoring + Live Online
Below is a clear breakdown of Kaplan MCAT course options and pricing.
| Kaplan MCAT Course | Duration / Access | Regular Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Demand MCAT Prep | 6-Month Access | $1,599 | $1,399 |
| 9-Month Access | $1,999 | $1,599 | |
| 12-Month Access | $2,599 | $2,099 | |
| Live Online MCAT | 6-Month Access | $2,699 | $2,299 |
| 9-Month Access | $3,099 | $2,599 | |
| 12-Month Access | $3,299 | $2,699 | |
| In-Person MCAT Prep | 6-Month Access | $3,199 | $2,799 |
| 9-Month Access | $3,599 | $3,099 | |
| 12-Month Access | $3,799 | $3,199 | |
| Private Tutoring + Live Online | MCAT Tutoring + Live Online Course | $3,599 | $2,999 |
| Premium MCAT Tutoring + Live Online Course | $4,399 | – |
From my experience using Kaplan for over a year, On-Demand plans are the most budget-friendly option, starting around $1,599, and they work well if you can manage a self-study schedule.
Live Online courses cost more, usually starting at $2,699, but the higher price reflects scheduled classes and instructor-led sessions that help many students stay consistent.
MCAT prep course in-person and Tutoring plans sit is strating at $3,199 and above, because they include classroom instruction or one-on-one support, which suits students who need direct feedback.
If these prices feel high, you can save up to $1000 by using the Kaplan MCAT discount code, which makes Kaplan MCAT prep affordable.
What Is The Kaplan MCAT Score Guarantee?
Yes, Kaplan offers a score guarantee for MCAT prep. If you enroll in a qualifying premium Kaplan MCAT program and complete all required coursework, Kaplan guarantees a 515+ MCAT score.
The guarantee applies to Premium Tutoring, Live Online Course, and MCAT Bootcamp, and if you meet the requirements but do not reach a 515 score, Kaplan may offer free repeat access or other options, based on the plan terms.
My Experience with the Kaplan MCAT Prep Course
Before finding Kaplan MCAT test prep, I explored multiple other platforms before choosing Kaplan MCAT as my learning companion.
And I must say the courses on Kaplan I found it to be well-structured, comprehensive program that effectively balances content, strategy, and flexibility.
However, it does come with a few drawbacks, which I’ll discuss as we go along.
Kaplan’s MCAT Study Schedule
I found the MCAT course is structured in a study schedule, which means it dictates your daily tasks.
Whether you choose the self-paced or live online course, everything is mapped out in a calendar format.
This schedule includes learning modules, AAMC practice sessions, full-length tests, review sessions, and optional workshops. This ensures you stay on track.
Each module begins with a placement quiz (about 15-20 questions) to assess your baseline knowledge.
If you score around 80% you get the privilege to skip the module and move forward. Otherwise, you proceed with the lessons.
Kaplan’s Video Lessons and Study Materials
I found Kaplan’s video lessons highly engaging, usually lasting between 8 and 13 minutes, but I also found lessons as short as 5 minutes or as long as 20.
These videos were highly appealing in visuals, including diagrams, graphs, and illustrations, to make complex topics easy to understand easily.
On top of that, if I am stuck with any concept and want an in-depth explanation, Kaplan directs me to the corresponding chapter in its prep books for additional reading.
As I learn by watching easily and faster, I found these video lessons to be incredibly effective.
They maintain a high production quality and present information in a way that is easy to digest, and if you are a text person, you may need to supplement with additional reading materials.
Kaplan’s Practice Questions and Qbank
In addition to the structured lessons, Kaplan provides extensive practice opportunities, at the end of each module you get a review quiz similar in length to the placement quiz.
You also get full-length mock exams, AAMC and CARS practice assignments, and practice test review sessions integrated into your study plan.
In the Qbank you get 3,000+ practice questions, which is another valuable resource.
Each question includes an explanation, though I found these to be somewhat lacking in depth. While they do a decent job of explaining the correct and incorrect answers, a little more analysis would have been helpful.
The Role of Kaplan’s Prep Books
Kaplan’s prep books are designed to complement the video lessons and Qbank.
However, these prep books are not directly assigned to your study plan, it depends on your choice to use it or not.
I found it helpful and overwhelming at the same time since it allows you to tailor your study approach to your learning style.
On the other hand, the sheer number of optional resources can be overwhelming.
Kaplan’s Live Classes and Workshops
I was enrolled for the the live online course on Kaplan MCAT, it offered me a series of live classes that primarily focus on test-taking strategies.
Each session lasts 3 hours, and one of the best aspects is the flexibility in scheduling. Kaplan provides multiple session times throughout the week, allowing you to choose what works best for you.
Additionally, Kaplan offers live workshops that are open to both self-paced and live course students.
These workshops provide deep dives into specific topics and allow for real-time interaction with instructors.
For self-paced students, these sessions serve as a useful supplement to the pre-recorded lessons.
Kaplan gives you 700+ hours of study material far more than the 300 to 350 hours recommended by the AAMC.
This abundance of resources ensures thorough preparation, but it can also feel overwhelming. However, if you are looking for a course that covers every aspect of the MCAT in detail, Kaplan delivers.
Kaplan MCAT Prep Books
I got a set of 7 comprehensive prep books, each focusing on a specific subject area. These books are well-organized, with clear explanations, diagrams, and practice questions.
They served as invaluable resources during my preparation, allowing for in-depth study and review.
Kaplan MCAT Practice Tests
Kaplan gives you 17 full-length MCAT practice tests, a solid number that only Gold Standard MCAT Prep surpasses with 20.
Given that each exam takes over 7 hours, this provides you with enough test-taking experience, the quality of Kaplan’s practice tests is above average, closely resembling the real MCAT.
Kaplan MCAT practice questions are well-crafted, and the test platform accurately mirrors the actual exam. Overall, Kaplan’s practice tests are reliable and provide sufficient preparation.
The Kaplan MCAT Class Experience
Kaplan’s live online MCAT course includes 14 three-hour sessions led by an expert instructor.
While Kaplan doesn’t specify instructor score requirements, my teacher mentioned scoring in the 94th percentile. High scores don’t always mean great teaching, but it was reassuring.
The instructor was determined to follow Kaplan’s curriculum, rarely deviating except for occasional side tips, which were insightful and worth noting.
I felt Kaplan’s approach to teaching the MCAT was more structured and kept lessons on track.
Each session was intense, packing in a heavy amount of material. Staying focused for three hours was challenging, but the depth of instruction made it worthwhile.
User Experience & Digital Platform
Kaplan’s digital platform is user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and a clean interface. The dashboard provides easy access to lessons, practice tests, and performance analytics. The seamless integration of various resources facilitated an efficient study process.
Kaplan 1-on-1 MCAT Tutoring
For highly personalized guidance, I opted for Kaplan 1-on-1 tutoring once, to address specific weaknesses, and the tailored instruction significantly boosted my confidence and competence in those areas.
To give you a context Kaplan offers private tutoring packages of 10, 20, 30, or 40 hours, ranging from about $3,300 to over $6,000.
With these packages, you get a personal mentor and you also get Kaplan’s on-demand course, adding extra value to the investment.
Content Access Period
So, now the question comes of how long you can access content on Kaplan once you purchase the MCAT course.
Kaplan provides 6 months of access to its online MCAT prep materials.
It may not sound enough, but it is sufficient time for even those who have busy schedules.
However, If needed, Kaplan offers extended access for an additional fee.
Does Kaplan Have a Mobile App for MCAT Prep?
Yes, Kaplan offers a mobile app that complements their MCAT prep courses.
With the app you get features like flashcards, practice questions, and video lessons, allowing for convenient study sessions on-the-go.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Kaplan MCAT Prep?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-structured books, video lessons, and a large practice question bank covering all MCAT sections. | Courses can feel expensive at full price without a discount. |
| 3,000+ practice questions and up to 16 full-length MCAT tests that follow the real exam format. | The detailed content may feel heavy for students who prefer shorter lessons. |
| Self-paced, live online, MCAT prep course in-person, and tutoring options that fit different schedules. | |
| Instructor-led guidance focused on MCAT exam patterns and practice strategy. |
What Is Kaplan Refund Policy?
Kaplan provides a 3-day money-back guarantee on their courses, if you find it not so useful within 3 days of your purchasing it, you can ask for a full refund for your payment.
If you cancel between 4– 7 days, you can still receive 75% of your money back. However, shipping costs for physical books are non-refundable, and you must return the materials.
This policy provides a reasonable grace period for students making a significant investment, though it generally does not extend to the Kaplan MCAT Bootcamp program.
Conclusion: Is Kaplan Mcat Prep Worth It?
In my experience, the Kaplan MCAT prep course is worth every penny I spend on it.
From providing a comprehensive and effective preparation strategy to the quality of materials, experienced instructors, and flexible learning options contributed significantly to my readiness for the MCAT.
I found the investment worthwhile despite the course being a little bit on the pricier side. If you’re serious about achieving a competitive MCAT score, Kaplan’s program is a solid choice.
I hope my Kaplan MCAT review was helpful for you to decide, if is Kaplan good for MCAT preparation or not.
FAQs On Kaplan MCAT Review
Is Kaplan MCAT worth it?
Yes, if you prefer structured study plans, high-quality materials, and a variety of practice tests, it offers flexible options to suit different learning styles and provides a higher score guarantee.
How many hours a day should I study with the Kaplan MCAT?
This depends on your timeline. If you’re studying full-time, 4–6 hours per day is ideal. If you’re balancing other commitments, 2–3 hours per day over a few months should work.
Does Kaplan offer free MCAT prep?
Kaplan occasionally offers free practice tests, trial lessons, and sample study materials. Keep an eye on their website for promotions.
Are Kaplan MCAT books enough to prepare for the exam?
Kaplan’s books provide thorough content review, but supplementing with AAMC materials and additional practice questions is recommended for best results.
How does Kaplan compare to other MCAT prep courses?
Kaplan is known for its structured approach and high-quality materials. Compared to Princeton Review, Kaplan offers more flexibility but fewer practice tests. Compared to Blueprint MCAT, Kaplan has more comprehensive content but a less modern digital platform.