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.
A Quick Overview of Kaplan MCAT Preparation
Kaplan MCAT Prep provides structured preparation through content review, practice questions, test-taking strategies, and full-length practice exams.
Students can study with MCAT prep books, video lessons, quizzes, question banks, and practice tests covering the major sections of the exam.
Depending on the selected plan, Kaplan may also include live online classes, recorded lessons, study planning tools, progress tracking, and instructor support.
Kaplan MCAT Prep is best suited to students who prefer organized study materials and guided preparation rather than building an MCAT study plan from scratch.
If you want to reduce the cost, you can use $900 off Kaplan MCAT coupon to save on Kaplan MCAT prep courses.
Kaplan MCAT Packages And Pricing Breakdown
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 Prep Plans | Discounted Price | Original Price | Format | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Demand MCAT Prep | $1,299 | $1,599 | On demand | 24/7 recorded lessons, instructor support, 21 full-length practice tests |
| Live Online MCAT Prep (Most Popular) | $1,999 | $2,699 | Live online | 42 live hours, 520+ scoring teacher, 21 full-length practice tests |
| In Person MCAT Prep | $2,899 | $3,399 | In person | 42 classroom hours, MCAT expert instruction, 21 full-length practice tests |
| Private Tutoring + Live Online | $2,999 | $3,599 | Tutoring + live | 1-on-1 tutoring, complete Live Online course, 515+ score guarantee* |
The Kaplan MCAT On Demand Course costs $1,299, reduced from $1,599, and includes 24/7 recorded lessons, instructor support, and 21 full-length practice tests.
The Kaplan MCAT Live Online Course costs $1,999, reduced from $2,699, with 42 hours of live instruction, a 520+ scoring teacher, and 21 practice tests.
The In Person MCAT Course costs $2,899, while Private Tutoring + Live Online costs $2,999 and includes 1-on-1 tutoring, a complete Live Online course, and an eligible 515+ score guarantee.
If these prices feel high, you can save up to $1000 by using the Kaplan MCAT coupon 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 choosing Kaplan MCAT Prep, I compared several MCAT prep providers. After using Kaplan, I found the course to be well-organized, with a good mix of content review, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
The program covers most areas students need for MCAT preparation, but it also has a few limitations that are worth considering before you enroll.
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.
The video lessons use diagrams, charts, animations, and illustrations to explain difficult MCAT topics simply. This visual approach made it easier for me to understand and retain information.
When I needed more detail on a topic, Kaplan linked directly to the relevant sections in its MCAT prep books, making it easy to continue learning without searching through the material.
As someone who learns faster through videos, I found these lessons highly effective. The videos are well-produced, easy to follow, and break down complex concepts into manageable sections.
Students who prefer reading may still want to spend more time with the study books and written resources.
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 them 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
The Kaplan MCAT Live Online Course includes 3-hour live classes that focus on MCAT strategies and exam skills. Students can choose from multiple class times each week.
Kaplan also offers live workshops for both On-Demand and Live Online students. These sessions cover specific topics and allow students to ask instructors questions in real time.
Students receive access to 700+ hours of MCAT study resources, including video lessons, workshops, practice questions, and full-length exams.
The large content library provides extensive MCAT coverage but may feel overwhelming for some students.
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 42 hours of interactive instruction, led by an MCAT teacher who scored 520+ on the exam.
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.
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 Is Kaplan’s Refund Policy?
Kaplan provides a 3-day money-back guarantee on their courses.
If you find it not so useful within 3 days of purchasing it, you can ask for a full refund for your payment.
If you cancel between 4 and 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.
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. |
Conclusion: Is Kaplan MCAT Prep Worth It?
Yes, Kaplan MCAT Prep can be worth it for students who prefer structured lessons, guided study, and plenty of MCAT practice.
Its courses bring together study materials, practice questions, full-length exams, and learning support, so you do not have to build your preparation plan from separate resources.
The higher price may not suit every budget, but students who value organized preparation and instructor guidance may find the added support worthwhile.
Before enrolling, compare the available Kaplan MCAT plans based on your study style, preparation time, and budget to decide whether it is the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 a thorough content review, but supplementing with AAMC materials and additional practice questions is recommended for the 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.
How Long Do You Get Access to Kaplan MCAT Course Materials?
Kaplan provides 6 months of access to its online MCAT prep materials after enrollment. If 6 months isn’t enough, Kaplan offers extended access for an additional fee, allowing students to continue using the course materials beyond the standard access period.
