Kaplan vs. Princeton Review MCAT Course [Review + Discounts]

In this Kaplan vs Princeton Review MCAT prep course head-to-head comparison, we will take a deep dive into the respective features of each company’s various MCAT test prep courses. Afterwards, you’ll have a clearer idea of which course suits you best to prepare for the exam.

The MCAT is a big commitment for any med school hopeful – both in terms of time and money. So is the prep course that you choose to take. Here is everything you need to know about the top two options:

A Brief Overview: Princeton Review vs Kaplan MCAT Courses

First, let’s take a look at the features of each company’s courses individually, starting with Princeton Review:

The Princeton Review MCAT Course Overview

Read our Fully Detailed Princeton MCAT Review 

Princeton Review was established in 1981 and has helped millions of students prepare for standardized exams, including the MCAT. The company is widely regarded as a premier test prep service.

Princeton Review’s most basic option is its all-online Self-Paced Princeton Review MCAT package (priced at $1,699). Every Princeton Review MCAT prep course includes 500 proprietary “Medflix” prep videos on demand, 16 full-length practice tests, and 10 MCAT books (3 exclusive to students, 7 subject-specific). More expensive options offer more materials and score guarantees (510+ and 515+). The company also offers an online “bootcamp” option (a shorter and more intensive course) similar to Kaplan’s version of the MCAT “bootcamp.”

The Princeton Review MCAT prep course currently has a 4.6/5 rating from real-life users on Google My Business and a 4/5-star rating on TrustPilot.

Pros:

• Individualized diagnostics to identify your weak spots (or, in inclusive test-prep speak, your “areas of opportunity”).
• Specific and actionable score guarantees.
• Subject-matter experts offer insights and clarifications on issues, creating a richer learning environment.
• Help with admissions to med school if you need it.

Cons:

• Fewer practice questions than Kaplan.
• Customer service response is occasionally lacking.

The Kaplan MCAT Course Overview

View our fully-detailed Kaplan MCAT Review

2.1 million students utilize Kaplan’s MCAT test prep courses each year, making it the most used option for aspiring medical students. You are likely to be familiar with the name; having been in business for 80 years, many regard Kaplan as the industry leader in test prep.

Kaplan’s Online Prep Course (priced at $2,499) is the most popular version of the Kaplan MCAT program. For an additional $500, you can opt for an upgraded “plus” version of its online course that includes one-on-one tutoring and other bonuses. Other course options include its more basic DIY package ($1,799) and “bootcamp” course ($6,999) — both online and in-person — which is essentially a condensed, speedier version of its standard courses.

All of Kaplan’s MCAT courses come with 16 full-length practice tests, a 7-book Kaplan subject review, an exclusive MCAT channel with 90 hours of on-demand lessons with 24/7 access, and 2,900+ questions via its Qbank. The “plus” options come with more features.  

The reviews of Kaplan’s MCAT prep course are generally highly positive. Kaplan has a 3.7/5-star rating at consumeraffairs.com and a 4.6/5-star rating on TrustPilot from real-life users.

Pros:

• Days’ worth of on-demand videos.
• Fast and thorough responsiveness from support staff to technical and other issues.
• Customizable course options.
• Pedigreed instructors (PhDs and MSs, etc.).

Cons:

• Shorter time window to complete (5 months compared to 12 or more with other companies)
• More expensive than other MCAT prep courses.

Princeton vs Kaplan MCAT Review:  Head-to-Head Matchup

We’ve covered the basics of each MCAT course. Now, let’s take a close-up look at the characteristics and features of each to give you a better idea of how they stack up against each other with a quick Kaplan vs Princeton Review MCAT Price Chart:

Price

Considering that these courses run into the thousands of dollars, there aren’t huge differences to be seen in the pricing schemes between the two companies. However, if you’re studying for the MCAT, chances are that you’re not financially gifted at the current moment. So, hundreds of dollars in savings can likely make a huge difference.

So, if it’s the basic, DIY prep option you want, Kaplan’s got Princeton Review beat by a hundred dollars. Also, Kaplan’s online courses are generally cheaper, even though there is not a perfect comparison feature-wise.

For Princeton Review, it seems they tax you heavily for score guarantees, either 510 or 515. So, if you want this type of specific guarantee, the extra cost might be justifiable when choosing between Kaplan or Princeton Review MCAT. If not, your wallet will be slightly heavier with Kaplan. In our opinion, the tacked-on price for a score guarantee is not necessary if you are fully committed to maximizing your score. “Do or do not:  there is no try,” as Yoda says.

For those looking for even cheaper options, check our list of the top 8 MCAT prep courses. There are a couple that come in cheaper. 

Practice Questions and Tests

This matchup is where Kaplan really outshines all of its competition, including Princeton Review. The company offers its MCAT test-takers more than 10,000 practice questions – far more than any other test prep service on the market. In addition, there are nearly 3,000 “Qbank” questions that can be calibrated for difficulty and by subject.

Princeton Review, on the other hand, only offers 1,000 practice questions. The major benefit of Princeton Review in this regard is its questions that are specifically targeted to improve your proficiency based on individual strengths and weaknesses. This is a highly valued benefit of Princeton Review; you can really use it to optimize study-time for maximum payoff on test day.

Both companies, however, offer 16 practice tests.

Class Materials & Instruction

The Princeton Review may slightly edge out Kaplan in the “books and other materials” category. Based on our experiences and the reviews from test-takers on Reddit and elsewhere, Princeton Review’s MCAT prep books — 3 of which are exclusively available only to students who take its courses — are well-organized, concise study aides that make a difference for preparing fully.

Kaplan also offers an impressive selection of textbooks to its students, including 7 subject-specific books and more than 90 hours of on-demand video on its MCAT channel with all of its packages.

For thoroughness and quality, Princeton Review’s study materials carry the day.