Kaplan MCAT Course Review

This course is extremely comprehensive without being too detailed or overwhelming.
Written by: Kristine Thorndyke
kaplan

Editor's Ranking

3.5/5

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Kaplan is among the top commercial MCAT prep course options and provides a wide variety of course deliveries including Live Online, In Person, On Demand, Tutoring & Consulting, as well as Winter and Summer Intensives.

When you finish this Kaplan MCAT course review, you’ll have all the reasons you’ll need to either buy or skip this MCAT course. 

Online MCAT Prep Course | Kaplan Test Prep Online MCAT Prep Course | Kaplan Test Prep
3.5
$2099

A commercial MCAT test prep with various course offerings that's best known for its high-quality instructors

Pros:
  • Adaptive Qbank makes for efficient studying
  • One-on-one coaching add-on available for all courses
  • Course offerings include in-person
Cons:
  • Course offerings are expensive – even for on-demand
  • Practice tests are notoriously more difficult than actual MCAT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

About Kaplan MCAT

kaplan mcat course review

Kaplan offers a suite of MCAT prep options that include on-demand, live online, in person, as well as various tutoring and consulting packages.

With the largest network on classroom network on classroom sites nationwide (currently located in 43 states), many students actually have the option to take this course in-person. All of these courses are backed with a higher score or your money back guarantee.

Prepping for the MCAT – Start Here

Curriculum Review

Regardless of the course option you choose, the Kaplan MCAT course prep products all utilize the same core curriculum. This curriculum utilizes the adaptive Qbank, course materials, access to all the AAMC practice materials, and a range of 525-700 hours of instruction and practice.

Kaplan creates a personalized study plan that guides users through 125 hours of live instruction and 400+ hours of online resources. This personalized study plan is crafted to get you quicker score gains in less time.

kaplan mcat platform

Kaplan study plan includes assignments for each week that are customized to your timeline

All instructors for Kaplan MCAT must be score-qualified and trained on all areas of the MCAT. All of the courses on Kaplan are backed by a higher score guaranteed or your money back.

kaplan mcat practice test

Kaplan’s full-length MCAT practice tests look and feel exactly like the official MCAT practice test platform

Platform

Kaplan’s MCAT course platform integrates videos as well as text-based communication technology. All online classrooms incorporate an interactive whiteboard tool that helps to create an interactive virtual classroom feel.

Kaplan’s adaptive Qbank will challenge you with just the right level of difficulty, as it’s powered by a smart algorithm that learns about your ability and provides you with questions that will provide the biggest opportunities for growth. At the end of the day, this adaptive technology saves you time with targeted practice that is both effective and efficient.

kaplan qbank

Kaplan Qbank can be customized to target the topics you’re struggling with the most.

Kaplan Student Feedback

Expensive but very helpful

The course provides students with ample resources for review, and the instructional videos are helpful and engaging.

Abigail

Great resource

The simulated exams, practice questions, and lectures were invaluable for my MCAT preparation process.

Koji

Beyond pleased with my course

I have yet to take my MCAT yet but I will say that I loved my course! The professor was amazing, she took the time to make sure we understood what the topic was for that day and if we didn’t, she was more than happy to further help via email.

Sarah

More reviews can be found on TrustPilot.

Who Needs This Course

The Kaplan MCAT Course is best for those who have the budget and are trying to choose between the Princeton Review and Kaplan. Among this group of potential students, the ideal user of Kaplan’s MCAT product is someone who does not need an extremely detailed MCAT prep course. If you missed out on certain classes before taking the MCAT, we recommend you opting for The Princeton Review. You can read our detailed Princeton Review MCAT review for more details. If, however, you are looking for a decent review of what is to be tested on the MCAT and need a course to keep you on-task and structured, then this is the perfect MCAT prep course for you!

Why would you prefer to have fewer details and information when it comes to the MCAT? Well, the easiest answer to that is to keep you from getting overwhelmed with things that may not be tested on the MCAT or that do not need full detailed explanations to do well on the test. For those who have already taken the classes needed before the MCAT, then you will be fine opting for the Kaplan and feel a bit more empowered as you work your way through the material.

Who Doesn’t Need the Kaplan MCAT Course

Students who do not do well in this course are those who need deep, detailed instruction and do not work well on their own study time. This course provides the general structure and outline for studying, but the bulk of studying still has to be done on your own and requires additional resources such as Anki, which you can use for free. If you do not have the discipline or crave more structure, we encourage you to look at TPR.

Course Pricing Options

Kaplan Self-Paced MCAT

Kaplan Self-Paced

Price: $1,999

Summary: 540 hours of of total instruction & practice: complete MCAT course available recorded 24/7, 15 full-length MCAT practice tests, 10,000 practice questions, Qbank, 130 interactive Science Review videos, AAMC practice material, 7-book MCAT Subject Review set, online access for 6 months

For another self-paced option, check out our detailed Magoosh MCAT review.

Kaplan In Person & Live Online MCAT

Kaplan In Person

Price: $2,599

Summary: 700 hours of total instruction and practice: 15 full-length MCAT practice tests, 10,000 practice items, Qbank, 130 interactive Science Review videos, AAMC practice material, 7-book MCAT Subject Review set.

Kaplan Live Online

Price: $2,599

Summary: 700 hours of total instruction and practice: 15 full-length MCAT practice tests, 10,000 practice items, Qbank, 130 interactive Science Review videos, AAMC practice material, 7-book MCAT Subject Review set.  

See all Kaplan Live Online MCAT Course Options

Kaplan MCAT Bootcamps

Kaplan MCAT Intensive Bootcamp Live Online

Price: $6,999

Summary: 240-hour strategically structured programming that integrates strategy, content review, personalized plan, plus access to all Kaplan MCAT course offerings like AAMC materials, 7-book set, etc. Includes weekly one-on-one coaching with your personal MCAT coach totalling 12 hours.

Kaplan MCAT Intensive Bootcamp In Person

Price: $9,999

Summary: This is a 6-week experience led by the highest-rated MCAT faculty across the US. The course is focused on MCAT strategy, content review, and personalized study plans. After lectures, there are small-group reviews and weekly private tutoring. Each student will take 5 classroom simulated MCAT practice tests to ensure that they are fully prepared for test day. Read our full review of Kaplan & other MCAT Bootcamps.

Add Room & Board: $3,500

Kaplan MCAT Tutoring Options

Kaplan Tutoring Live Online/ In Person (10-40 hours)

Price$3,299-$6,299

Summary:  One-on-one tutoring includes a full In Person or Live Online classroom course. You will have access to all the offerings of the Live Online or In Person Kaplan MCAT prep courses.

See all Kaplan MCAT Tutoring Options

Kaplan MCAT Course Review FAQ

How much does the Kaplan MCAT course cost?

The cheapest Kaplan course option is the Online On Demand at $1,799. For those looking for live online, the courses start at $2,499. Kaplan is partnered with Affirm for up to 12 months repayment at 0% APR.

Is Kaplan MCAT harder than the real MCAT?

The Kaplan MCAT tests are harder but are graded easier than the AAMC. The questions can be more broad, giving students a better idea of where they need to focus their studying efforts to realize score gains.

Is Princeton or Kaplan better for the MCAT?

We prefer the Princeton Review for its specific score guarantee courses as well as its course materials and superior learning platform. You can see more areas that Princeton Review stands out in our Kaplan vs Princeton Review guide.

Which MCAT course is best?

The best overall MCAT prep course on our list is The Princeton Review. You have various options for how you will learn (on-demand, live online, in-person) and they have superior learning platforms for ease of studying.

Will the Kaplan MCAT prep course raise my score?

Kaplan is pretty confident your score will improve if you utilize their MCAT courses. They all come with a higher score guarantee, so if you don’t score higher on your MCAT, you can retake the course or get a refund.

Similar MCAT Prep Course Alternatives

Princeton Review MCAT

blueprint vs princeton review mcat

Student seeking a specific high score guarantee may feel better off investing in The Princeton Review. With courses that guarantee a 513+ and a 515+ on the MCAT, you can feel more confidence going into the MCAT test day.

See our full analysis on Kaplan vs Princeton Review MCAT.

The Princeton Review | 515+ Score Guarantee MCAT Test Prep The Princeton Review | 515+ Score Guarantee MCAT Test Prep
4.5
$3499

One of the highest-rated MCAT prep courses that offers on-demand and live-online MCAT prep as well as high score guarantees. Get 15% off with code: TPN15

Pros:
  • Subject-specific diagnostic exams pinpoint strengths & weaknesses
  • Personalized homework is assigned after every lecture
  • Up-to-date MCAT Complete 9-book set is included
  • 16 full-length practice tests simulate the format and time restraints of real MCAT
  • Access to all AAMC material
Cons:
  • No more in-person class options
  • 515+ score guarantee is extra
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Blueprint MCAT Prep

blueprint mcat review

Blueprint MCAT has a jazzier user interface for students looking to study on-demand. With a personalized, drag-and-drop study schedule, you can adjust your MCAT study.

See our full thoughts on the differences between these two courses in our Blueprint vs Kaplan MCAT Review 2024.

Blueprint Prep | MCAT Online Course Blueprint Prep | MCAT Online Course
4.5
$1999

A top-tier MCAT prep program that allows for custom study plans and analytics for targeting weaknesses.

Pros:
  • Generous unlimited 2-hour Live-Online Office Hours outside of class
  • New mobile-friendly format
  • Can test out of content you already know
  • Day-by-day study plan tool with simple drag-and-drop feature
  • Superb 6-book series called MCAT Review Book
Cons:
  • Lack of student reviews who have taken this course
  • It’s expensive for an on demand course
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Altius MCAT

altius mcat

Altius is known for their MCAT prep tests and their high score averages for students who have taken their course. If you’re seeking some more one-on-one attention, then Altius may be the better MCAT prep course option for your needs.

See our review of Altius vs Kaplan MCAT.

Altius MCAT Prep Altius MCAT Prep
4.0
$2999

Altius boasts studies-backed, proven MCAT results. Included in all their courses are AAMC materials and tests.

Get $800 OFF mentoring programs with promo code: NERDS800

Pros:
  • Studies-backed results
  • High-quality practice tests
  • Lifetime access to the online course
Cons:
  • Expensive course options
  • Platform feels outdated

Kaplan MCAT Prep Review – Bottom Line

With the many MCAT prep courses to choose from, you should seriously consider Kaplan MCAT prep courses if you:

  • Value the high volume of practice questions (10,000+).
  • Want access to more on-demand lessons (90 hours). 
  • Place a premium on brand reputation (Kaplan is widely considered the industry leader in test prep).
Online MCAT Prep Course | Kaplan Test Prep Online MCAT Prep Course | Kaplan Test Prep
3.5
$2099

A commercial MCAT test prep with various course offerings that's best known for its high-quality instructors

Pros:
  • Adaptive Qbank makes for efficient studying
  • One-on-one coaching add-on available for all courses
  • Course offerings include in-person
Cons:
  • Course offerings are expensive – even for on-demand
  • Practice tests are notoriously more difficult than actual MCAT
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

What’s Next?

For a full list of our favorite MCAT prep courses, check out our page 8 Best MCAT Prep Courses. Here you’ll find more MCAT prep course options like on-demand, live online, and in-person.. Included are reader discounts that you won’t find anywhere else! Good luck choosing the prep course that best fits you!

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