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Kaplan Test Prep

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6.1

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: April 24th, 2024

Kaplan was founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan and has since become a well-known name in education. Kaplan Test Prep is one of the oldest and most recognized test preparation companies. It is a branch of Kaplan, a company with over 1,000 educational institutions and 2,600 businesses operating in over 30 countries.

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The Good

  • Number of Courses Offered
  • Free Resources 
  • Selection of Services 
  • Higher Score Guarantee

Number of Courses Offered

Kaplan Test Prep offers one of the largest selections of courses in the industry. It offers test prep courses for high school, undergraduate, and graduate admissions, not to mention other professional certifications, medical licensing, and more. Students will most likely find preparation materials for their desired test with Kaplan.

Free Resources

Kaplan Test Prep has a large selection of blog posts ranging from information about the ACT/SAT to a Bar Exam Insider. In addition to informational materials, the company also offers a selection of free practice tests, free sample classes, and pop quizzes. 

Selection of Services

Kaplan allows students to choose the service that best fits their learning style. The company offers live online, self-paced, and in-person courses along with online and in-person tutoring. Kaplan's large variety of options can fit the need of any customer. 

Higher Score Guarantee

Kaplan Test Prep offers a “higher score guarantee” for many courses. This guarantee requires customers to be first-time Kaplan students, establish a baseline score prior to starting the program, take the test when it is next administered, and share their score within three months of completing the test. 

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The Bad

  • High Prices
  • No Guarantee of a Specific Score Increase

High Prices

Kaplan Test Prep has extremely high prices when compared with competitors. The company's prices vary by test and service. For example, GRE self-paced courses start at $699 for six months, live online courses start at $999, and in-person courses start at $1,299. GRE tutoring costs $2,499 for 15 hours. Many other companies offer lower prices for similar services. 

No Guarantee of a Specific Score Increase

Though Kaplan Test Prep does guarantee a higher score on many tests, it does not guarantee specific increases. Many competitors guarantee 200+ points on the SAT or a full refund. Kaplan’s guarantee is helpful but other companies offer much more generous money-back guarantees. 

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The Bottom Line

Kaplan Test Prep is a well-known company with a large selection of materials and preparation courses. It guarantees a higher score, but does not specify a specific level of increase like some competitors. The company has one of the largest selections of courses. Customers seeking a less common course will most likely find it with Kaplan; however, its courses are much more expensive than competitors. We recommend searching other companies to find more affordable prices.

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77 Reviews

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Nyla C. Edison, NJ

Kaplan Test Prep can be a bit pricey, however it helps with getting to know the material that you are wanting to study. I have been using Kaplan to prepare for the MCAT and all the explanations are worded in ways that are easier to understand than most textbooks. I appreciate how you're also able to go at your own pace, you can also order and use the outside material to help you better prepare like the hardcopy textbooks.

3 years ago

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Brad H Gilbert, AZ

I used Kaplan to help me prepare for the MCAT exam. This is an exam which allows you to. attend Medical School. There were 3 areas in which. I think Kaplan really excelled. They provide classes which motivate you to study. These classes are taught by a mentor. who has already taken the test.. They tell you how to best use your time while taking the test, what to do if you run out of ideas on essay potion of the test and just how to answer questions that you don't know. by applying what you do know. We often had practice tests which helped. us to know what we still needed to. work on. The center had excellent facilities for spending hours going over problems which are patterned after those on the exam. Usually this is with head phones on so you can listen to their explanation without bothering your neighbor. Finally they provide some literature for you to study to help you better concentrate your time. Overall very satisfied with this company

3 years ago

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Nashali Vescovacci FL

Kaplan has great test prep for the Medical College Admission Test. Their materials are straightforward and very easy to use. They also present the information that is easy to understand, which is important for test prep. They are also very good about working with their customers.

3 years ago

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Austin Stelmach Boulder, CO

I am in the process of studying for the MCAT now and have found Kaplan books to be the most precise and clear when it comes to studying. All my friends have used Kaplan, some of which have gone on to some of the most prestigious medical schools in the US.

4 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Kaplan Test Prep is an invaluable testing resource. They offer measurable improvement through their skills improvements strategies. They can get you better results when you apply their learning objectives. They offer a comprehensive plan for improvement on national tests. Overall a key tool that offers guidance, proven strategies, and success.

4 years ago

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Derrian Tallahassee, FL

Kaplan has helped prepared me for some of the major tests of my life! kaplan helped me prepare for the ACT test and the SAT test. I have seen a jump in my test score at least by 2 points once i started the test prep exercises and curriculum that they have available. I am going to use them again for the MCAT test that I will be taking in septemeber and I trust that this preparation will help me with this very important test of my life.

4 years ago

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Annie Hickey

I took the Kaplan prep test for the LSAT. I scored really well. Appreciated the inside and the knowledge that they provided.

8 months ago

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

A decent company, but I find that their services are not the best quality for the money. They really do advertise well, but I find that their services are usually vague and I could find better sources out there. Their materials are also quite expensive.

10 months ago

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meryl edwards Savannah, GA

Used the service to get my son ready for his SAT exam. The lesson plans, review of the subject matter and his overall improvement and readiness for the exam was totally worth the investment.

1 year ago

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David Swenson Denver, CO

One of the most trusted names around. I have been using their prep books to help students at my tutoring company for the last 6 years. Couldn't recommend these resources more.

3 years ago

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Theodore Niemann Boulder, CO

I am currently studying for the MCAT. Kaplan has some really comprehensive books that contain tons of information. They also have an online website that allows you to do practice questions and learn strategies for taking the test.

4 years ago

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roberto arcia Columbia, MO

I have been using Kaplan Test Prep for my MCAT studies. It has been super helpful in raising my score over 20 points. I am glad that I started using Kaplan as it has been a game-changer for my medical school applications. I would recommend Kaplan for anyone studying for the MCAT or any other large standardized exam.

3 years ago

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Anne Sainsbury South Jordan, UT

I used a couple of Kaplan Test Prep courses to prepare for ACT and AP exams a couple of years back and they were very helpful. I felt that they were comprehensive and helped me gain a better understanding not only of the subject material, but of the way that the tests worked.

3 years ago

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Ryan Harpenau Fayetteville, AR

I used Kaplan when prepping for the MCAT and the service was awesome. They have plenty of practice questions that help learn the material and the videos they have are always helpful. It is very expensive and the practice tests are super hard compared to the actual MCAT, but I think that part benefitted me since it made the actual MCAT seem less hard. I used the self-paced course online and it was great to be able to set my own study schedule. They also partnered with my university to get the service half-off which was awesome.

4 years ago

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Allen Lambert Fayetteville, AR

I used Kaplan to study for my MCAT in the summer of 2020. This service served me well and provided me with the proper resources to succeed on my test. I would highly recommend this course to anyone if they are going to take it seriously and do the work that Kaplan suggests.

4 years ago

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AF ,

I used the Kaplan Test Prep to help me prepare for the GRE. I'm not very good at taking tests, so using the test prep was VERY helpful for me. I did the practice questions and got a better idea of what to expect on the exam.

4 years ago

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Tom Pleasant Grove, UT

My children have used Kaplan for ACT test preparation and it has paid off as their scores went up every time and they got into the colleges that they wanted to.

6 years ago

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Kristiane R Durfey Orem, UT

Kaplan helped me tremendously when trying to pass my nursing boards. The staff was helpful and the lessons were beneficial and after using Kaplan, I was able to pass the test and receive my nursing license.

2 years ago

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Jailene Torres Tallahassee, FL

Kaplan made my MCAT study sessions much easier in the beginning. The workbooks have been a crucial part of my study schedule, and the online practice tests have been a great way to simulate test day!

2 years ago

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Ashley D Tallahassee, FL

Kaplan is a great tool for studying for the MCAT. There's a lot of tests and online courses and information they give out that can help you succeed. I find it really helpful in learning things for the MCAT that I haven't even covered in my classes yet, so I am even more prepared than usual. However, it is only so helpful for me because I pay so much to learn. I do believe Kaplan should be cheaper and if they really want to help out students, they'd make a lot of stuff free.

3 years ago

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Rose Chevelon Tallahassee, FL

Kaplan is so helpful with always giving free study guides and discounts on their things. They care so much about the students that are in the medical field. Their work are very understanding and informative.

3 years ago

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Jared Provo, UT

Kaplan Prep is a big name in test preparation for a reason. Their reviews are very in-depth and comprehensive! I can't say much about their practice tests, but they provide good material review.

3 years ago

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jaci finch Corpus Christi, TX

I used Kaplan test prep to prep for my SAT test. I took the test before prepping too, but my score went up over 100 points after taking the prep. If you have the money I 100% recommend using Kaplan.

4 years ago

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Caitlin Fayetteville, AR

Kaplan Test Prep has been a lifesaver by giving me the outline and guide to studying for my MCAT test. Recommend highly to anyone who is looking for that extra boost in their score!

4 years ago

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Karen Torino Tallahassee, FL

Kaplan test Prep has helped me prepare for the MCAT by providing me the best tools and information. From study books to flashcards, Kaplan has the best study material I've seen.

4 years ago

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Elizabeth Klemm Tallahassee, FL

I used Kaplan to prepare for the SAT and I did much better after using their strategies and preparation materials. After using Kaplan I was happy with my score and did not take the exam again.

4 years ago

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Connor Farmington, UT

After using a few prep courses, Kaplan was the program I utilized to increase my score my third time taking the test. I went up 2 points using the practice exams and strategies Kaplan oultined.

4 years ago

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Kathryn Robinson Riverton, UT

I took the Kaplan LSAT prep class and found the information very helpful in preparing for the exam. They cover all the topics in depth. The instructors were knowledgeable and professional.

5 years ago

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Amanda Vangeli Denver, CO

I used Kaplan for my GRE prep, and did fairly well. Definitely recommend this program. Good price for an increased score.

4 years ago

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Vy Ha Birmingham, AL

I like that along with the book I get extra practice plans to help me and the book is written very clearly and easy to understand as well as multiple ways to practice so the information you learn becomes long-term

2 years ago

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keiontai henry Tallahassee, FL

I am currently using Kaplan prep for the GRE and I could not feel more prepared when it comes to passing the mathematics, english, and science sections of the exam.

3 years ago Edited December 7, 2021

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Sydney Charleston South Jordan, UT

Kaplan is a great site! There are so many ways to use this site. Many different study techniques are on this site as well. This has helped me and friend prepare for tests.

3 years ago

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Gabe Burton Riverton, UT

Teachers were always helpful. Practicing was relevant and strategies were helpful. I wish it was a bit more tailored to my specific needs, as I need more help than the other students.

3 years ago

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Jordon Patton Pflugerville, TX

Some of the Kaplan materials are good and some of the courses are good, it just depends on which teacher you get. They do have a guarantee that you will improve your scores with a course, which gives some peace of mind, but it did feel pretty pricey for what you get. The materials are great though.

3 years ago

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Valerie Beus Richland, WA

This program helped me to prepare for my nursing license test. I felt it was helpful and did a good job helping me be ready to pass the test on the first try.

3 years ago

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JDWain Tallahassee, FL

I used Kaplan Test Prep to prep for my MCAT. I payed way to much for an in person MCAT review class that I should have just saved my money and put it toward my applications to medical school. If I could do it again I would not purchase the full class and instead just buy some of the online practice tests which were useful!

4 years ago

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Luna Rockville, MD

One of the best test prep resources. It has a series of prep books for all types of tests. It has accurate information and testing skills. Very helpful!

4 years ago

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Olivia Orlando, FL

Kaplan’s test prep books were a great supplement to other test preparation methods. The practice tests gave insight into the variations of questions to be seen on an exam.

4 years ago

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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

Those I know that have used Kaplan have benefited from the experience. I think the program is fairly priced and easy enough for customers to use that it should be given a serious look!

5 years ago

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Ellen Morris Potomac, MD

I loved my Kaplan course that prepped me for the ACT. My instructor did a great job in identifying key areas to focus on and I felt like the book was helpful too. Plus the simulation practice exams helped.

5 years ago

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Robert Lino

Every expensive. I used it for my LSAT prep most recently. My score actually went down when I retook the test. When I used it for the GRE it actually helped a bit.

7 months ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

They are a wonderful tool to prepare for the ACT test. My children have used Kaplan and it worked, raising one of my child's scores by 5 points!

6 years ago

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Janan Grange Pleasant Grove, UT

In preparing my children for the ACT test we have used Kaplan Test Prep to help them succeed and get the scores they were needing to get into their college of choice.

2 years ago

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LBurr96 West Jordan, UT

Really helped me to prepare for my MCAT. I especially liked the tips and tricks that the help books contained. Plus the practice test was super helpful.

2 years ago Edited January 27, 2022

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WT

. Used it for the LSAT and it was useful for exposing me to what types of questions to expect but it didn’t help me with understanding HOW to answer the questions.

2 years ago

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bmc2z7 Columbia, MO

Kaplan test prep is how I study for the MCAT and I think their quality of product is great for a great value. The practice exams are in depth and mimic the real deal.

3 years ago Edited November 2, 2021

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Mona-Lissa Tallahassee, FL

I really like how they worked with my school to offer test prep on certain classes. Definitely helped me better understand my assignments as well.

3 years ago

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Kori Travis FL

Kaplan has been helpful with helping me prepare for the LSAT. The study books are affordable and they also have amazing online resources

3 years ago

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Mason Allen Provo, UT

Kaplan is a great option to start studying for graduate school entry tests. Practice tests are one of the most valuable tools.

3 years ago

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Brooke Martin Fayetteville, AR

I am using Kaplan Test Prep currently to prepare for the MCAT. The books are very helpful with the pictures and diagrams that are very detailed.

4 years ago