For students hunting down the best USMLE prep course for their needs, this may be a little disappointing, but not totally uncommon in the USMLE prep space. It would be nice to see Kaplan at least add a free course repeat guarantee though, especially given the high prices Kaplan students pay.
The Kaplan Step 1 Live Online class boasts over 270 hours of live classroom time, while the Step 2 course provides 210 hours, and the Step 3 program is right in the neighborhood of 100 hours. Is Kaplan USMLE prep worth it?
The second highlight of the Kaplan course, at least for me, is the set of prep books you get when you sign up. Step 1 students get a 7-volume set, Step 2 students get a 5-volume set, and Step 3 students get a 2-volume set. These books are detailed, well-written and chock full of graphics, tables and images.
The coursework is generally organized by USMLE topic (such as anatomy, pathology and immunology, among others, for Step 1). Then within each topic, there are several subtopics (such as neuroscience under the primary anatomy subject). You get the idea.
The Kaplan USMLE review course costs somewhere between $800 and $4,400, depending on which step you are studying for and which class format you prefer.
KAPLAN videos worth depends on the time you have and year of medical school. If you are in early years of med school, first and second years to be precise, KAPLAN videos can be a great resource to build up your basics. Many people use it but I personally don't find it useful enough, as it takes too much time.
Given its 4.6/5-star rating on TrustPilot based on 4,000+ reviews from med school hopefuls, Kaplan is a proven industry leader in USMLE test prep. It also made it as #1 in our list for the Best USMLE Prep Courses for 2022.
7 daysUSMLE® STEP 1 QBANK FREE TRIAL Get access for 7 days—free.
Verdict: UWorld vs Kaplan NCLEX With high-quality video lessons, optional live classes, a prep book, and bonus resources (most of which UWorld does not offer), Kaplan offers the better overall NCLEX prep option. This is especially true considering that their self-paced course with these features is less than $200 more.
The 6 Best USMLE Prep Courses and Classes of 2022SmashUSMLE — Top Pick.BoardVitals — Best Free Trial.Lecturio — Best Instructors.Kaplan — Best In-Person Experience.PASS Program — Best Product Offerings.Achievable USMLE — Best Online Course.
The USMLE Step 1 is a one-day computerized examination that assesses whether you comprehend and can apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the practice of medicine. Step 1 is commonly seen as the most challenging exam and is more comprehensive than the exams taken throughout medical school.
Best USMLE Prep Courses SummaryBest Overall USMLE Prep Course – PASS Program.Best Value USMLE Prep Course – Achievable.Most USMLE Study Material – Kaplan.Best USMLE Video Lessons – Lecturio.Best USMLE Practice Questions – BoardVitals.Most Personalized Support – SmashUSMLE.
If you're struggling with base knowledge there are better resources to use than Kaplan, like boards and beyond, which still covers all the basics of the USMLE in enough detail for IMGs, but is still high yield enough, and is fast paced enough cover the content in a reasonable time.
In terms of available upgrades we feel that Kaplan is superior to UWorld and given its baseline lower cost students can purchase Kaplan with upgrades and still spend less money than UWorld.
UWorld is unquestionably the best resource for the USMLE. Students have been known to score 270+ on USMLE Step 1 just by using UWorld and First Aid. There are also students, however, who have gone through the question bank 3 or more times, and can't seem to get a passing score on the exam.
UWorld's USMLE Step 1 Question Bank has over 3,500 questions and costs $269 for 30 days, $369 for 90 days and up to $719 for 2 years, which includes two self-assessment exams.
The Kaplan USMLE review course costs somewhere between $800 and $4,400, depending on which step you are studying for and which class format you pre...
The Kaplan Step 1 Live Online class boasts over 270 hours of live classroom time, while the Step 2 course provides 210 hours, and the Step 3 progra...
In our team’s opinion – yes. There is a good reason thousands of students elect to go with Kaplan for their USMLE prep each year. They offer a trie...
The United States Medical Licensing Examination is not just another test—it’s much more. Unlike other exams, the USMLE comprehensively tests how well you can apply your skills, knowledge, and attitudes to real life, patient-centered scenarios. The USMLE consists of 4 exams.
Frequently taken at the end of second year, Step 1 is a one-day computer exam that emphasizes anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology.
All of our USMLE prep—from Step 1 through Step 3 and COMLEX—is developed by doctors. They’ve already taken these exams, and they know the best strategies for a passing score.
You can download here the Pricing PDF sheet of USMLE Preparation Courses options:
Planning to study In-Center? First select your In-Center start date and then plan your Live or Live Online lectures.
The coursework is generally organized by USMLE topic (such as anatomy, pathology and immunology, among others, for Step 1). Then within each topic, there are several subtopics (such as neuroscience under the primary anatomy subject). You get the idea.
These courses are more expensive though, and cost approximately $4,400, $4,000 and $1,700 for Steps 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
The second highlight of the Kaplan course, at least for me, is the set of prep books you get when you sign up. Step 1 students get a 7-volume set, Step 2 students get a 5-volume set, and Step 3 students get a 2-volume set.
These simulated exams are intended to mimic a real test-day experience and place you under exam-like conditions. The exams are generally given as a midterm and final as part of your prep course.
As such, they go quickly because they are simpler. You then review your answers, learn from the explanations, and move onto the next subject. And that is generally how the study plan goes, topic by topic. A sample Kaplan practice question with text explanation.
Unfortunately, Kaplan does not have a pass or money back guarantee like that offered by other courses (see SmashUSMLE ). For students hunting down the best USMLE prep course for their needs, this may be a little disappointing, but not totally uncommon in the USMLE prep space.
USMLE material can be dry, and these instructors managed to make it about as enjoyable as it could be . One of Kaplan’s smart reports that show your performance post-quiz. During your class sessions, the instructors will frequently poll the class on questions, so you can’t be asleep at the wheel.
With scheduled online lectures and the freedom to attend class wherever you like, Live Online gives you the optimum blend of structure and flexibility. That means you can study with our best teachers no matter where you are. The best part? You’ll learn from professionals who’ve already mastered Step 3, since all our faculty are licensed physicians.
Our Live Online courses are even more interactive than a traditional classroom. While class is in session, there’s a team of teachers on-call and ready to answer all your questions. Send messages in a public chat to the rest of the class or engage in discussion with peers.
14 weeks of live online interactive lectures by top faculty dissecting high yield USMLE content.
Step 2 CK On Demand prep: This new web-based program includes access to Kaplan's full Step 2 CK video library featuring over 140 hours of lecture delivered by expert faculty. Also included is a set of high-yield Step 2 CK Lecture Notes to reinforce complex concepts.
Step 3 On Demand prep: This new web-based program includes access to Kaplan's full Step 3 video library featuring over 100 hours of lecture delivered by expert faculty. Also included is a set of high-yield Step 3 Lecture Notes to reinforce complex concepts.