which prep course for mcat is better than kaplan

by Ms. Calista Pouros I 10 min read

Best Intensive Option The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review offers the best intensive and thorough MCAT prep courses to help prospective medical school students stay focused. Like Kaplan, The Princeton Review is a well-known name when it comes to test prep.

What are the best MCAT prep courses?

What are the best online MCAT prep courses?

  1. The Princeton Review: Best for students on a tight schedule
  2. B lueprint MCAT: Best for a customized and personalized schedule
  3. MCAT Self Prep: Best for a tight budget
  4. Kaplan: Best instructors
  5. Gold Standard: Best for students who want a Kaplan or TPR book set
  6. Magoosh: Best budget platform
  7. Altius: Proven and effective score increases

How much does a Kaplan MCAT course cost?

Kaplan offers the MCAT Advantage On Demand course for $1,900, which includes online video instruction accessible any time of the week and a higher-score guarantee. An in-person course or group tutoring for the MCAT can typically cost $500-$2,000 and may last one to several weeks.

Is Kaplan good for MCAT?

Kaplan is a great choice if you learn mainly by lecture/video and practice questions. You'll get a ton of practice questions to give you the knowledge base you need to do well on the MCAT and SmartReports will help customize your study time so you focus on subjects where you are weak.

Do I need a MCAT prep course?

You don’t necessarily need a whole MCAT study program from a prep company. However, for a lot of people, the self-study approach is not going to work for them. They need an MCAT prep course and the social support of classmates. They need live interaction with faculty members.

Which is best MCAT prep course?

Best MCAT Prep Courses SummaryBest Overall MCAT Prep Course: Blueprint MCAT.Most Immersive MCAT Prep: Altius.Best Value MCAT Prep Course: Magoosh.Best MCAT Live Online Classes: Princeton Review.The Popular MCAT Pick: Kaplan.Most MCAT Study Material: Gold Standard.

Is Kaplan the best MCAT prep?

All in all, Kaplan gives students access to 16 full-length practice tests. This is a very respectable number of practice exams and is bested only by the Gold Standard MCAT Prep, which provides 20 tests. While 16 exams doesn't sound like much, at 7 hours+ per exam, that is a lot of hours spent simulating the real MCAT.

Is Kaplan or blueprint better for MCAT?

Although you would think this would give the edge to Kaplan, our team found Blueprint's practice tests were slightly more representative of the actual AAMC exam, its' testing interface more functionally identical to AAMC's, and their test scoring analytics more detailed and helpful.

Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for MCAT prep?

The primary difference between the Kaplan and Princeton Review MCAT offerings revolves around instruction. Kaplan provides better quality on demand, video-based instruction, while we tend to like the quantity and approach of Princeton's live classes better.

Is the Kaplan course worth it?

Conclusion. Kaplan MCAT prep is a great choice to get you ready for the MCAT. Many have gone through the course and had great success and you do have the higher score guarantee, which means Kaplan stands behind their work. Kaplan is a great choice if you learn mainly by lecture/video and practice questions.

Is Kaplan MCAT Bootcamp worth it?

When you consider all of the things that Kaplan does well, it's not hard to see why it's a favorite among prospective medical students. Kaplan MCAT offers an intuitive platform with tons of versatile content to go through. It excels most with practice questions and exams.

Is Kaplan harder than AAMC?

Most test takers report that Kaplan practice tests are more difficult, with many scoring about ten points higher on the real MCAT than they did on Kaplan practice tests.

Is buying an MCAT prep course worth it?

So, are MCAT prep courses actually worth it? MCAT Prep courses are probably only worth it if you need structure, support and don't feel confident self-studying for the MCAT. Many students score well on the exam without ever having taken (or paid a lot of money for) a course. It's definitely not a necessity.

Is the Khan Academy MCAT prep good?

Yes, Khan Academy is good for the MCAT. This is a great prep course to get free content and extra resources before taking exams. How Many Khan Academy Videos Are There For MCAT? There are about 1,100 Khan Academy videos for the MCAT, which is enough to prepare you for the real med school test.

Is Princeton or Kaplan better?

Kaplan wins outright on the quantity front with 5,000+ practice problems (all with accompanying text explanations), while Princeton Review wins on course structure and quality, which at the end of the day, is most important. We prefer the structure of Princeton's curriculum and think it offers a more robust study plan.

Is Kaplan better than Princeton?

Though their overall quantity of practice material and video lessons is less than Princeton Review's, Kaplan wins out with quality.

Are Princeton books better than Kaplan?

Kaplan and Princeton review are one of the most popular options for studying for the MCAT, but which one is better? We ranked Kaplan much higher than Princeton in our MCAT book comparison, but because of Princeton review's popularity we decided that it's important to explain why we believe Kaplan is the better choice.

Which MCAT prep course is better - Blueprint or Kaplan?

Both MCAT prep courses are excellent, but if we had to pick just one, we'd give the slight edge to Blueprint primarily due to their awesome video l...

Which MCAT prep books are better - Blueprint or Kaplan?

When it comes to MCAT prep books, we think Kaplan beats out Blueprint. We found the Kaplan MCAT prep books to be extremely effective for studying.

Do Blueprint and Kaplan offers MCAT score guarantees?

Yes, both Blueprint and Kaplan back their MCAT prep courses with score guarantees.

Which MCAT prep course costs more, Kaplan or Princeton Review?

The Princeton Review MCAT prep offerings cost a bit more on average than Kaplan’s prep courses, but also carry some unique score guarantee features...

What’s the biggest difference between the Princeton Review and Kaplan MCAT prep courses?

The primary difference between the Kaplan and Princeton Review MCAT offerings revolves around instruction. Kaplan provides better quality on demand...

Do the Kaplan and Princeton Review MCAT courses each come with hard copy prep books?

Yes. Both Kaplan and Princeton Review each provide sets of hard copy prep books with their MCAT prep packages. Kaplan provides 8 books, while Princ...

What is a practice test for MCAT?

Practice tests are an important piece of any prep course’s study materials , and Blueprint’s full-length practice exams are among the most representative of any we’ve reviewed, after the AAMC itself, to help minimize any surprises on test day. The practice tests are dead ringers for the official exam, and do an excellent job of duplicating actual MCAT questions in terms of length, content and difficulty. Obtaining a great score on the MCAT also requires mastering the mechanics of the test, and Blueprint testing interface is functionally identical to AAMC’s, so working all the practice tests will help closely track your exam day experience. Blueprint’s also uses some of the most advanced practice test scoring analytics we seen, displaying not only what you got right and wrong, but why. The testing analytics uses advanced “intuitive data visualization” to assist in spotting patterns quickly to improve any problem areas.

How much does the MCAT online course cost?

Pricing options for the Online Course is based on content access periods ranging from 6 months for $1,799, Blueprint’s most popular 12-month program for $2,100, or 18 months for $2,500.

How long is the MCAT live online course?

The Live Online course includes, in addition to the high quality curriculum of the Online Course, 40 hours of live classroom instruction divided over sixteen 2 ½ hour long sessions. The classroom sessions integrate seamlessly into the online coursework and are taught by 2 master MCAT instructors (individuals who have scored over 519 on an official MCAT exam), engaging in a back and forth style of instruction that feels more like an interesting conversation than a stale lecture. We found our instructors to indeed be true masters in communicating complex scientific concepts across multiple disciplines in an engaging, fun and easy to digest and understand manner. Blueprint combines the Live Online course with its’ 6-month Online Course for a package price of $2,499.

What is blueprint MCAT?

The Blueprint MCAT study materials bring together the best elements of both Blueprint and Next Step: high quality in-depth content and dynamic animated videos. However, rather than moving through the curriculum in Next Step’s more traditional subject to subject manner, Blueprint has instead broken down each MCAT topic into subtopics, and then developed 160 discreet learning modules for each subtopic integrating amazing and engaging video lessons, quizzes, drills, strategies and passages. The learning modules are thoughtfully and expertly designed to help students master the content, and not just simply memorize it. Every student is required to tackle each subtopic, and test out of it, before moving on to the next subtopic.

How much does Kaplan cost?

Kaplan prices the Online Course at around $2,500, and as with the Online Course, you may add on the Plus advantage package with the enrichment benefits as outlined above for about $3,000.

Does the MCAT have an online course?

For those students who are highly motivated self-starters, and who prefer to study at their own pace and on their own time schedule, Blueprint MCAT recommends its’ Online Course. Given its’ combined Blueprint and Next Step legacy, the Online Course is extremely rich in the depth and breadth of its’ core content curriculum and includes as its backbone a highly customizable study planner tool, and 160 learning modules integrating video lessons, quizzes and assessments – including 30 modules exclusively focusing on strategy and statistical reasoning skills.

Is blueprint a good MCAT prep?

For years Blueprint has been one of the major competitors in the MCAT prep course space, and its’ status and core curriculum has recently been greatly upgraded and enhanced due to the merger of Blueprint with Next Step Test Preparation. The merger has brought together the strengths of two high level prep course providers – Next Step’s industry wide distinction for its’ coursework and test taking strategies, and Blueprint’s award winning video lessons and analytics. The resulting new Blueprint MCAT offers future medical students a wide array of top-tier prep courses specifically designed to meet their individual learning preferences.

Why is Kaplan MCAT so popular?

For one, you’re getting a lot of extras to support you in your preparation endeavors. Beyond the core materials, every course includes six months of access to a slew of additional resources.

Which is better, Kaplan or Princeton?

The Kaplan courses are nothing to turn your nose up at. But when you want a more in-depth content review and an enhanced learning experience, The Princeton Review MCAT courses are a better choice.

How much is the MCAT 510?

If you prefer some one-on-one assistance, the MCAT 510+ course is a good option. For $3,399, you’re getting all of the same guided instruction as the Ultimate course. However, this preparation course also includes more than 12 topic-focused sessions to target areas of weakness. You’ll also work with an expert study manager who will help you make the most out of the course.

How much does Kaplan cost?

These courses are structured and taught by a qualified teacher in a traditional classroom setting. For $2,699, you’re getting 12 three-hour classes as well as six months of online access to all of the additional practice resources.

How much does it cost to get a tutor at Kaplan?

Kaplan also offers several optional tutoring packages. Starting at $3,699, you can get 10 to 40 hours of private tutoring through Kaplan’s online platform.

How many practice tests are there on the MCAT?

Those 16 practice tests are a big perk. They can familiarize yourself with the format of the official MCAT test and what kinds of questions you’ll encounter.

When was Princeton Review MCAT founded?

Princeton Review MCAT Overview. The Princeton Review hasn’t been around as long as Kaplan, but it’s developed a fine reputation all the same. Founded in 1981, the company operates throughout the United States and has international franchises in 14 countries.

How much does a Kaplan online course cost?

This is your fairly typical online course and will run you right around $2,500.

How often do you meet in person for MCAT?

You will meet in-person in a classroom setting once or twice per week for 12 three-hour sessions. These classes usually meet on or near college campuses in rented classroom space and price out at around $2,700, though we often see this format on sale for a little less.

How many hours of live instruction does Kaplan have?

I say that not to discount Kaplan’s teachers, who I think are great in their own right, but it just seems more natural on the MCAT to have a team approach with such a wide variety of scientific disciplinesbeing tested. Further, you get an astonishing 123 hours of live instructionwith Princeton Review vs 36 hours with Kaplan. It would be hard to imagine one instructor being able to manage teaching all of those hours.

Does Princeton Review have a 510+?

At the next level up, Princeton Review offers a special program that Kaplan does not – the MCAT 510+. This prep package, while very similar to the Essentials course in terms of instruction, content and access, is distinguished by its guarantee. If you complete this program in its entirety, Princeton guarantees that you will score a 510 or better on the MCAT (assuming you meet some basic requirements). This is a unique offering and will run you about $3,400 – though we often see this course option on sale for less.

Does Kaplan offer MCAT?

As discussed below, while Kaplan provides its MCAT course offerings on the basis of class format , Princeton Review’s MCAT prep packages generally differ based on level of instruction, accessible content, and associated guarantees. The four Princeton Review course options include:

Is Princeton Review the same as Kaplan?

Similar to Kaplan, Princeton Review provides a very robust and well-developed MCAT curriculum. Their coursework touches about every subtopic you could possibly encounter on the MCAT, and all in great detail. And with respect to structure of the curriculum,I actually preferred Princeton Review’s course setup to Kaplan’s. While the Kaplan content reviews jump from subject to subject across the first two major units, Princeton’s coursework structure takes a more grouped approach, which gives it a more natural flow and feel.

Is Princeton Review similar to Kaplan's Bootcamp?

Finally, Princeton Review offers a course program directly analogous to Kaplan’s Bootcamp – the MCAT 515+ Immersion. This course is just like Kaplan’s Bootcamp, in that it condenses months of studying into roughly 5 weeks of intense daily prep. Unlike Kaplan’s course though, Princeton Review makes another guarantee that if you complete this entire course, you will score a 515 or better on the MCAT (assuming you meet similar baseline requirements). This 515+ Immersion course costs a whopping $7,000 and is meant for those students most serious about their MCAT prep.

What is the MCAT score for Princeton?

However, The Princeton Review offers packages that guarantee not just a higher score, but also a specific MCAT score of 510+ and 515+ , depending on the course package that you’ll choose.

How many MCAT books are there in Princeton Review?

The Princeton Review provides 4 exclusive M CAT review books and 7 MCAT subject-specific review books, for a total of 11 review books. Kaplan, on the other hand, has 7 MCAT subject review books and 1 lesson book, for a total of 8 books .

What is the MCAT channel?

MCAT Channel: This platform gives students the option to learn in the comfort of their own homes and at their own pace. With the MCAT Channel, you can have access to both live and pre-recorded lectures that they can view at any time. This feature is ideal for those who prefer to study for the MCAT by themselves.

What is the Princeton Review?

Kaplan and The Princeton Review are familiar names in the test preparation industry. From the SAT to graduate school admission test preparations, both courses provide quality instruction and materials that help thousands of students every year.

What is Qbank on MCAT?

Qbank: This feature is a massive storage of practice questions on different sections of the MCAT. What’s great about it is that it segregates questions according to what you answered correctly, incorrectly, or those that you have yet to answer. You can also bookmark certain practice questions if you want to go back to them later.

Is Kaplan worth it?

However, if you’re trying to save a couple of hundred bucks, Kaplan is very much worth the investment.

Is Princeton Review a different video from Kaplan?

What I find great about their videos is that the instructor in the background uses a marker to show solutions or processes. However, The Princeton Review’s video lessons are not as creative as Kaplan’s. They utilize fewer images and figures.

How many hours of MCAT prep is there?

Kaplan MCAT Prep also offers both in-person and online live instruction, but this program only includes 36 hours of instruction. The focus of this instruction is test-taking strategies. There are only 9 hours of critical analysis and reasoning skills prep and 9 hours of biochemistry and biology prep.

What is the MCAT?

The MCAT is the Medical College Admissions Test. It is the only exam accepted by almost all medical schools in the U.S. and Canada. Your score on the MCAT is a significant factor that medical schools will look at when deciding on acceptance.

How many hours of MCAT instruction is there at Princeton?

The Princeton Review offers 123 live instruction hours with an in-person and live online option. This instruction includes both MCAT content and test-taking strategies to get you ready for test day.

How many months of access for MCAT?

The most comprehensive MCAT course we reviewed. With 12 months of access, students should do very well on the MCAT when using this prep course.

How many questions are asked in the MCAT?

Considering the MCAT is a comprehensive exam with four different sections of questions, these additional 3000 questions will make a big difference in preparing you for the various questions you will encounter.

How many questions are there in Princeton Review?

When you decide to use the Princeton Review, you will get access to an interactive student dashboard. This dashboard includes over 3000 stand-alone and passage-based questions for you to utilize while studying.

What is the average score for the MCAT?

MCAT scores range from 472-528. A score of 500 is average, placing you higher than 50% of students who take the MCAT. It is safe to say you want to score at least a 500 on your MCAT, but it is also important to note that scoring average may not be enough to get you accepted into a competitive medical school.

How many hours of MCAT prep is Kaplan?

Very much like TPR, Kaplan offers a live MCAT prep course that lasts a full semester with 2-3 hour classes 2-3 days per week. There are optional schedules that focus more on the weekend or add more weekday sessions, so you’ll have choices.

How much does the MCAT cost?

The MCAT Ultimate Course offered by TPR is its most comprehensive, costing $2,799 in most locations. The MCAT Strategy Course is next, at $2,299. The MCAT Self-Paced Course is $1,699. These prices are discounted for premedFAQ website visitors, so you can click on the links above for a $300 discount on the Ultimate course, and varying discounts on all other courses including the Summer Immersion Course. Check our main website for special one-time discounts Kaplan vs Princeton Review offer our visitors.

What is the difference between Kaplan and TPR?

The Kaplan books place greater focus on test skills and practice, while TPR focuses more on the science and strategies of taking the MCAT. That said, both book sets are well reviewed by MCAT studiers, so it’s a great idea to supplement your prep with either of these book brands.

How much does Kaplan tutoring cost?

With Kaplan you’ll have to purchase tutoring hours separately at around $265 per hour when you buy them in bulk. (Your options are 15 hours for $3,999, 25 for $4,899, or 35 for $5,799. The Princeton Review offers 10 hours for $2,000 and 60 hours for $11,000. So their pricing ($200 per hour) is less.

How many hours of online practice for MCAT?

A total of 540 hours of instruction and online practice include 13 class sessions and 14 full-length practice tests. As with TPR, Kaplan includes AAMC’s full-length practice tests, a must for those who want to succeed. The AAMC tests are most like the real MCAT since they’re written by the same people who created the MCAT.

How many tests does Kaplan offer?

As with TPR, Kaplan offers 14 full-length tests including the top-rated AAMC official exams. Along with the AAMC exams, TPR’s proprietary full-length tests are considered top notch. If you miss a session, you can make it up by listening to a recording of the class.

Which is better, TPR or Kaplan?

Prior to the 2015 MCAT changes, TPR was seen as being the best MCAT course for having better book sets, but looking at Kaplan vs Princeton Review MCAT prep books, the new test Kaplan comes out slightly ahead. The Kaplan books place greater focus on test skills and practice, while TPR focuses more on the science and strategies of taking the MCAT. That said, both book sets are well reviewed by MCAT studiers, so it’s a great idea to supplement your prep with either of these book brands. You can check out our review of both sets here. And we also have written a review of MCAT books by individual subject here. Your MCAT prep course comes with a full set of books, but that shouldn’t restrict you from getting some extra books to fill the gaps each prep company inevitably has.

How to get a good score on the MCAT?

The best way to ensure a good MCAT score is simply to practice, practice, practice. There are great online resources designed specifically for helping medical students prep to succeed on the MCAT. Investing the time and money to use a reputable online program will help you succeed when you take a test as critical as the MCAT. You'll be able to go into your test with confidence, peace of mind, and of course, a lot of knowledge.

What is the MCAT test?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a test that determines a student's eligibility for acceptance into medical schools in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Caribbean Islands. Students are assessed in their problem solving, written analysis, critical thinking, and knowledge of scientific concepts.

How long is the MCAT?

The MCAT is a 7 hour and 30 minute test, so as you can imagine, students will be recalling just about every bit of applicable knowledge they have learned in school up to that point. Medical Colleges use the MCAT score that students receive to decide whether or not they want to accept them into their program.

Is Rosh Review part of Blueprint?

I’m incredibly excited to announce that Rosh Review has joined forces with Blueprint. Three years ago, we set about on a mission to change the landscape of medical education.

Is Princeton Review a good test prep?

Although they are one of the most expensive options for MCAT test prep services , students are sure to get a good score by committing the time and money to use The Princeton Review.

Which is the best MCAT prep course?

After reviewing numerous courses , we found that Princeton Review and Blueprint were the best MCAT prep courses. Both courses offer some great features and will help any student prepare for the MCAT exam.

Why is MCAT prep important?

The MCAT is challenging, and high scores are critical. MCAT prep courses are a great way for students to refresh their knowledge on multiple topics while also learning new material. MCAT prep courses will help students become more comfortable taking the MCAT by offering strategies and test taking tips.

How long is the MCAT self paced?

The most comprehensive MCAT course we reviewed. With 12 months of access for the self-paced course, students should do very well on the MCAT when using this prep course.

What is the purpose of MCAT prep?

MCAT prep courses are a great way to learn new material and refresh yourself on old material. Some factors to consider might be your budget, learning style, and self-discipline. MCAT prep courses will help identify strengths and weaknesses, simulate the actual test, and provide a study plan.

What to do if you need improvement on MCAT?

Improvement needed – take a free MCAT practice test to see where you stand. If your score needs improvement, an MCAT prep course may be a good option.

How much does MCAT 510 cost?

This course is the most in-depth course they offer. Students can purchase this course for $3099.

How much does Princeton Review cost for MCAT?

The Princeton Review offers a very thorough MCAT prep course. The online, self-paced course retails for $1499 and is available to students for 12 months. The course features 1000’s of free-standing and passage-based questions – all of which have detailed answer explanations.

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Kaplan MCAT Overview

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Since 1938, Kaplan has been a name that’s synonymous with test prep. It’s one of the largest test prep companies, operating in more than 30 countries around the globe! Accessing the courses is easy for most pre-med students, thanks in large part to its online platform. Kaplan offers a handful of courses that cater to differe…
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Princeton Review MCAT Overview

  • The Princeton Review hasn’t been around as long as Kaplan, but it’s developed a fine reputation all the same. Founded in 1981, the company operates throughout the United States and has international franchises in 14 countries. Like Kaplan, The Princeton Review MCAT offers several course packages based on your needs. The Princeton Review regularly offers discounts, so prici…
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The Winner = Princeton Review

  • When it comes to Kaplan vs. Princeton Review for the MCAT, both are decent options to help you prepare. But, we’re going to name The Princeton Review MCAT as the winner. At the end of the day, the depth of the content review is the most important aspect you should be looking into. You can develop advanced best test-taking strategies and learn tips ...
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Closing Thoughts

  • In our analysis of Kaplan vs. The Princeton Review MCAT courses, the latter came out on top. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. In fact, our customized tutoring services have significantly outperformed these two over the years. By a long shot. If you’re interested in talking to us about setting up a customized plan, click hereand fill out the questionnaire!
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