In 2023, the nationwide bar exam pass rate was approximately 58%, meaning around 42% of test-takers did not pass. To ensure you’re in the successful majority, choosing the right bar exam review course is crucial.
I’ll help you explore Kaplan Bar Review, one of the most well-known bar review prep courses. Together, we’ll see if it stands out amidst the competition or fades into the background.
Key Takeaways
- If you thrive on structure, then Kaplan’s adaptive study plans will help keep you on track.
- If you prefer personalized feedback, then Kaplan’s unlimited essay grading is a solid perk.
- If you want efficient test prep, then Kaplan’s AI tools help you streamline your sessions.
- If you’re looking for a budget option, then Kaplan may not be the most cost-effective choice.
- If you need extensive tutoring, then Kaplan’s 1-on-1 options are available—but at an added cost.
Kaplan Test Prep Overview
Kaplan is one of the oldest and most well-known educational services companies. Founder Stanley Kaplan created the company around 85 years ago. A first-generation college student, he was passionate about increasing educational access to aspiring professionals, regardless of their background.
Kaplan offers a variety of preparatory tools for students of varying levels in higher education. From ACT/SAT prep to bar prep and everything in between, Kaplan serves as an exam review hub for students around the globe.
Let’s focus on just one of Kaplan’s many offerings: the Complete Bar Review course.
Kaplan Bar Review Course
The Kaplan Bar Review course boasts an inspiring 91% success rate for students who complete at least 75% of the assigned prep work.
Here’s a quick overview of everything you’re getting with Kaplan:
- On-Demand Bar Prep Video Lectures
- Live Online Classes
- 5,000+ MBE Questions for Practice (some from past bar exams!)
- Unlimited Instant Essay Grading with Kaplan AI
- 4 Full-Length Practice Exams
- Adaptive Study Plan
- Extended Access Guarantee if You Fail
- Textbooks for Every Subject
You can also choose to add extras to your test prep package, such as:
| Add-On | Cost / Sale Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Review Plus | $500 / $250 | Semester-long weekly program to prep you for the course. |
| MBE Jumpstart | $1,000 / $500 | Orientation session, personalized study plan, and 1-on-1 tutoring. |
| LLM Fundamentals Course | $300 | Prep course for international students with U.S. law basics. |
| Bar Convenience Package | $1,950 | Includes tutoring, concierge support, 1 year of CLE, and much more. |
On top of that, Kaplan offers a $500 Amazon gift card to students who purchase the course at full price and pass the bar on their first attempt. While this is a nice perk, it may not significantly offset the cost, so it shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
The best way to summarize Kaplan Bar Prep is this review:
“I used Kaplan for bar prep (UBE) and I honestly loved it. I mean, as much as you can love a bar prep course. There wasn’t a shortage of MBE questions and there were tons of essays too. I got a 319 on my exam.”
Kaplan Bar Review Course Discount
Why pay full price for Kaplan when you can save hundreds with this discount?
Bar Review Course Features
You have a good top-level understanding of what Kaplan has to offer. Now, it’s time to dig into the details to make your final decision.
Bar Prep Course Content
Kaplan Bar offers everything you need to pass, including on-demand video lectures, live interactive webinars, 5,000+ practice questions, unlimited essay grading, four practice tests, and an adaptable study calendar.
Notably, Kaplan AI is the tool that helps grade your essay writing skills as opposed to a real person. However, the program works surprisingly well. The program also features QuickSheets, which analyzes your essay performance and allows you to rank your confidence by subject.
Supplemental materials like flashcards are included in the Bar Review Plus add-on, which is frustrating due to the high paywall. However, it may be worth the investment if you learn best with flashcards and extra repetition.
Reddit User Emily had this to say about her experience with Kaplan Bar Review:
“I passed by a large margin J23 using only Kaplan and went to all of the live lectures and they were great! It felt like law school class and I was so much more engaged knowing that the professors were speaking in real time. The professors were also so patient and kind and would stay online until all the questions in the chat were answered. Many of them also gave us their email addresses so we could follow up with additional questions. I took many of them up on this offer and received thoughtful personalized responses to lingering BLL questions, as well as questions about essay writing.”
Tech and Videos
Kaplan’s Complete Bar Review course is primarily built on the back of its video lessons, delivered in live class sessions and on-demand lectures. So, whether you prefer to go at your own pace or stick to a schedule, Kaplan’s got your back. Plus, these lectures offer pre-written notes to give your writing hands a break while you absorb the material.
We’ve touched on this a bit already, but their AI tools are nothing to sneeze at, either! From brilliant essay grading to adaptive learning technology and dynamic study calendars, Kaplan Bar Prep features cutting-edge technology to make studying a breeze.
Value
At $2,750, Kaplan’s comprehensive bar review course isn’t a cheap option. However, they do feature frequent sales, which drops the price to $2,000—a rate that’s much more competitive with other bar prep companies. And, as you’ve seen, the add-ons aren’t particularly affordable either, especially given that the course is already a bit high.
The $500 Amazon gift card is a great incentive and begins to make up for the lack of a money-back guarantee. Their pass guarantee focuses on extended access instead; if you fail, you don’t get a refund, but you do receive additional course access.
Kaplan’s value makes the most sense when you consider the 1-on-1 tutoring options. The Bar Convenience Package costs $1,950, but you can easily rake up that much in tutoring costs alone! The package’s additional inclusion of Bar Review Plus, 1 year of CLE, a second free bar course within the next five years, a $950 Amazon gift card with enrollment, a team of expert attorneys to guide you through the exam, and a free bar review course to gift to a friend who’s specializing in Public Interest.
TL;DR: Kaplan isn’t cheap, but considering everything you get, the value is decent.
Support and Access
Kaplan Bar Review offers up to six months of access to your course, with the guarantee that if you fail, you will get extended access. Six months may not seem like a long time, but it’s more than enough time to prepare for the bar exam after all those years of law school, trust me!
Their support includes phone, chat, and email, as well as a private online community where you can get support from your peers. Naturally, support can also come in the form of 1-on-1 tutoring, but that involves purchasing an add-on package.
Ultimately, Kaplan scores well in the support department.
Bar Prep Course Comparison
| Course |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Length | Lifetime | One Exam Cycle | One Exam Cycle | One Exam Cycle |
| Practice Questions | 1,950+ | 5,000+ | 2,500+ | 4,000+ |
| Video Lectures |  | | | |
| Live Classes | Tutoring | | | |
| Money-Back Guarantee | |  | | |
| Price | $1,895 | $1,895 | $1,699-$5,999 | $2,895-$3,195 |
Pros
- First-Time Pass Guarantee: There’s no need to fret if you don’t pass the bar the first time around. Kaplan will let you retake their course without paying again.
- Promise of Reward: All Kaplan students who purchase the course at full price and pass the bar on their first go will receive a $500 Amazon gift card.
- Tried and True Option: There’s a reason Kaplan has been operating for 85+ years. Their legacy is a testament to their ability to help students succeed.
- Comprehensive Bar Prep: With over 5,000 MBE questions, helpful package add-ons, and unlimited essay grading, this comprehensive option gives you everything you need.
Cons
- Pricier Than Other Options: Kaplan Bar Review is a little steeper than other test prep courses. However, you can make payments via Affirm to ease the financial strain.
- Must be Self-Motivated Towards the End: The “Final Study Plan” requires students to self-motivate and complete the work without much prompting from instructors.
Final Thoughts
Kaplan Bar Review has been around for decades and has helped thousands of students pass the bar exam. If you want a solid, well-rounded prep experience with lots of practice questions and expert support, Kaplan is a tried-and-true choice. It’s worth considering if you prefer more structure and personalized help through your exam prep journey.
Good luck with your studies, and remember—you’ve got this!
FAQs
Students who complete 75% of Kaplan’s Bar Review course have a pass rate of 91%, making Kaplan a safe investment for most students seeking to meet the standards set by bar examiners.
Kaplan Bar Review offers a full suite of bar exam prep resources, including personalized study plans and top-tier practice tools, ideal for graduates of an ABA-approved law school.
Kaplan is often preferred for its flexibility, user-friendly platform, and modern study tools that adapt to individual needs.
Two months can work with focused effort and Kaplan’s efficient, tailored study approach, though starting earlier is ideal.
Absolutely, Kaplan delivers excellent value with its comprehensive materials and adaptive features to boost bar exam success.
