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Kaplan MCAT Prep Review: What We Like, What We Don’t, and Who Should Buy It

MCAT Course Reviews · 2027

Kaplan MCAT Prep Review: What We Like, What We Don’t, and Who Should Buy It

Kaplan has been helping students prepare for standardized tests for decades, but does that experience make its MCAT courses worth the money?

We think Kaplan gets a lot right, particularly when it comes to practice exams, study materials, and keeping students organized. But it’s also one of the more expensive ways to prepare for the MCAT.

★★★★★ 4.7/5 Best for Structured MCAT Prep

Our Quick Verdict

A Great Course For Almost Everyone

Kaplan makes MCAT prep easier to manage by combining video lessons, practice questions, full-length exams, and review books in one place.

Our favorite feature is the extensive practice material. The biggest downside is the price, especially if you want live instruction.

Who we’d recommend it for: First-time MCAT students, anyone who struggles to stay organized, and students who want access to instructors.

See Kaplan MCAT Courses →

Kaplan MCAT: Key Features

21 Full-Length Practice Exams*

3,000+ Customizable Qbank Questions

90+ Content Review Videos

7 MCAT Review Books

Live Instructor-Led Classes Available

1-on-1 Private Tutoring Available

*Includes official AAMC practice exams in qualifying packages. Features vary by course.

Our Assessment

What We Love About Kaplan MCAT Prep

Kaplan gets a lot right, particularly when it comes to practice materials, course structure, and instructor support. There are a few things we’d consider before enrolling, but the advantages outweigh the drawbacks for most students.

What We Love

✓ Outstanding practice resources. Up to 21 full-length exams and thousands of practice questions.
✓ Easy-to-follow study plans. Takes the guesswork out of preparing for the MCAT.
✓ Excellent review books. Seven detailed books covering the major MCAT subjects.
✓ Flexible course options. Choose self-paced lessons, live classes, or tutoring.
✓ Experienced instructors. Get help understanding difficult concepts and improving your test-taking strategies.
✓ Helpful progress tracking. Identify weak subjects and focus your study time where it matters most.

A Few Things to Consider

Premium pricing. Kaplan costs more than some alternatives, particularly for live classes and tutoring. However, the additional structure and instructor support can justify the investment.
Lots of study materials. There’s more content than most students will need. Following a study plan helps you focus on what’s most important.
Personalization varies by course. Standard courses provide study plans and performance tracking, while students wanting more individual attention can choose private tutoring.

Our Take: None of these are major dealbreakers. For students who want a structured, well-supported MCAT prep experience, Kaplan remains one of our favorite options.

What Could Be Better

✕ High price. Live classes and tutoring can be a major investment.
✕ Too much content. Students may struggle to prioritize the most useful materials.
✕ Limited personalization. Standard courses don’t offer the same attention as tutoring.
✕ Requires discipline. Having access to resources doesn’t guarantee you’ll use them.

Kaplan vs. Blueprint vs. Princeton Review

Kaplan is a strong option, but Blueprint and Princeton Review are worth considering too. Here’s how we’d approach the decision.

Kaplan vs. Blueprint

Traditional Structure vs. Digital Learning

Kaplan is appealing if you want a familiar, structured approach with review books, practice exams, and instructor-led options.

Blueprint is worth comparing if you place a high priority on online study tools and digital learning.

Our preference: Kaplan for students who want a combination of books, instruction, and practice.

Kaplan vs. Princeton Review

Two Strong Instructor-Led Options

Both providers offer self-paced courses, live instruction, and tutoring.

We’d compare the specific packages rather than choosing based on brand recognition. Instruction hours, guarantees, and pricing can vary considerably.

Our preference: Kaplan if you value its review books and extensive practice resources.

Who Should Buy Kaplan MCAT Prep?

Kaplan Makes Sense If…

You’re taking the MCAT for the first time.
You struggle to organize your study schedule.
You want access to instructors.
You prefer books, videos, and practice exams.
You have the budget for a structured course.

Consider Something Else If…

You’re working with a limited budget.
You only need help with a few subjects.
You’re comfortable studying independently.
You prefer a smaller study program.
You won’t use most of the included resources.

Think Kaplan Might Be Right for You?

Take a look at the current course options before deciding how much instruction you actually need.

View Kaplan MCAT Options →

Cost & Value

Is Kaplan MCAT Worth the Price?

Kaplan isn’t the cheapest way to prepare for the MCAT, and that’s probably our biggest hesitation when recommending it.

Self-paced courses are generally the most affordable option, while live instruction, intensive programs, and private tutoring cost considerably more.

We think the additional cost makes sense if you need help staying organized or benefit from learning directly from instructors.

But if you’re already comfortable studying independently, you may not need to pay for the most expensive package.

Our advice: Choose the course based on how you learn, not how many features are included. A less expensive course you’ll actually complete is better than an expensive program you barely use.

What About Kaplan’s Higher Score Guarantee?

Kaplan offers score guarantees on qualifying MCAT courses, but the exact terms depend on the program.

Students may need to attend classes, complete assignments, and satisfy other requirements to remain eligible.

We’d recommend reading the full guarantee terms before enrolling. Don’t assume that a disappointing score automatically qualifies you for a refund.

Kaplan MCAT Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kaplan MCAT prep worth it?

Kaplan is worth considering if you need structured preparation, extensive practice resources, and access to instructors. Independent students may be able to prepare for less.

How many practice exams does Kaplan include?

Qualifying Kaplan packages include up to 21 full-length practice exams, including official AAMC tests. The exact number depends on the course.

How many practice questions does Kaplan have?

Kaplan advertises more than 3,000 customizable Qbank questions. Additional practice may be included through exams and other course resources.

Are Kaplan MCAT practice tests harder than the real exam?

Some students find third-party exams more difficult than official AAMC tests. However, difficulty varies, and Kaplan scores shouldn’t be treated as exact predictions of your real MCAT score.

Does Kaplan include official AAMC materials?

Qualifying Kaplan courses include official AAMC preparation materials. Check the specific package to confirm which resources are included.

How long should I study for the MCAT?

Many students study for approximately three to six months. Your ideal timeline depends on your starting knowledge, target score, and available study hours.

Is Kaplan better than Blueprint?

Kaplan is a strong option for students who want traditional review materials and structured instruction. Blueprint is also worth comparing if you prefer its digital study tools.

Does Kaplan offer private MCAT tutoring?

Yes. Kaplan offers private tutoring for students who want individualized instruction. Pricing and availability depend on the tutoring package.

FINAL VERDICT

Yes, particularly for students who want a structured study plan and plenty of practice before test day.

Kaplan’s biggest strengths are its full-length practice exams, extensive review materials, and flexible course options.

The biggest drawback is the price. Students who are comfortable studying independently may be able to prepare for less.

Our recommendation: Kaplan is an excellent option for first-time MCAT students and anyone who needs more structure or instructor support to stay on track.

Explore Kaplan MCAT Courses →

Compare current courses, pricing, and enrollment options directly with Kaplan.