Kaplan Test Prep

4.5

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5.8

Overall Score

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.

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.

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.

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.

User Reviews

Star Rating

4.5

78 Reviews

Review Breakdown

  • 5 grade 67%
  • 4 grade 23%
  • 3 grade 8%
  • 2 grade 0%
  • 1 grade 3%

Sentiment Criteria

  • Value: starstarstarstarstar_half
  • Quality: starstarstarstarstar_half
  • Service: starstarstarstarstar_half
  • Trustworthiness: starstarstarstarstar

Review Samples

  • 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.

  • Brad H Gilbert, AZ
    I used Kaplan to help me prepare for the MCAT exam.

  • Nashali Vescovacci FL
    Kaplan has great test prep for the Medical College Admission Test.

  • 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.

  • Eddie Rios Ogden, UT
    Kaplan Test Prep is an invaluable testing resource.