Getting into medical school starts with crushing the MCAT. With the average accepted score hovering around 511 (out of 528), you need every advantage you can get.
Kaplan has been helping pre-med students conquer this beast for more than 80 years, but is this program still the gold standard?
Table of Contents
Kaplan MCAT Prep
Summary
Kaplan MCAT Prep is ideal for driven students who want a structured, comprehensive program with extensive practice tests and flexible study options. However, it may not suit budget-conscious or highly independent learners who prefer a more flexible, self-paced approach.
Who Is Kaplan MCAT Prep For?
🎯Kaplan is built for students who need structure.
If you like knowing exactly what to do every day—and you’re okay being pushed a little—Kaplan’s got your back.
The schedules are tight, the practice is tough, and the platform basically turns your study plan into a daily mission. When you’re juggling organic chemistry, biochem, and CARS practice, having someone organize it all for you is incredibly valuable.
🎯With it’s 17 practice tests, Kaplan is GREAT for students who want to polish their test-taking abilities.
This is far more than most competitors offer. They’re realistic, tough, and closely mimic the actual exam format. With this many chances to practice under real conditions, you’ll build confidence, timing, and stamina like no other prep course allows.
🎯Kaplan also fits perfectly if you’re juggling multiple commitments.
Some prep courses make it impossible for any student who works or has other commitments to find a prep schedule that matches theirs. With both in-person and online options, plus live and on-demand content, you can tailor your prep to your schedule, not the other way around.
❌Who is Kaplan MCAT Prep NOT for?
If you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more flexible, self-directed approach, Kaplan might feel like wearing a suit to a beach party: unnecessarily formal and a bit restrictive.
The structured curriculum works wonders for many, but independent learners might find the rigid framework limiting rather than liberating.
Kaplan certainly isn’t for students who aren’t committed to success. It has a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum designed for high achievers.
Kaplan MCAT Course Options and Pricing
Staring at Kaplan’s course options can feel a bit intimidating. Let me break down what you’re actually getting and how much you’ll need to budget.
Kaplan offers several tiers of MCAT preparation, ranging from self-directed study to intensive bootcamps. Its pricing reflects the amount of support and live instruction you receive, so understanding what each level provides helps determine if it’s worth your investment.
Kaplan also offers a specialized on-demand course called PREview prep that helps pre-med students prepare for the AAMC PREview exam, which assesses non-academic skills essential for medical school success. The package includes practice questions, full-length practice exams, and instructional videos designed specifically for this professional readiness assessment.
Unlike content-based sections of the MCAT, PREview focuses on evaluating ethical decision-making, interpersonal skills, and professional behaviors expected of future physicians.
CARS stands for Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, which is one of the four main sections of the MCAT exam that tests reading comprehension and analytical reasoning through complex passages from humanities and social sciences.
Kaplan’s complete study tools are included at every level. Here’s what they include:
- 90+ video lessons
- 17 full-length practice tests
- 3,000+ question bank
- AAMC material access
- Access to the MCAT channel
- Books and printed materials
- Personalized study plan
This table breaks down the features and prices you can expect for each course level.
| Course | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| On Demand |
|
$1,699 |
| Live Online |
|
$2,299 |
| In Person |
|
$3,099 |
| Private Tutoring +Live Online |
|
$3,599 |
What Does Kaplan MCAT Prep Include?
So what exactly are you getting for your hard-earned money? Kaplan’s MCAT prep is built around several core components that work together to prepare you for test day. Let’s examine each piece of their comprehensive system.
Kaplan truly stands out by letting you choose exactly how long you need to access the resources for: 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your study timeline and the package you select.
This flexibility means you’re never paying for extra months you won’t use, which is refreshingly practical. Unlike competitors who often lock you into fixed timeframes regardless of your personal schedule, Kaplan puts you in control of your prep timeline.
✔️90+ Video Lessons
These brand-new content refresher videos are designed to help students master the highest-yield MCAT topics.
If you’re someone who zones out during long lectures, you’re going to love Kaplan’s video lessons.
Most videos are around 8 to 13 minutes long—just enough to teach you something big without frying your brain. Some are even shorter, but a few go up to 20 minutes when the topic calls for it.
What’s really cool is that if you ever feel like a video just scratches the surface, Kaplan doesn’t leave you hanging. You will always know exactly which chapter in the prep book lines up with the video, so you can dive deeper and take detailed notes.
The real value here isn’t just the information. It’s how it’s presented.
Each video is packed with visuals, like pictures, graphs, formulas, and all kinds of drawings, so things stick better in your memory. The instructors, who are MCAT experts themselves, use examples, analogies, and memory devices that stick with you.
Each video also includes interactive elements like pause-and-predict moments and embedded quizzes to keep you engaged rather than passively watching.
✔️17 Full-Length MCAT Practice Tests
This is arguably Kaplan’s strongest feature. With 17 full-length exams, you’ll never run out of fresh practice material. But the real value isn’t just in quantity but quality and analytics.
After each practice test, you’ll receive detailed performance breakdowns showing exactly where you’re strong and where you need work.
The tests adapt over time to focus more questions on your weak areas, making sure you don’t waste time practicing what you’ve already mastered.
Six of these tests are official AAMC practice exams—the gold standard for MCAT preparation since they’re created by the same people who make the actual test. Having these integrated into your study plan rather than purchased separately is a significant advantage.
✔️3,000+ Practice Questions
Kaplan’s question bank is a goldmine for MCAT prep, packed with over 3,000 practice questions that feel just like the real thing.
You can build your own quizzes exactly how you want them, short or long, focusing on specific topics or subtopics that give you trouble.
Plus, the practice questions include all those must-see images straight from Kaplan’s best-selling MCAT books, so you’re learning from materials students trust.
When you get a question wrong (and we all do!), you don’t just see the right answer, you get a complete breakdown of why it’s right and why the other choices missed the mark.
This is honestly way more useful than other prep courses that just give you the answer without the “why” behind it.
The score reports are super clear too, showing exactly where you need to spend more time. It’s like having a personal MCAT coach pointing you in the right direction.
✔️AAMC Material Access
Kaplan includes complete access to the official AAMC prep materials, which many consider nonnegotiable for thorough MCAT preparation.
Here’s what you get:
6 AAMC full length practice exams
These exams replicate the MCAT’s format, timing, and question style, providing students with a realistic preparation tool. Each exam includes detailed score reports and in-depth explanations for every question, which helps students identify strengths and areas for improvement. They also feature test-like interfaces, ensuring familiarity with the digital environment of the MCAT.
Question packs
You get a set of six online MCAT practice question sets offered by the AAMC. These question packs cover the four sections of the MCAT, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. Each pack contains 120 questions, some of which are passage-based and some of which are independent. These question packs are official practice materials provided by the AAMC and are not included in Kaplan’s Qbank.
Section banks
If you need focused instruction for a specific section of the exam, you’ll love this feature.
These banks include 300 passage-based and independent questions divided into three sections, including Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
Each section contains 100 questions, designed to challenge students and refine their critical thinking skills. The questions mirror the MCAT’s style and difficulty, which ensures realistic preparation. Students can view answers and explanations immediately or later and use tools like highlighting and performance tracking to optimize their study effort.
The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam
This comprehensive resource was created by the test developers themselves. The book provides detailed insights into the MCAT’s structure, content, and scoring process. It also offers tips on efficient preparation strategies and explains how scores are used in the admissions process. Additionally, the guide describes the content assessed in each section of the exam which helps students focus their study efforts.
Sample test
A free, unscored practice exam that is designed to mimic the actual MCAT, including its format, length, and functionality.
Having these integrated directly into your Kaplan dashboard saves you from juggling multiple platforms and ensures your practice stays focused on the most authentic MCAT material available.
✔️MCAT Channel (Live Online and On Demand Sessions)
The Kaplan MCAT Channel is an interactive, on-demand resource that’s built to give your prep a serious boost.
You get live lessons taught by Kaplan’s top instructors. Every single one of them has scored in the 90th percentile or higher on the MCAT. So yeah, they know their stuff.
These live-streaming sessions allow you to drop in on specific subjects you’re struggling with, effectively creating a customized review schedule focused on your needs. Each daily topic-focused workshop dives into everything from must-know content to smart test strategies and next-level problem-solving skills.
There’s a wide range of topics, and they don’t just stick to the basics—they really go in-depth.
The best part?
If you miss a live session, no worries. The whole collection of past sessions is recorded and ready to go, so you can watch anytime, anywhere.
You’ll have a growing library of expert-led crash courses at your fingertips. Compared to most MCAT courses out there, this is where Kaplan really pulls ahead. You’re not stuck with just static videos—you get real-time learning, live Q&A, and the chance to dig deeper into whatever’s tripping you up.
It’s flexible, helpful, and honestly feels like a secret weapon when you’re studying.
✔️Books & Print Materials
Kaplan’s seven-book subject review set has been a staple of MCAT preparation for decades. These recently updated texts cover it all:
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics and Math
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
What sets these books apart is their focus on MCAT-relevant content rather than comprehensive subject coverage. They emphasize high-yield topics and include plenty of practice passages that mirror the test’s format.
✔️Personalized Study Plan
Kaplan offers structured MCAT study plans designed to help students prepare effectively. The program estimates you’ll spend 300 to 350 hours studying, and you can choose from plans that organize your study sessions within a 1-month, 2-month, 3-month, or 6-month schedule.
The study planner is your personal MCAT virtual assistant.
After inputting your test date and available study hours, it generates a week-by-week schedule that distributes content review, practice questions, and full-length tests appropriately.
Each plan provides a weekly breakdown of study topics, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Behavioral Sciences.
Students start with a diagnostic test to assess strengths and weaknesses then follow a rotating schedule focusing on different subjects daily. Kaplan also integrates full-length practice tests and daily MCAT questions to reinforce learning.
For those with limited time, the 1-month plan is intensive, while the 6-month plan allows for a more gradual approach. The 3-month plan is a popular choice because it balances depth and efficiency.
What I find particularly helpful is how it adjusts dynamically based on your performance, shuffling more practice into weak areas while maintaining progress across all subjects.
This dynamic plan recommends specific videos, practice sets, and review sessions based on your performance. It’s like having a personal MCAT coach planning your weekly training schedule, keeping you on track for your target score.
✔️Study Tools
Let’s dive deeper into the actual study tools that make up Kaplan’s MCAT preparation system.
The digital platform itself deserves special attention. Kaplan’s adaptive Qbank technology analyzes your performance patterns to identify knowledge gaps you might not even recognize yourself.
For instance, you might consistently miss questions about enzyme kinetics under time pressure but perform fine when untimed—the system spots these patterns and adjusts your practice accordingly. But these performance analytics go beyond simple right/wrong tracking.
You’ll see detailed breakdowns analyzing a variety of metrics:
- Time spent per question type
- Performance by subject and sub-topic
- Comparison to other Kaplan students
- Projected MCAT score based on practice performance
- Question difficulty versus your success rate
If you’re a visual learner, you’ll also love interactive tools like the 3D molecular viewers for biochemistry and organic chemistry concepts.
I find these especially useful for differentiating between abstract concepts and they’re real-world applications when working on spatial-reasoning questions.
Another often overlooked feature is Kaplan’s extensive flash card system. While students can create their own flash cards, Kaplan’s pre-made sets cover high-yield terms and concepts, which can save you valuable study time.
These flash cards are also available on Amazon.
✔️Live Instruction
Nothing replaces the ability to raise your hand and ask questions when you’re stuck. Kaplan’s live instruction options bring that classroom experience into your MCAT preparation, whether virtually or in person.
The Live Online course structure includes 36 hours of core instruction spread across 12 three-hour sessions.
These aren’t passive lectures but interactive lessons where you’ll work through practice problems, discuss challenging concepts, and master test-taking strategies alongside other pre-med students.
What surprised me most was the quality of the instructors. Kaplan maintains strict hiring standards, requiring instructors to have scored in the 90th percentile or higher on an official MCAT. Many are current medical students or physicians who’ve recently gone through the medical school application process themselves—they understand exactly what you’re going through.
The classroom experience follows a consistent format:
- A brief review of key concepts
- Guided practice with instructor feedback
- Strategic approaches to different question types
- Small-group breakout sessions for collaborative problem-solving
- Q&A opportunities throughout
The MCAT Bootcamp intensifies this approach with nearly daily sessions over five weeks. This immersive experience is particularly valuable for students with tight timelines or those who prefer structured, intensive study environments.
Think of it as MCAT summer camp—demanding but transformative.
✔️Tutoring Options
If you feel like you need more personalized attention, Kaplan’s tutoring packages pair you with an instructor who tailors their approach to your specific needs. These sessions typically maintain a tactical approach:
- Identifying and addressing knowledge gaps
- Developing customized strategies for challenging sections
- Practice review with expert guidance
- Timeline adjustments based on progress
- Accountability and motivation
While expensive, these one-on-one sessions provide the most targeted preparation possible. Many students opt for a middle ground and purchase the standalone Live Online course, then add 10 hours of tutoring to address their weakest subjects.
Platform and User Experience
From the moment you log in, Kaplan’s dashboard presents a clean, intuitive interface that shows your upcoming scheduled activities, recent performance metrics, and recommended next steps. The design strikes a balance between comprehensive data and accessibility. You can quickly find what you need without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re constantly on the move, Kaplan’s mobile app deserves a special mention.
While you won’t want to take full-length practice tests on your phone, the app does great at delivering flash cards, short practice sets, and video lessons during otherwise wasted moments, like waiting for your laundry or riding the campus shuttle.
The platform tracks everything automatically, creating heat maps of your performance across subjects and identifying patterns in your mistakes.
One minor frustration some students report is occasional platform sluggishness during peak usage times, particularly when accessing full-length practice tests. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning study sessions when servers may be busiest.
The progress-tracking visualizations help maintain motivation during the long preparation journey.
Watching your practice scores trend upward provides concrete evidence that your hard work is paying off, especially during those inevitable moments of doubt and fatigue.
515+ Score Guarantee
The MCAT is a high-stakes game in which every point can make or break your med school dreams. That’s why Kaplan’s 515+ score guarantee feels like finding a life preserver in rough waters.
But what does this guarantee actually cover, and is it as reassuring as it sounds?
Basically, if you’ve already scored a 500 or higher on a previous official MCAT and you enroll in the 515+ program, Kaplan promises you’ll hit a 515 or better, or you get your money back.
No gimmicks.
And it isn’t just a bold claim. It comes with some clear terms to make sure it’s fair for everyone.
First, you need to have an official MCAT score of at least 500 before enrolling in the 515+ program. If you’re a first-timer, this isn’t for you; it’s designed for students who already have a strong foundation and want to push their score into the elite range.
You also need to complete all required coursework, which includes watching lessons, doing practice questions, and finishing assignments by their deadlines. Basically, Kaplan wants to make sure you actually use the program before cashing in on the guarantee.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Life happens, plans change, and sometimes you need to adjust your MCAT preparation timeline. Understanding Kaplan’s policies before you commit can save headaches later.
Kaplan’s MCAT course cancellation and refund policy is pretty clear, but there are some important rules to know. If you’re taking an in-person course and decide you’d rather switch to a live-online class, you can do that anytime before or during the course. Just reach out and Kaplan will adjust the tuition for any difference.
If you cancel your in-person course before it starts and before using any of the online materials, you’re eligible for a full refund. But once you’ve accessed the materials or the class has started, no refund is available.
For Live Online, Plus, and Self-Paced programs, you can get a full refund if you cancel within three days of buying. Cancel between days four and seven, and you’ll get 75% of your money back.
But after day eight, no refund is offered, so don’t wait too long if you’re unsure.
How Does Kaplan Compare to Other MCAT Prep Courses?
In the crowded MCAT prep marketplace, how does Kaplan stack up against its major competitors? Here’s a breakdown of key differences to help you decide where your prep dollars are best spent.
| Feature | Kaplan | Magoosh | Princeton Review | Blueprint | Altius |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | $1,699–$4,399 | $379–$399 | $1,999–$7,560 | $159–$6,999 | $2,899–$9,999 |
| Self-paced options | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Live-online classes | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| In-person classes | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| 1-on-1 tutoring | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Practice questions | 3,000+ | 740+ | 2,500+ | 5,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Practice tests | 17 | 3 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| AAMC materials included | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Books & printed materials | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Score-improvement guarantee | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Money-back guarantee | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Mobile app access | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free trial available | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
It’s also worth pointing out that among test prep courses that claim to hold in-person classes, Kaplan leads the pack by offering classes in most major cities, even Columbus, Ohio. Other “in-person” programs often limit their classes to major cities, such as New York. In some cases, they advertise in-person classes but don’t actually have any.
Another area where Kaplan consistently outperforms competitors is platform stability and user experience. Its eight decades in test prep have resulted in a polished, reliable digital infrastructure that newer companies sometimes struggle to match.
Final Verdict: Is Kaplan MCAT Prep Worth It?
We know Kaplan isn’t the cheapest option, but neither is four years of medical school, and you need to get in first. This may not be the area you want to pinch pennies.
Kaplan offers a structured, well-rounded system built to support serious MCAT takers.
If you need clear guidance, strong resources, and a study plan you can trust, Kaplan delivers. Its Live Online course hits the sweet spot, with expert instruction, AAMC integration, and accountability without the eye-watering cost of private tutoring. More independent learners can still benefit from Kaplan’s Self-Paced course at a lower price.
Invest in your future today. Your white coat starts here.
FAQs
How much does Kaplan MCAT prep cost?
Kaplan’s MCAT prep costs $1,699 for the On-Demand course and $3,099 for the In-Person course. The popular Live Online course runs $2,299, while the In-Person + Live Online course goes for $3,599 depending on hours needed. Payment plans are available to spread costs over 3–6 months.
Can Kaplan really raise my MCAT score?
Yes, Kaplan can help raise your MCAT score through comprehensive content review, strategy training, and extensive practice. Its methods have been refined over decades, and it offers a Higher Score Guarantee backing its effectiveness. Most students see improvements of 5–15 points when completing the full program as directed.
Does Kaplan offer MCAT tutoring?
Yes, Kaplan offers private MCAT tutoring packages starting at $2,299 for 10 hours. You can purchase tutoring as a standalone service or add it to any course package. All tutors have scored in the 90th percentile or higher on their own MCAT and receive specialized training in Kaplan’s methods.
Is Kaplan harder or easier than the real MCAT?
Kaplan practice tests are generally slightly harder than the real MCAT, with scores typically 3–5 points lower than what students achieve on the actual exam. This deliberately challenging approach helps build endurance and ensures you’re well-prepared for test day. Their AAMC practice tests, however, most accurately reflect the real MCAT difficulty and scoring scale.