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Sunday, February 9th
As one of the longest running test prep businesses in the U.S., if you've studied for any kind of admissions or professional test, then you've likely heard of Kaplan. In the field of test prep, however, company size and experience doesn't always equate to quality. So, here's what Kaplan offers for the GRE.
Huge selection of test prep options
Kaplan has a wide selection of high-priced offerings, with GRE courses that range from on-demand to live-online, with tutoring available as well.
Proctored tests offered
All of Kaplan's GRE prep offerings come with their "official test-day experience”, in which you can sit for an in-person proctored test mimicking GRE conditions. While certainly not pleasant, such practice could be a deciding factor for those looking for test day practice that simulates the actual conditions of the GRE.
No refund for courses
Keep in mind that Kaplan does not offer any refund policies for their on-demand or live-online course options. However, Kaplan does have a complex schema for their tutoring refunds: if you request a refund within 3 days of purchase, you receive a 100% refund; within 4 to 7 days of purchase, you get a 75% refund; after 8 days or if you have already started tutoring, you can be refunded $75 per tutoring hour remaining (which does not include the cost of the on-demand course purchased as part of their tutoring packages). In short, Kaplan's GRE refund policies are simultaneously overcomplicated and disappointing.
Overall mixed reviews
Kaplan generally receives very good reviews from major review sites, but receives mixed feedback within communities and online discussion boards dedicated to GRE prep: such a split is common for companies with the capital to manage their reputation and surface primarily positive reviews.
A serious contender, but not the best
While certainly not a wallet-friendly option, Kaplan offers something for everyone. And if the structure of a self-led, live-online, or tutored course is what you need to keep you accountable, Kaplan is a reliable (if pricey) standby for GRE test prep. So, while it would be more economical to cobble together more budget-friendly tools and prep, Kaplan offers some integrated plans that might be worth your time to consider.
It's a critical question, because if you're headed to graduate school, then the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an infamous hurdle that you'll have to deal with one way or another. The GRE test plays a significant role in the admissions process for many graduate programs. It serves as a standardized measure that allows universities to assess applicants' academic readiness and potential to succeed in advanced studies.
For institutions, the GRE provides an objective tool to differentiate among applicants, especially when faced with a large pool of candidates. It helps in predicting how well students might perform in their initial year of graduate school, offering insight into their cognitive abilities and analytical thinking. Moreover, the GRE can assist in awarding merit-based scholarships, helping to allocate financial aid to deserving students.
The GRE consists of three key components: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These components collectively evaluate an applicant's cognitive abilities, communication skills, and analytical prowess. Such a comprehensive assessment is crucial in identifying candidates who possess the skills necessary for advanced academic work. By incorporating both quantitative and qualitative aspects, the GRE offers a well-rounded perspective on an applicant's intellectual capabilities, and offers a common benchmark for comparing candidates from various academic backgrounds and cultures.
Many institutions allocate scholarships to outstanding students as a way to incentivize excellence and attract top talent. GRE scores can play a pivotal role in awarding these scholarships, as they offer a quantifiable measure of an applicant's potential contribution to the academic community. High GRE scores can bolster an applicant's eligibility for financial assistance, making higher education more accessible to deserving individuals.
As it stands, the GRE continues to play a pivotal role in many graduate school admissions. With that in mind, the following factors can help you evaluate GRE preparation plans to achieve the highest score possible:
Top Consumer Reviews has done the preliminary research for you, so if you're going to be taking the GRE, and are overwhelmed by the high price and bold claims of most test-prep options, don't worry. We've found the best, most highly rated, and most economical GRE test prep options for your consideration. Before you begin studying, take a moment to browse our curated list, and find the GRE prep that best suits your budget and your needs.
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