Monday, July 7th
2025 MCAT Test Prep Course Reviews
Kaplan
- "On-demand” course $1,899
- "Live-online” course at $2,399
- 10 hours Tutoring+live online at $2,999
- Premium Tutoring+live online at $4,199
- "MCAT Bootcamp online” at $6,779
- "Higher Score guarantee” for live-online courses
- "515 or 15+ guarantee” for tutoring and premium tutoring services
Kaplan has a long history of providing test prep materials and tutoring services, and if you're preparing for the MCAT you likely already know about Kaplan due to the popularity of their series of MCAT test prep books. However, Kaplan also offers independent and structured MCAT test prep courses for those needing a bit more structure. Here is how their offerings break down:
Impressive collection of MCAT prep resources
All MCAT prep courses with Kaplan include the following:
- 17 MCAT sample tests, 6 of which are sourced directly from the AAMC
- 10,000 MCAT practice questions
- 3,000+ QBank quizzes with 3-D models
- Score reports, and explanations
- A personalized and flexible MCAT study plan complete with targeted homework and 1-on-1 office hours
- A VR study app "Librarium”
- All official AAMC practice material
- A mobile companion app
- Access to MCAT video reviews and livestreams
- and finally, Kaplan's bestselling 7-book subject review set, featuring up-to-date MCAT preparatory materials
While some features (such as the headset-requiring VR app Librarium) may not be for everyone, Kaplan's premium-priced course comes with an undeniably hefty set of practice materials and support. Your individual price is going to depend on which mode of instruction you choose, and the length of your subscription.
Well supported refund policy...
Kaplan offers some refund options with their "higher score guarantee” and a "515 or +15” guarantee for their live-online and tutoring/bootcamp offers respectively. Keep in mind, however, that such services come with a critical caveat; you need to have either previously taken the MCAT or complete a proctored Kaplan MCAT to establish a baseline score; if you do not do so, you are simply not eligible for their refund policies.
...but watch the caveats
Additionally, to qualify for the refund you need to complete all requirements of the course you paid for: every class, module, quiz, and piece of homework, which client testimonies state can be difficult due to the sheer volume of material they assign. If you do happen to score higher, but not high enough to your liking, Kaplan offers to re-activate students' accounts for an additional twelve weeks. So, while the refund option might seem attractive, keep in mind there is a significant amount of work required for you to be eligible for a refund.
Self-paced, live-online, and premium study options
Kaplan offers a variety of MCAT study plans, ranging from just plain expensive to really expensive.
- Kaplan's On-demand self-paced study costs $1,899 for 6 months of access, and includes access to all the previously mentioned resources
- Kaplan's Live-online courses cost $2,399, which offers flexible scheduling for 14 separate, interactive 3-hour courses and even more personalized homework
- Kaplan's Live-Online + tutoring option includes 10-hours of one-on-one tutoring at $2,999, integrated with your Live-online courses
- Kaplan's Premium tutoring is an even more highly-tailored test-prep offering for $4,199, comes with a "515 or +15” score guarantee, gets you a tutor who scored 520 or higher on their MCAT, and a one-on-one consultation with a medical school admissions expert: an undeniably premium service for a definitively premium price.
- For those who need to improve their MCAT score fast, Kaplan offers an eye-wateringly expensive 5-week Bootcamp for $6,799; with an absolutely intense daily schedule that includes weekday and weekend work, one-on-one tutoring, and access to Kaplan's best instructors, their Bootcamp is perfect for those "ready to eat, sleep, and breathe” MCAT prep, which includes their "515 or +15” MCAT guarantee.
Generally mixed reviews
Customer reviews on Kaplan are decidedly mixed; while they have glowing reviews on major aggregate review sites, they currently have a "B-” with the Better Business Bureau, and MCAT-dedicated forums generally are inconclusive regarding Kaplan's quality. This is common with many large test prep companies, and is likely representative of their expertise in reputation management on review boards.
Overall good, heavily-structured test prep
While known for their plethora of study materials, Kaplan's individual test prep, live-online, or premium tutoring options could be an excellent way to introduce heavily structured study into your MCAT preparation. So while not especially the best across any metric, and definitely suboptimal for independent learners, Kaplan is a good choice for those seeking a highly-structured online class, or online-class-integrated MCAT tutoring.
More MCAT Test Prep Course Reviews
The 10 Best MCAT Test Prep Courses
What's the Best Online MCAT Prep on the Market?
While the answer to that question is going to depend on your specific needs (tutoring vs. online classes, directed study vs. self-paced prep), the MCAT itself is unavoidable if you dream of being a doctor. Standing for the Medical College Admissions Test, the MCAT is a valuable metric that can set you apart from your peers in the gauntlet of admissions to prestigious and well-regarded medical institutions.
Scoring well on the MCAT is critically important in the medical school admissions process. Admissions committees use MCAT scores as a standardized metric to assess the academic preparedness of applicants. A strong MCAT score can significantly enhance an applicant's chances of gaining admission to their desired medical school, opening doors to a fulfilling career in medicine.
MCAT Test Prep Course FAQ
Continued from above...
The MCAT is designed to assess a wide range of skills and knowledge crucial for success in medical education and practice. Beyond evaluating factual knowledge, the test looks at critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These qualities are indispensable for medical professionals who must navigate complex medical cases, make timely decisions, and adapt to rapidly evolving medical advancements.
The MCAT also mirrors the evolving demands of the medical field. Medicine is becoming increasingly integrated and patient-centered, requiring professionals to understand not only the scientific aspects of health but also the socio-cultural and ethical dimensions. The MCAT's inclusion of sections that assess psychological, social, and ethical concepts acknowledges the need for physicians who are empathetic, culturally competent, and capable of delivering holistic care.
While far from perfect, the MCAT provides a benchmark for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring that medical schools admit students who possess the foundational knowledge required for their rigorous curricula. By incorporating an emphasis on natural sciences, critical analysis, and reasoning, the MCAT tries to ensure that candidates are well-rounded and equipped to tackle the interdisciplinary nature of modern healthcare. This uniform evaluation method helps institutions make informed and fair decisions when considering a large pool of candidates.
Before you start browsing our curated list of MCAT preparatory services, we have a few tips that might serve you well as you do your due diligence:
- Time: First, do you have enough for a class, and second, how well can you manage your schedule? Be honest with yourself about your ability and availability, and choose a self-paced or live-online class accordingly.
- Money: MCAT test prep is just plain expensive, even more so if you choose to take a class. As such, be strategic about which prep you choose based on your needs: a well-made self-paced prep package could net you higher scores than a mid-tier, ineffective classroom.
- Score Guarantees: Many services come with various refunds and "score guarantees”, but contain caveats around them. Whether you have to establish a baseline score, or complete all provided coursework, be sure to check the parameters of their guarantee before you buy the service.
Here at Top Consumer Reviews we have done our due diligence to make your MCAT test preparations less strenuous (and, hopefully, less expensive). With a bit of elbow grease and determination, you will be able to improve your score. So take a deep breath, and start preparing with our curated list of the top MCAT test prep available today.
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