Kaplan Test Prep has been a prominent name in the test preparation industry for over 80 years, assisting millions of students in achieving their academic and professional goals.
They offer a comprehensive suite of preparation courses for a wide array of standardized tests, including college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT, graduate-level tests such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT, as well as professional licensing exams in fields like nursing, finance, and law.
Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan Test Prep is a leading provider of educational services, helping students prepare for standardized exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and professional licensing tests.
With over 80 years of experience, Kaplan offers flexible learning options including on-demand courses, live online classes, and private tutoring. Their programs feature expert instructors, realistic practice exams, adaptive learning tools, and a higher score guarantee.
Whether you’re aiming for college, grad school, or a professional license, Kaplan provides comprehensive resources and support to help you succeed. It’s a trusted choice for serious students who want structured, effective test preparation.
Key Features of Kaplan Test Prep
1. Diverse Course Offerings
Kaplan provides preparation courses for over 90 standardized tests, catering to various educational and professional milestones. This extensive range ensures that students and professionals can find tailored resources for their specific needs, whether it’s for high school exams, college admissions, graduate admissions, or professional certifications.
2. Flexible Learning Formats
Understanding that learners have different preferences and schedules, Kaplan offers multiple learning formats:
- On-Demand (Self-Paced): Allows students to study at their own pace with pre-recorded lessons and practice materials.
- Live Online Classes: Interactive sessions with instructors in real-time, providing structure and immediate feedback.
- In-Person Classes: Traditional classroom settings for those who prefer face-to-face learning (availability may vary).Bootcamps: Intensive, short-term courses designed for rapid preparation.
3. Comprehensive Study Materials
Kaplan provides a wealth of study materials, including:
- Practice Questions: Access to thousands of practice questions that mirror the style and difficulty of actual exams.
- Full-Length Practice Tests: Simulated exams to help students build stamina and assess their readiness.
- Video Lessons: Engaging video content that breaks down complex topics into understandable segments.
- Study Guides and Books: Comprehensive books that cover test content and strategies.
4. Adaptive Learning Technology
Kaplan’s courses utilize adaptive learning technology to personalize the study experience:
- Performance Tracking: Students can monitor their progress and adjust their study strategies accordingly.
5. Expert Instructors
Kaplan prides itself on its team of experienced instructors:
- Subject Matter Experts: Instructors with deep knowledge of the test content and format.
- Engaging Teaching Styles: Instructors are trained to deliver content in an engaging and understandable manner.
6. Mobile Accessibility
To accommodate busy lifestyles, Kaplan offers mobile-friendly resources:
- Mobile App: Access video lessons, quizzes, and flashcards on-the-go.
- Offline Access: Download materials for study without an internet connection.
7. Test Day Experience
Kaplan offers a unique “test day experience”:
- Simulated Exams at Test Centers: Students can take practice tests in actual test center environments.
8. Score Improvement Guarantee
Kaplan stands by its preparation courses with a score improvement guarantee:
- Money-Back Guarantee: If a student’s score doesn’t improve after completing a Kaplan course, they may be eligible for a refund.
Pros and Cons of Kaplan Test Prep
Pros:
- Comprehensive Resources: Kaplan’s extensive materials cover all aspects of test preparation, from content review to test-taking strategies.
- Flexible Learning Options: Multiple course formats cater to different learning styles and schedules.
- Experienced Instructors: Knowledgeable teachers provide valuable insights and support.
- Adaptive Learning: Personalized study plans enhance learning efficiency.
- Mobile Accessibility: Study materials are accessible on various devices, allowing for flexible study schedules.
- Test Day Experience: Simulated test environments help build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Score Improvement Guarantee: Kaplan’s commitment to student success is reflected in their money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Pricing: Kaplan’s courses are often priced higher than competitors, which may be a barrier for some students.
- Variable Instructor Quality: Some students have reported inconsistencies in the quality of instruction.
- Class Sizes: Live online classes can be large, potentially limiting individual attention.
Kaplan Test Prep Courses & Pricing
Let’s take a deep dive into Kaplan Test Prep’s courses. Kaplan offers preparation for a wide range of standardized tests across academic, graduate, and professional levels. Here’s a breakdown of their major course categories, what’s included, and who they’re best for:
📘 1. SAT Prep (College Admissions)
Ideal For: High school students preparing for college applications.
Course Options:
- On-Demand: Learn at your own pace. Includes video lessons, practice quizzes, and full-length tests.
- Live Online: Scheduled classes with expert instructors.
- Bootcamp: Intensive 2-week live course for last-minute prep.
Features:
- Over 1000+ practice questions
- 8 full-length practice tests
- Customized study plans
- Official College Board practice exams
Price Range:
- $199 (On-Demand)
- $699–$899 (Live Online)
- $1299 (Unlimited Prep)
📙 2. ACT Prep
Ideal For: Students aiming for colleges that require ACT scores.
Course Options:
- Similar to SAT: On-Demand, Live Online, and Bootcamp
Features:
- Diagnostic tests to identify weaknesses
- Full-length ACT practice exams
- Live or recorded strategy sessions
- Access to Kaplan’s ACT prep books
Price Range:
- Starts at $199 (On-Demand)
- $699+ (Live Online)
📗 3. GRE Prep (Graduate School)
Ideal For: Students applying to master’s or doctoral programs.
Course Options:
- Self-Paced GRE
- Live Online GRE
- Private Tutoring
- PLUS Package: Includes extra one-on-one coaching
Features:
- 180+ hours of content and practice
- Personalized quizzes and flashcards
- Score improvement guarantee
- Access to “Official Test Day Experience”
Price Range:
- $449 (Self-Paced)
- $999+ (Live Online)
- $2199+ (Private Tutoring)
📘 4. GMAT Prep (Business School)
Ideal For: Students targeting MBA or business-related graduate programs.
Course Options:
- Self-Paced, Live Online, and Tutoring
- Official GMAT™ Prep integration
Features:
- Advanced math and verbal strategy workshops
- Practice questions from actual GMAT exams
- Personalized analytics dashboard
Price Range:
- $599+ (Self-Paced)
- $1249+ (Live Online)
- $2499+ (Tutoring Packages)
📕 5. LSAT Prep (Law School)
Ideal For: Students preparing to apply for law school.
Course Options:
- Self-Paced, Live Online, In-Person (in select cities)
- LSAT Channel: Extra live classes every week
Features:
- 80+ real past LSATs from LSAC
- Logic games strategies
- Personalized feedback on writing samples
- Official Test Day Experience included
Price Range:
- $799 (Self-Paced)
- $1399+ (Live Online)
📒 6. MCAT Prep (Medical School)
Ideal For: Pre-med students taking the Medical College Admission Test.
Course Options:
- On-Demand, Live Online, In-Person, and Bootcamps
- Tutoring packages also available
Features:
- 7000+ practice questions
- 16 full-length practice exams
- Printed prep books
- Access to AAMC materials
- 500+ hours of video lessons
Price Range:
- $2299+ (Live Online)
- $6999+ (Bootcamp or Tutoring)
📚 7. NCLEX Prep (Nursing Licensing Exam)
Ideal For: Nursing graduates preparing for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.
Course Options:
- Self-Paced
- Live Classes
- Question Bank Only
- Remediation Program
Features:
- Realistic CAT (Computer Adaptive Testing) practice
- Content review across all nursing topics
- Mobile Qbank with thousands of practice items
Price Range:
- $425+ (Qbank & Content Review)
- $599+ (Live Online)
📖 8. Professional Exams (CPA, CFA, Real Estate, etc.)
Common Courses:
- CPA Exam: Multiple-choice Qbanks, task-based simulations, video lectures.
- CFA Level I, II, III: Study plans, performance analytics, and review workshops.
- Real Estate Licensing: State-specific training and exam prep.
- Insurance Licensing: Life, health, property, and casualty exam prep.
Price Range:
- Varies widely ($199 to $3000+) depending on state and profession.
🧠 9. Kaplan Private Tutoring
For all major tests (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), Kaplan offers 1-on-1 tutoring.
Features:
- Personalized study plan
- Weekly progress reports
- Homework assignments tailored to student goals
- Direct access to elite instructors
Pricing:
- Starting around $2499 for 10+ hours
- Can go up to $5000+ for premium packages
💵 Pricing Summary (Quick Overview)
| Course | Starting Price | Premium/Tutoring |
|---|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | $199 | $1299+ |
| GRE / GMAT | $449 / $599 | $2500+ |
| LSAT | $799 | $2200+ |
| MCAT | $2299 | $6999+ |
| NCLEX | $425 | $599+ |
| Professional | $199–$3000+ | Varies |
🎯 Final Thoughts on Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan stands out for:
- The sheer variety of exams it covers
- Depth of study materials
- Expert-led instruction
- Flexible learning options (from mobile apps to live tutoring)
While it’s not the cheapest prep company on the market, its reputation, resources, and guarantees often justify the cost—especially for students aiming for competitive schools or top-tier programs.
If you’re serious about getting a high score and you want structured guidance with a wide array of tools, Kaplan is a trusted and reliable choice.
FAQ’s
Is Kaplan good for test prep?
Yes, Kaplan is well-known for its high-quality materials, expert instructors, and proven results across many standardized tests.
Does Kaplan offer a score guarantee?
Yes, most Kaplan courses include a Higher Score Guarantee or your money back.
Are Kaplan courses self-paced?
Yes! They offer both self-paced (on-demand) and live online options to fit your schedule.
Is there a free trial?
Kaplan often provides free practice questions, events, and sample classes—check their site for current offers.
How much does Kaplan cost?
Prices vary by course, starting from around $199 and going up to $2,500+ for premium or tutoring packages.