Choosing between Kaplan Test Prep and Manhattan Prep can be tough, but both offer solid options. I’ve tried both, and here’s what stood out.
Kaplan gives a comprehensive approach with tons of study materials and practice tests. It’s great if you like structured learning and a variety of resources. Manhattan Prep, on the other hand, feels more focused on in-depth strategies.
Their classes are smaller, which made me feel more connected and able to ask questions.
If you prefer a more personalized touch, Manhattan might be your best bet. Both are great, but it depends on your learning style!
Overview of Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan has been a leading provider of test preparation for over 80 years, offering a wide range of courses for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and professional licensing tests. With its vast experience, Kaplan is a trusted choice for students worldwide.
Overview of Manhattan Prep
Founded in 2000, Manhattan Prep is known for focusing on graduate-level exams such as the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. It is recognized for high-quality materials and a selective instructor hiring process, ensuring top-tier teaching for students aiming for high scores.
Key Features Comparison
1. Course Offerings and Flexibility
Kaplan: Offers a broad range of courses for various tests, including self-paced, live online, in-person, and bootcamps to fit different schedules and learning styles.
Manhattan Prep: Specializes in graduate exams like the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT, offering live online, in-person, and self-paced courses but with a more focused approach.
2. Quality of Instruction
Kaplan: Has experienced instructors, but quality may vary since the hiring process is less strict.
Manhattan Prep: Known for rigorous instructor selection, requiring teachers to have scored in the 99th percentile on the exams they teach and to have prior teaching experience, ensuring high-quality instruction.
3. Study Materials and Practice Tests
Kaplan: Provides comprehensive materials including practice questions, full-length tests, video lessons, and study guides. These materials are designed to resemble the real exams closely.
Manhattan Prep: Offers more challenging practice tests, particularly beneficial for graduate exams, though they tend to be harder than the actual tests.
4. Adaptive Learning Technology
Kaplan: Includes adaptive learning technology to create personalized study plans based on a student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Manhattan Prep: Does not use adaptive learning but provides structured study plans to guide students.
5. Pricing and Value
Kaplan: More affordable, with self-paced courses starting at lower prices. Kaplan offers a score improvement guarantee, providing a refund if a student’s score doesn’t improve after completing the course.
Manhattan Prep: Generally more expensive, but with a higher focus on quality instruction. However, it doesn’t offer a score improvement guarantee.
6. Customer Support and Accessibility
Kaplan: Provides strong support and access to instructors outside of class, though response times may vary.
Manhattan Prep: Excellent support with responsive instructors and small class sizes, offering more personalized help.
Pros and Cons
Kaplan Test Prep
Pros:
- Wide range of courses
- Flexible learning options
- Adaptive learning for personalized plans
- Score improvement guarantee
Cons:
- Instructor quality can vary
- Customer support may be slow at times
Manhattan Prep
Pros:
- High-quality instructors
- In-depth materials for graduate exams
- Specialized focus on select exams
Cons:
- More expensive
- Limited course variety, focused mainly on graduate exams
- No score improvement guarantee
Why Kaplan Might Be the Better Choice
Kaplan’s wide selection of courses, flexible learning formats, adaptive learning technology, and affordable pricing make it a versatile option for a variety of students. Its score guarantee also provides added assurance for those seeking score improvement.
Courses Comparison: Kaplan Test Prep vs. Manhattan Prep
| Feature | Kaplan Test Prep | Manhattan Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Course Offerings | Broad range (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, professional exams) | Focus on GMAT, GRE, LSAT, Executive Assessment |
| Learning Formats | Self-paced, live online, in-person, bootcamps | Self-paced, live online, in-person |
| Instructor Quality | Experienced, but variable | Top-tier, 99th percentile requirement |
| Study Materials | Comprehensive (books, video lessons, practice tests) | In-depth, more challenging practice tests |
| Adaptive Learning | Yes, personalized study plans | No adaptive learning system |
| Pricing | More affordable (starting at $199 for self-paced) | Higher pricing (starting at $800–$2,000+) |
| Score Guarantee | Money-back if score doesn’t improve | None |
| Customer Support | Good support, access to instructors outside of class | Excellent support, small class sizes |
| Flexibility | High flexibility, multiple formats and schedules | Less flexible, focused on a few exams |
| Target Audience | High school, college students, professionals | Graduate students preparing for GMAT, GRE, LSAT |
| Specialization | Broad focus on various exams and professional licensing | Deep focus on GMAT, GRE, LSAT exams |
| Extra Features | Higher score guarantee, mobile app | Focused materials for graduate exams |
| Mobile Access | Mobile app available for learning on-the-go | Mobile-friendly, no dedicated app |
Why Kaplan Wins
Kaplan stands out due to its broad course offerings, flexible learning options, and more affordable pricing. The score improvement guarantee adds extra value, and its adaptive learning technology helps create personalized study plans for students.
Pricing Comparison: Kaplan Test Prep vs. Manhattan Prep
| Course Type | Kaplan Test Prep | Manhattan Prep |
|---|---|---|
| SAT/ACT Prep | Self-Paced: $199 – $299, Live Online: $699 – $1,099 | Self-Paced: $299 – $499, Live Online: $1,199 – $1,799 |
| GRE Prep | Self-Paced: $449 – $649, Live Online: $999 – $1,499 | Self-Paced: $799 – $1,099, Live Online: $1,299 – $1,799 |
| GMAT Prep | Self-Paced: $599 – $799, Live Online: $1,199 – $1,599 | Self-Paced: $999 – $1,199, Live Online: $1,599 – $2,299 |
| LSAT Prep | Self-Paced: $799 – $999, Live Online: $1,299 – $1,499 | Self-Paced: $999 – $1,299, Live Online: $1,699 – $2,099 |
| MCAT Prep | Self-Paced: $2,199 – $2,599, Live Online: $2,799 – $3,299 | N/A |
| Private Tutoring | $3,000 – $5,000+ for 10+ hours | $4,000 – $6,000+ for 10+ hours |
Why Kaplan Wins in Pricing
1. More Affordable Options:
Kaplan’s self-paced courses start at $199, while Manhattan Prep’s start at $299.
2. Cost-Effective Live Online Classes:
Kaplan’s live online courses start at $699, much lower than Manhattan Prep’s $1,199.
3. Private Tutoring:
Kaplan’s tutoring costs less, starting at $3,000 compared to Manhattan Prep’s $4,000.
4. Higher Score Guarantee:
Kaplan offers a money-back score guarantee, giving added confidence.
5. Wider Course Variety:
Kaplan provides a broader range of courses at a lower cost.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for specialized, top-quality instruction for graduate exams and are willing to invest more, Manhattan Prep is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a flexible, affordable, and comprehensive test prep option across a wide range of exams, Kaplan is the better choice.
FAQ’s
Which offers adaptive learning technology?
Kaplan provides adaptive learning technology that customizes study plans based on individual performance.
Which has better customer support?
Both offer excellent support, but Manhattan Prep provides more personalized attention with smaller class sizes.
Which has more course options?
Kaplan offers a broader range of courses, including exams like SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and more.
Which is more affordable?
Kaplan is generally more affordable, with courses starting at $199 for self-paced options.
Which company has better instructors?
Manhattan Prep has a stricter hiring process, ensuring top-tier instructors with high exam scores.