Does the kaplan mcat prep course really help???

[Doctor Poetry]

Does the kaplan mcat course really make a difference? I plan on taking the prep course in january, which will prepare me for the april mcat examination test. What do you guys think about the prep?

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[web2linc]

No it will not help, have a good day!

 

[Slane]

By just reading the books that came along with the course (I bought them from an upperclassmen,) I brought my score up five points between a May test date and an August test date. From what I've heard from classmates that actually took the course, your six hours per week is better spent studying the material and taking practice tests. Save the $1500+, buy a set of the review books off of eBay for under $100, and study your heart out (And take some practice tests--those DO help you prepare.)

 

[AceXIII]

My diagnostic score was a 28 before I took the Kaplan course, and I ended up with a 38 on the real thing. My instructor pretty much told all of us the first day that if you do everything they expect from you, you can easily gain 3 points per section. I have no reason to believe it's not true.

That being said, I didn't exactly do EVERYTHING they assigned, and I stopped going to the classes at some point as well. I'm much better as an independent studier, but I used Kaplan's online materials to the fullest. The online materials include lessons, short quizzes, full MCAT sections, and tons of full MCATs, including access to AMCAS tests.

If spending nearly $2000 on test prep is an option for you, I would definitely recommend it, because it does make it easier and makes everything you need easily accessible.

Also, I have to add that I did supplement my Kaplan materials with regular listening to Examkrackers MCAT audio osmosis as well as MCAT prep apps on my iphone whenever I had spare time.

 

[45408]

Yes.

 

[kashmirvie]

I took TPR, so I don't know if this will be helpful.

I had their class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 2 1/2 hrs. Saturdays were 5 hrs. The classes are just the instructors rewriting the lessons from the books.

It was helpful for me because I am not that good at scheduling study time, and while cramming usually works for college, it would not work for the MCAT. I felt that being obligated to attend classes and take notes helped me a lot (I ended up preparing a binder with those notes).

But my studying technique was doing a lot of practice tests (like one a day). Keep in mind that I took this class from Jan-Mar, studied over spring break in late March (a week only), took MCAT in April and got a 30Q. I know I would've done better if I had actually studied for more than one week.

So, if you think classroom will help you, go ahead. If not, just getting some books and buying all practice tests available will do. GOOD LUCK!


EDIT: I got a 17 on my first diagnostic.

 

[Kevin Baker]

Does the kaplan mcat course really make a difference? I plan on taking the prep course in january, which will prepare me for the april mcat examination test. What do you guys think about the prep?

It depends on your study habits, how you learn, your background in the sciences, how much you've retained already, etc.

Personally, I loved TPR as I didn't have all of my pre reqs done before taking the MCAT, and I didn't have any of those recommended and not required bio courses (genetics, biochem etc,) and I got my score up 7 pts.

Regardless, I would get a writing tutor for at least a few sessions. The essays are a partly a game, and partly content, and you can only get as high as a 3 on each essay for content alone. The structure can get you those other 3 points, and that is what the tutor is for. The writing section doesn't count for much, but I think the difference between an M and an O, which you'll need to learn the structure to get, is pretty big. I ended up with an S, and while my content wasn't amazing, the structure was exactly what TPR taught, and I'm sure that immensely helped with my score.

 

[avatarftw]

I don't agree with the tutor idea for the writing sample. N=1, but I just spent about 2 hours a few days before the test working on some sample writing subjects. I got the 2nd or 3rd highest writing sample score; I think you should focus more on the three main sections.

No, I don't think a course is worth it. If you have the motivation, then you will study well and get a good score. I asked the same question as you and a med student (at a top 10 med school) told me, "You're going to be self-studying the first two years of med school anyway. Better start getting used to it."

In my opinion, the course is for people not motivated enough to study for the test.

It depends on your study habits, how you learn, your background in the sciences, how much you've retained already, etc.

Personally, I loved TPR as I didn't have all of my pre reqs done before taking the MCAT, and I didn't have any of those recommended and not required bio courses (genetics, biochem etc,) and I got my score up 7 pts.

Regardless, I would get a writing tutor for at least a few sessions. The essays are a partly a game, and partly content, and you can only get as high as a 3 on each essay for content alone. The structure can get you those other 3 points, and that is what the tutor is for. The writing section doesn't count for much, but I think the difference between an M and an O, which you'll need to learn the structure to get, is pretty big. I ended up with an S, and while my content wasn't amazing, the structure was exactly what TPR taught, and I'm sure that immensely helped with my score.

 

[rhesuspieces]

I took the online course from Kaplan. I really liked it...I tend to veer off course if I'm just reading from a book. I liked having the online lectures to keep me on track. And the resources online (quizzes, practice tests, etc) are invaluable. My diagnostic was 24, first practice test 28, and actual score 37.

Do you need a course? Not if you're a super independent learner. If you're the go to lecture every day and take notes type, then a class is a great choice. If you don't know what the inside of a lecture hall looks like, I'd say stick to the books.

In my opinion, the course is for people not motivated enough to study for the test.

I actually think of the class as a complement to self-studying, not a replacement for it. If the only time you study is when you're in a classroom/doing a lecture online, you probably won't be too happy with your score.

 

[orthomyxo]

Only if your parents pay for it. Kaplan can take a hike with their $1500 course.

 

[EpicBearMan]

Whether or not these expensive test prep classes help really depends on your background and your learning style. MCAT prep for me was just practice and review. I wasn't learning new material, so I didn't feel that classroom guidance was necessary.

The main benefit of these classes is an organized schedule, and direction for learning any new material.

If you are confident that you can organize your own effective study schedule and will just be doing review, save the money.

Edit: I'm suspicious of OP, but, innocent until proven troll.

 

[Myuu]

Moving to MCAT!

 

[Jmac2173]

It really depends on what kind of learner you are, and how comfortable you are with the material. If you feel you can motivate yourself fairly well, just reviewing from the books should be sufficient. Personally, I found the classroom portion not helpful at all. The material you review in class will be fairly basic, with the instructor reading off of a pre-written card. If you feel you need to review some of the basic concepts, then the classroom portion may be helpful to you. I did find the online full lengths helpful because they are structured similarly to the MCAT itself, and with almost 20 tests, you won't find yourself short on practice.

 

[DougTPR]

Just to corrobate and expand upon what several have said about your prep options...

Both Kaplan and TPR (as well as some of the other prep companies) have many avenues of prep available to the student these days. Each of these options depends on the needs of the specific student.

In person prep course - for the student that needs the face-to-face interaction with a teacher to help keep that motivation going.

Online prep course - offers similar motivation but usually has more flexible availability.

In person small group tutoring - can be more focused and allow a group of people with similar prowess to help each other move forward under the guidance of a tutor.

Online small group tutoring - like in person but again with the more flexible availability.

In person inidividual tutoring - often the best for someone needing a great deal of help with the motivation but also good for the student that needs help in focused areas.

Online individual tutoring - the motivation help is less for online help but the customized nature of individual tutoring remains.

Self prep - you must provide your own motivation and your own plan (although there are some excellent plans available on this site).

So I guess the answer to the original question is that it depends on what each individual needs. My suggestion... call the prep companies and ask some questions, weigh your options, and choose wisely.

I am happy to answer any questions via PM if I could be of any assistance to those trying to make their choice.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

Does the kaplan mcat course really make a difference? I plan on taking the prep course in january, which will prepare me for the april mcat examination test. What do you guys think about the prep?

I guess you feel like you've carpet-bombed the pre-allo forum with these types of questions enough, moving onto MCAT? Why would you not do a simple search of the most discussed and threaded topic in the history of SDN? There are 100's if not 1000's of threads that have been talked to death in this forum. Do you expect the answers to your thread to be different or better than the posts by previous non-forum-searchers such as yourself? I just don't get it. You're WAMC thread would seem to indicate you're intelligent, but you post inane threads on here and then act unctuous when people respond "WTF? Use search!" I'm just baffled. I don't think you're trolling, but I don't think you can be serious either.

 

[Swagster]

Just to corrobate and expand upon what several have said about your prep options...

Both Kaplan and TPR (as well as some of the other prep companies) have many avenues of prep available to the student these days. Each of these options depends on the needs of the specific student.

In person prep course - for the student that needs the face-to-face interaction with a teacher to help keep that motivation going.

Online prep course - offers similar motivation but usually has more flexible availability.

In person small group tutoring - can be more focused and allow a group of people with similar prowess to help each other move forward under the guidance of a tutor.

Online small group tutoring - like in person but again with the more flexible availability.

In person inidividual tutoring - often the best for someone needing a great deal of help with the motivation but also good for the student that needs help in focused areas.

Online individual tutoring - the motivation help is less for online help but the customized nature of individual tutoring remains.

Self prep - you must provide your own motivation and your own plan (although there are some excellent plans available on this site).

So I guess the answer to the original question is that it depends on what each individual needs. My suggestion... call the prep companies and ask some questions, weigh your options, and choose wisely.

I am happy to answer any questions via PM if I could be of any assistance to those trying to make their choice.

I'm not sure if it's kosher to ask about prices, but if a PR rep can respond to a thread addressed to Kaplan, I guess it's okay to ask about costs. Please forgive me if that's not the policy at SDN to ask about costs.

How much do these options cost? I heard in personal tutoring costs over $100 per hour. Your tone about self prep isn't as positive as the other options, but for some of us with limited funds, that's our best option. I'm sure many people would love to do private tutoring for the MCAT, but spending over $10K to get ready for a test is certainly out of my budget.

Are there any discounts?