For those who took Kaplan...

[SexyLexie729]

How much did you improve? Did you do all of the materials? What helped the most? Thanks so much for all your input, I really appreciate it! 🙂

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[muncher]

How much did you improve? Did you do all of the materials? What helped the most? Thanks so much for all your input, I really appreciate it! 🙂

Kaplan sucks. I went to the first 2 classes and knewit wasn't for me. I had a solid understanding of most sciences and just needed a review. However, 3 hours at a time was too much... I could go at a much faster pace just by reading the book... the teacher taught from the book verbatim anyways. I studied for 2 weeks hardcore by myself and took 3 practice tests from Kaplan and did fine (36R).

 

[Chinorlz]

I took the Kaplan stuff in preparation for the August MCAT... I'd say the strategies are pretty good (tactics on reading the verbal reasoning section etc.). After taking it and after taking the MCAT, I'd say that Kaplan is nice for a summertime prep course since it puts you on a schedule. The amount of material they expect you to cover each lesson is quite ridiculous though and I found it impossible to do on top of a full time research position.

I ended up doing all the required things, and after the second day, none of the optional stuff (including the aamc released passages). The full length practices are GREAT for getting used to the length of time, but Kaplan full lengths are written by Kaplan and are different than the real thing.

The week before the exam I went to e-mcat and did a practice exam of theirs to get used to the real one. Resulted in a 33P that I saw today:

10 physical
11 verbal
12 biological

Going into the exam I knew my physical sciences were going to be the weakest...that damn physics. Again, Kaplan gives you a good overview but it really does come down to you to spend the time to work on what you know is your weak points.

If I had to do it again, I'd take Kaplan (for the scheduling, full length experience, and review), buy the e-mcat old mcats (to know how the real one is going to be like), and get the examkracker's mcat book for more test questions that are closer to the real thing. If you do all that in a summer you'd be sure to rock the exam.

As a side note, when taking kaplan, I scored a 30 as my highest practice score and as you can see I did better on the real thing.

Hope it all helps!
Cheers,
Albert

 

[Doctor Bagel]

i think kaplan's value really varies from person to person. it imposes a structure that was sort of comforting to me. i knew that i was doing as much as i needed to be doing and that i was covering material at a reasonable pace. the materials were good to use in conjunction with examkrackers, and the weekly full-length practice tests were great psychological preparation. but, the lecture's weren't great, our center was a bit disorganized, and it's an awful lot of money.

i also skipped most of the extra materials because i just didn't have time. i work fulltime, and just doing the required stuff took up enough of my spare time. consequently, i can't comment on their value.

 

[Dr. N]

How much did you improve? Did you do all of the materials? What helped the most? Thanks so much for all your input, I really appreciate it! 🙂

Kaplan sucks - just like some other SDNrs said already. I took Kaplan over the summer and studied 6 hours a day, five days a week. I had 27-29 on my practice tests. I got 23 today 😡 , I thought that real thing this past summer was sooooo much harder then any of the Kaplan practice tests. Verbal section of Kaplan is like a joke compared to real thing Verbal.

 

[wire]

kaplan f'ing sucks...i was getting 11-12 on every verbal exam i took at kaplan..let's just say i was way off that on the real thing and it f'ed up my entire score. thanks kaplan, i hope you seriously go out of business.

 

[HussainGQ]

If I made below, or at my diagnostic score?I am entitled to get a full refund from Kaplan right?? If so, then how do I go about doing it?

 

[muncher]

I think a lot of people are more than capable of studying better on their own without Kaplan. However, they're afraid of the grandeur of the MCATs. My advice to you is to go out there, buy a $50 review package, sit down and go through a few chapters and take a practice test or two. You'll see that it's not impossible and doens't require some snotty med student to walk you through it. Ultimately you'll same tons of time, be more aware of your own weaknesses, and have no one but yourself to blame at the end of the day.

With that said, I did find Kaplan's simulated tests to be a great tool to have, but certainly not worth the $1000 I shelled out.

 

[sfbear]

I think the biggest problem with Kaplan is that their practice exams are nothing like the real thing. They focus on details, the real MCAT is about concepts. If you've been away from the subjects for a few years, the course might be worth it for the review, otherwise I'd try something else.

 

[Fuega26]

i have to agree, kaplan definitely gave me this false hope of how great i would do on the test. BUT, they were wayy off, much to my dismay....kaplan was a complete waste, and for a majority of my pre-med friends that took it as well, they weren't exaclty impressed either...hope that was insightful.

 

[45408]

My diagnostic was 27, my highest full-length exam was a 34, and I pulled a 35Q this August.

I wanted to take it over the summer, but knew I lacked the discipline to start early and keep it strong to be prepared, so I just fronted the cash and went with it. Best resources are their massive numbers of online passages for all three sections. If you're very motivated to do it yourself, then go ahead and study on your own, but if you'd like some structure, then it was good.

I don't understand people saying the practice exams aren't like the real thing - the MCAT might as well have been the sixth full-length Kaplan, as far as I'm concerned. VERY similar, and a bit easier, honestly.

 

[willthatsall]

9 11 13 on the diag, highest full length was 14 13 14, real thing was 14 11 14. It's not about Kaplan or TPR, it's about how hard you work with it. If you use all the materials to the fullest, you will improve. If you just go to classes and expect to be taught it, huge waste of money.

 

[muncher]

9 11 13 on the diag, highest full length was 14 13 14, real thing was 14 11 14. It's not about Kaplan or TPR, it's about how hard you work with it. If you use all the materials to the fullest, you will improve. If you just go to classes and expect to be taught it, huge waste of money.

It can def have a negative effect if you get drawn into it and stop using your own head to study.

 

[fahimaz7]

26 on Diagnostic to a 30Q..


Do I think the classroom experience was good? Not really

Do I think the books were good? F-yeh.

Do I think the 5 practice tests that are administered is a plus? Oh yeh.

Timing is a major part to doing well on the test. If you study by yourself or take the aamc tests then you're not going to have the same experience with the testing day as you will through a prep-based program. I know quite a few people that felt "rushed" b/c they hadn't had the 5 exams administered.



Would I do it again? OH yeh.. I think Kaplan has a great program and if people do not improve then they are not doing the right stuff.


Scott

 

[silkworm]

Diagnostic: 7, 9, 9
Highest Practice: 12, 14, 13
Real Thing: 13, 11, 13

Kaplan was a very useful tool. I am glad I spend the time and money on it.

 

[skiracer90]

I thought Kaplan was completely worth it for me. I need a strict schedule for studying and I knew I couldn't apply that on my own...especially over the summer. I went in a diagnositc of 22, a goal score of 33, and ended up with a 30 on the real thing. I completely believe that if you put the time and effort into the course, you will reap the rewards.

 

[rayzer]

I thought the Kaplan program was decent. The books Kaplan gave me were very concise. However, the classroom part, in my opinion, was a waste of time. It proceeded very slowly and 3 hrs of that each time was painful. The Kaplan center had a lot of good resources. The practice exams are also helpful in that it helps you get your timing down. If you have the dough and want a good study schedule for the MCATs, I would recommend Kaplan.

 

[Dr. N]

If I made below, or at my diagnostic score?I am entitled to get a full refund from Kaplan right?? If so, then how do I go about doing it?

NO YOU DON'T, YOU GET TO REPEAT THE COURSE FOR FREE -- "LUCKY YOU"

 

[palminator2003]

Diagnostic
PS 8
VR 10
BS 10

Real thing
PS 14
VR 12
BS 13

 

[DeaconMD04]

I'm glad kaplan supporters are stepping up. I took the online kaplan course and loved it. I knew that I would not be able to absorb all the info during the morning classes, and was dreading the sat 8:00 exams. The online course allowed me to sleep in and study when it worked best for me, which was from about 12-9. The structure helped me stay on pace and the materials reinforced the lessons. I highly recommend this version of the course. Still costs an arm and a leg though.

Diagnostic: PS 7 VR 6 BS 7=20
Full Length #1: PS 10 VR 11 BS 10=31
Full Length #2: PS 12 VR 12 BS 11=35

August MCAT: PS 10 VR 10 BS 12=32

 

[45408]

If I made below, or at my diagnostic score?I am entitled to get a full refund from Kaplan right?? If so, then how do I go about doing it?

yeah, you are, provided you did all the homework and full-lengths (they'll check all that before you get your money). Check all the caveats and then contact them.

 

[jenniemh]

I took Kaplan, but it started at the end of June. Diagnostic: 26, Actual: 30. I was really diappointed with my writing score (o) when I did very well on every writing practice test, according to Kaplan - but my teacher admitted to doing poorly on the written too & only she graded it (along with the 5 other people in my class). <shrug>

As to whether it's worth it: I agree with the post I read earlier in another thread: Topical, topical, topical. The pdf practice tests (topicals, subject & full-length) that Kaplan makes available online are what you are paying for, plus the proctored full-lengths (torture but worth it - decreases the nerves on the real day) & the discipline/structure of the classroom setting. I didn't put the time in that I needed to get a 35 (my target score) but I had the feedback to know where to work if I'd had the time. I am 4 years out of school, and took most of the core sciences between 1994-1998... (in high school + 1st two years of college) so I was in serious need of review.

Bottom line: 👍 For me, it was was worth it, if only for my peace of mind. I didn't want to go through the year application process to get rejected and think "what if I'd taken an MCAT review & done better on the MCAT?" after shelling out so much in application fees. I got 30's on my last 2 kaplan full-lengths so I knew I was capable of getting a 30 at least... and I did. I'll have to live with ~80 percentile. <shrug>

 

[browniegirl86]

NO YOU DON'T, YOU GET TO REPEAT THE COURSE FOR FREE -- "LUCKY YOU"

Actually, I work for Kaplan and you CAN get your money back if you don't get a higher score. The class repeat thing is if you didn't feel you were prepared and didn't take the test or if you just weren't satisfied with your score.

All you have to have done is gone to all the classes and completed all the required homework. Also, you can only have taken the class once. Take all your Kaplan materials back with a score report to the center and tell them you want your Higher Score Guarantee money.

As long as you fulfilled all the requirements, you will get a full refund.

------
As for me, I did every single practice item Kaplan had to offer, studied all day every day this summer (when I wasn't in the lab) and raised my score from a 30 on the diagnostic to a 40T in August. My practice test scores ranged from 34 to 38.

I attribute my increase to (1) good teachers and (2) taking 12 full-length MCAT's before test day. Kaplan helps most people who put in the effort.

 

[Reimat]

Can someone give me an idea of what actually Kaplan classes are like? I mean, is it like taking an extra lecture course where the Kaplan teacher reteaches material? or is it more Q and A sessions? or something else?

I'd like to hear what people experienced in their classes

 

[palminator2003]

Can someone give me an idea of what actually Kaplan classes are like? I mean, is it like taking an extra lecture course where the Kaplan teacher reteaches material? or is it more Q and A sessions? or something else?

I'd like to hear what people experienced in their classes

The teachers are supposed to follow a script for the lecture. Some do, some don't. It depends on the teacher. However, some stuff covered in the lecture is not covered in the book and visa versa. There usually is time for Q&A at the end of the lecture. However, you can stop the instructors at any time if you don't understand something. In terms of what you learn, you HAVE to do assignments and homework on your own time. Going to lecture and taking notes is NOT enough to improve your performance. Of course, YMMV.

 

[silkworm]

In my experience the classrooms are lecture-style review of broad concepts, with some feeble attempts at student involvement. In my session, a good portion of the teachers don't have a firm grasp on the subjects they teach, though they do try to be helpful. I was definitely not impressed with the classroom experience, but other parts of the program is good.

 

[QofQuimica]

Can someone give me an idea of what actually Kaplan classes are like? I mean, is it like taking an extra lecture course where the Kaplan teacher reteaches material? or is it more Q and A sessions? or something else?

I'd like to hear what people experienced in their classes

I am a Kaplan MCAT instructor and I also took the August test. I didn't do as much as Brownie did in terms of completing all of the practice tests, but I worked plenty hard to prepare my lessons and review subjects I had taken many years earlier in school. And I took all of the full length practice tests with my students. When I took the real test the first time as a college student, I did not take any course or spend much time preparing. My score was 34P (11, 11, 12 in BS). This time my score was 43S (14, 14, 15 in BS).
So I would say that my Kaplan experience helped me a lot.

The caveat, as many other people have already said, is that you get in what you put out. If you just pay the money and expect to sit in your class and absorb information passively like a sponge, you won't get much out of it. I feel like many students really don't take full advantage of what Kaplan has to offer. I always tell my students that they must spend much more time studying at home than we spend in class, because I cannot possibly teach them a year's worth of any subject in 9 hours, no matter how good of a teacher I may be. I can help people when they run into dead ends, but I can't actually study for them.

 

[SexyLexie729]

Thanks for all the input!

 

[medicomel]

okay, so i walked out of my diagnostic yesterday with this overwhelming urge to drink 😱

i logged into the web site this afternoon, and i glanced at the myriad of online tutorials and assignments in ADDITION to the problems at the end of the chapters in the science/verbal books.

is it possible to complete the online materials/tutorials/assignments, go to class, do the paper-based homework, and work full-time?

basically this is the only class i'm taking this semester, and i want to put forth all my energies into doing well on the MCAT. my question is how much time, on average, did you put into Kaplan per week to fulfill their requirements for the higher score guarantee?

😕

 

[evajaclynn]

okay, so i walked out of my diagnostic yesterday with this overwhelming urge to drink 😱

i logged into the web site this afternoon, and i glanced at the myriad of online tutorials and assignments in ADDITION to the problems at the end of the chapters in the science/verbal books.

is it possible to complete the online materials/tutorials/assignments, go to class, do the paper-based homework, and work full-time?

basically this is the only class i'm taking this semester, and i want to put forth all my energies into doing well on the MCAT. my question is how much time, on average, did you put into Kaplan per week to fulfill their requirements for the higher score guarantee?

😕

I couldn't complete everything - it was impossible. But I was also working 40 hours/wk. I tried to study from 6-bedtime (between 10pm to midnight) every night, plus most of the day on saturday and sunday. Just do what you can and remember to take time off to relax.

 

[willthatsall]

my question is how much time, on average, did you put into Kaplan per week to fulfill their requirements for the higher score guarantee?

😕

I think the HSG is bullsh*t. Unless you are pretty sure you won't do well on the test, I would just forget about it. Some (perhaps many) of the requirements of the HSG are stupid and aren't really productive. I decided to just spend my time on the things that were really worth it and not worry about doing all of the nonsense required to qualify for the HSG.

 

[medicomel]

Did anybody here actually go over each of the full-lengths to read ALL the answer explanations?

Is this really worth the time?

 

[QofQuimica]

Did anybody here actually go over each of the full-lengths to read ALL the answer explanations?

Is this really worth the time?

Yes. And yes. Even if you get an answer correct, you should make sure that you got it correct for the right reason. The thinking process is much more important than the answer to any individual question.

 

[medicomel]

Good advice. thank you!

One more question:
In relation to when you took said full-length test, when did you go over the answers? Immediately? Or the next day? I'm assuming it takes a looooong time to do.

😕

 

[eavivona]

I keep hearing about all these extra materials kaplan has. What are they exactly? I mean, is there a library full of full-length exams and practice questions? Or is it all on the web??

Also, do the kaplan centers have places (like libraries) where people can study? It's impossible to study at my place... 😱

 

[medicomel]

I keep hearing about all these extra materials kaplan has. What are they exactly? I mean, is there a library full of full-length exams and practice questions? Or is it all on the web??

Also, do the kaplan centers have places (like libraries) where people can study? It's impossible to study at my place... 😱

they have all the AAMC released full-lengths and foundation reviews in the library, and not online.

the other materials, like the workshops and subject/topical tests are available online, but you could also take them on paper at the center.

i was impressed with my first class; the teacher is great!

 

[eavivona]

i was impressed with my first class; the teacher is great!

Where are you taking the class?? All I ever hear is how much the classes and teachers suck!

 

[medicomel]

Where are you taking the class?? All I ever hear is how much the classes and teachers suck!

Chicago

pm me if you want the exact coordinates

 

[QofQuimica]

Good advice. thank you!

One more question:
In relation to when you took said full-length test, when did you go over the answers? Immediately? Or the next day? I'm assuming it takes a looooong time to do.

😕

I'd say to wait until the next day, because if you feel anything like I did after taking a full length test (read: totally fried!) the LAST thing you are going to feel like doing is to go back over all of the questions again! But don't let too much time pass before you do go over the tests; it's best if you can look at the answers within a few days of taking the tests so that you still remember what you were thinking when you answered the questions.

 

[Newman8r]

Does kaplan offer any private 1 on 1 MCAT review courses?

 

[fever5]

Does kaplan offer any private 1 on 1 MCAT review courses?

yes, check the website. It is expensive though. My rationale is try to do it on your own. After all if you can't tutor yourself through MCAT subjects how will you tutor yourself throught courses like neuroanatomy in med school?

 

[medicomel]

I'd say to wait until the next day, because if you feel anything like I did after taking a full length test (read: totally fried!) the LAST thing you are going to feel like doing is to go back over all of the questions again! But don't let too much time pass before you do go over the tests; it's best if you can look at the answers within a few days of taking the tests so that you still remember what you were thinking when you answered the questions.

Thanks for the advice, QQ! You've helped me out a lot.

 

[QofQuimica]

Does kaplan offer any private 1 on 1 MCAT review courses?

Yes, they offer private tutoring. But it's outrageously expensive (like $100 an hour, and most of that money is NOT going to the tutor!). Most students do not go with private tutoring alone; they'll purchase 15 or 20 hours of tutoring on top of their course.

 

[QofQuimica]

Thanks for the advice, QQ! You've helped me out a lot.

No problem, I'm glad to help where I can. You guys have been helping me quite a bit, too. This site is really a great resource.

 

[Newman8r]

Yes, they offer private tutoring. But it's outrageously expensive (like $100 an hour, and most of that money is NOT going to the tutor!). Most students do not go with private tutoring alone; they'll purchase 15 or 20 hours of tutoring on top of their course.

thanks, yeah that makes sense

 

[megswinter82]

I took the Kaplan course as well for the Aug 2004 MCAT. Diagnostic was a 25 and real thing was 29Q. So I definitely think it helped...but I'm retaking the class (for the materials and practice tests). For those of you who had a HUGE positive change in your score from diagnostic to real thing....what did you do? How did you study??? My breakdown was VR 11 PS 8 BS 10...what kind of techniques/extra materials would help my PS....any advice would be awesome!!!🙂

 

[QofQuimica]

I took the Kaplan course as well for the Aug 2004 MCAT. Diagnostic was a 25 and real thing was 29Q. So I definitely think it helped...but I'm retaking the class (for the materials and practice tests). For those of you who had a HUGE positive change in your score from diagnostic to real thing....what did you do? How did you study??? My breakdown was VR 11 PS 8 BS 10...what kind of techniques/extra materials would help my PS....any advice would be awesome!!!🙂

Go over your physics and gen chem foundation reviews, online workshops, and review notes, and take practice tests. Your VR score is good so it seems like maybe you just need to brush up on your physical sciences a little more.