Is Kaplan worth it? Please read and help.

[Sweet Luck]

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Hi All,
I'm pretty sure the majority of you have enrolled in the Kaplan test prep course to study for the DAT, so you know what its all about. My situation is this and I don't know what to do so please read on.....
Since it was difficult for me to financially afford taking the kaplan course, I avoided taking it and set out to study for it on my own. I bought the kaplan classroom book and some but not all the practice tests for each of the sections from a fellow predent and got some other resources such as Barron's. I basically pretty much have most of the material except for the full length exams mainly the diagnostic, midterm, and final. The only thing I thought I was missing out on was the classroom pressure and experience. Anyways, I am applying this year and really need to take the DAT ASAP!!! I fell behind in my studying on my own and haven't gotten to even reviewing some of the sections. SO here is my question: With the amount of time I have left, do you think I should just continue to work with all the material on my own or just take the course. A lot of other predents I know have said really bad things about the course, including that its not worth it, that the teachers don't really teach well, and much more, and that its the resources that only help. All in all what do you all think about the Kaplan DAT course??? Also do know other resources to suggest for practice tests?

 

[UNR.Grad]

Instead of buying more Kaplan stuff, just study what you have and supplement it with others like topscore and destroyer.

 

[mamangoli]

the classroom course is soooooooo NOT worth it. Teachers are horrible, and it feels like such a waste of time and money. but the kaplan online course is a good study base especially if you need a push and are not disciplined.
DAT destroyer is a must along with the topscore. good luck.

 

[DrSmiles12]

I did the online course and it was worth it for the materials and practices tests. I wouldn't focus on just the kaplan course though. I would use top score, destroyer and a few other books like barrons and high yield. GOOD LUCK!

 

[topdent1]

kaplan classroom course is not worth the money. On the other hand, the online materials are quite helpful. The only thing that is terrible about kaplan online is how they prep you for the PAT. They really suck at it.

 

[albodent]

kaplan was good about a year ago. They will not help you for the new test though.

look at the recent scores....

I say you get destroyer and schaum's bio with the computerized tests as well (topscore etc.)

 

[ought2sleep]

I used the online course, studied for a little over a month with it (verrry short on time). It helped me a lot for OC, not quite enough for GC, and the PAT is lacking like everyone else says. It was good though when pressed in a short amount of time.

Good luck to you! My recommendation is that whatever materials you use, actually buckle down and know the stuff inside and out. And focus on concepts for GC instead of calculations.

 

[SspeedyS]

You should take the online course because you can go at your own pace. I finished Kaplan online course in just two weeks. They also send you a white study book, lesson book, and flashcards. I only used these materials to study for DAT and received 23 AA and 21 PAT. So yea I would recommend it. 🙂

 

[delsol7]

Do not go to class. One of the book they hand out is exactly same as one that you could buy from local book store. They over view many things but never get into any details. Personally, I wasted $$$. I'd rather go with other suppliments. Kaplan told me that their exams are tend to be harder than actual DAT but no way. They didn't even know testing centers were giving out laminated papers and dry markers for exam back in April. I did poor on RC with their method. But if you get online course, then at least you will have more sources for questions. Beside that, 👎

 

[TheWiredNerv]

The Kaplan course did not help me very much. The classes were a waste of time! Their online resources are pretty helpful and i'd suggest going through everything there. I think if you buy the blue book and just study that then there should be no reason for the course. It's a lot of money.

 

[Daniel Schruth]

I know kaplan gets the big bad wolf reputation alot, but for me it was worth it. If you do everything they ask of you it is virtually impossible not to improve your score. I studied on my own for about 6 weeks straight and was scoring fairly well, but then decided to take the online course over the next month. I improved my TS by one point, my AA by 2 points and my pat by 2 points.

However, the best thing to do is to use every resource you can find....

 

[mss255]

I think it depends on what type of a person you are.

If you're able to structure your studying to ensure a sufficient volume of material is being learned, access various problem sets to work through problems, and take tests in a "simulated" testing environment, I would save some bucks and work independently.

If you're not, I think the Kaplan course will give you the structure and direction to assist in your preparation.

When I was younger I took a Princeton Review course for the SATs, which was very helpful because I needed the guidance and leadership. For the DATs, I knew that I didn't need that support and felt I did a good job of staying disciplined. Paying Kaplan a fair amount of money will probably help aid you in becoming dedicated to the DATs due to financial investment, but it doesn't have to be a necessity.

I think you need to think about what type of person you are and make a decision based upon who you are. In either case, I wish you the best of luck.

 

[UNR.Grad]

The Kaplan course did not help me very much. The classes were a waste of time! Their online resources are pretty helpful and i'd suggest going through everything there. I think if you buy the blue book and just study that then there should be no reason for the course. It's a lot of money.

Me too, I went to the classes but did not pay attention. The material is very dumbed down. I ended up just studying for four weeks with the Kaplan paper and online materials about 5 hours a day and did fairly well.