•••quote:•••Originally posted by wgu:
•Out of curiousity, how much work did Kaplan make people do? # of practice tests and how many workbook stuff? I've decided to do independent study instead of classes since my experience for the SAT at PR was horrible.•••••I should start with the disclaimer that I recently taught for Kaplan, so take my statements as you will (if I use the company name a lot, it's just habit -- they tell the instructors to try to do that). Kaplan doesn't MAKE you do anything. Kaplan provides vast resources for YOU to do whatever you want. Independent study is really the only way to succeed on the MCAT, but Kaplan has the tools to make this more effective. Think of the classes as one of many resources available to you. No one holds you accountable for your performance in Kaplan's classes -- it doesn't go on a transcript or get sent to medical schools.
I found Kaplan extremely helpful. After taking their courses, I boosted my composite by seven. The classes are mostly review, but the review is geared toward what you need and how you need to think about it for the MCAT. There are some classes that are just on strategies, methods and question types for the MCAT.
Along with LOTS of class time, you get review books; flash cards; access to videos; topical tests; subject tests; section tests; full-length tests; and all the materials that AAMC puts out, as well. Rest assured, few people run out of practice tests, and even fewer complain that there just weren't enough materials in the course. So while Kaplan is not cheap, you get a whole lot of QUALITY study materials for your money. I emphasize quality because I've seen and (unfortunately) purchased some really crappy review materials at the bookstores.