1) When did you use the Kaplan on-line MCAT prep course? How long did it take you to complete the Kaplan program?
I used the course twice: The first time, I used the course from late May 2005 - August 2005 in preparation for the August 2005 MCAT. The second time, I used the course from January 2006 - April 2006 in preparation for the April 2006 MCAT. The first time around, I watched every lecture and completed every required assignment by the end of July; I spent the remaining time reviewing and taking full length practice tests. The second time around, I didn't watch any lectures, and I spend the bulk of the time reviewing the books, doing practice problems, and taking practice tests (both Kaplan and AAMC practice tests) each week.
2) What would you say were the strengths of the on-line Kaplan course?
As my schedule stood last summer, it wouldn't have been easy for me to take the classroom course, and I thought the online course would be a good alternative for me, someone who likes studying on my own. Like Q, I'm stronger in the chemistry subjects; the online course was structured so that I could focus on my weaker areas (physics and biology/physiology) and spend less time on subjects in which I was stronger.
3) What were the weaknesses?
The first time I took the course (for the August 2005 exam), I had access to the AAMC exams and to the Kaplan test center, which happened to be a 5 minute walk from my apartment. I did not use these resources fully, however, and the Kaplan employees gave me a hard time when I tried to come in to use the resources. Then, when I started using the course again for the April exam, access to the Kaplan test prep center and all AAMC exams was no longer allowed for online students. If you add up the prices of the AAMC practice tests ($80 for 3R-6R, $40 each for 7, 8, and 9 = $200), and compare that to the difference between the two courses ($1649 (Kaplan live) - $1499 (Kaplan online) = $150), the live course seems a better value. If I had to go back and do it again, knowing how much money I would spend on AAMC exams in preparation for April 2006, I would probably have taken the live course just for that advantage.
I too thought the online lectures were not very helpful. However, for those that are used to that style of distance learning, the lectures may be well suited.
4) Do you feel that the on-line Kaplan course prepared you adequately for the MCAT?
I definitely think the course prepared me for what to expect on the MCAT (as compared to no organized preparation at all). However, if this is your preferred study method (online versus live classroom), I highly suggest obtaining as many AAMC practice tests as you can. When I prepared for the August 2005 exam, the differences between the actual AAMC test format and Kaplan's practice test format really threw me off (e.g. two 10-question passages in the VR section on the real test). For the April 2006 test, I used the same Kaplan online materials, but supplemented them with AAMC practice tests. I felt much more confident going into the test because I was comfortable with the test maker's format.
5) Would you recommend that future MCAT students prepare using the Kaplan on-line course?
I would recommend this method to students who: a) are good at studying on their own, b) need a semi-structured study schedule with flexible access to study material, c) really cannot take a classroom course, and/or d) have unbalanced knowledge in the MCAT sciences and need significant reinforcement of major subject areas.
I hope that helps!
