Kaplan Prep course...is it worth it?

[mk8k8]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey guys,
I’ve been debating on whether to take the Kaplan DAT prep-course classroom sessions and individual tutoring to study. I was wondering if anyone on this forum had advice or experiences about whether or not it is actually worth it.
Also, what from your experiences was the most effective way to study for the DAT in a limited time frame of 3 to 4 months?
All comments and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[laurielou]

I enrolled in the Kaplan classroom sessions. They were not helpful to me, but it depends on what kind of person you are. If you are the kind of person who needs to have set chapters to read, assignments to do, etc. etc. before the next class period, then maybe it would be beneficial to you. However, if you are like me and prefer to do things on your own time and study the subjects in the order you wish to study them in, then I'd say... Just buy some materials to study and don't enroll in the classroom.

In my experience, the classroom goes over very basic information... and I do mean VERY basic stuff. Like -- how to set up a Punnett square, what is simple diffusion, etc. etc. Half the time I felt like I could teach the class. The assigned readings get into detailed information, but the classroom review was, as I said, very basic. However, Kaplan does provide tons of online materials (practice tests) that I think are useful.

My advice would be to take the class if and only if you prefer to have someone assign you readings and tackle the material that way. It can also be a good motivator to get your butt in gear and study.

However... If you decide not to do the classroom, I would recommend just buying the Kaplan Blue Book and signing up for the online Kaplan materials if you wish. And save yourself some $$! 🙂

Here are some other useful materials:
- Cliff's AP Bio
- DAT Destroyer
- Crack DAT PAT (some say Crack DAT Math is also useful -- I did not purchase it, however, but probably will if I have to retake).
- Kaplan Blue Book
- TopScore and/or Achiever

I have not used Kaplan's private tutoring services so I cannot comment on them.

 

[rdhdds1]

Hey guys,
I’ve been debating on whether to take the Kaplan DAT prep-course classroom sessions and individual tutoring to study. I was wondering if anyone on this forum had advice or experiences about whether or not it is actually worth it.

Also, what from your experiences was the most effective way to study for the DAT in a limited time frame of 3 to 4 months?
All comments and advice would be greatly appreciated.

I took the Kaplan course last year and thought that it was the only thing that I needed because that is how Kaplan makes it seem. So I sat in class every Saturday for 3 months, worked full time and went to school part time. Needless to say I am retaking.

My impression of Kaplan is like most on SDN. It is truly not worth the money. At least the classroom experience. I got more out of the online material than I did the classroom but I also think it is what kind of instructor you get.

Whatever it is that you choose; choose wisely. If you take Kaplan or if you do not remember that you will still need supplemental materials like CliffsAP Bio, Schaums Bio, Destroyer, old text/notes, Crack the DAT/PAT Topscore and possibley Achiever. Use SDN as a resource along with any online reference sites you can get ahold of.

Everyone's experience is different with Kaplan but those of us that are here and have taken Kaplan before a good portion of us are in need or retakes for one reason or another.

Best of luck to you.

 

[allstardentist]

of course not.. just buy the books and study on your own

 

[klutzy1987]

Anything that says kaplan is obviously not going to be too good, however from what I hear the course if the epitemy of crap and money wasting.

 

[klpennin]

I took the course. I thought that the online materials were helpful, but the class wasn't so helpful. The only thing that I learned was getting familiar with the format of the test.

 

[nitrolegs]

i think the only reason why you should enroll is if you know you couldn't motivate yourself to study and keep on track. on the other hand, if you know you can force yourself to study hard and keep at it for a good 2 months, just buy the books and computer programs and study yourself and save a fortune. i didn't take the class, so i cannot directly comment on the course. but i do know ppl that took it and they all recommended against it based on similar reasons posted here.