Personally I don't see the point of spending that much money, especially when you will be spending around that much just to apply and paying supplementals and other fees like flying to interviews, etc.
Although some people may see the advantage of taking courses like these, it's really up to the individual and how much you studied. If you can get a practice exam from Kaplan, I think you will be fine. Truthfully I took my first PCAT without studying at all and did horribly, like less than 50 >.>
However, when I retook it and at least studied for a week before hand, my scores improved drastically.
I think if you set a realistic study time/schedule like 3 months ahead of time of the assigned examination date, you will do fine. The thing is, is that you need to relook at stuff before taking the PCAT (although there are people who don't study and do quite well) . . . for instance, all the physiological system questions threw me off because I studied meiosis/mitosis/etc, general bio stuff instead of anatomy/physiology . . . likewise, I completely forgot about orgo chem, like drawing ketones, etc. . . so it would be good to take a look at subjects that you have taken awhile ago.
Likewise, I got a practice exam from Kaplan (didn't buy the book, copied a mock exam from a friend instead) and found that it was similar.
Hope this helps and good luck!
