Supplementing Kaplan Course w/ EK

[nfg05]

Hi all,

I'm currently enrolled in a Kaplan course started 5/13 and preparing for a mid to late August MCAT administration. I'm somewhat regretting doing Kaplan after reading a lot of negative stuff about it on this board and seeing so much positive stuff for EK. Since I'm not ready to completely abandon the Kaplan schedule and materials I shelled out $1800 for, I'm wondering what areas people would swap out with EK over Kaplan. I know EK Verbal 101 is a must, but beyond that I'd rather not buy all the EK content books and all the 1001 books for science for another $200 or so if they're not going to be much better for raising my score than Kaplan. Guidance from people who have prepared with both would be greatly appreciated.

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[Snowy]

I'm studying for the June test right now, and I've been suprisingly impressed by Kaplan thusfar. I also remember reading negative things about Kaplan, but that hasn't been a problem. The content review is pretty good, and the amount of material they give you is amazing, plus it's organized/presented in a visually pleasing manner. From what I understand, the main complaint about kaplan is that the tests are not representative of the aamc tests. That's okay though for me, because I want to do all the tests. The kaplan full length tests and sectional tests are turning out to be great practice. My score has gone up a lot since I started taking practice tests (29 to 34 in 6 tests, but I still have 13 tests to go).

I have done most of the EK verbal book, and it is noticably different than the kaplan's verbal. I really can't see how doing kaplan's verbal tests are a waste of time, although I understand why people say EK's is more like the real thing.

I haven't done the EK science books, but I've heard people say positive things about them because they're more concise. I mean that's good if your in a rush, but not necessarily better for others with time.

Just my opinion.