TPR online vs. Kaplan in-person MCAT course

[Fezant]

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here.

For my MCAT prep, I am having a tough time deciding between an online TPR course or an in-person Kaplan course. I like TPR's course more, but I am not a huge fan of online classes. I did an online self-paced LSAT course through Kaplan (and I actually did fairly well on the test, despite my great ability to find ways to procrastinate), but I'm actually serious about the MCAT and want to get the most out of whatever method I decide. FYI, I have several months to prepare and I'm not in a rush, but I also work part-time and go to school part-time.

So I'm asking for thoughts/opinions/reviews, etc that anyone can offer. One question: are the Princeton Review online classes actually live, or just modules you complete on your own?

I understand every situation is different, but I would like some feedback from people who have been there, done that. And just to clarify, there are no on-site TPR courses in my area.

Thanks in advance for any responses!

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[Vachata]

I have taken a few classes through TPR, but after receiving an acceptance into a research program, I quit. The second time around I received $1000 to go to Kaplan, so I decided to go with them. I was hesitant at first, considering TPR has more class hours. However, after being fully admitted into the prep course, I would go with Kaplan.

1. Kaplan's tutors must be in the 99th percentile to tutor whereas TPR you only need to score a 10 in the subject you tutor. My bio tutor at TPR was not the greatest :/

2. Kaplan's online resources are far better in my opinion. I can't remember EXACTLY what TPR consisted of, but Kaplan has ALL AAMC full length tests (I believe 8), 11 Kaplan full lengths (I am unaware of the quality), Kaplan's assessment exams, and online workshops for each lesson. Also, if you feel you did not learn a lesson thoroughly, you can go to another in class lecture or watch a lecture on the web. Kaplan probably has additional resources, but that's what I can think of on the top of my head. I prefer Kaplan's online syllabus compared to TPR where they just tell you all your work in class.

3. TPR books were thicker (contained more info?) than Kaplan's.

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here.

For my MCAT prep, I am having a tough time deciding between an online TPR course or an in-person Kaplan course. I like TPR's course more, but I am not a huge fan of online classes. I did an online self-paced LSAT course through Kaplan (and I actually did fairly well on the test, despite my great ability to find ways to procrastinate), but I'm actually serious about the MCAT and want to get the most out of whatever method I decide. FYI, I have several months to prepare and I'm not in a rush, but I also work part-time and go to school part-time.

So I'm asking for thoughts/opinions/reviews, etc that anyone can offer. One question: are the Princeton Review online classes actually live, or just modules you complete on your own?

I understand every situation is different, but I would like some feedback from people who have been there, done that. And just to clarify, there are no on-site TPR courses in my area.

Thanks in advance for any responses!

 

[thomasfx10]

TBR self study with Kaplan Online. I would not do In Class. I did not get much out of it

 

[kehlsh]

I had experience with both TPR and Kaplan in class instructions.

Both were disappointing. Basically, I could get more comprehensive information just from the book in less time. I have always been a kind that self-studies and never listens to lecture so maybe that's why.

As far as choosing which program, I would consider the online resources that are offered. By far, Kaplan has more so I would choose them.

 

[MedianEminence]

I dont know about Kaplan but princeton online offers you:

11 TPR tests
all AAMC's (3-11, except 6)
and a bunch of online practice passages and discretes in sciences for each topic
in addition to about extra 50+ verbal practice passages

 

[kehlsh]

I forgot to add, TPR books are way better than Kaplan books imo.

 

[Amrazzz]

I took the TPR course and here's what I feel:

In class instruction: TPR > Kaplan (attended free session, kaplan didn't impress)
Review Books: TPR > Kaplan
Quantity of material: Kaplan > TPR (Even then, I didn't finish all TPR)
Quality of material: TPR > Kaplan (TPR was very challenging)
Online Center: Kaplan >>> TPR (TPR online center gave me headaches)

 

[ThePrincetonReview]

Fezant,

Welcome to posting on SDN. The Princeton Review sponsors SDN so we always look to provide advice on the site to students in the forums.

The Princeton Review’s online course is actually a LiveOnline course which is identical to a live classroom course but meets in our virtual classroom. LiveOnline is a on a schedule that meets four nights a week in our online Elluminate® classroom using the materials from our MCAT Hyperlearning course. You’ll have 105 hours of live interaction with your instructors (3-5 specialists) and other classmates through audio and video chat. It’s like going to class without actually having to leave your house – the best of both worlds! You’ll have access to The Princeton Review’s 11 full-length practice exams as well as all 8 of AAMC practice MCATs including score analysis for your exams. So this will not be like your LSAT online course as that was self-paced with no live instruction – instead our instructors will be coaching you through the sessions. There are also many online resources to take advantage of when you are not in class. You can look at more specifics and schedules here. We also have MCAT Online Tutoring, which is a more customized program where you and your tutor set the schedule – it is more expensive but more flexible.

By the way, what city are you located in? I know you mentioned there are no Princeton Review courses in your area, but sometimes we have been able to set up a class in a city we do not usually cover if there is enough interest in the area (10-12 students per class). Our local office would know that interest so if I can check in with them to see if they have heard about some interest, I will see if we can make that happen (not likely but you never know).

If you would like to see our Liveonline platform, I would be more than happy to give you a quick tour so you can understand how it will work. Please feel free to give me a call at 888.758.7737 ext 5017 for any additional questions.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[apumic]

I would go TPR over Kaplan (having studied w/ both). As the TPR poster mentioned, contact your local office. You may also be able to get a much sweeter deal than $2000 if you have a group of interested students.

 

[DoctorSK]

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