Kaplan GMAT Prep Course Review
Improve your GMAT score with Kaplan's thorough study materials and exhaustive bank of practice questions.
In this review, we go into full detail to see if it can compete, or even beat, the other GMAT exam prep courses.
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Effectiveness
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Overall Score 4.7/5
Kaplan GMAT courses are renowned for being super-focused, with plenty of study options, and one of the best test banks for realistic practice. Whether you’re looking for a full GMAT review course, or some extra practice before your exam, Kaplan offers a few very effective ways to improve your score.
This year Kaplan even made it onto our comprehensive list of best GMAT prep courses!
The GMAT takes a little less than three and a half hours to write. And, full disclosure, it’s a doozy. Most students have to study at least a month -- and several months is recommended to get the scores you’ll need for a top MBA program.
Tools like Kaplan GMAT prep can help. But it’s important to make sure you choose a study plan that will work for you. Let’s find out if Kaplan has what you’re looking for.
Kaplan Test Prep is a well-regarded company that provides a variety of courses, tools, and books for professional exams, not just the GMAT. They offer programs for the CPA, CMA, and LSAT, to name a few. Kaplan has a wide focus and can help you even choose whether to go for an LSAT or GMAT exam. That said they have a solid reputation for helping people do well on the GMAT and get into quality MBA programs.
This article will give you all of the details on the Kaplan GMAT course review. Read on to gain insight into pros and cons, standout features, Kaplan GMAT books, costs, and extras.
Kaplan GMAT Pros & Cons
On pretty much every online forum, Kaplan GMAT has four or five stars. Students generally like the variety of options and bonus features that distinguish Kaplan GMAT from the pack.
Here’s an overview of the generally acknowledged pros and cons of the Kaplan GMAT test prep program.
Pros Summary
Cons Summary
Pros for Kaplan GMAT Prep
Kaplan Adaptive Qbank
Kaplan Adaptive QBank is one of the first things most students talk about. It is an intuitive test bank that helps you upskill as you go. The structure mimics the actual GMAT, which is itself an adaptive test.
QBank targeted questions deliver content based on your answers. So, as you uncover areas of weakness, the Kaplan questions will circle back to strengthen your knowledge.
You also get explanations on any questions you’ve missed, which helps you understand any concepts you’re missing.
Access to Nine Full-Length GMAT Tests
Practice tests are a key way that candidates can become fully prepared for the GMAT.
All good review courses have at least one or two full-length GMAT practice tests. Kaplan has nine. That gives you nine opportunities to practice a real test.
These opportunities to mark your progress and assess your readiness are a significant distinction of Kaplan’s GMAT course.
Kaplan Test run
With any of the Kaplan GMAT courses, you get an official test run at the GMAT.
You will register at a real testing center, go at your assigned time, and take a GMAT practice test. This is an incredible chance to get a feel for what it will be like on your actual test day. You’ll be able to get comfortable in the setting, using the official materials and process.
Kaplan is the only GMAT prep program that offers this feature.
Fantastic Live Tutoring
Kaplan GMAT has live, online tutoring. Live classes, group chats and private chats are all made available with expert facilitators and instructors.
Face-to-face interaction with an excellent teacher can help immensely if you’re struggling with a concept. A tutor can be a dedicated teammate in your journey to GMAT success.
This option is available when you upgrade to Live Online PLUS or pay extra for this as a bonus.
Kaplan Higher Score Guarantee
Kaplan has a Higher Score Guarantee (HSG) on some of their programs. If you have taken the GMAT before, you can use your official score as the starting point. If you’re a first-time GMAT candidate, you can establish a baseline score with Kaplan’s diagnostic test.
When you write the GMAT, if your score is not higher than your baseline, you can either get a full refund or continue using the program for free.
There are a few terms and conditions for this, which you can check out here.
Very Affordable GMAT Books
A few GMAT test prep companies have their own published textbooks. This ensures that all of the content is aligned, using the same vocabulary and systems.
These books range in cost, and Kaplan Test Prep books are among the more affordable options.
You can buy GMAT Complete Test Prep books or Test Prep Plus books online.
Flexible Self-Paced Study Options
Kaplan has a lot of GMAT study options. One of these options is their popular Self-Paced GMAT Prep.
You can buy into a Kaplan self-paced course that includes video lessons, teacher support, online resources, and full-length practice tests -- all on your own timeline.
This is a powerful option for busy professionals, students, parents, or anyone who needs their GMAT prep to work around other commitments.
Cons for Kaplan GMAT Prep
No Mobile App
While Kaplan GMAT review has a ton of online options, there is no app that has all of the study info.
If you’re super comfortable and like an app-based experience, Kaplan GMAT courses can’t accommodate that… yet.
Expensive Additional Options
Kaplan GMAT courses feel like a candy store of add-ons, but they can add up quickly. Some of these upgrades come with a pretty high price tag.
You can buy printed textbooks, printed flashcards, extra tutoring time, and more for additional costs. Some students find these add-ons cost-prohibitive.
Not Enough Material
This is a subjective assessment, of course, but some student comments in online forums have said that Kaplan GMAT prep didn’t give them quite enough to get the high scores they wanted.
If you have the ambition to get a 700 or higher (which is a great score and could land you in a top-5 MBA program), double-check that Kaplan GMAT has the right resources for you.
Access To Online Content Expires
All Kaplan programs expire. Once your time has run out, you lose access to the online tools and materials.
If you need more time, you can pay for extensions at $50 per week.
If you didn’t do as well as you wanted studying with a different program, look into the Kaplan HSG or other tracks that could offset the cost. Otherwise, you’ll want to be sure to get all of the benefit out of the materials before you lose them.
Our Recommendation:
If you're planning to take the GMAT and apply to an MBA school, Kaplan GMAT Prep is a tried and true option, with one of the most comprehensive banks of practice questions. They offer a choice between modular Study Packs, full interactive courses, and intensive one-on-one instruction -- most students will find an option to help them succeed.
Who is this Course Best For?
There are two kinds of students who benefit most from the Kaplan GMAT course:
- Busy students who still want a comprehensive review course
- Candidates who have a specific amount of time
If you have to work your GMAT prep around classes, work, family or other obligations, Kaplan GMAT has very flexible options. At the same time, they provide a thorough, guided course with an exceptional amount of practice material.
On the other hand, if you are super focused and want to knock out your test prep on a tight timeline, you can take an in-person course and pile on the upgrades for a concentrated, accelerated experience.
The full spectrum of student needs is addressed in Kaplan GMAT’s many options.
Kaplan GMAT Study Guide
So, you’ve decided to take the GMAT in hopes of getting into an MBA program. Becoming an MBA has huge earning potential, and it’s a valuable investment in your career. There are essentially four steps you need to take if you want to align with Kaplan GMAT’s structure for incoming students.
1. GMAT Practice Test
A diagnostic test will set a baseline for your GMAT performance. It helps you get a grip on what you already know and what you definitely need to learn. In other words, how would you do if you sat down and took the test today? That’s your first step with the Kaplan program.
2. Timeline
The second step with Kaplan is to establish a timeline. How long do you have to study for the GMAT? It may be a few weeks or a few months. Knowing that timeline will absolutely impact how you move through the Kaplan GMAT materials.
3. Study Plan
Once you know your timeline, you can create a study plan. Kaplan GMAT has automated features where you can plug in your estimated test date and get a custom study schedule. You can also opt to use their self-paced system and set up your own schedule as you go.
4. Test Readiness
The last step with Kaplan is to take practice tests that again measure test readiness. Once you’ve completed the bulk of your studies, a final practice test will give you a rough estimate of your potential GMAT score.
Kaplan GMAT Question of the Day
Because they’ve been in the game so long, experts at Kaplan have developed all kinds of creative ways to engage and challenge students.
One of these is the Kaplan GMAT Question of the Day. This is a simple, online prompt that publishes a single GMAT practice question every day.
Conquer the concepts along with every other student in the Kaplan system by getting the Question of the Day.
Kaplan GMAT Course Format
Kaplan GMAT programs are pretty flexible. You can choose from online, virtual GMAT courses or an in-person Kaplan GMAT class. All of them will include core content that progresses students through all four sections of the GMAT.
Progression through the material is punctuated by practice tests, flashcards, and the QBank. The typical materials you’ll work with every day are video lessons and reading/practice content.
Read on to learn more about the specifics.
Important Course Format Features
Kaplan GMAT Prep Pricing
There are three study plans available for purchase with Kaplan. Here is an overview of Kaplan pricing and what's included with each plan:
Bootcamp | Live course | Advanced course | On-demand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $2,899 | $1,850 | $1,750 | $999 |
Live GMAT instruction | 35 hours | 27 hours | ||
Interactive video lessons | 35+ lessons | |||
6 FULL PRACTICE TESTS | ||||
Official Guide for GMAT Review | ||||
GMAT Strategy Guide Set | ||||
FOUNDATIONS OF GMAT Math Workshop | ||||
Foundations of GMAT Math and verbal guides | ||||
Official Advanced Questions | ||||
Advanced Quant eBook | ||||
Manhattan Prep GMAT mobile app | ||||
GMAT Navigator™ practice tracker | ||||
Test simulation booklet | ||||
Custom 1-on-1 Assessments with instructor | ||||
post-exam assessment after official GMAT test | ||||
custom practice GMAT test INSTRUCTOR review | ||||
Cell |
Kaplan GMAT Discounts
There are a couple of ways to get a Kaplan GMAT Discount.
Check Kaplan's website for any special price reductions, as well as our discounts page for regularly updated promo codes.
Is Kaplan GMAT Prep Worth It?
Kaplan GMAT study can get you a high score on the test. They have a great reputation and comprehensive materials. If you want a complete course—either online or in-person—Kaplan has flexible options.
One great advantage is that, because Kaplan is a large and well-established company, all of the materials you’ll get with a Kaplan GMAT course are part of a study system. This means that you’ll get access to the essential concepts in numerous ways, with great integration. Many students have done well using the Kaplan GMAT to prepare for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some additional answers to questions you may have about Kaplan GMAT Prep.
Why is Princeton Review GMAT Self-Paced Cheaper Than Kaplan?
Kaplan and the Princeton Review materials are often pitted against one another. They are two huge test prep companies that have a ton of high-quality content. Princeton Review has self-paced study options for the GMAT, similar to Kaplan’s.
When you look into the programs, though, you’ll notice that Kaplan has some more robust elements, like the QBank, GMAT TV, and the Official Test Day Experience. These features make it a little more valuable, which is reflected in the higher price.
Which is Better to Prepare for GMAT: Kaplan or Princeton Review?
The Princeton Review is a different study system than Kaplan GMAT courses. With Princeton Review GMAT prep, you’ll still get video lessons, answer explanations, and practice tests. They have some innovative, technology-based options like the DrillBuilder. There are a few reasons students might choose Kaplan over Princeton Review for GMAT:
- Kaplan has more test prep questions
- Kaplan has more practice tests
- Kaplan has a larger quantity of video content
At the end of the day, you’ll have to conduct a comparison yourself to see which program better suits your individual needs.
How is the Kaplan GMAT Self-Paced Review?
Students rave about the Kaplan self-paced options. You can pick and choose whichever Kaplan GMAT course products you need, and essentially create your own path using their great materials.
If budget is a concern, you can also buy pieces of the program separately and at different times. This option also allows the ultimate flexibility to not attend a virtual or in-person course but to study when you have the time.
Is Kaplan GMAT Harder Than the Real GMAT?
Kaplan GMAT practice tests and other materials will help you prepare for the real GMAT. This is because they are structured in an identical way.
Kaplan GMAT courses are all about helping students get the actual experience they need to do well on the exam. You can select the course delivery method you like (virtual or in-person) or do a self-paced study option.
All of these are great options with materials that will help you whether you enter with a lot or a little knowledge of the concepts on the test.
How Much Does Kaplan Cost?
Kaplan GMAT prep has a lot of different options at different price points.
You can buy individual elements of the GMAT study program for as little as $99.
A comprehensive Kaplan GMAT course starts at $599, and if you want the premier package with tutoring, you’ll pay at least $2499.
Get What You Need to Improve Your GMAT Score!
Kaplan is a great choice for aspiring MBA students, offering modular study packs, advanced on-on-one tutoring, and an impressive GMAT practice environment.