Kaplan SAT Test Preparation Review: A Comprehensive Guide

The SAT is a crucial component of college admissions, with roughly 2 million high school students taking the test each year. While many schools have become test-optional, the most competitive institutions still value SAT scores. Kaplan is a well-known test preparation company that offers a variety of SAT prep courses. This article provides an in-depth review of Kaplan's SAT test preparation options, study materials, pricing, and key pros and cons to help students and parents determine if Kaplan is the right choice.

Kaplan SAT Course Options

Kaplan offers several course options to provide students with maximum flexibility:

On Demand: A self-paced course with pre-recorded video lessons and practice questions.
Live Online: A course with scheduled live classes taught by experienced instructors.
Bootcamp: An intensive, short-term course for students needing focused preparation.
Unlimited Prep: A comprehensive package with extended access to all Kaplan's SAT, PSAT, and AP materials, as well as additional resources like college advising and tutoring.

Pricing and Access

The price of Kaplan's SAT prep courses varies depending on the package and level of resources included. The On Demand package is the most affordable option, while the Unlimited Prep package is the most expensive.

On Demand: Around $200
Live Online: Around $800
Bootcamp: Around $800

Access to the On Demand and Live Online courses is typically for six months. The Unlimited Prep course provides access until June of the student's senior year.

Curriculum and Study Materials

Kaplan provides a comprehensive curriculum for Digital SAT prep, including online coursework, practice tests, and printed prep books.

Read also: Is Kaplan SAT Prep Worth It?

Online Coursework

The online portion of Kaplan's coursework is the foundation of the On Demand curriculum and consists of nine sessions. Each study unit follows a "Learn It, Drill It, Prove It" system:

Video Lesson: Each module starts with a roughly 10-minute video lesson.
Drill: Students then complete short practice drills to test their understanding.
Quiz: A quick quiz with exam-like questions assesses their knowledge.

The subject-based modules cover essential topics such as solving equations and sentence structure.

Video Lessons

Kaplan's video lessons are a standout feature of their SAT prep course. The short, engaging videos are typically no more than 10 or 12 minutes in length and use a conversational approach to make difficult topics relatable and understandable. Instructors often use analogies and stories to explain concepts. The videos also include example problems that the instructor solves on screen with notes and equations.

Qbank

Kaplan's Qbank is a library of over 500 realistic multiple-choice questions. Students can personalize quizzes to focus on their weak areas or create practice sessions with a mix of question types. While the Qbank provides thorough text-based explanations for each question, it lacks video solutions.

Live Classes

Kaplan's Live Online classes typically consist of nine 2-hour sessions. The classes use a dual-instructor model, with one expert teaching and a second instructor answering questions in the chat. The live classes provide a different perspective than the video lessons and allow students to ask questions and interact with the instructor.

Read also: Kaplan & Kitces Guide

Printed Prep Books

Students enrolled in the Live Online and Unlimited Prep courses receive a set of printed prep books from Kaplan. The SAT Course Book is particularly valuable, as it aligns with the class lectures and covers testing strategies and content review in a clear and understandable manner.

Practice Tests

Kaplan provides solid practice tests that closely resemble the actual Digital SAT. The online platform is clean and intuitive, with a "Study Plan" dashboard serving as the homepage.

Additional Resources

In addition to the core coursework, Kaplan offers some extra resources:

SAT Channel

Kaplan's SAT Channel provides students with access to around 16 hours of recorded lessons. These lessons can be particularly beneficial for students who want to focus on specific areas where they are weak.

Tutoring

Kaplan offers tutoring packages as a separate service. While the tutoring can be effective, it is essential to consider the qualifications of the tutors.

Read also: Early Learning Through Play

Pros and Cons of Kaplan SAT Prep

Pros

Comprehensive Curriculum: Kaplan provides a thorough curriculum covering all aspects of the Digital SAT.
Engaging Video Lessons: The short, well-produced video lessons are a standout feature of Kaplan's SAT prep course.
Live Class Option: The Live Online course provides students with the accountability and interaction of a live class.
Realistic Practice Questions: Kaplan's practice questions closely resemble real Digital SAT questions.
Higher Score Guarantee: Kaplan offers a higher score guarantee for its live SAT courses.

Cons

Lack of Video Solutions for All Practice Problems: Kaplan does not provide video solutions for all practice problems in the Qbank.
Limited Supplemental Resources: Kaplan's offerings of extra resources are relatively sparse compared to some competitors.
No Mobile App: Kaplan does not offer a mobile app for its students.
Customer Service Issues: Some clients have reported issues with Kaplan's customer service and technical support.
Instructor Qualifications: Kaplan hires instructors who score in the 90th percentile and above on the SAT, which is lower than some competitors who hire only top 1% scorers.
Rigid Structure: Some clients feel that Kaplan's SAT prep has a fairly rigid structure and isn’t customized to the needs of each individual student.

Comparison with Competitors

Kaplan is often compared to other SAT prep providers, such as Princeton Review and Magoosh.

Kaplan vs. Princeton Review

Kaplan and Princeton Review offer very similar SAT prep courses in terms of features, content, and delivery. Kaplan's packages are generally more affordable, while Princeton Review offers more practice material and score guarantees. Kaplan shines with its video lessons, while Princeton Review excels in live instruction.

Kaplan vs. Magoosh

Kaplan's SAT prep courses are more expensive than Magoosh's offerings. Magoosh also provides video solutions for their questions.

Kaplan vs. Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers a free SAT prep course in partnership with the College Board. This course includes practice questions and real SAT tests. For families on a budget, Khan Academy is a great option.

Concerns and Complaints

Some clients have expressed concerns and complaints about Kaplan's SAT prep courses:

Customer Service Issues: Many clients reported that it was impossible to reach Kaplan’s customer support or technical support.
Technical Issues: Some users have reported technical issues with the Kaplan online platform and app.
Lack of Customization: Some clients feel that Kaplan's SAT prep has a fairly rigid structure and isn’t customized to the needs of each individual student.
Instructor Qualifications: Kaplan hires instructors who score in the 90th percentile and above on the SAT, which is lower than some competitors who hire only top 1% scorers.

Is Kaplan SAT Prep Worth It?

Kaplan's SAT prep courses can be effective for students who are looking for a comprehensive curriculum, engaging video lessons, and the option of live classes. However, it is essential to consider the pros and cons and compare Kaplan with other SAT prep providers before making a decision.

Students who are on a budget may want to consider Khan Academy's free SAT prep course. Students who are looking for more individualized attention and top 1% instructors may want to consider PrepMaven's SAT Masterclass.

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