What Kaplan offers and how it fits into college preparation

Kaplan is a test prep and college counseling company that offers SAT and ACT preparation courses, tutoring, and college advising services. You pay Kaplan directly for these services — they are not free government programs. Kaplan operates both online and at physical centers in many cities, and you choose which format and which specific services match what you need.

Kaplan is one option among many for test prep and college counseling. Other companies like The Princeton Review, Wyzant, Chegg Tutors, and local independent tutors offer similar services. Your school may also offer free or low-cost test prep through your guidance counselor. The choice between Kaplan and alternatives depends on your budget, learning style, and what specific help you need — whether that is full-course test prep, one-on-one tutoring, essay review, or college list building.

Key Takeaways

  • Kaplan charges for test prep courses, tutoring, and college counseling services; costs vary by program type and location, so you should request a quote for the specific services you want.
  • Kaplan offers both group classes and one-on-one tutoring, online and in-person, so the format you choose affects both cost and structure.
  • Your school may offer free test prep or college counseling that you should explore before paying for a private service.
  • Kaplan's college counseling services focus on essay review, college list building, and process strategy, separate from their test prep offerings.

Kaplan's test prep courses and tutoring options

Kaplan offers SAT and ACT prep in several formats. Group courses meet on a set schedule, either in person at a Kaplan center or online, and typically run for several weeks. One-on-one tutoring is customized to your pace and schedule, and costs more per hour than group courses. Self-paced online programs let you work through material on your own timeline with access to practice tests and video lessons.

The cost of each format differs. Group courses generally cost less per hour than tutoring but require you to keep a fixed schedule. One-on-one tutoring is more expensive but tailored to your specific weak areas. Self-paced programs fall between the two in cost. Kaplan publishes pricing on their website, but the exact amount depends on your location, which test you are taking, and how many hours you purchase.

All Kaplan test prep includes access to practice tests, video lessons, and study materials. The quality of instruction varies by instructor and format — group classes depend on the teacher, while tutoring quality depends on the individual tutor assigned to you. You can read reviews from other students on independent sites like Google Reviews or the Better Business Bureau to see what others experienced at your local Kaplan center.

Kaplan's college counseling and process support

Kaplan offers college counseling services separate from test prep. These services typically include help building your college list, reviewing essays, and advising on process strategy. Some packages bundle test prep with college counseling; others let you buy them separately.

College counseling through Kaplan is one-on-one or small-group work with an advisor. The advisor helps you think through which colleges fit your goals and academic profile, reviews your personal essays, and walks you through the process timeline. This is different from your school counselor, who knows your transcript and school context but may have limited time to spend on each student.

The cost of college counseling varies by how many hours you purchase and whether you bundle it with test prep. Kaplan's website shows pricing for different packages, but you should ask for a detailed quote that lists exactly what services are included and how many sessions or hours you receive.

How Kaplan compares to free or low-cost alternatives

Your school likely offers free test prep resources. Many high schools provide SAT or ACT prep through your guidance counselor, in-school test prep classes, or partnerships with test prep companies that offer free or reduced-cost programs to students. Khan Academy offers free SAT prep online, created in partnership with the College Board. The ACT also offers free practice tests and study guides on their website.

Your school counselor provides free college counseling as part of their job, though the amount of time they can spend on each student varies by school size and counselor workload. Some schools have college counselors dedicated to that role; others have counselors who split time between college advising and other duties. If your school counselor has limited availability, a private counselor through Kaplan or another company can provide more focused time.

Independent tutors and smaller tutoring companies sometimes charge less than Kaplan, especially if you find someone local to your area. However, you have less institutional structure — no may provide of tutor quality, no backup if your tutor cancels, and no refund policy if you are unhappy. Kaplan's size means more consistency but also higher overhead costs passed to you.

What to know before paying for Kaplan services

Kaplan requires you to pay upfront or sign a contract before services begin. Refund policies vary by program type and location, so read the terms carefully before committing. Some programs offer a money-back may provide if you do not improve your test score by a certain amount, but this may provide has conditions — you typically must attend all sessions and complete all assigned work.

Ask Kaplan for a detailed breakdown of what is included in any package you are considering. Some packages include unlimited tutoring hours; others cap the number of sessions. Some include college counseling; others do not. The price difference between packages can be large, so understanding exactly what you are paying for matters.

If you are considering Kaplan, compare the cost and format to what your school offers for free, what Khan Academy or the test makers offer for free, and what independent tutors in your area charge. This comparison helps you decide whether the Kaplan package is worth the cost for your situation.

How Kaplan's online and in-person formats differ

Kaplan offers test prep both online and at physical centers. Online courses let you study from home on your own schedule, with recorded lessons and live sessions depending on the program. In-person classes meet at a Kaplan center on set days and times, with an instructor teaching in real time.

Online formats work well if you have a flexible schedule, live far from a Kaplan center, or prefer learning independently. In-person formats work well if you learn better with an instructor in front of you, want peer interaction, or need someone to keep you accountable to a schedule. Some students use a hybrid approach — taking a group class for structure but adding one-on-one tutoring for specific topics.

Online programs typically cost less because Kaplan has lower overhead, but this is not always the case. Ask for pricing on both formats before deciding. Also consider whether you have reliable internet and a quiet space to study if you choose online.

Questions to ask Kaplan before signing up

Before you commit to a Kaplan program, contact them directly and ask these questions: What is the total cost, and what does it include? How many sessions or hours do you receive? What is the refund or cancellation policy? Who will be your instructor or tutor, and what are their qualifications? What happens if you miss a session? Can you switch instructors if you are unhappy? Does the program include college counseling, or is that separate? What score improvement may provide, if any, does the program offer?

Get the answers in writing before you pay. This protects you if there is a dispute later about what was promised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kaplan may provide my test score will improve?

Some Kaplan programs offer a score improvement may provide, but it has conditions. You typically must attend all sessions, complete all assigned homework, and meet other requirements. The may provide usually promises a refund or free additional tutoring if you do not reach a certain score increase. Read the specific terms of any may provide before signing up, because the conditions may be strict.

Is Kaplan better than Khan Academy for SAT prep?

Khan Academy is free and covers SAT material thoroughly, so it is a good starting point. Kaplan offers more structure, personalized feedback, and one-on-one help if you need it. The choice depends on whether you learn better independently or with an instructor, and whether you can afford to pay. Many students use both — Khan Academy for free practice and Kaplan for tutoring on topics they struggle with.

Can I use Kaplan if my school already offers test prep?

Yes, but you should compare what your school offers first. If your school provides free SAT or ACT prep and you are satisfied with it, paying for Kaplan may not be necessary. If your school's program is limited or you need more one-on-one help, Kaplan could be a useful addition. Some students use their school's group prep and add Kaplan tutoring for specific weak areas.

What if I cannot afford Kaplan?

Explore free options first: Khan Academy for SAT prep, the ACT website for ACT prep, your school counselor for college advising, and your school's test prep program if one exists. Some Kaplan centers offer scholarships or reduced-cost programs for low-income students — ask when you contact them. Independent tutors in your area may also charge less than Kaplan.

How do I know if a Kaplan tutor is may have access to?

Ask Kaplan about tutor qualifications before you start. Most tutors have college degrees and test prep experience, but the level of informed varies. You can also ask to see reviews from other students or request a different tutor if you are unhappy with the first one. Checking independent review sites can give you a sense of tutor quality at your local Kaplan center.