Kaplan is a test prep company that offers courses, practice tests, and tutoring for standardized exams

Kaplan provides study materials and instruction for tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and several professional licensing exams. The company offers multiple formats: self-paced online courses, live instructor-led classes, one-on-one tutoring, and practice tests you can take on your own schedule. Kaplan does not administer the tests themselves — they prepare you to take them through a third party like the College Board or ACT Inc.

The core idea is straightforward: you pay Kaplan for study materials and instruction, work through their curriculum at your own pace or in a structured class, and take full-length practice tests to measure your progress before test day. Kaplan's materials are based on the actual format and content of each exam, so the practice closely mirrors what you will see when you sit for the real test.

Key Takeaways

  • Kaplan offers courses in multiple formats — online self-paced, live classes, and one-on-one tutoring — so you can choose based on your schedule and learning style.
  • Pricing varies by exam and format; live classes and tutoring cost more than self-paced online courses, and bundles that combine multiple services are often cheaper per item than buying separately.
  • You access Kaplan's materials through their online platform after you enroll and pay, and you can usually start when ready or on a date you choose.
  • Kaplan includes full-length practice tests that mimic the real exam, so you can see your score and identify weak areas before test day.
  • Kaplan's money-back may provide typically covers a set period (often 30 to 60 days) if you are unsatisfied, though terms vary by product and location.

How Kaplan's course formats differ

Kaplan's self-paced online courses let you log in whenever you want and move through lessons, videos, and practice problems on your own timeline. You have access to the full course materials for a set period — often six months to a year — and can repeat lessons as many times as you need. This format works well if you have an unpredictable schedule or prefer to study alone.

Live instructor-led classes meet on a fixed schedule, either in person at a Kaplan center (in select cities) or online via video. An instructor teaches the material, answers questions in real time, and often assigns homework between sessions. This format creates structure and accountability, and you can ask questions directly. Live classes typically run for several weeks and meet once or twice per week.

One-on-one tutoring pairs you with a tutor who customizes the lesson plan to your needs and pace. Tutoring is the most expensive option but offers the most personalized attention. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly or more frequently, and you work on the areas where you struggle most.

What's included in a Kaplan course

Every Kaplan course includes access to their online platform, which holds video lessons, written explanations, and thousands of practice problems organized by topic. You can drill individual question types or take full-length practice tests that simulate the real exam's timing and format. Most courses also include a diagnostic test at the start so you know your baseline score and which topics need the most work.

Depending on the course level you choose, you may also get access to Kaplan's mobile app (so you can practice on your phone), downloadable study guides, flashcard sets, and recorded video lessons you can watch repeatedly. Higher-tier packages sometimes include essay review (for tests like the LSAT or GMAT that have writing sections) or additional tutoring hours.

All courses give you a score may provide or money-back promise, though the terms depend on which exam and which package you buy. Read the fine print on the product page to see exactly what Kaplan will refund and under what conditions.

Kaplan pricing and payment options

Kaplan's prices vary widely depending on the exam, the course format, and how many services you bundle together. Self-paced online courses typically start lower than live classes or tutoring. A self-paced SAT or ACT course might range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, while a live class or tutoring package can cost significantly more. Kaplan frequently runs promotions and discounts, especially during peak test prep seasons, so the price you see today may not be the price next week.

Kaplan accepts credit cards and debit cards for payment. Some employers and schools offer Kaplan courses as a benefit, so check whether your workplace or university has a partnership that could reduce your cost. You can also ask Kaplan directly about payment plans if the full upfront cost is difficult to manage — some locations offer monthly installment options.

How to enroll and get your free guide

Visit Kaplan's website, select the exam you are preparing for, and browse the available courses. Each course page shows the format (self-paced, live, tutoring), the price, what's included, and the schedule if it's a live class. Read the course description carefully so you understand exactly what materials and instruction you are paying for.

Once you choose a course, add it to your cart and complete the checkout process. You will create a Kaplan account with an email and password. After payment clears, you receive login credentials and can access the course materials when ready or on the start date listed for that course. If you enroll in a live class, you will receive the meeting link or in-person location details before the first session.

Most self-paced courses give you access for six months to a year from the date you enroll. Live classes run for a set number of weeks. Tutoring sessions are usually booked individually or in packages of a certain number of hours. Check your course details to see exactly when your access ends.

Kaplan's money-back may provide and refund policy

Kaplan offers a score may provide on most courses: if you complete the course and take the real exam but do not reach a certain score, Kaplan will let you retake their course for free. The may provide score varies by exam and by course level. For example, a higher-tier SAT course might may provide a score of 1200 or higher, while a lower-tier course might may provide 1100. If you do not hit that score, you can enroll in the same course again at no cost.

Kaplan also typically offers a money-back may provide within a set window — often 30 to 60 days from enrollment — if you are unsatisfied with the course. To use this may provide, you usually need to contact Kaplan's customer service within the stated timeframe and request a refund. Some refunds are full; others may be partial depending on how much of the course you have used. Read the specific terms for the course you are buying, because the may provide details differ by product.

Alternatives to Kaplan

Other major test prep companies include The Princeton Review, which offers similar formats and exam coverage; Khan Academy, which provides free SAT prep materials and practice tests in partnership with the College Board; and smaller tutoring services or independent tutors in your area. Some students use a combination — for example, free Khan Academy materials plus a few paid tutoring sessions to focus on weak areas.

If you are on a tight budget, Khan Academy's free SAT prep is comprehensive and well-regarded. If you want a different teaching style or company culture, The Princeton Review and Kaplan have different approaches, so you might read reviews or take a free trial lesson from each to see which fits you better. The best choice depends on your exam, your budget, your schedule, and how much structure and personal attention you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try Kaplan before I pay?

Kaplan offers free trial access to some of their courses — usually a limited version of the self-paced platform so you can see the lesson format and practice a few problems. Visit their website and look for a "free trial" or "preview" option for your exam. This gives you a sense of whether Kaplan's teaching style works for you before you commit money.

How long does a Kaplan course take to complete?

It depends on the course format and your pace. Self-paced courses typically recommend 40 to 100 hours of study spread over several weeks or months, but you control the speed. Live classes usually meet for 6 to 12 weeks with homework between sessions. Tutoring timelines vary based on how many sessions you book and how quickly you progress.

Do I have to use Kaplan's full course, or can I buy just practice tests?

Kaplan sells standalone practice test packages if you only want to drill full-length exams without the full course. These are cheaper than a complete course but do not include video lessons or topic-by-topic instruction. Check Kaplan's website for "practice tests only" or "test bank" options for your exam.

What if I miss a live class session?

Most Kaplan live classes are recorded, so you can watch the session later if you miss it. Check your course details or ask Kaplan customer service whether recordings are included in your package and how long you can access them after the class ends.

Does Kaplan work with my school or employer?

Many schools and employers have partnerships with Kaplan that offer discounted or free courses to students and employees. Contact your school's test prep office or your employer's benefits department to ask whether Kaplan is available to you at a reduced rate.