Former Kaplan MCAT Instructor Gives it the thumbs up
Written: May 12 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Focused review, good practice resources, good track record
Cons: Expensive, occasionally variable teaching quality (can work both ways, though)
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| henrywei's Full Review: Kaplan MCAT Course |
I'm currently a medical student, and I taught two Kaplan MCAT courses about two years ago. That may or may not compel you to listen to what else I have to say, given that I was never actually a *student* in one of the MCAT courses themselves, or any review course, for that matter. But I'll be brief, so it's worth your time.
Here's my frank opinion: Kaplan's MCAT course *will* make you do better on the MCAT, compared to if you don't take their course. Hands down. I don't believe AAMC's statement, largely because if you take a review course the first time and do well, there's no statistical way argue that it didn't help you. The argument, as I recall, is that the average score of those who have taken review courses does not significantly differ from those who haven't. But the lack of statistical significance does not rule out the likely possibility that review courses improve your ultimate score. In other words, AAMC has is suggesting that you make a Type II error to save some cash, and, if you do go to medical school, you'll probably learn more about this statistical concept in Epidemiology.
Okay, that being said, what are the reasons I think Kaplan will make you do better?
1. They know what's on the MCAT. Verbatim. And they've reached an agreement with the AAMC such that, while they can't reveal the actual questions to you, they'll make sure you get exactly the high-yield coverage of topics you need, rather than extraneous information you don't.
2. Their practice tests are top-notch, the explanations of the answers are thorough, and the analysis you get from the scores is exceedingly helpful at getting you to focus on problem areas rather than just reviewing what you already know well (a common mistake).
3. The review material itself is top-notch. It was completely redesigned recently, as were the teacher guides, and is constantly updated as more and more feedback comes back from actual MCAT administrations. If you can't take the course, at least try to get your hands on a set of the review books.
Now, why wouldn't you want to take Kaplan's MCAT review course?
1. As a former teacher, I'll be the first to admit that there's considerable variability in the quality of teachers. In some areas, in fact, there's such a shortage of MCAT teachers that you may find some classes being cancelled. Incidentally, this may be what contributes to the rumors, justified or not, that Princeton Review has slightly more knowledgeable MCAT teachers than Kaplan. The simple fact is the Princeton Review tends to, on average, pay a better hourly rate to its MCAT teachers, and thus lures away quite a few Kaplan MCAT teachers. Still, Kaplan has pretty high standards for hiring teachers (e.g. minimum MCAT scores, prior teaching experience, etc.) They also do an extensive amount of *required* training for their teachers -- all of them, which is something new but long overdue. And given Kaplan's somewhat more intensive approach to improving and evolving its MCAT course as time goes on, I'd still say stick with Kaplan.
2. It's pretty expensive. For the price of the review course, you could instead buy all the books and CD-ROMs on the market, and still pocket some change. Is it worth it? ONLY IF YOU TAKE THE PRACTICE TESTS. They go to great lengths to simulate the MCAT, as well as offer tons and tons of practice questions at the test center. If you have no motivation to schedule enough time to take advantage of the practice questions, then I'd strongly reconsider your investment in a review course. That being said, again, teaching quality varies from region to region -- and if you know of a good teacher who's still going to be around for the next season of MCAT teaching, try to get in on their class.
So what's the final analysis? Here's what you need to do: REGARDLESS of whether or not you want to take the Kaplan MCAT review course, sign up for one of their FREE practice tests / promotional sessions, which they offer every so often. The same goes for the Princeton Review course. Call the 800 numbers for each company if they're not advertising on your campus (but chances are they already do). It's a free practice test, and you're the wiser for taking advantage of it. Only you can decide whether or not a review course, particularly Kaplan, is a good fit. I think, on average, it probably will be -- but not for everyone (including myself, which is a whole different story!).
That's about it. Sorry if this doesn't sound like a typical review from a former student. And congratulations on your decision to pursue Medicine. I think it's worth it, and though nay-sayers may warn you that it's an uphill battle (which it is), it is still a rewarding and exciting time, and few of us regret it. I wish you the best of luck.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
henrywei
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital
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