Kaplan SAT Prep Review

Wondering how to best prepare for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and if Kaplan’s SAT prep program is for you? Then this Kaplan SAT prep review will help.

I’m an online tutor with years of experience helping students prepare for the SAT and its various subject tests. I’ve taken Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep course to see if it lives up to its reputation as one of the best SAT review programs out there.

The SAT has become an important milestone for college aspirants, more than 1.7 million of whom took the test last year. Acing the SAT can truly set you apart when applying to competitive college programs. The exam is demanding. Students often invest countless hours studying in preparation. Fortunately, with the right SAT prep course, you can study smarter, improve your chances of achieving a high score, and position yourself as a top-notch college admissions candidate. Among the wide array of SAT test prep options available, Kaplan's On Demand SAT program stands out as a popular choice. While this article primarily focuses on the On Demand SAT course, it's important to note that Kaplan offers other SAT prep formats, including live instruction courses, private tutoring, and tailored bootcamps. I’ll touch on all of those throughout the article. 

Here’s what’s in this Kaplan SAT prep course review:

• About Kaplan
• How does Kaplan’s SAT prep course work?
• How I reviewed Kaplan’s SAT prep course
• Pros, cons, and who it’s for
• Cost and refund policy
• Key features
• Other SAT prep course options
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Let’s get started so you can get studying!

About Kaplan SAT prep

Ready to ace the SAT? Look no further than Kaplan, the go-to name in tutoring. Featuring more than 50 instructional videos, numerous practice tests, and 1,000+ practice questions, Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep course will get you in fighting shape to master America’s most widely taken test. 

And if it can’t boost your score, Kaplan guarantees you your money back. So why not give it a shot? There’s nothing to lose and a great SAT score to gain.

How does Kaplan’s SAT prep work?

Kaplan’s On Demand SAT test prep course is flexible, giving you the tools to conquer the exam on your own terms. The program covers the three main sections that you’ll face on the SAT–reading, writing and language, and math. Probing your knowledge along the way, Kaplan will teach you what you need to know, help you drill it, then reinforce what you’ve learned through tailored testing. 

Key features:

• 4 practice tests
• 50+ interactive, instructional videos
• 1,000+ practice questions
• Customizable quizzes
• Access to up-to-date SAT prep books
• Flexible course structure, prepare 30 minutes per day

How I reviewed Kaplan’s SAT prep course

Having tutored standardized testing, the SAT in particular, for years, I've developed a sharp eye for SAT prep programs that truly deliver. I spent hours exploring Kaplan's On Demand SAT prep course, watching instructional videos, taking practice tests, answering practice questions, and following Kaplan's study recommendations to get a better idea of what the program offers. 

One thing that really stood out to me about Kaplan's prep courses, which I absolutely love, is their user-friendly interface. No more wasting time hunting for specific content, practice questions, or study resources. Everything is neatly laid out on side screens or handy toolbars, making navigation a breeze.

Another thing I like about Kaplan is that they don’t just focus on cramming information. They understand the importance of strategy. Using engaging visuals, especially on practice questions, they guide you through the art of test-taking. By honing these strategies early on, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the actual exam with confidence.

So if you're looking for a strong yet flexible SAT prep program that emphasizes strategy as much as content, consider giving Kaplan a shot.  

Pros of Kaplan’s SAT prep course

Focus on strategy

Something I noticed (and liked) right off the bat about Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep course is its serious focus on test-taking strategy. Before even discussing content, its curriculum walks you through how, tactically speaking, you should approach each of the SAT’s three sections. That’s exceptionally important. The SAT is a tricky test. To master it, you’ll need to understand the logic that underpins it. Luckily, Kaplan will equip you with the tools and knowledge to recognize the SAT’s quirks and approach the test strategically, methodically, and confidently. 

Super flexible

As opposed to other “bootcamp” programs that put you through the test-prep wringer over the course of two or three weeks, Kaplan’s On Demand SAT program spreads your studying out. Kaplan emphasizes that you can complete this program by studying just 30 minutes a day, allowing you to prepare on your own time and terms. That’s so important for today’s high schoolers, who, outside of class, are expected to participate in numerous extracurricular activities as well as complete hours of homework every single night. 

Lots of learning resources

I really value the adaptability and versatility of Kaplan's study resources. The On Demand SAT test prep course offers a diverse array of materials, including books, explanatory videos, quizzes, and practice tests, designed by SAT experts to cater to various learning styles. If a more hands-on, interactive learning approach is for you, Kaplan's Live Online SAT Course or SAT Bootcamp could be the perfect fit for you.

Cons of Kaplan SAT prep courses

Cost (but good value)

Priced at $199, the On Demand course is Kaplan’s cheapest SAT prep program.That price is actually below similar services, like Princeton Review’s SAT prep program. While this may seem like a sizable investment, it’s a small price to pay to seriously increase your chances of getting into your dream school. And with Kaplan's money-back guarantee, there's really nothing to lose.

No live learning

Despite its holistic curriculum and informative instructional videos, Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep course does not offer live, teacher-led learning. If you’re a more independent learner, that might actually be great news, as live learning would certainly add to the program’s price tag. But if you prefer something more interactive, consider some of Kaplan’s other programs, including the Live Online SAT course or the SAT Bootcamp, both of which offer live, expert-taught classes. 

Who Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep is for

Kaplan’s SAT prep course is for you if you’re:

• A self-motivated studier
• An independent learner
• Determine to go for a 1600
• Looking to strengthen your test-taking strategies

If you've got the resources and the drive to stand out in the college admissions process, then don’t overlook Kaplan. It’s a particularly great option if you value a flexible yet robust test prep experience that lets you review on your own time.

How much does Kaplan’s SAT prep cost?

Kaplan offers a number of SAT prep courses that cater to different budgets and learning styles. 

Course	Price	Features
On Demand	$199	What I reviewed in this article
Live Online	$699	On Demand plus: 18 hours of live instruction, 8 practice tests including 4 College Board official practice tests
Live Online SAT Prep Plus	$1099	Live Online + 3 hours of 1-on-1 tutoring as well as Math Foundations course
Unlimited Prep	$1999	Unlimited access to all of Kaplan’s SAT prep resources
SAT Bootcamp	$799 ($599 with code BOOTCAMP200)	Immersive SAT prep experience over the course of 2-3 weeks. 18 hours of live instruction, 1-on-1 Q&As with expert teachers.

Kaplan Refund

Kaplan offers you a full refund within three days of enrolling and a 75% refund after a week of use, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the course and decide if it’s for you. Kaplan’s SAT prep courses offer you a full refund if your score doesn’t improve relative to your baseline. And even if your score does improve but you think you can do better, Kaplan will give you an additional 12 weeks of access to their learning materials for free so you can try the exam again. 

Learn about Kaplan's other courses: MCAT, GRE, SAT, ACT, LSAT

Features of Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep

Kaplan’s SAT prep courses offer tons of great features. Some of my favorites are:

• Emphasis on test-taking tactics
• Learning reinforcement
• Practice tests
• Books
• Videos
• Score guarantee

Emphasis on test-taking tactics

One of my favorite things about this course is how much it focuses on test-taking strategies. Before you even start reviewing content in each of the three major sections (reading, writing and language, and math), you’ll learn how to approach the material strategically. When taking practice quizzes, Kaplan shows you how to answer questions methodically. For example, you’ll eliminate wrong answers to arrive at the right one instead of trying to immediately find the correct choice. During practice quizzes, a timer will show you how much time you’ve spent on each question as well as how much time you should be spending on each question so you can fine tune your timing. Knowing the tactics needed to conquer the test can turn a good score into a top score, and a solid college applicant into a shoo-in. 

Learning reinforcement

Kaplan’s teaching strategy rests on three main pillars: “learn it, drill it, prove it”. The “drill it” and “test it” portions are most interesting to me. They routinely force you to apply the concepts that you’ve studied to review questions and practice tests. By habitually checking your understanding, exercising your learned microskills, you’ll cement your knowledge so that you don’t forget it come test day. 

Practice tests

One thing I like about Kaplan is its focus on both content and test-taking practice. Kaplan’s On Demand SAT prep includes four full-length practice tests. They’ll help you gauge what you know and what you need to review. They’ll also prepare you for what it feels like to sit for a three-hour test, so you’ll go confidently into the real thing knowing exactly what to expect. 

Books

If you’re a more old-fashioned learner who prefers to study from a physical book instead of a screen, fret not.  Kaplan hasn’t forgotten about you. All of Kaplan’s SAT prep courses come with the latest SAT prep books to complement its online learning materials. 

Explainer videos

If you’re a learner who prefers dynamic visuals, then Kaplan’s got you covered. Their conversational, laid-back approach to teaching makes SAT concepts and strategies super accessible. Video shorts and animations will make your study experience more vibrant, engaging, impactful, and, most importantly, enjoyable. 

Score guarantee

It doesn’t matter which Kaplan SAT program you choose – their score improvement guarantee applies. If Kaplan can’t help you improve your score relative to your baseline, they promise you your money back. And if you do improve your score but not by as much as you had hoped, Kaplan will give you an additional four months’ access to their study materials so you can ace the exam the next time you take it.

Kaplan Alternatives

While Kaplan is one of the best SAT prep services out there, some others include:

• Magoosh
• Princeton Review
• Varsity Tutors
• Manhattan Prep
• Prep Scholar
• Khan Academy

Magoosh is most similar to Kaplan in content and price. Princeton Review’s higher price tag ($549) comes with a higher score guarantee and a more rigorous course. Varsity Tutors, Manhattan Prep, and Prep Scholar all offer individual tutoring, which will cost far more (at least $60 per hour) than what you’d pay for Kaplan. And if you’re looking for a no-cost option, nothing beats Khan Academy. 

-> Read our guide to the best SAT prep courses

Conclusion: Is Kaplan’s SAT prep worth it?

When it comes to SAT prep, Kaplan’s for real. Their SAT prep course is a fantastic option for students of all learning styles. Its diverse study tools cater to everyone’s needs. From their comprehensive curriculum to their practical approach and abundance of materials, Kaplan’s got your back. And let's not forget their impressive track record of success. 

Kaplan’s engaging content videos, emphasis on strategy, and concentration on practical learning are all geared towards helping you study as efficiently and enjoyably as possible. And with their money-back guarantee if you don’t improve your score, what’s to lose?

If you’re serious about shooting for that 1600 and setting yourself apart in the increasingly competitive college admissions process, then Kaplan is a worthwhile investment. Good luck and happy studying. Your dream school awaits!

Kaplan FAQs