Kaplan vs Princeton Review for the MCAT

It depends on format and budget. Princeton Review’s Ultimate course emphasizes live instruction (123 hours) and 18 full-length tests; Kaplan offers more formats and publishes list prices. Whichever you pick, anchor your practice on AAMC’s official exams.

In October 2026, Kaplan listed On Demand from $1,599, Live Online from $2,399 and In Person from $3,399, often with discount codes. Princeton Review lists course prices as “starting at” on its site; check current pricing directly.

Kaplan’s 515+ course guarantees a 515+ or a 15+ point increase depending on your baseline, with conditions. Princeton Review’s Ultimate course offers a free retake of the course if you’re not satisfied. Read the terms before you buy.

No. Many students prepare with AAMC’s official materials, a question bank and a structured plan. A course mainly adds structure, live teaching and accountability.

Princeton Review’s MCAT Ultimate course lists 18 full-length practice tests (October 2026). Kaplan’s test counts vary by course; check the course page. Either way, take AAMC’s official practice exams too, since they come from previously administered MCAT exams and are the closest match to the real test.

For self-study, compare Kaplan’s On Demand course with Princeton Review’s self-paced options on schedule, practice volume and price. Many self-studiers instead combine AAMC official materials, a question bank and a review book set, and use a course only if they need more structure.