Choosing between Kaplan Test Prep and Manhattan Prep can be tricky, as both offer strong options for test prep. Kaplan is well-known for its extensive study materials and flexible online resources, perfect for students looking for convenience.
On the other hand, Manhattan Prep shines with its in-depth, high-level strategies, especially for those aiming for top scores. If you’re someone who thrives on structure and practice tests, Kaplan might be the way to go.
But if you’re focused on mastering complex concepts, Manhattan Prep could give you the edge you need. It all depends on your learning style and goals!
Overview of Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan has been a top provider of test preparation for over 80 years. It offers a variety of courses for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and professional licensing tests. With its vast experience and resources, Kaplan is a trusted choice for students worldwide.
Overview of Manhattan Prep
in 2000, Manhattan Prep is well-known for focusing on graduate-level exams, particularly the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. The company is recognized for its high-quality materials and its strict selection process for instructors, ensuring top-notch teaching for students aiming for excellent scores.
Key Features Comparison
1. Course Offerings and Flexibility
Kaplan: Offers a wide range of courses for various standardized tests, with flexible options such as on-demand (self-paced), live online classes, in-person sessions, and intensive bootcamps. This flexibility caters to different schedules and learning preferences.
Manhattan Prep: Focuses mainly on graduate-level exams like the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. It offers live online and in-person classes, as well as on-demand courses, but with a more specialized approach to a few exams.
2. Quality of Instruction
Kaplan: Features experienced instructors, but quality can vary due to a less strict hiring process compared to Manhattan Prep.
Manhattan Prep: Known for a rigorous instructor selection process, requiring teachers to have scored in the 99th percentile on the exams they teach and to have previous teaching experience. This ensures high-quality instruction.
3. Study Materials and Practice Tests
Kaplan: Provides comprehensive study materials, including practice questions, full-length practice tests, video lessons, and study guides. These materials are designed to mirror the real exams closely.
Manhattan Prep: Offers in-depth materials, particularly for graduate exams. Their practice tests tend to be more difficult than the actual exams, which can be challenging but beneficial for students.
4. Adaptive Learning Technology
Kaplan: Features adaptive learning technology that creates personalized study plans, helping students focus on their weak areas and track progress.
Manhattan Prep: Does not offer adaptive learning but provides structured study plans to guide students.
5. Pricing and Value
Kaplan: Generally more affordable, with self-paced courses starting at lower prices. Kaplan also offers a score improvement guarantee, providing a refund if a student’s score doesn’t improve after completing the course.
Manhattan Prep: Tends to be more expensive, reflecting the quality of instructors and specialized focus. However, they do not offer a score improvement guarantee.
6. Customer Support and Accessibility
Kaplan: Strong customer support with access to instructors outside of class, though response times can vary.
Manhattan Prep: Excellent support with responsive instructors and small class sizes for personalized attention.
Pros and Cons
Kaplan Test Prep
Pros:
- Wide variety of courses
- Flexible learning formats
- Adaptive learning technology for personalized study plans
- Score improvement guarantee
Cons:
- Instructor quality can vary
- Customer support may not always be responsive
Manhattan Prep
Pros:
- High-quality instructors with strict hiring standards
- In-depth materials for graduate-level exams
- Expertise in specific exams
Cons:
- More expensive
- Limited course variety focused on fewer exams
- No score improvement guarantee
Why Kaplan Might Be the Better Choice
Kaplan’s broad range of courses, flexible learning formats, adaptive learning technology, and more affordable pricing make it a versatile option for students. The score guarantee adds extra peace of mind for those aiming to improve their scores.
Courses Comparison: Kaplan Test Prep vs Manhattan Prep
| Feature | Kaplan Test Prep | Manhattan Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Course Offerings | Wide range (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, professional exams) | Focus on GMAT, GRE, LSAT, Executive Assessment |
| Learning Formats | On-demand (self-paced), live online, in-person, bootcamps | On-demand (self-paced), live online, in-person |
| Instructor Quality | Experienced instructors, variable quality | Top-tier instructors with 99th percentile requirement |
| Study Materials | Comprehensive (books, video lessons, practice tests, adaptive learning) | In-depth materials with more challenging practice tests |
| Adaptive Learning | Yes, personalized study plans based on performance | No adaptive learning system |
| Pricing | More affordable (starting at $199 for self-paced) | Higher pricing (starting at $800–$2,000+) |
| Score Guarantee | Higher Score Guarantee (money-back if score doesn’t improve) | No score guarantee |
| Customer Support | Good support with access to instructors outside class time | Excellent support with small class sizes for personalized help |
| Flexibility | High flexibility with various formats and schedules | Less flexible, mainly focused on a few exams |
| Target Audience | High school students, college-bound students, professionals | Graduate students preparing for GMAT, GRE, or LSAT |
| Specialization | Broad focus on a variety of exams and professional licensing | Deep focus on GMAT, GRE, LSAT exams |
| Extra Features | Higher score guarantee, customizable study plans, mobile app | Focused, in-depth materials for graduate exams |
| Mobile Access | Mobile app available for on-the-go learning | Mobile-friendly, but no dedicated app |
Why Kaplan Wins
Kaplan excels because of its broad course offerings, flexible learning formats, and more affordable pricing. The score improvement guarantee offers extra value, and the adaptive learning technology helps create a personalized study experience.
Pricing Comparison: Kaplan Test Prep vs Manhattan Prep
| Course Type | Kaplan Test Prep | Manhattan Prep |
|---|---|---|
| SAT/ACT Prep | Self-Paced: $199 – $299, Live Online: $699 – $1,099 | Self-Paced: $299 – $499, Live Online: $1,199 – $1,799 |
| GRE Prep | Self-Paced: $449 – $649, Live Online: $999 – $1,499 | Self-Paced: $799 – $1,099, Live Online: $1,299 – $1,799 |
| GMAT Prep | Self-Paced: $599 – $799, Live Online: $1,199 – $1,599 | Self-Paced: $999 – $1,199, Live Online: $1,599 – $2,299 |
| LSAT Prep | Self-Paced: $799 – $999, Live Online: $1,299 – $1,499 | Self-Paced: $999 – $1,299, Live Online: $1,699 – $2,099 |
| MCAT Prep | Self-Paced: $2,199 – $2,599, Live Online: $2,799 – $3,299 | N/A |
| Private Tutoring | $3,000 – $5,000+ for 10+ hours of tutoring | $4,000 – $6,000+ for 10+ hours of tutoring |
Why Kaplan Wins in Pricing
1. More Affordable Options:
Kaplan’s self-paced courses start at just $199, while Manhattan Prep’s start at $299.
2. Cost-Effective Live Online Classes:
Kaplan’s live online courses start at $699, much lower than Manhattan Prep’s $1,199.
3. Private Tutoring:
Kaplan’s private tutoring costs less, starting at $3,000 compared to Manhattan Prep’s $4,000.
4. Higher Score Guarantee:
Kaplan’s money-back score guarantee offers added peace of mind.
5. Wider Course Variety:
Kaplan offers a greater variety of courses at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking specialized, high-quality instruction for graduate-level exams and are ready to invest more, Manhattan Prep is an excellent choice. However, if you want a flexible, affordable, and comprehensive test prep option across a wide range of exams, Kaplan is the better choice.
FAQ’s
Which has more flexible learning formats?
Kaplan offers more flexibility, with self-paced, live online, in-person, and bootcamp options.
Are the study materials more challenging with either company?
Manhattan Prep’s practice tests are often harder than actual exams, providing a challenging experience.
Which offers adaptive learning technology?
Kaplan provides adaptive learning technology that customizes study plans based on individual performance.
Which has better customer support?
Both offer excellent support, but Manhattan Prep provides more personalized attention with smaller class sizes.
Which company targets a broader audience?
Kaplan targets high school, college, and professional students, while Manhattan Prep mainly focuses on graduate students.