When choosing between Kaplan Test Prep and Manhattan Prep, it’s important to consider what suits your learning style. Kaplan offers a variety of study options, including in-person and online classes, with helpful features like practice questions and video lessons.
Its test prep material is extensive, but it can feel a bit overwhelming for some. On the other hand, Manhattan Prep is known for its in-depth approach, particularly for serious test-takers who want detailed strategies and a focus on mastering concepts.
Both options are excellent, but Kaplan is more flexible, while Manhattan Prep is ideal for deep, focused learning.
Overview of Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan has been a leading name in test preparation for over 80 years, offering a wide range of courses for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and various professional licensing tests. Their extensive experience and wide-reaching resources make them a reliable choice for students around the globe.
Overview of Manhattan Prep
Founded in 2000, Manhattan Prep is known for its focus on graduate-level exams, especially the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. The company is renowned for its comprehensive materials and its strict instructor selection process, which ensures a high standard of teaching for students aiming for top scores.
Key Features Comparison
1. Course Offerings and Flexibility
Kaplan: Provides a wide range of courses for different standardized tests, with flexible formats including on-demand (self-paced), live online classes, in-person sessions, and intensive bootcamps. This allows students to choose what works best for their schedule and learning style.
Manhattan Prep: Primarily focuses on graduate-level exams like the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. They offer live online and in-person classes, as well as on-demand courses. While their focus is narrower, they go into great depth on the specific exams.
2. Quality of Instruction
Kaplan: Uses experienced instructors, but the quality can vary since their hiring process is less strict compared to Manhattan Prep.
Manhattan Prep: Has a rigorous instructor hiring process, requiring instructors to have scored in the 99th percentile on the exams they teach and to have prior teaching experience. This ensures a high quality of instruction.
3. Study Materials and Practice Tests
Kaplan: Offers a comprehensive set of study materials, including thousands of practice questions, full-length practice tests, video lessons, and study guides. These resources are designed to closely mirror the real exams.
Manhattan Prep: Provides high-quality materials, particularly for the graduate exams. Their practice tests are known to be more difficult than the actual exams, which can be both a strength and a challenge 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 their progress effectively.
Manhattan Prep: Lacks adaptive learning technology but offers structured study plans to guide students.
5. Pricing and Value
Kaplan: Generally offers more affordable options, with self-paced courses starting at lower prices. They also provide a score improvement guarantee, offering a refund if a student’s score doesn’t improve after completing the course.
Manhattan Prep: Tends to be more expensive, reflecting the high quality of their instructors and specialized focus. However, they do not offer a score improvement guarantee, which may be a factor for budget-conscious students.
6. Customer Support and Accessibility
Kaplan: Provides strong customer support, including access to instructors outside of class, though the responsiveness may vary.
Manhattan Prep: Offers excellent support with responsive instructors and small class sizes for more personalized attention.
Pros and Cons
Kaplan Test Prep
Pros:
- Offers a wide variety of courses for different exams
- Flexible learning formats to suit different schedules
- Uses adaptive learning technology for personalized study plans
- Provides a higher score guarantee
Cons:
- Instructor quality can vary
- Customer support might not always be responsive
Manhattan Prep
Pros:
- High-quality instructors with strict hiring standards
- In-depth study materials for graduate-level exams
- Focused expertise on specific exams
Cons:
- More expensive
- Limited course variety, focusing on just a few exams
- No score improvement guarantee
Why Kaplan Might Be the Better Choice
Kaplan’s broader course offerings, flexible learning formats, adaptive learning technology, and more affordable pricing make it a more versatile option for students. Their score guarantee offers additional peace of mind for students aiming to improve their test 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 stands out because of its wider range of course offerings, flexible learning formats, and more affordable pricing. Its score improvement guarantee provides extra value, and the use of adaptive learning technology gives students a more personalized preparation 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 offers more budget-friendly courses, with self-paced options starting as low as $199 compared to Manhattan Prep’s $299 starting price.
2. Cost-Effective Live Online Classes:
Kaplan’s live online courses start at $699, which is much more affordable than Manhattan Prep’s $1,199 starting price.
3. Private Tutoring:
Kaplan’s private tutoring is cheaper, starting at $3,000 compared to Manhattan Prep’s $4,000.
4. Higher Score Guarantee:
Kaplan’s money-back score guarantee provides added value, making it a safer investment.
5. Wider Course Variety:
Kaplan offers a greater variety of courses for different exams, making it a more versatile choice at a lower cost.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for specialized, high-quality instruction for graduate-level exams and are willing to invest more, Manhattan Prep is a great choice. However, if you want a flexible, affordable, and comprehensive test prep option across a wide variety of exams, Kaplan is the better option.
FAQ’s
Which has more course options?
Kaplan offers a broader range of courses, including exams like SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and more.
Which is more affordable?
Kaplan is generally more affordable, with courses starting at $199 for self-paced options.
Which company has better instructors?
Manhattan Prep has a stricter hiring process, ensuring top-tier instructors with high exam scores.
Do they offer score improvement guarantees?
Kaplan offers a money-back score improvement guarantee; Manhattan Prep does not.
Which is better for graduate-level exams?
Manhattan Prep specializes in graduate exams like the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT, offering in-depth preparation.
Which has more flexible learning formats?
Kaplan offers more flexibility, with self-paced, live online, in-person, and bootcamp options.
