Varsity Tutors Vs. Kaplan: Better Test Prep Services

Test prep services have become increasingly popular as high school and college students aim to boost their standardized test scores for college admissions and graduate school applications. Two of the biggest names in test prep are Varsity Tutors and Kaplan.

But how do these services compare when it comes to SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, and other test prep? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Varsity Tutors and Kaplan to help you determine which may be better for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

AspectsVarsity TutorsKaplan
Instruction FormatOnline 1-on-1 tutoringClassroom courses, online courses, 1-on-1 tutoring
Content FocusTest prep & academicsPrimarily test prep
Tutors/InstructorsVetted tutors with high test scoresKaplan trained instructors
Teaching ApproachCustomized to studentStructured curriculum
SchedulingFlexible based on student availabilityFixed course schedules
LocationsOnline only300+ centers, online
CostPay per session, variesFixed course fees
Tests OfferedSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT & moreSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT
Support MaterialsOnline resourcesTextbooks, practice tests
Ideal ForPersonalized test prepClassroom-based instruction

Varsity Tutors Overview

Varsity Tutors offers personalized online tutoring for a wide range of standardized tests and academic subjects. Students are matched with vetted, expert tutors based on availability, background, and learning preferences.

Sessions take place via the Varsity Tutors online platform, allowing for screen sharing and instant connectivity.

Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors Pros

  • Flexible scheduling: Students can schedule individual sessions or packages at their convenience, with tutoring available early mornings to late evenings 7 days a week.
  • Highly qualified tutors: Tutors have passed extensive screening and tests in their subjects, with most possessing advanced degrees in their field.
  • Personalized programs: Tutoring is customized to each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and test-taking strategies.
  • Interactive platform: The online platform enables screen and document sharing for engaging sessions.
  • Comprehensive courses: Varsity Tutors offers complete test prep courses, not just practice questions.
  • Free resources: Practice tests, flashcards, and other free tools supplement tutoring programs.

Varsity Tutors Cons

  • No in-person option: Tutoring is only available online, which may not suit all learning styles.
  • Variable pricing: Costs depend on the tutor, timing, and program chosen, which can get expensive.
  • Limited group options: Group sessions are available but not the focus.

Kaplan Overview

Kaplan is arguably the most established test prep company, offering a wide selection of live and online test prep courses. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, Kaplan focuses on comprehensive classroom-based prep for tests like the SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.

Kaplan Pros

Kaplan
Kaplan
  • Classroom prep: Cis best known for its interactive classroom courses taught by expert instructors.
  • Structured programs: Classroom prep follows set curriculums tailored to each exam.
  • Extensive materials: Courses come with books, practice tests, flashcards, and other resources.
  • Variety of formats: Kaplan offers private tutoring, online courses, and live classes at centers.
  • Free events: Students can attend free practice test events to assess readiness.
  • Strong reputation: Kaplan is an established leader in test prep.

Kaplan Cons

  • Inflexible schedules: Classroom courses follow set schedules so no customization.
  • Impersonal experience: Classes have many students and lack personalization.
  • Potentially outdated materials: Some students report books contain errors.
  • High cost: Comprehensive courses and tutoring can be expensive.
  • Limited subject availability: Most focus is on standardized test prep, not academics.

Also Read: Is C2 Education Better Than Kumon?

Which Is Better For Specific Tests?

For SAT prep, Kaplan may have an edge thanks to its structured classroom programs and books. But Varsity Tutors enables fully customized SAT tutoring.

For ACT prep, both Varsity Tutors and Kaplan offer strong programs. Kaplan again benefits from its set curriculum, while one-on-one Varsity Tutors sessions allow personalization.

Varsity Tutors stands out for GRE prep thanks to its tutor matching approach. Kaplan’s online GRE course is also robust but lacks personalization.

Kaplan has established GMAT classroom courses. But Varsity Tutors provides an excellent personalized alternative for GMAT prep.

For MCAT preparation, Kaplan’s structured approach works well. But Varsity Tutors enables customization to suit each student’s needs and focus areas for this challenging exam.

Varsity Tutors likely holds the edge for LSAT preparation, as this exam benefits from one-on-one strategies. But Kaplan has proven classroom programs.

For less common exams, Varsity Tutors’ pool of vetted tutors across subjects offers an advantage over Kaplan’s focus on major tests.

Cost Comparison

Varsity Tutors has no set pricing, with costs varying based on:

  • Tutor experience level
  • Student package size
  • Peak Vs. non-peak session times

Kaplan courses and tutoring have set costs, typically starting around:

  • $799+ for classroom courses
  • $2000+ for comprehensive online prep
  • $200+/hour for private tutoring

Overall, Varsity Tutors offers more flexibility and price transparency upfront, while Kaplan requires researching each program’s costs.

Also watch this video about Varsity Tutors!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How reliable is Varsity Tutors?

Varsity Tutors is considered a very reliable test prep service due to its rigorous tutor screening, customizable programs, and use of top instructors. It has a TrustPilot rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 19,000 reviews.

Is wyzant or Varsity Tutors better?

For test prep specifically, Varsity Tutors edges out Wyzant thanks to its vetting process for tutors focused solely on standardized tests and academics. Wyzant has more flexibility for other subjects. But Varsity Tutors specializes in test prep.

Is Varsity Tutors good for SAT prep?

Yes, Varsity Tutors provides some of the most personalized and effective SAT prep through one-on-one online tutoring. Its top SAT tutors have scored perfectly on the exam.

Is Varsity Tutors good for MCAT?

Varsity Tutors is considered one of the leading MCAT prep services. Top-scoring MCAT tutors provide customized programs to help students master exam concepts and strategies.

Also Read: Choose Between Sylvan Learning And Varsity Tutors.

The Verdict

Varsity Tutors and Kaplan both offer excellent test prep options. Kaplan benefits from its classroom-based approach and reputation, while Varsity Tutors provides more personalized and flexible prep.

When choosing between Varsity Tutors Vs. Kaplan, consider your learning preferences, budget, and exam needs. But you can trust either service for quality, comprehensive test preparation with a proven track record.

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