Blueprint vs. Kaplan MCAT (2025): Which Course is Better?
Choosing between Blueprint and Kaplan for MCAT prep? These two heavyweights take fundamentally different approaches to help you conquer the most important exam of your pre-med journey.
The Quick Answer:
- Blueprint is better for visual learners who want modern, engaging video content and adaptive technology
- Kaplan is better for students who want proven strategy frameworks and flexible live class options
Let’s dive into the details.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Blueprint | Kaplan |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,699 | $1,799 |
| Practice Tests | 15 Full-Length | 17 Full-Length |
| Video Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Industry-best | ⭐⭐⭐ Standard |
| Question Bank | 5,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Live Classes | 80+ hours | Unlimited (The Channel) |
| Study Planner | AI-Adaptive | Static with flexibility |
| Score Guarantee | 515+ or 15-point increase | Higher Score |
| Mobile App | Excellent | Good |
| Best For | Visual learners | Strategy-focused learners |
Blueprint MCAT: The Modern Approach
Blueprint (formerly Next Step Test Prep) has disrupted the MCAT prep industry with a technology-first approach.
What Makes Blueprint Different
1. Cinema-Quality Video Lessons This is Blueprint’s signature feature. Instead of watching a teacher at a whiteboard, you get professionally animated visualizations:
- The Krebs cycle comes alive with flowing animations
- Nephron function is shown with 3D cross-sections
- Complex physics concepts are demonstrated visually
For visual learners, this makes a massive difference in retention.
2. The Smart Study Planner Blueprint’s AI-powered study planner is genuinely revolutionary:
- Tell it your test date and available hours
- It creates a personalized calendar with every task
- Miss a day? Click “Rebalance” and it redistributes automatically
- No more schedule collapse when life gets in the way
3. 15 Full-Length Practice Tests Blueprint’s practice tests (inherited from Next Step) are widely considered the most representative of the actual MCAT outside of AAMC materials.
The AI analytics system identifies your specific weak areas and suggests targeted review modules. It’s like having a tutor watching over your shoulder, noticing patterns you can’t see yourself.
Blueprint Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Price | Access | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Paced | $1,699 | 6 months | Videos, QBank, 15 tests |
| Live Online | $2,799 | 12 months | + 80 hours live instruction |
| Live Online + Tutoring | $4,499+ | 12 months | + 20 hours 1-on-1 tutoring |
Kaplan MCAT: The Strategic Foundation
Kaplan is the trusted veteran of test prep, known for their strategy-first approach.
What Makes Kaplan Different
1. The MCAT Channel Kaplan’s killer feature is unlimited live instruction:
- Daily live workshops on specific topics
- Drop in whenever you want—no appointments needed
- Topics rotate on a schedule (e.g., “CARS Strategy Tuesday” or “Organic Chemistry Workshop”)
- Perfect for targeting your weak areas
2. Strategy-First Teaching While Blueprint focuses on content visualization, Kaplan focuses on how to approach the test:
- Triaging questions by difficulty
- Time management frameworks
- Passage annotation methods
- Elimination strategies
If you’re someone who panics on test day, Kaplan’s systematic approach can be a lifesaver.
3. Industry-Standard Books Kaplan’s MCAT book set is considered the best foundational resource in the industry:
- 7 subject-specific books
- Clear, concise explanations
- Excellent for building baseline knowledge
Kaplan Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Price | Access | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Paced | $1,799 | 12 months | Books, videos, QBank, 17 tests |
| Live Online | $2,699 | 12 months | + Unlimited live classes |
| Private Tutoring | $3,599+ | 12 months | + 15+ hours 1-on-1 |
Head-to-Head: Key Categories
Video Lessons: Blueprint Wins ⭐
- Blueprint: Professional animations, engaging presenters, high production value
- Kaplan: Standard lecture-style videos, competent but not memorable
If you’ve ever fallen asleep watching a lecture video, Blueprint’s engaging style will keep you focused.
Practice Tests: Tie (Slight Edge to Blueprint) ⭐
- Blueprint: 15 tests, considered most representative of real MCAT
- Kaplan: 17 tests, good quality but slightly less representative
Both are excellent. Blueprint’s tests are often praised on Reddit as the closest simulation to test day.
Live Instruction: Kaplan Wins ⭐
- Blueprint: 80+ hours structured live classes
- Kaplan: Unlimited access to The Channel
If you want maximum live instruction flexibility, Kaplan’s Channel model is unbeatable.
Study Planner: Blueprint Wins ⭐
- Blueprint: AI-adaptive, automatically rebalances
- Kaplan: More static, requires manual adjustment
Blueprint’s planner is game-changing for students with unpredictable schedules.
Price/Value: Tie
- Both are premium products at similar price points
- Blueprint slightly cheaper for self-paced
- Kaplan offers more live instruction at the live tier
Question Bank: Blueprint Slight Edge
- Blueprint: 5,000+ questions with AI analytics
- Kaplan: 4,000+ questions, solid explanations
Blueprint’s larger bank plus AI-powered weakness identification gives it an edge.
Who Should Choose Blueprint?
Pros
- You're a visual learner who struggles with text-heavy resources
- You have an unpredictable schedule and need adaptive planning
- You want the most representative practice tests
- You appreciate modern technology and analytics
Cons
- You prefer unlimited live class access
- You want industry-standard textbooks included
- You're on a very tight budget
Who Should Choose Kaplan?
Pros
- You want unlimited live instruction (The Channel)
- You value strategy frameworks over content depth
- You want excellent physical textbooks
- You prefer a trusted, established brand
Cons
- You're a visual learner who needs engaging content
- You need an adaptive study planner
- You want cutting-edge analytics
The Verdict
Choose Blueprint if:
- You’re a visual learner who gets bored with traditional video lectures
- You have an unpredictable schedule and need adaptive planning
- You want the best practice test experience
- You appreciate modern, data-driven preparation
Choose Kaplan if:
- You want maximum live instruction flexibility
- You learn best from systematic strategy frameworks
- You value industry-standard physical textbooks
- You prefer a trusted, veteran brand
Both courses have helped thousands of students score 515+. The best choice depends on how you learn best.
Read our full Blueprint MCAT Review → Read our full Kaplan MCAT Review →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blueprint or Kaplan better for MCAT?
Blueprint is better for visual learners who want engaging video content and adaptive study technology. Kaplan is better for students who prefer strategy-focused instruction and unlimited live class access. Both are excellent choices with strong track records.
Which has better MCAT practice tests, Blueprint or Kaplan?
Blueprint's 15 practice tests (inherited from Next Step) are widely considered the most representative of the actual MCAT. Kaplan offers 17 tests which are also high-quality. Both are excellent, but Blueprint has a slight edge in accuracy of score prediction.
How much does Blueprint MCAT cost vs Kaplan?
Blueprint Self-Paced costs around $1,699 while Kaplan Self-Paced is approximately $1,799. Live Online courses are $2,799 for Blueprint and $2,699 for Kaplan. Prices vary with promotions, so check both sites for current deals.
Does Blueprint or Kaplan have a better score guarantee?
Blueprint offers a 515+ score guarantee (or 15-point improvement) on their Live Online course. Kaplan offers a 'Higher Score Guarantee' promising improvement over your starting diagnostic. Blueprint's guarantee is more specific and aggressive.
Can I use Blueprint and Kaplan together for MCAT prep?
Yes, some students use Kaplan books for foundational content review and Blueprint for practice tests and video lessons. However, this can be expensive and may create schedule conflicts. Most students do well with just one comprehensive course.