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Kaplan USMLE (2025): The Classroom Experience - Review

Kaplan USMLE (2025): The Classroom Experience

Best for: Live Instruction
★★★★ ☆ 4/5

Price: from 1999 USD/course

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Pros

  • Structure: Live online or in-person classes keep you accountable.
  • Faculty: Taught by famous professors (like Dr. Turco for Biochem).
  • QBank: Massive question bank (though not as good as UWorld).

Cons

  • Price: Significantly more expensive than self-study tools.
  • Passive Learning: Watching hours of lectures is less effective than active recall.
  • Bloat: Some lectures go into too much detail.

The “Big Box” Review

Kaplan is the oldest name in test prep. While most US medical students have shifted to “UFAPS” (UWorld, First Aid, Anki, Pathoma, Sketchy), Kaplan remains a powerhouse for IMGs (International Medical Graduates) and students who need significant remediation.

The Live Lecture Advantage

Kaplan’s main selling point is structure.

  • If you cannot motivate yourself to wake up and study for 10 hours a day, Kaplan will do it for you.
  • Their Live Online and In-Center courses provide a schedule, live teachers, and a classroom atmosphere.
  • Star Faculty: Kaplan hires some of the best professors in the world. Dr. Turco (Biochemistry) and Dr. Barone (Pathology) are legends.

The QBank

Kaplan’s QBank is huge (3,300+ questions), but it is generally considered “second tier” compared to UWorld and Amboss.

  • Pros: Good for physiology and anatomy questions.
  • Cons: The question style is sometimes too long or convoluted compared to the real NBME exams.

Who is Kaplan For?

  1. IMGs: Kaplan is excellent at teaching the “American style” of test-taking and providing a comprehensive review of basic sciences that you might have learned differently in your home country.
  2. Students Retaking the Exam: If you failed Step 1, you might need a complete reset. Kaplan’s structured environment can provide that foundation.
  3. Students Who Need Accountability: If you are easily distracted, a live class forces you to pay attention.

Verdict

Kaplan is expensive, but for the right student, it is worth it. If you are a typical US medical student, you can probably skip it. But if you need a comprehensive, guided review course, Kaplan is the gold standard.

The Old Guard

Before UWorld and Pathoma existed, everyone took Kaplan. Today, Kaplan is primarily popular with International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Why IMGs Love It

  • Visa Support: Kaplan’s “In Center” courses allow international students to come to the US on a student visa to study.
  • Foundation: If you went to a medical school with a weak curriculum, Kaplan will teach you the basic sciences from scratch.

The Problem for US Students

For US medical students, Kaplan is often considered “too much.”

  • The exam has moved to Pass/Fail (Step 1).
  • You don’t need to know everything; you need to know the high-yield things.
  • Kaplan teaches you everything.

Verdict

If you are an IMG looking for a way to get to the US and build a foundation, Kaplan is excellent. If you are a US student, save your money and buy UWorld.