When it comes to preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), choosing the right prep program can make all the difference. The ongoing debate of Blueprint vs Kaplan MCAT prep courses is a critical consideration for aspiring medical students aiming for top scores in the 2025 exam cycle. With medical school acceptance rates hovering around just 5.5% according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), securing a competitive MCAT score is more important than ever, and selecting the right prep course is key to that success.

Two industry leaders dominate the market: Blueprint MCAT, known for its innovative, video-driven approach and personalized analytics, and Kaplan MCAT, recognized for its comprehensive curriculum and extensive print resources. This article offers an in-depth, data-driven comparison of these two prep giants to help you determine which course suits your learning style and study needs best for 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Blueprint is best for visual learners and students who prefer an adaptive, tech-focused study experience with advanced analytics.
• Kaplan excels in offering structured live instruction, in-person options, and the most realistic full-length practice exams.
• Blueprint’s 515+ Course promises a 15-point score increase from your baseline, supported by over 80 hours of live instruction.
• Kaplan’s program includes a 7-book review set, up to 17 full-length exams, and an adaptive mobile app for on-the-go learning.
• Students using Blueprint reported average score increases of 10–15 points, while Kaplan users frequently cite realistic test-day simulations as a major strength.

1. Overview: What Are Blueprint and Kaplan MCAT Prep Courses?

Aspiring medical students preparing for the MCAT in 2025 face a crowded field of prep options, but Blueprint and Kaplan continue to lead the industry with their comprehensive study programs. Both companies offer extensive course formats, practice resources, and score guarantees, but the way they deliver instruction and support student learning differs significantly.

Blueprint MCAT

Originally founded as Next Step Test Prep, Blueprint has evolved into one of the most cutting-edge MCAT prep platforms available today. It’s best known for its cinematic video content, adaptive technology, and personalized study planning tools, which set it apart in a market still dominated by text-heavy approaches.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Flagship 515+ Course: Promises a 15-point increase from your diagnostic score or your money back (source). Designed for students aiming to reach competitive schools where MCAT scores of 515–522 are the norm.
• Live Instruction: More than 80 hours of instructor-led classes with teachers who scored in the 99th percentile on the MCAT.
• Video-First Learning Model: 190+ short modules featuring motion graphics, animations, and real instructors—ideal for visual learners who find dense textbooks less effective.
• Adaptive Qbank: A personalized database of over 5,000 MCAT-style questions that evolve based on performance and target weak areas.
• Practice Exams: Access to 15 full-length MCAT practice tests, including five official AAMC exams, making Blueprint one of the few providers to include such a comprehensive practice package.

Blueprint’s strength lies in its ability to create a customizable study plan backed by real-time analytics. Using your diagnostic test results, Blueprint builds a day-by-day schedule that adapts as your performance improves. This flexibility appeals to students juggling pre-med coursework, part-time jobs, or clinical experience.

It also includes six nights per week of live office hours, giving students consistent access to expert help. For learners who prefer independent study but want instructor backup, Blueprint strikes a strong balance.

According to internal user data published by Blueprint, students using their 515+ course see average score increases of 13–15 points—a figure supported by anecdotal reports from forums like Reddit’s r/MCAT.

Kaplan MCAT

Kaplan has been a dominant name in standardized test prep for over 80 years, and its MCAT course remains among the most widely used. With a brand built on experience, trust, and structure, Kaplan is often considered the traditional gold standard, especially for students who value comprehensive print resources and live class structure.

Key Features and Highlights:

• 7-Book Subject Review Set: Every Kaplan MCAT course includes a full-color, content-rich set of 7 physical textbooks, covering all exam sections. These books are frequently updated to reflect the latest AAMC guidelines.
• Realistic Practice Exams: Kaplan provides up to 17 full-length MCAT practice exams, the most of any provider, including official AAMC material.
• Class Formats: Options include self-paced, live online, and in-person classes—a rare feature in 2025, as many competitors have moved fully online.
• MCAT Channel: Subscribers get access to a library of 90+ live and recorded MCAT lessons taught by expert instructors on a rotating basis.
• Mobile App Integration: Kaplan offers a fully functional app, enabling students to review flashcards, take quizzes, and watch lessons from their phone or tablet.

One of Kaplan’s biggest strengths is the structure it offers. For students who want a step-by-step, guided learning path—especially those who learn better in group environments—Kaplan’s consistent pace and repetition-heavy method works well. Additionally, many users report that Kaplan’s practice tests closely mimic the real MCAT in terms of length, complexity, and pacing.

In Kaplan’s internal surveys, students often cite the realism of its exams and the thoroughness of its materials as the most valuable aspects. According to Kaplan data, over 90% of their students see a score improvement, with many reaching competitive thresholds above 510.

Detailed Comparison

Category	Blueprint MCAT	Kaplan MCAT
Founded	2010 (as Next Step, rebranded in 2020)	1938
Learning Style	Visual, interactive, personalized	Traditional, structured, comprehensive
Ideal For	Independent, tech-oriented, visual learners	Structured learners, book lovers, in-person class seekers
Practice Exams	15 total (includes 5 AAMC exams)	Up to 17 total (includes AAMC)
Physical Books	Not included by default (sold separately for ~$150)	Included with all courses
Live Support	Office hours 6 nights/week	Unlimited live sessions via MCAT Channel
Score Guarantee	15-point increase (515+ course)	Higher score guarantee or course retake

In short, Blueprint is a modern platform ideal for learners who thrive on interactivity, adaptability, and tech-forward features, while Kaplan offers a more traditional, all-in-one experience with a strong emphasis on structured learning and realistic exam prep.

2. Course Format Comparison

When evaluating an MCAT prep course, the format and structure of how materials are delivered can be just as important as the content itself. For many students, the ability to balance studying with college, work, or extracurricular obligations makes flexibility, instructional style, and support structure key factors in their decision. Both Blueprint and Kaplan offer strong—but distinctly different—course formats tailored to different types of learners and lifestyles.

Blueprint MCAT: Built for Flexibility and Engagement

Blueprint’s MCAT courses are engineered around the needs of independent learners who thrive on flexibility and digital interactivity. All formats are hosted online, offering full access to their modern learning dashboard from anywhere with an internet connection.

Self-Paced Course

This is Blueprint’s most flexible format and is available in either 6- or 12-month packages. It includes access to all on-demand video modules, the full practice question bank, full-length exams, and their adaptive study planner. The content is broken into bite-sized lessons, which helps students cover material in shorter, manageable study sessions—a format especially useful for busy undergraduates or non-traditional students.

Live Online Course (515+ Program)

The 515+ Live Course is Blueprint’s premium offering and includes over 80 hours of live instruction with elite MCAT tutors. Sessions are held on a consistent schedule and cover all core sections of the exam. What distinguishes these classes is Blueprint’s highly visual, animation-rich teaching style. Lessons often feel more like interactive documentaries than traditional lectures, which makes complex topics easier to grasp and retain. Classes are hosted in Blueprint’s proprietary online classroom platform—not third-party software—making the learning environment seamless and fully integrated with practice materials.

One-on-One Tutoring

Tutoring is available either as a standalone service or bundled with the live or self-paced courses. Students are matched with a tutor who scored in the 99th percentile and is trained specifically to teach the MCAT. Sessions are personalized to a student’s strengths and weaknesses, with ongoing feedback and structured assignments after each meeting.

Study Planning Tools

Perhaps one of Blueprint’s most lauded features is its adaptive study planner, which adjusts automatically as students complete lessons, quizzes, or fall behind. Based on diagnostic test results and available time each day, it updates the calendar in real time, ensuring that students stay on track without being overwhelmed. This tool makes Blueprint especially appealing for those who appreciate flexibility but still want structure and accountability.

Kaplan MCAT: Structured Learning with Multiple Modalities

Kaplan’s MCAT courses are designed for learners who benefit from clear timelines, consistent instruction, and physical materials. While Kaplan has expanded into digital learning in recent years, it still retains a traditional framework, making it ideal for students who prefer more guidance and predictability.

Self-Paced Course

Kaplan’s on-demand MCAT course allows students to progress through pre-recorded lectures and assignments at their own speed, usually over a 6- to 12-month period. This format includes access to Kaplan’s 7-book MCAT Subject Review series, more than 3,000 practice questions, and up to 17 full-length exams (including those from the AAMC). The self-paced course is ideal for students who want comprehensive content coverage and a textbook-based study approach.

Live Online Course

This format includes 14 live class sessions, each lasting about three hours. In total, students receive approximately 42 hours of live instruction. Unlike Blueprint’s dynamic video lessons, Kaplan’s teaching style leans more toward the traditional classroom model, emphasizing content review, guided practice, and Q&A sessions. All instructors are experienced educators who undergo intensive MCAT-specific training. Outside of these core sessions, Kaplan also offers access to its MCAT Channel—a large library of live and pre-recorded supplemental lessons covering advanced topics, strategy tips, and deep dives into difficult content areas.

In-Person Course

Kaplan remains one of the few companies that still offers in-person MCAT classes, though availability varies by location. These courses follow a similar structure to the online version but are held in physical classrooms. They’re best suited for students who prefer face-to-face interaction, find it difficult to focus online, or want the accountability of showing up to a physical learning space.

One-on-One Tutoring

Kaplan’s tutoring programs are highly customizable. Students can choose packages based on the number of hours they need (ranging from 10 to 40+) and combine tutoring with access to the full course. Tutors develop individualized study plans, assign homework, and monitor progress through diagnostic testing and weekly feedback.

Study Planning Tools

Kaplan includes a smart scheduling tool that helps students create a structured study plan based on their goals, availability, and baseline score. Unlike Blueprint, the schedule does not update automatically—it must be adjusted manually if a student misses tasks—but it does provide a visual roadmap of daily assignments and upcoming lessons.

Which Format Works Best for You?

Blueprint’s strength is its modern, flexible model. It caters to students who are comfortable navigating digital tools and want control over their study schedule while still having access to top-tier live instruction and adaptive planning tools. It’s particularly ideal for students juggling multiple commitments or studying outside the traditional academic calendar.

Kaplan’s approach is better suited to students who want a structured, classroom-style experience with built-in accountability. The inclusion of physical textbooks, the option for in-person learning, and a more linear teaching style are valuable for those who find digital-only learning overwhelming or insufficient for full content mastery.

3. Curriculum and Study Materials

The quality and structure of curriculum materials are foundational to MCAT success. The best prep courses don’t just cover content—they deliver it in a way that reinforces understanding, improves retention, and strengthens critical thinking under timed conditions. In this section, we’ll break down how Blueprint and Kaplan organize their curriculum, what learning tools they include, and how these resources align with the official AAMC MCAT framework.

Blueprint MCAT: Smart, Interactive Learning at Your Pace

Blueprint’s curriculum is designed to offer depth without overload. It’s structured around the principles of microlearning and adaptive review, which means content is broken into digestible chunks and personalized to your performance.

Interactive Learning Modules

Blueprint offers over 190 on-demand lessons, each lasting 10–20 minutes. These are professionally produced, visual-first videos that make heavy use of animations, storytelling, and whiteboard illustrations. The format makes even abstract or dry topics—like reaction mechanisms or endocrine signaling pathways—feel more intuitive.

Each video is followed by mini quizzes, reinforcing key takeaways in real time. Unlike traditional textbooks or long lectures, this modular approach allows students to learn in shorter sessions and stay mentally fresh.

Daily Study Planner

One of Blueprint’s standout features is its adaptive study planner. After completing a diagnostic exam, the platform generates a detailed day-by-day schedule tailored to your timeline, availability, and performance on individual topics. This calendar isn’t static—it updates automatically when lessons are completed, skipped, or rescheduled.

This dynamic planning system is especially valuable for students managing classes, jobs, or clinical obligations, as it reduces burnout and improves consistency.

Custom Assignments

As students progress through lessons and quizzes, Blueprint identifies weak areas and assigns targeted review tasks. These may include additional passages, QBank drills, or refreshers from earlier topics—everything aimed at strengthening your weakest links.

Additional Study Tools

• Flashcards: A bank of over 1,600 pre-made flashcards, spaced using a smart review algorithm.
• Full-Length Exams: Up to 15 full-length MCAT practice tests, including five AAMC exams.
• Video Explanations: Most questions—especially in full-length tests—come with video breakdowns that walk you through the logic behind each answer.

This suite of tools reflects Blueprint’s mission: Make high-level MCAT prep approachable and flexible, especially for self-directed students who want autonomy backed by data-driven guidance.

Kaplan MCAT: Comprehensive, Text-Rich Mastery of AAMC Content

Kaplan has earned its reputation by sticking closely to the official AAMC content outline—the same blueprint that guides the real MCAT. Its curriculum leans traditional, but it remains highly effective for those who benefit from book learning, lecture-based teaching, and structured review cycles.

Structured Curriculum

Kaplan organizes its lessons in line with the AAMC’s four core sections—Chemical and Physical Foundations, Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Psychological and Social Foundations, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS). This ensures complete topic coverage without gaps or redundant material.

Students follow a fixed timeline, with core lessons taught during class and reinforced through assignments and practice passages. Unlike Blueprint’s micro-modules, Kaplan’s instruction typically follows longer sessions, giving space for deeper exploration of content.

Live and Recorded Lectures

Kaplan’s Live Online course delivers instruction through 14 structured sessions, each lasting three hours. Students also get access to the MCAT Channel—a large library of recorded lectures, strategy workshops, and content reviews led by Kaplan instructors. Many of these recordings are focused on high-yield topics and test-taking strategies, offering reinforcement beyond class hours.

For students looking for additional support, Kaplan’s MCAT Bootcamp provides intensive workshops on topics like test anxiety, time management, and section-specific strategy.

Included Study Materials

One of Kaplan’s greatest assets is its legendary 7-book Subject Review Set, included with every course (both digital and physical formats). These books cover all MCAT content areas and include:

• Full-color illustrations and diagrams
• Content summaries and quick review charts
• Embedded practice questions with detailed explanations

Students can annotate the print books, make flashcards, or take notes, offering a tactile learning experience that digital-only platforms can’t replicate.

High-Yield Practice Passages

Kaplan’s curriculum incorporates specialized passages for high-impact sections like CARS and Bio/Biochem. These are designed to mimic the exact structure and tone of real MCAT questions and are updated regularly to reflect the evolving exam.

Practice sets are adaptive: as students progress, Kaplan’s platform suggests specific question types and topics based on past performance, a feature especially useful for retakers aiming to close known knowledge gaps.

How Do They Align with the MCAT?

Both Blueprint and Kaplan offer full alignment with the AAMC’s official test breakdown, but they go about it differently:

• Blueprint focuses on mastering core concepts through visual storytelling, interactive tools, and modular review. Its design is ideal for students who want to control their pace and need short, focused bursts of learning.
• Kaplan builds a comprehensive knowledge base through reading, repetition, and structured reinforcement, making it a better fit for students who benefit from a textbook-and-lecture approach.

Blueprint’s curriculum is often described as more engaging and easier to digest, while Kaplan’s is more comprehensive and content-heavy, and ultimately, the best choice depends on how you learn best.

4. Teaching Style and Instructor Quality

While curriculum and technology form the foundation of any MCAT prep course, the quality of instruction—how concepts are taught, explained, and reinforced—can significantly influence student outcomes. The teaching style, expertise, and accessibility of instructors are particularly important for a high-stakes, concept-heavy exam like the MCAT. Here’s how Blueprint and Kaplan differ in this critical area.

Blueprint MCAT: Cinematic Teaching for Visual and Conceptual Learners

Blueprint has become known for reimagining how MCAT content is taught. Rather than simply recording instructors speaking over slides, Blueprint uses cinematic-quality video production, story-based narration, and interactive visuals to teach complex subjects. This approach has earned strong praise from students who find traditional science instruction dry, difficult to absorb, or overwhelming.

Instructor Credentials

All Blueprint instructors are 95th percentile or higher MCAT scorers, and many are full-time tutors with deep experience in both content mastery and test strategy. Instructors go through rigorous internal training and are also supported by a team of curriculum developers, ensuring the teaching remains updated and aligned with AAMC standards.

Teaching Style

Blueprint’s teaching is notably visual and structured, making heavy use of:

• Animations and 2D motion graphics to bring abstract processes (e.g., enzyme kinetics, neurotransmitter pathways) to life.
• Whiteboard-style walk-throughs that simulate the feel of live classroom learning.
• Narrative storytelling often using real-life analogies and case studies to anchor concepts in memorable contexts.

Students consistently note that Blueprint instructors have a gift for simplifying complex topics without oversimplifying them. For example, topics like oxidative phosphorylation or genetic inheritance are taught not just as isolated facts, but as part of coherent systems.

Instructor Access

One of Blueprint’s unique offerings is live office hours held six nights a week, where students can drop in to ask questions, work through difficult problems, or listen to open Q&A with instructors. This format blends the flexibility of self-paced learning with the real-time support of traditional classes.

For students enrolled in the 515+ course, instructors also provide personalized feedback and can be reached for follow-up questions between sessions. This model supports active learning and ongoing engagement, especially for students studying on their own.

Kaplan MCAT: Traditional Expertise with Real-Time Engagement

Kaplan’s teaching approach reflects its long history in education—it emphasizes structured content delivery, live engagement, and rigorous academic support. While it may not offer the same level of visual production as Blueprint, Kaplan’s strength lies in its consistency, experience, and discipline-specific instruction.

Instructor Credentials

Kaplan instructors are carefully selected through an audition and training process that prioritizes teaching ability over just test scores. While many instructors are high MCAT scorers, Kaplan also hires experienced educators with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, psychology, and medicine, including MDs and PhDs. This gives students access to instructors who not only understand the content, but can also explain it in ways that suit different learning styles.

Kaplan reports that its instructors undergo hundreds of hours of internal training, including both content delivery and student engagement techniques. This is especially important for in-person and live-online classes, where instructor energy and clarity directly influence learning.

Teaching Style

Kaplan’s instruction is rooted in direct lecture, Socratic questioning, and guided problem-solving. Classes follow a clear structure:

• Each session begins with a content overview.
• Students engage in live problem-solving, with instructors explaining test strategies and reasoning.
• Sessions often conclude with Q&A or group practice.

For premium plans, Kaplan also offers an MCAT Bootcamp format—an intensive, six-week program of daily live classes, designed to provide full immersion in MCAT content. This bootcamp is especially helpful for students who need a quick, structured review before test day or who thrive in highly disciplined learning environments.

Instructor Access

In addition to classroom hours, Kaplan provides access to its MCAT Channel, which streams dozens of live events weekly, covering niche topics like amino acid memorization, critical reading strategies for CARS, or passage analysis. These sessions are taught by various instructors and can be attended live or watched on demand.

Kaplan’s in-person class option (available in select cities) allows students to build direct relationships with instructors, ask follow-up questions before or after class, and benefit from peer-to-peer interaction—elements that can’t be replicated in fully online settings.

Which Teaching Style Is Better?

Blueprint excels for students who are:

• Visual learners, looking for animation, diagrams, and storytelling to absorb information.
• Seeking flexibility and instructor support without being tied to a rigid class schedule.
• More comfortable with digital platforms and independent review, with live Q&A as needed.

Kaplan is ideal for students who:

• Prefer structured, lecture-based learning with clearly defined timelines.
• Value face-to-face interaction or real-time instruction, whether online or in-person.
• Are looking for an immersive, classroom-like environment and benefit from consistent reinforcement of content.

Each approach has its strengths, and the best choice often comes down to your learning preferences.

5. Practice Exams and Question Banks

One of the most critical components of any MCAT prep course is the quality and quantity of practice resources. Full-length exams, question banks (Qbanks), and detailed explanations are what translate content review into actual test performance. Both Blueprint and Kaplan invest heavily in this area, but they differ in how they structure their practice tools, simulate the real MCAT experience, and use analytics to drive improvement.

Blueprint MCAT: Adaptive Practice with a Slightly Tougher Edge

Blueprint is widely recognized for offering robust and adaptive practice tools that mirror the MCAT’s structure and challenge level, with a slight increase in difficulty to build confidence before test day.

Full-Length Exams

Blueprint offers 15 full-length practice exams, which include:

• 5 official AAMC exams (purchased and integrated directly).
• 10 Blueprint-authored exams that closely follow AAMC guidelines in structure and content balance.

According to students on Reddit’s r/MCAT, Blueprint’s full-length exams tend to be slightly harder than the actual MCAT, especially in CARS and Chem/Phys sections. This elevated difficulty, however, often works in the student’s favor—many users report scoring 3 to 6 points higher on their actual exam compared to their average Blueprint practice scores.

Question Bank (Qbank)

Blueprint provides a 5,000+ question Qbank, with smart filters by topic, difficulty, and passage-based vs. discrete formats. What sets it apart:

• The adaptive algorithm adjusts recommendations based on your performance.
• Practice sets are customizable, helping you drill down into weak spots.
• Instant feedback and solution explanations help correct errors quickly.

Explanations and Feedback

Blueprint’s Qbank and full-length tests include written explanations for every answer, and many questions are also paired with short video breakdowns. These videos walk through passage analysis, reasoning strategies, and critical thinking steps—a major benefit for visual and auditory learners.

Analytics

The platform’s analytics system is highly visual and interactive. You can:

• Track your timing per section.
• Review your historical progress across subjects.
• View performance heatmaps by question type or AAMC skill category.
• Get an MCAT score prediction based on your most recent full-lengths.

Kaplan MCAT: Realistic Content with High Consistency

Kaplan is a legacy brand for a reason—its practice materials are designed to mirror the tone, length, and feel of the actual MCAT, with particular care taken in CARS and science passage construction.

Full-Length Exams

Kaplan includes 16 to 17 full-length MCAT exams, depending on your course plan. These are broken into:

• 5 official AAMC exams.
• 11–12 Kaplan-authored exams, updated regularly to align with current AAMC trends.

While some students report that Kaplan’s practice exams feel slightly easier than the real test, others say this reflects more realistic pacing and familiarity with the MCAT format. This makes Kaplan a strong choice for those who want to feel comfortable and confident in exam mechanics.

Question Bank (Qbank)

Kaplan’s Qbank includes over 3,000 questions, and although it’s slightly smaller than Blueprint’s, it is highly curated. Key features include:

• Topic filtering and customizable practice sets.
• Detailed written explanations for every question.
• Access to select video breakdowns for challenging problems.

The question bank is particularly strong in passage-based reasoning, mimicking AAMC’s subtle question phrasing and contextual inference skills.

Explanations and Feedback

Kaplan’s solutions are text-heavy and content-rich, offering paragraph-length explanations that not only cover the correct answer but also explain why other options are incorrect. For many students, this depth is useful for mastering nuance in question phrasing.

Analytics

Kaplan’s platform offers a dashboard that tracks progress over time, shows weak vs. strong subjects, and provides a breakdown of missed questions by topic. While not as visually dynamic as Blueprint’s, Kaplan’s analytics are effective for students who value consistency and straightforward tracking.

Realism and Strategy Insights

Across MCAT prep communities, both courses receive high praise, but for slightly different reasons:

• Blueprint is favored by students who want to train slightly above the actual exam difficulty, making the real test feel more manageable.
• Kaplan is praised for its realistic tone and pacing, with many users stating that it provides the closest match to AAMC materials, especially in practice passages.

If your goal is to over-prepare and build testing stamina, Blueprint’s harder exams and adaptive review may serve you better. But if you want precise alignment with MCAT tone and question style, Kaplan provides one of the most authentic practice environments available.

6. Technology and AI Tools

The MCAT is a digital exam, and your preparation should be too. In today’s test prep landscape, technology plays a vital role in content delivery, student engagement, analytics, and personalization. Both Blueprint and Kaplan have developed powerful tech ecosystems to help students study more efficiently, track performance in real time, and adapt to changing learning needs. However, their approaches to artificial intelligence, mobile access, and digital design differ significantly.

Blueprint MCAT: A Visually-Driven, Adaptive Digital Platform

Blueprint’s entire MCAT experience is designed with modern learners in mind. From interactive dashboards to AI-driven personalization, it’s clear that tech is at the heart of their prep model.

AI-Powered Question Bank

One of Blueprint’s signature tech features is its adaptive Qbank, which uses AI to tailor practice based on your performance and confidence levels. As you complete practice sets:

• The platform recognizes patterns in your right and wrong answers.
• It recommends follow-up questions to reinforce weak areas.
• Difficulty levels adjust based on prior performance, helping you build mastery progressively.

This tool allows for more efficient practice by prioritizing what you need, not what you already know.

Progress Analytics

Blueprint offers a suite of interactive performance dashboards that visualize:

• Your progress by subject and topic.
• Timing on each section and question type.
• Historical score trends and percentile rankings.

A heatmap-style interface shows which areas you’re improving in—and which need more work—allowing you to pivot your study strategy dynamically.

Customizable Quizzes

Students can build their own quizzes by filtering questions based on:

• Specific subjects (e.g., Biochemistry, CARS).
• Difficulty level (easy, moderate, hard).
• Question type (discrete or passage-based).

This flexibility is especially useful for last-minute content reinforcement or targeted review after full-length tests.

Mobile Experience

Blueprint doesn’t currently offer a dedicated mobile app, but its learning platform is fully mobile-optimized. This means you can:

• Watch videos,
• Take quizzes,
• Review analytics,
• And read explanations—all from your phone or tablet browser.

While some students wish for a native app, the mobile site performs well and preserves nearly all functionality.

Kaplan MCAT: All-in-One Ecosystem with Strong Mobile Support

Kaplan’s digital experience reflects its goal of offering a full-service test prep environment—from content access and live instruction to analytics and mobile tools.

Smart Reports and Adaptive Feedback

Kaplan’s Qbank and exam review tools feed into a Smart Report system, which automatically:

• Analyzes your recent test or quiz performance.
• Flags underperforming content areas.
• Recommends specific lessons, passages, or workshops to revisit.

This makes Kaplan’s platform feel like a study coach, helping you stay on track with minimal guesswork.

MCAT Channel

A standout Kaplan tech feature is the MCAT Channel, a subscription-based stream of:

• Over 90 live or on-demand classes per month.
• Specialized workshops on high-yield topics and test-taking strategy.
• Deep dives into complex MCAT skills (e.g., interpreting psych/soc passages or applying Le Châtelier’s Principle).

All sessions are archived and accessible on demand, making it a vast content library available at any time during your subscription.

Kaplan Mobile App

Unlike Blueprint, Kaplan offers a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android. The app allows students to:

• Complete Qbank practice sessions.
• Watch lesson videos.
• Flip through digital flashcards.
• Access their performance reports.

This is especially useful for students who want to study on the go—whether commuting, taking short breaks, or doing last-minute review in the weeks before the test.

Which Platform Is More Tech-Savvy?

• Blueprint wins in terms of visual design, adaptive planning, and cutting-edge video production. Its interface is modern, intuitive, and designed for maximum customization and visual learning.
• Kaplan shines in terms of infrastructure and breadth. With a native mobile app, live streaming platform, and automated progress tracking, it provides a robust all-in-one solution with more real-time instructor access.

If you want a visually immersive, tech-forward experience with intelligent analytics and self-guided planning, Blueprint is the better fit. If you’re looking for mobile convenience, live class variety, and structured review support, Kaplan delivers a more complete digital environment.

7. Print vs. Digital Resources

MCAT prep isn’t just about how much content you have access to—it’s about how that content is delivered. While digital tools offer flexibility and adaptability, many students still benefit from the tactile experience of physical books, handwritten notes, and traditional flashcards. Both Blueprint and Kaplan differ significantly in how they package their resources, which can impact your study habits, memory retention, and overall learning style.

Blueprint MCAT: Digital-First, Print Optional

Blueprint leans heavily into a digital-first learning ecosystem, emphasizing interactive, video-driven content and modular practice tools. That said, it also offers optional print materials for those who prefer traditional study formats.

Digital Learning Platform

• Interactive lessons: Including 190+ video modules with animations, quizzes, and integrated explanations.
• Flashcards: Over 1,600 pre-made flashcards are built directly into the platform and can be accessed on desktop or mobile browsers.
• Digital Qbank and Practice Exams: Customizable, searchable, and automatically track progress.

Blueprint’s user interface is modern and clean, optimized for learners who want to avoid paper altogether. All resources are available from the online dashboard, with no need for physical books unless you opt in.

Physical Materials (Optional)

For students who prefer reading from the page or annotating margins, Blueprint offers a printed book set for an additional $150. These include condensed content summaries, formula sheets, and additional practice sets aligned with the video curriculum. While not essential, the books can complement the digital content for students who want a hybrid study approach.

Kaplan MCAT: Print-Inclusive, Digitally Supported

Kaplan is known for its comprehensive print materials, especially the 7-Book MCAT Subject Review Set—a staple among pre-med students for over a decade. These books are included at no extra cost with every course package (self-paced, live, or in-person).

Print Resources

• 7 full-color books, one for each MCAT subject area (Biology, Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Psychology/Sociology, and CARS).
• Each book features:
  • Detailed diagrams and illustrations.
  • Memory aids such as mnemonics and visual cues.
  • Chapter-end quizzes and summaries for review.
  • Practice passages to reinforce AAMC-style reasoning.

Students often praise Kaplan’s print set for its organization, depth, and usability, especially for tactile learners who like to mark pages, use sticky notes, or review offline. For many, it becomes the central hub of their MCAT study routine.

Digital Resources

Kaplan supplements its print materials with a full digital platform:

• An eBook version of the 7-book set.
• A mobile app with over 1,000 digital flashcards, searchable topics, and short review modules.
• On-demand content, full-length tests, and customizable Qbank access.

This dual-format delivery ensures that whether you prefer screens or print—or a blend of both—you can access your content anywhere.

Which Format Works Best?

Here’s how the platforms compare in real-world use:

• Blueprint is ideal for students who want a clean, modern, fully digital study experience. If you don’t need print materials or prefer watching to reading, its platform is efficient and interactive. Print is available but comes at an extra cost.
• Kaplan is built with hybrid learners in mind—those who benefit from detailed, structured reading and still want digital convenience. The included 7-book print set is especially helpful for students who retain information better from reading and writing, or who want to study away from screens.

If you’re the type of student who loves visual engagement, modular quizzes, and progress dashboards, Blueprint’s digital-first format may suit you better. But if you value structured reading, detailed hardcopy materials, and the ability to study offline, Kaplan’s all-inclusive print and digital combo offers excellent value.

8. Score Guarantees and Refund Policies

When investing in an MCAT prep course, one of the biggest concerns for students is whether the course will actually help improve their score. Both Blueprint and Kaplan recognize this and offer score guarantees designed to provide students with confidence and peace of mind. Understanding the details of these guarantees—and the conditions you must meet to qualify—is essential when choosing the right prep program for you.

Blueprint MCAT: The 15-Point Increase Guarantee

Blueprint’s standout promise is its 15-point score increase guarantee, available specifically on its flagship 515+ course. This guarantee is among the most ambitious in the industry, reflecting Blueprint’s confidence in its content and teaching methods.

How It Works

• After completing a baseline diagnostic exam, Blueprint sets a personalized score target based on your starting point.
• If you complete all required coursework, practice exams, and assignments and do not improve your MCAT score by at least 15 points on test day, Blueprint offers:
  • A full refund, or
  • A free course retake for the next MCAT cycle.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the guarantee, students must:

• Submit an initial diagnostic test before starting the course.
• Complete a minimum percentage of lessons, practice questions, and full-length exams.
• Provide official MCAT score reports after taking the exam.
• Follow the recommended study schedule as outlined by Blueprint’s adaptive planner.

This guarantee reflects Blueprint’s data-driven approach and aligns with recent reviews suggesting many students see score improvements in this range.

Kaplan MCAT: The Higher Score Guarantee

Kaplan’s Higher Score Guarantee similarly promises that students will see an improvement in their MCAT score after completing their course. While not specifying a fixed point increase like Blueprint, Kaplan’s guarantee offers flexibility and reassurance.

How It Works

• Students who do not improve their MCAT score after completing Kaplan’s course may be eligible to:
  • Repeat the course for free during the next MCAT cycle, or
  • Receive a partial or full refund depending on Kaplan’s policies and terms.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must complete baseline assessments and all required course components.
• Submit official MCAT score reports to Kaplan.
• Comply with attendance and assignment completion policies.
• The guarantee applies only if the student takes the MCAT within a specified timeframe after course completion.

Kaplan’s guarantee is generally viewed as more flexible but less specific in terms of exact score improvement, focusing on ensuring students see some level of measurable progress.

Important Considerations for Both

• Both Blueprint and Kaplan require documentation of your baseline MCAT score and official score report after taking the exam.
• Completion of all course assignments, practice exams, and quizzes is mandatory to qualify for the guarantee.
• The guarantees do not apply if the student does not follow the recommended study plan or misses deadlines.
• Refunds and course retakes typically must be requested within a certain window after your MCAT exam date.

Why These Guarantees Matter

Score guarantees demonstrate the provider’s confidence in their curriculum and provide a safety net that can justify the financial investment in test prep. According to a 2023 survey by MCAT-prep students, cost and confidence in course effectiveness are among the top reasons students select their MCAT prep.

Blueprint’s quantified 15-point guarantee is attractive to students looking for measurable score gains, especially those aiming for top medical schools where every point counts. Kaplan’s Higher Score Guarantee appeals to students who want a solid safety net and are willing to invest time in completing a thorough, structured program.

9. Pricing Breakdown and Discounts

MCAT prep courses vary widely not only in their content but also in their cost structures and what’s included. Below is a side-by-side pricing breakdown for Blueprint and Kaplan’s most popular packages, including notes on what’s included and how to get discounts.

MCAT Course Pricing Comparison

Package Type	Blueprint (USD)	Kaplan (USD)	Inclusions
Self-Paced	$1,299 (6 months)	$2,099 (6 months)	Digital platform, full-length tests, Qbank, flashcards.
Live Online	$2,399 – $2,999 (12 months)	$2,699 (12 months)	Live classes, Qbank, analytics, test planner, full curriculum.
Tutoring + Course	$3,239 – $10,439	Starts at $3,300	Includes private tutoring hours + full course access.
Bootcamp (Intensive)	Not offered	Approx. $7,000	Kaplan’s 6-week intensive with daily classes, tutoring, Qbank, and books.
Print Materials	$150 extra (optional)	Included in all packages	Blueprint books must be purchased separately; Kaplan’s 7-book set is free.

Discounts and Promotions (2025)

Provider	Typical Discounts	Where to Find Deals
Blueprint	Up to $600 off during holiday events; $100–$200 off for early sign-ups.	Blueprint MCAT Offers Page
Kaplan	Up to $300 off during flash sales, seasonal events, or promo weeks.	Kaplan MCAT Deals Page

Which Offers Better Value?

• Blueprint is generally more affordable at the self-paced and live-online tiers, especially if you don’t need print materials.
• Kaplan tends to include more bundled items—such as its 7-book printed subject review set and access to the MCAT Channel (90+ extra live lessons monthly)—which can justify the higher upfront cost.
• If you need a high-intensity, bootcamp-style prep experience, Kaplan is the only provider offering this format.

10. Which Course Should You Choose in 2025?

Deciding between Blueprint and Kaplan comes down to your learning preferences, study style, and how much structure you want in your MCAT preparation. Both courses are highly rated, but they differ significantly in format, support, and included materials.

Blueprint vs Kaplan MCAT (Which Prep Course Is Better?)

Choose Blueprint if you:

• Prefer visual and interactive learning
  Blueprint’s standout feature is its cinematic, animated video modules that simplify complex topics for visual learners.
• Need flexibility and adaptive tools
  With its AI-driven study planner and performance tracking, Blueprint lets you customize your prep around your schedule and weak areas.
• Want a self-guided experience with access to instructors
  Although self-paced, Blueprint offers live office hours six nights a week for Q&A with expert instructors.
• Seek data-based feedback and improvement tracking
  The platform’s real-time analytics and targeted practice recommendations are ideal for students who rely on metrics to stay on track.
• Are aiming for a significant score improvement
  The 515+ course includes a 15-point score increase guarantee, making it suitable for competitive med school applicants.

Choose Kaplan if you:

• Prefer structured, guided study formats
  Kaplan follows a consistent, syllabus-based curriculum with fixed schedules—ideal for students who need structure.
• Value comprehensive print materials
  Every Kaplan package includes the full 7-book MCAT Subject Review set, often praised for its detailed explanations and visual aids.
• Want in-person or intensive options
  Kaplan is one of the few remaining providers offering in-person classes and a 6-week Bootcamp for students seeking full-time immersion.
• Appreciate frequent live sessions and peer interaction
  The MCAT Channel gives access to 90+ live sessions per month, offering opportunities to reinforce content and ask questions in real time.
• Need realistic full-length test practice
  Kaplan’s practice exams closely replicate the MCAT’s tone and timing, making it ideal for students who want to simulate test-day conditions.

Final Recommendation

Course	Best For
Blueprint	Independent, visual learners looking for a flexible, data-driven experience with high production value and detailed analytics.
Kaplan	Students who prefer structure, printed study resources, and access to in-person or live-intensive study environments.

Before choosing, consider your preferred learning style, how much structure you need, and whether you’re more comfortable with printed or digital materials. Each course offers excellent preparation—your success depends on choosing the one that aligns best with your habits and goals.

Conclusion: Blueprint vs. Kaplan MCAT – Which Is the Better Choice?

Both Blueprint and Kaplan stand out as top-tier MCAT prep providers for 2025, each with distinct strengths tailored to different types of learners. Blueprint excels with its modern, visually engaging lessons, adaptive technology, and flexible study options, making it ideal for students who prefer a data-driven, self-paced approach with strong instructor support. Kaplan offers a more traditional and comprehensive experience, featuring structured live classes, extensive print materials, and some of the most realistic practice exams available, suited for students who thrive on routine and value in-person or intensive prep formats.

Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your personal learning style, schedule, and preferences for study materials. Both courses provide robust resources and proven strategies to help you increase your MCAT score and achieve your medical school goals. Investing time to assess your needs and aligning them with the right course will maximize your chances of success on test day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does each course cost, and what’s included?
Blueprint’s self-paced course starts around $1,299, with live online courses ranging from $2,399 to $2,999. Print materials cost an additional $150. Kaplan’s self-paced course starts near $2,099, with live online courses around $2,699; all Kaplan packages include a comprehensive 7-book set.

2. Which course offers more full-length practice exams?
Kaplan provides 16 to 17 full-length practice exams, including official AAMC tests. Blueprint offers up to 15 full-length exams, also including official AAMC materials.

3. Does either course guarantee a score improvement?
Yes. Blueprint’s 515+ course guarantees a 15-point score increase or your money back. Kaplan offers a “Higher Score Guarantee,” allowing you to retake the course or receive a refund if your score does not improve.

4. Can I study on the go with a mobile app?
Kaplan offers a mobile app with flashcards and practice questions for on-the-go study. Blueprint’s platform is mobile-optimized but does not have a dedicated app.

5. Which course is better for students who prefer printed books?
Kaplan includes a full set of printed MCAT review books with all packages. Blueprint’s print materials are optional and require an additional purchase.