KAPLAN UKCAT Course - Worth it?

Hey, really sorry if there's a thread already like this out, I just wanted to know if anyone here has done the KAPLAN online course, and how the found it, and how they ended up scoring in the UKCAT? As far as i'm aware, it boasts their average student getting average of 700+.

Aren't they really expensive though?

Hey, really sorry if there's a thread already like this out, I just wanted to know if anyone here has done the KAPLAN online course, and how the found it, and how they ended up scoring in the UKCAT? As far as i'm aware, it boasts their average student getting average of 700+.

I took the course when I applied.

I have no idea what they claim their average score to be, but that is no guarantee that your score will be over 700.

It was helpful in that they gave you lots of time saving tips etc and strategies. The workbook of practice questions is also good.

However, to be perfectly honest it wasn't worth the money.

I think if you just bought a few books and worked it out yourself and practiced it would be just as good. I can't think of any benefit the course offers over using some good books and working through them yourself.

I wouldn't recommend anyone go on it unless they really don't mind wasting their money.

Thanks for the reply! What was your average score?

And I get that a lot of people just say practise questions, UKCAT 600 book and whatever, but you don't think that it gave you a particular edge?

I can't remember, but it wasn't super high at all. It was above average (600), but below 700.

I really don't think it gave me an edge. I do not feel I gained anything from the course that I couldn't have gained from working through books. Plus, the books available now are better than they were then. There was no 600 question book when I was applying. I wish that book had been out then! It has such good reviews.

You may be able to buy the Kaplan course book on Ebay. That may be worth looking at, but I wouldn't pay a couple of hundred ££ to do the course. Better put towards textbooks at med school!

If I was applying again, I would not take the course.

Thanks for the reply! What was your average score?

And I get that a lot of people just say practise questions, UKCAT 600 book and whatever, but you don't think that it gave you a particular edge?

Hey, really sorry if there's a thread already like this out, I just wanted to know if anyone here has done the KAPLAN online course, and how the found it, and how they ended up scoring in the UKCAT? As far as i'm aware, it boasts their average student getting average of 700+.

Hey, really sorry if there's a thread already like this out, I just wanted to know if anyone here has done the KAPLAN online course, and how the found it, and how they ended up scoring in the UKCAT? As far as i'm aware, it boasts their average student getting average of 700+.

The claim that the average student gets 700+ is hardly a sellling point. The average of UKCAT candidates was something like 624 the year before, but taht included every single candidate. If you took an average over candidates who actually prepared by using any method you will find probably that their average was over 700. So that is not Kaplan which will make a difference, but just preparation.

My advice is that a lot of it is due to personal aptitude at the end of the day and that preparing is useful in gaining an understanding of what the exercises are, their format and also in gaining speed. But you can get that from the 600 Q book. No need to spend hundreds of pounds on a course.

As for the Kaplan method, it's hardly more than what you will find in the books either.

Do you not get 5 computer practice tests?

Think you get like 5 paper tests, and one on the computer iirc

I applied for medicine, and got a UKCAT average of 630 in 2009 - I received no Interviews
I went on a Kaplan course for 2 days, and got a UKCAT average of 730(ish) in 2010. I received 3 interviews (4th choice was Soton, which didn't interview anyways)
2 of my friends also went on the same course, one gained about 50 points to their average, and the other lost 10 points.

I think the course DID help me, but the main thing I gained from it was time management, and practise papers.
I'd love to help if you have any questions, or want some tips, so just drop me a PM

Thanks for posting this, you don't know how much I appreciate it.
I am quite sure I will end up booking the course. It is all of these little things that help at the end of the day. I only got 1 interview but if the course helps to even increase my score by 20 it is worth it imo since everything is just so competitive at the moment. I know it is expensive but I am trying to see it as a long term investment, after all, how many times am I going to apply for medicine?
I am pretty sure this is my last go so I want to do everything I can to maximise my chances of securing a place at medical school.

Sorry about the ramble on guys!

I have booked my UKCAT and there will be 3 'empty' days between my UKCAT and the course, do you think this is alright to do all the practise materials?

Arghh, annoying to see someone got a lower score, I don't know how I would cope with that!