What Is on the Kaplan Test? A Complete Overview
The Kaplan test is a widely used admissions exam designed to assess the academic readiness of students applying to various professional schools, including medical, law, business, nursing, and graduate schools. Whether you’re preparing for the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, or another Kaplan-administered test, understanding what is covered on the exam is essential for success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Kaplan test, including the content, structure, and preparation strategies for each exam type.
Table of Contents
What is the Kaplan Test?
The Kaplan test refers to a range of admissions exams administered by Kaplan, Inc., a leading provider of educational services. Kaplan offers preparatory courses and practice exams for various standardized tests required for entry into professional schools. These exams are designed to evaluate a student’s knowledge, skills, and aptitude in their chosen field of study, whether it be medicine, law, business, or nursing.
Kaplan offers preparation materials and full-length practice tests to help students prepare for these exams, providing them with a comprehensive approach to test-taking.
Types of Kaplan Exams
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
The MCAT is a critical exam for students seeking admission to medical school. Kaplan provides MCAT test prep materials that cover key subject areas, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect on the MCAT:
Sections of the MCAT:
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Key Skills Tested: Scientific knowledge, problem-solving, critical analysis, and reasoning.
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
The LSAT is a standard entrance exam for law schools. Kaplan offers extensive resources to help students prepare for the LSAT, which focuses on logic, reasoning, and reading comprehension.
Sections of the LSAT:
Reading Comprehension: tests the ability to read and understand complex passages.
Logical Reasoning: Assesses the ability to analyze and evaluate arguments.
Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): tests the ability to understand and apply logic to complex scenarios.
Writing Sample: While not scored, this section evaluates your writing ability.
Key Skills Tested: reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is the primary test for business school admissions. Kaplan’s GMAT prep materials focus on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning.
Sections of the GMAT:
Analytical Writing Assessment: Tests your ability to write an analysis of an argument.
Integrated Reasoning: Measures your ability to evaluate data and solve complex problems.
Quantitative Reasoning: Tests your understanding of arithmetic, algebra, and problem solving.
Verbal reasoning: focuses on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
Key Skills Tested: Logical reasoning, data analysis, writing, and verbal skills.
GRE (grade Record Examinations)
The GRE is a standardized test used for admission to many graduate schools. Kaplan offers GRE test prep to help students prepare for the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections.
Sections of the GRE:
Verbal reasoning: measures reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
Quantitative Reasoning: tests basic math, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Analytical Writing: Evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas in writing.
Key Skills Tested: Reading comprehension, quantitative problem-solving, and analytical writing.
NCLEX-RN and Nursing Exams
Kaplan also provides preparation materials for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). This exam assesses whether a nurse has the necessary skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
Key Sections of the NCLEX-RN:
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Key Skills Tested: clinical knowledge, patient care management, and decision-making.
Key Sections of the Kaplan Test
Each Kaplan-administered exam assesses several core areas, but some skills and knowledge areas are universally tested across different exams. These areas include:
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Kaplan exams often require test-takers to demonstrate their critical thinking and analytical reasoning abilities. This is especially true for exams like the LSAT, GMAT, and MCAT, where students must evaluate complex information, draw conclusions, and apply logic to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension is a common component across many Kaplan tests. Whether it’s the CARS section of the MCAT, the Reading Comprehension section of the LSAT, or the verbal reasoning in the GRE and GMAT, students will need to read passages and answer questions that assess their understanding and interpretation of the text.
Math and Quantitative Reasoning
Math sections appear in most Kaplan tests, including the GRE, GMAT, and MCAT. These sections test numerical reasoning, basic arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis. Understanding mathematical concepts is crucial for success in these exams.
Writing and Essays
Writing skills are tested on many Kaplan exams, such as the Analytical Writing Assessment in the GMAT, the Writing Sample in the LSAT, and the Analytical Writing section in the GRE. These sections assess a candidate’s ability to structure and articulate arguments or analyses clearly and effectively.
How Kaplan Tests Are Scored
Each Kaplan-administered exam has its own scoring system. Understanding how your test is scored is critical for interpreting your results and setting goals for improvement.
MCAT: Scores range from 472 to 528, with a score of 500 considered average.
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180. A score of around 150 is typically considered competitive for most law schools.
GMAT: Scores range from 200 to 800, with a score of 600+ being considered competitive.
GRE: Verbal and quantitative sections are scored from 130 to 170, and the analytical writing section is scored from 0 to 6.
NCLEX-RN: The NCLEX is a pass/fail exam, and the results are based on a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system.
How to Prepare for the Kaplan Test
Kaplan Study Materials
Kaplan offers various study materials tailored to each exam type. These include:
Study Guides: Comprehensive books covering all exam topics.
Practice Questions: Question banks with detailed explanations.
Flashcards: helpful for quick review and reinforcing key concepts.
Practice Tests and Simulations
Kaplan provides full-length practice tests that simulate real test conditions. These practice exams are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the test format and assess your readiness.
Kaplan Prep Courses
Kaplan offers both in-person and online prep courses. These courses provide structured learning, expert instruction, and live feedback, ensuring that you stay on track and understand all of the test material.
Tips for Maximizing Your Kaplan Test Performance
Set a Study Schedule: Establish a regular study routine, breaking down each subject into manageable chunks.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify areas where you are struggling and allocate extra study time to them.
Take Care of Your Health: Adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise can improve your focus and performance on the test.
Use Kaplan’s Test Prep Tools: Leverage Kaplan’s interactive study tools to enhance your study experience.
Common FAQs About the Kaplan Test
Q: What is the Kaplan test used for? A: Kaplan administers several standardized tests for admission to professional schools, including the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and NCLEX-RN.
Q: How long is the Kaplan test? A: The length of the Kaplan test varies by exam. For example, the MCAT lasts about 7.5 hours, while the LSAT lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
Q: How can I improve my Kaplan test score? Consistent studying, taking practice tests, and focusing on areas of weakness are all effective strategies for improving your score.
Conclusion and Further Reading
Preparing for a Kaplan test requires a strategic approach, solid study habits, and the right resources. Whether you’re preparing for the MCAT, LSAT, or another exam, understanding the content and structure of the test is key to success. With Kaplan’s comprehensive study materials and preparation resources, you can maximize your chances of achieving a competitive score.
Further Reading:
How to Study for the MCAT: A Complete Guide
Top LSAT Study Tips for Law School Applicants
What to Expect on the GMAT: A Comprehensive Guide
Good luck with your Kaplan test preparation, and stay focused on your goals!