Kaplan has owned Manhattan Prep for years, and the Manhattan Prep GMAT prep program is now delivered under the Kaplan brand as one combined course. In this post, we explore how Kaplan’s program compares against one of the other most popular courses out there: Target Test Prep.
Given that this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
In the video above, John from the Test Prep Insight team compares the GMAT prep courses from Kaplan/Manhattan Prep and Target Test Prep. For more detail, be sure to continue reading our full written review below.
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In this post, I am going to focus on the key areas where I see each company having an advantage over the other (as opposed to a broad overview of each GMAT course). So with that in mind, let’s start with Kaplan GMAT. I have them winning in four key categories.
The greatest highlight of the Kaplan course is the video lessons. To put it simply, they’re just better than the video lessons from Target Test Prep.
Don’t get me wrong; both companies do offer tons of video lessons breaking everything down. But Target Test Prep makes you upgrade to their more expensive OnDemand or live online course in order to access any of the core video instruction. On the basic Self-Study plan, you’re only getting problem explanation videos – not dedicated instruction.
Kaplan’s videos, on the other hand, are actual lessons, not just short problem explanations. They are in-depth and engaging, with tons of useful content review. The content in the videos is on point, and the production quality is first-rate. If you’re more of a visual learner, Kaplan offers the better deal.
Similarly, Kaplan also wins when it comes to live classes.
With their Kaplan GMAT 655+ package, you get ten 3-hour classes for a total of 30 hours of live instruction.
I was personally very impressed by the Kaplan GMAT instructors. They are some of the best in the business. Not only do they know their stuff inside and out, but they also do a really good job of keeping the live sessions fun, too.
Kaplan also beats Target Test Prep when it comes to prep books. Frankly, this is another easy win for Kaplan, as Target Test Prep does not offer its students any hardcopy prep books whatsoever.
Now, to be fair, Target Test Prep does offer a digital eBook, but really this doesn’t even compare; they provide their students with a bundle of comprehensive prep books packed with substantive instruction, test taking strategies, practice problems, and more. (Note: you have to pay a small fee if you want the print versions, but the eBooks are included free).
In my opinion, the Manhattan Prep powered by Kaplan review books make for a very powerful prep resource, especially if you’re more of an old-school type of learner like me that likes to read through actual physical books, highlight key points, and dog-ear pages to revisit later.
Lastly, Kaplan beats Target Test Prep when it comes to practice tests. Kaplan offers six (6) full-length simulated exams, whereas Target Test Prep only offers two (2). Not to mention, the Kaplan exams are official exams from past administrations of the GMAT.
Therefore, Kaplan effectively offers three times as much opportunity to practice under exam-like conditions, and considering the fact that students often make the biggest gains by taking and reviewing practice tests, this is pretty big advantage.
👉 Read also: Kaplan vs Princeton Review GMAT
Now that you have a better understanding of what Kaplan has to offer, let’s discuss Target Test Prep. I have them beating Kaplan in three categories.
The first area in which Target Test Prep wins out is important for anyone wanting a top score. Target Test Prep’s higher tiers guarantee a score of 715+, while Kaplan’s premium course only guarantees a 655+ or a score increase of 70+ points.
For those aiming for a competitive score, this is an incredible score guarantee. The GMAT isn’t an easy test, but Target Test Prep is so confident about their method that they’re willing to back it up with a score guarantee that’s 70 points higher than Kaplan’s.
👉 Side note: A good budget option that comes with a score increase guarantee is the GMAT course from Magoosh.
Next, Target Test Prep does a really good job with performance data and analytics. I was very impressed with the level of detail included in their reports.
The company’s tech is able to identify your behavioral tendencies, answer habits, and subject area weaknesses so that you know what topic areas to focus on and how to tweak your test taking strategies moving forward in order to keep improving.
Plus, the 24/7 AI support is great at giving you instant feedback. TTP is good at always letting you know exactly where you stand and providing support so you’re never stuck.
Another win for Target Test Prep is pure volume. TTP offers over 4,000 practice problems , nearly double the ~2,300 questions available with Kaplan (which includes their official guide problems and instructor bank). If you are the type of learner who improves by drilling endless problem sets to build muscle memory, TTP gives you a lot more problems to draw from.
👉 Also worth reading: Target Test Prep vs Magoosh GMAT
Although there’s a lot to like about the GMAT course from Target Test Prep (namely its affordable price, volume of practice problems and performance insights), I ultimately have to give the win to Kaplan GMAT.
Overall, I just think that their program is far more comprehensive and effective. Kaplan beats Target Test Prep in every category that matters: practice tests, course structure, live classes, prep books, and more.
Therefore, if you’re serious about scoring high on the GMAT, our team recommends Kaplan GMAT.
👉 Next: Best GMAT Prep Courses Guide
Target Test Prep takes a streamlined, digital approach to GMAT prep that revolves around practice problems and a heavy focus on quant, while the Kaplan GMAT courses are more comprehensive in terms of features and study materials (e.g. live classes, prep books, etc.).
After testing and evaluating the GMAT study materials from both companies, Kaplan/Manhattan Prep offers the more complete and effective GMAT course than Target Test Prep. Kaplan’s course includes a better live course option, more engaging video lessons, and better review books than TTP.
Both companies offer live GMAT classes. After using both courses, we found the Kaplan/Manhattan Prep classes to be more insightful and useful.