UKCAT Kaplan course/ coursebook wanted!

[Cat1989]

Hi all,

I am just starting to plan my preparation for the UKCAT (which I am sitting August 2012) and I just wondered if anyone had been on the Kaplan UKCAT prep course or any other preparation course for that matter. I have looked through some previous threads, but can't seem to find many recent ones. They are all fairly expensive but would be worth it if they actually helped, so just wanted to get an idea of peoples opinions on these courses.

Also, I am looking to buy the Kaplan coursebook if anyone has one available for sale please PM me!

Thanks

[snakefisch]

You can buy a similar one on amazon for £15

[new2newmedia]

Hello Cat1989,

I went on the Kaplan course last year and found it very useful.

There are lots of people on here who flog their book (which they will have written all over) for > £100 saying that the course wasn't helpful but the book is. Personally I think this is misleading and almost exploitative. Assuming all goes well with an exam in June, I'll give my book away if the buyer makes a small donation to charity - I'll happily pay the postage too.

Whilst the key information about how to approach the questions is contained in the book, this is not where your £200-£300 (or whatever it is this year) fee is going. They have to fund a London office and pay a teacher to go through everything with you, time you, feedback etc for two days, at the weekend. Compared to corporate courses or conferences which really are extortionate I think it's quite reasonable.

They also give you a log in for 3 (I think) practice tests.

Personally I found the 600Q book very disheartening and the AR and maths sections impossible. The Kaplan materials were, in my opinion, the closest to the actual test and it's difficult to really hone your strategy without knowing roughly what level of difficulty to expect. That said, the DA was a bit harder than I was expecting, but not way out.

Snakefish has a point about the book on amazon. You may as well get this and see how much it helps you. The other thing to think about is travel costs/accommodation. This wasn't an issue for me but could add significantly to your expenses.

I've wittered on so bottom line, I'm convinced that it significantly improved my score. I'm guessing from the 1989 in your name that you're a grad applicant? If so, a good score would certainly help your options.

Good luck. Please be weary of people trying to sell you their used book for high prices though.

[snakefisch]

Yes I agree with everything New2NewMedia has said.
A very nice person also gave me the book for free Definitely don't pay anything over the odds for it like a few people on here have been trying to sell it for!

Good luck