Comparing Princeton Review and Kaplan ACT for high scorers. Analysis of teaching methods, practice tests, and value for 34+ scorers.
Princeton Review ACT vs Kaplan: Which Course for 34+?
For ACT 34+ scorers, Princeton Review and Kaplan offer nearly identical courses with similar pricing. Princeton Review costs $1,299 while Kaplan costs $999. Both provide live instruction, official practice tests, and score guarantees. The choice often comes down to price and slight differences in teaching style.
Quick Comparison
Feature | Princeton Review ACT | Kaplan ACT Price | $1,299 | $999 Live Class Hours | 24 hours | 18 hours Practice Tests | 6 official + Princeton tests | 6 official + Kaplan tests Score Guarantee | 32+ or money back | 32+ or money back Best For | More instruction hours | Budget value
Teaching Methods: Nearly Identical
Both Princeton Review and Kaplan teach systematic strategies for English, Math, Reading, and Science. Princeton Review uses test-taking techniques like Process of Elimination and Pacing strategies. Kaplan teaches the Kaplan Method with similar approaches.
The teaching quality is comparable. Both hire 90th+ percentile scorers as instructors. The main difference is total hours: Princeton Review provides 24 hours vs Kaplan 18 hours.
Winner: Princeton Review for more hours. Kaplan for efficiency.
Practice Tests: Same Quantity
Both courses include 6 official ACT practice tests plus proprietary tests. The official tests are identical since they come from ACT Inc. The proprietary tests differ slightly, but both provide realistic practice.
Winner: Tie.
Score Guarantee: Identical Promise
Both Princeton Review and Kaplan guarantee you will score 32+ or improve by 4+ points, or you get your money back or can retake free. The guarantees are essentially the same.
Winner: Tie.
Price and Value: Kaplan Wins
Princeton Review costs $1,299. Kaplan costs $999. That is a $300 difference for similar content.
Kaplan gives you 18 hours of live instruction, 6 official practice tests, and the same score guarantee for $300 less. Princeton Review gives you 6 more hours (24 vs 18) for $300 more.
Is 6 extra hours worth $300? That is $50 per hour. Most students will say no, especially since both courses have the same score guarantee.
Winner: Kaplan for value.
Who Should Choose Princeton Review ACT?
You want maximum instruction hours (24 vs 18). You can afford $1,299. You prefer the Princeton Review brand. You want more structured time with an instructor.
Who Should Choose Kaplan ACT?
You want to save $300. You are comfortable with 18 hours of instruction. You are self-motivated. You want the same score guarantee for less money.
The Bottom Line
For most students, Kaplan ACT is the better value. You get the same score guarantee, same number of practice tests, and similar teaching quality for $300 less. The 6 extra hours Princeton Review provides are not worth the premium unless you specifically need more hand-holding.
Both courses are excellent. Choose based on budget and whether you value extra hours or savings.
FAQ
Q: Is Princeton Review Act or Kaplan better for ACT prep? A: Both have strengths. Check our detailed comparison above for a side-by-side analysis of pricing, content quality, instructor credentials, and student outcomes to determine which is the better fit for your needs.
Q: Which is more affordable, Princeton Review Act or Kaplan? A: Pricing varies by plan tier. See the pricing comparison table in our review above for current prices. Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best value when you factor in score guarantees and access periods.
Q: Can I switch from Princeton Review Act to Kaplan mid-study? A: Most prep courses do not offer transfer credits. If you are considering switching, check the refund policy of your current course first. Some courses offer 7-14 day money-back guarantees.
Related reading: See our ACT Science Strategy Guide.