Kaplan vs UWorld:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, UWorld had more branded searches than Kaplan among MCAT prep courses in the United States. UWorld had about 8,100 branded searches, while Kaplan had 5,400. UWorld made up 22.4% of all MCAT prep course searches we track, and Kaplan accounted for 14.9%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about MCAT prep courses, Kaplan and UWorld each appeared in three of the five answers. UWorld was mentioned before Kaplan in two out of three answers.
Who do people search for more?
UWorld, about 50% more searches than Kaplan
Who does AI mention more?
Both were mentioned in 3 of 5 answers.
Who does AI recommend more?
UWorld, named ahead of Kaplan in 2 of 3 answers
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Top MCAT prep courses in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Kaplan and UWorld were each mentioned in three out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. UWorld was listed before Kaplan in two out of three answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- UWorld3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Kaplan3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Blueprint Prep3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
The Princeton Review2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Jack Westin0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about MCAT prep courses
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best MCAT prep course?”
Asked ChatGPT
“Which MCAT question bank is the best?”
Asked ChatGPT
“How should I study for the MCAT in three months?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“mcat practice test”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“mcat prep course”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in United States on October 27, 2026.
Share of searches by month for UWorld, Kaplan. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Jack Westin | UWorld | Kaplan | Blueprint Prep | The Princeton Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 48.9% | 21.8% | 14.5% | 11.9% | 2.9% |
| Nov 2025 | 51.4% | 22.9% | 12.5% | 10.2% | 3% |
| Dec 2025 | 46.6% | 25.4% | 13.9% | 11.3% | 2.7% |
| Jan 2026 | 51.6% | 23.1% | 12.6% | 10.3% | 2.5% |
| Feb 2026 | 55.5% | 20.3% | 11.1% | 11.1% | 2% |
| Mar 2026 | 51.6% | 23% | 12.6% | 10.3% | 2.5% |
| Apr 2026 | 51.4% | 22.9% | 12.5% | 10.2% | 3% |
| May 2026 | 46.6% | 25.4% | 13.9% | 11.3% | 2.7% |
| Jun 2026 | 54.1% | 24.2% | 10.8% | 8.8% | 2.1% |
| Jul 2026 | 54.2% | 24.2% | 10.8% | 8.8% | 2% |
| Aug 2026 | 51.7% | 23.1% | 12.6% | 10.3% | 2.3% |
| Sep 2026 | 50% | 22.4% | 14.9% | 9.9% | 2.8% |
How has the Kaplan and UWorld comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- UWorld was ahead of Kaplan in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Kaplan’s share of searches among MCAT prep courses in the United States moved from 14.5% to 14.9%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 6.6K to 5.4K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, UWorld’s share of searches among MCAT prep courses in the United States moved from 21.8% to 22.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 9.9K to 8.1K.
How did search popularity change for United States MCAT prep courses in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Kaplan gained share of searches among MCAT prep courses in the United States, from 12.6% to 14.9%.
In September 2026, UWorld lost share of searches among MCAT prep courses in the United States, from 23.1% to 22.4%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Kaplan’s and UWorld’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among MCAT prep courses
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