Kaplan Launches MCAT Practice Question Bank

Online Customizable Practice Tool for Growing Pre-Med Audience

New York (May 8, 2003) - Giving a targeted, content-specific practice solution to pre-med students nationwide, Kaplan Test Prep today announced the launch of its latest Web-based exam practice tool, MCAT Question Bank, or "QBank." Available at www.kaptest.com, the MCAT QBank follows on the heels of Kaplan's industry-leading QBanks for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) and National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), which have experienced tremendous growth in popularity and use by test-takers since they were launched.

Kaplan's QBanks are a vivid example of how technology can customize the learning and education experience. Similar to simulated flying programs which can be targeted to focus on specific areas of needs or weakness, or computer chess programs which adjust to the ability of the human player, the QBanks allow students to customize practice tests and drills based on their specific needs, interests and performance.

"The MCAT QBank gives students a new weapon in their arsenal, enabling them to focus practice on specific content areas," said Justin Serrano, Executive Director of Kaplan Test Prep. "The technology behind the QBank makes it a customizable, affordable practice tool for busy students. This is especially useful when combined with a more comprehensive MCAT classroom or online course."

Users of the new MCAT QBank will be able to tailor their practice by choosing from a database of 1,000 exam-style questions divided into sets according to MCAT topics: biological sciences, physical sciences and verbal reasoning. Students can adapt their study in response to the continuously updated onscreen performance feedback, graphically displayed by subject area, and receive Kaplan's answers and explanations after completing an exam session. Kaplan MCAT experts are also available for email help.

The launch of the MCAT QBank follows on the heels of a recent trend reversal that saw rising medical school admissions for the first time since 1996. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), the number of MCAT test-takers rose to 31,942 in August 2002 from 29,571 in August 2001, representing an eight percent increase. The AAMC also expects the number of medical school applicants to increase by four to six percent in 2003.

"The struggling economy and job market has contributed to an increase in the number of students applying to graduate programs," said Serrano. "With this increased competition, standardized test scores are more crucial then ever and busy students are looking for new prep options to gain the competitive edge on their peers."

MCAT QBank is the latest addition to Kaplan's suite of MCAT prep options, which includes comprehensive options such as lecture-based (classroom) and online courses, as well as personal tutoring. Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books and software, Kaplan gives students and professionals the best in test preparation combined with unbeaten convenience and flexibility. Kaplan offers preparation for 35 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and college and graduate admissions consulting services. Its Web site, Kaptest.com, is the largest online destination for education and career services. Kaplan, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

Press Contacts:

Karen Blass
212-974-6233
karen_blass@kaplan.com