You = Smart, Talented. Employer = Cheapo! - SAT Teacher/Tutor Kaplan Employee Review

2.0
Feb 8, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get full exposure to the frontline of advanced test preparation strategies, test materials, and techniques. If you plan to go to grad school, you get a discount on your own attendance of a test prep class.

Cons

Considering the fact that Kaplan expects its teachers and tutors to be of elite intellectual levels, the company pays its teachers and tutors (~$18/hr) only a little better than hamburger flippers at a fast food restaurant. This hypocrisy is sad compared to other companies (Manhattan GMAT) that pay teachers generously (~$100/hr). The company strongly limits pay for out of class time, restricting the amount of reportable time and paying a lower rate for out of class time (~$10/hr). In major urban cities like San Francisco, the pay needs to be raised to competive rates. In SF, $50/hour is low for hourly independent contractors. But Kaplan pays only $25/hour to its most experienced veteran teachers! People with law degrees, MBAs, master's degrees, or elite/Ivy league BAs do not want to teach at Kaplan because they can make more at full time jobs. Ironically, Kaplan wants the most intellectual professionals to teach test prep. Teachers come and go so frequently because they are not employed enough hours to make a sustainable salary. Also, the pay rate is remarkably low given that Kaplan wants highly educated/intelligent people to teach and represent the company. The company allows you to purchase health insurance, pre-tax. But, given that you will only get fewer than 40 hours of work, your entire paycheck will go to health insurance instead of your pocket if you buy the health insurance.

Explore other reviews about Kaplan

5.0
Jun 3, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genuinely supportive community, lots of opportunity

Cons

Compensation could be higher across the board

3.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote and flexible. Good culture from higher up but team morale is down.

Cons

Turning more salesy than helping students. Too much focus on hitting budget.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All