UWorld vs Kaplan for the USMLE
UWorld is a self-study question bank; Kaplan sells structured live courses that include its own question bank, lecture notes, videos and advising, with a Pass Guarantee on Step 2 CK Live Online. Many Kaplan students still add UWorld for practice.
Contents from each provider’s own pages; UWorld prices as reported; Kaplan prices not shown. Checked October 11, 2026. Not hands-on tested.
| UWorld | Kaplan | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Self-study question bank | Live Online courses; self-paced options |
| Questions | 3,600+ Step 1; 3,200+ Step 2 CK | 3,100+ Step 2 CK question bank |
| Teaching | Explanations and medical library | Live lectures, notes, videos, advising |
| Guarantee | None | Pass Guarantee (Step 2 CK Live Online) |
Choose UWorld if
- You study well alone and want the standard question bank.
Choose Kaplan if
- You need a schedule, live teaching and advising, or are retaking.
Official source & community discussion
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