Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (January 27, 2012) – Kaplan Bar Review, a leading provider of full-service bar preparation, is expanding its bar review program to students preparing for the state bar exams in Arizona and West Virginia in time for the July 2012 exam and Washington State for the July 2013 exam.  With this expansion to 28 states, plus Washington, D.C., Kaplan Bar Review will be available to nearly 85% of the entire bar-taking population.

“Kaplan Bar Review’s expansion of full-service bar review to Arizona, Washington State and West Virginia continues to build on our strong momentum of 2011, which saw a significant increase in the number of law school students enrolling in our comprehensive programs,” said Steven Marietti, Esq., vice president and general manager, Kaplan Bar Review.  “Kaplan Bar Review is unsurpassed in providing resources and a curriculum that help students apply their knowledge in the manner that the bar exam will test it.  Our unlimited essay grading, exam-like multiple-choice questions, and daily regimen of assignments that guide students with specific tasks designed to improve their areas of weakness, all contribute to our high success rate in helping our students pass the bar exam.”

In a July 2011 bar exit survey of 1,973 bar examinees, at 24 randomly selected locations, who took bar review in states where Kaplan offers full service bar review, examinees who prepared with Kaplan rated Kaplan higher than examinees who prepared with BarBri in five key categories, including exam likeness of the MBE (Multistate Bar Exam) practice questions; essay grading; amount of individualized guidance; amount of student support; and overall course value.

In 2010 (the most recently fully recorded year), 68% percent of bar exam takers (54,448 out of 79,953) passed nationally, although pass rates varied by state.  In Arizona and Washington, the pass rates were slightly above the national average at 73% and 71%, respectively; West Virginia’s 65% passage rate was below the national average.

About Kaplan Bar Review

Kaplan Bar Review (www.kaplanbarreview.com) provides full-service bar review programs in 28 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia) and Washington DC, making its courses available to approximately 85% of the U.S. Bar-taking population.  Additionally, Kaplan Bar Review offers supplemental preparation for the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).

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Online Prep Program Cited For Comprehensive Study Materials,
Level of Parental Involvement, Accessibility and Affordability

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (January 23, 2012) –The National Parenting Center (NPC) awarded Kaplan’s SAT on Demand course its Seal of Approval, citing the online test prep program’s comprehensive study materials, involvement of parents in their child’s progress, accessibility and affordability, among other attributes.

The NPC’s Seal of Approval is a peer-to-peer review program to recognize and highlight products and services that have been met with a “thumbs up” by parents.  The evaluative process gauges consumer reaction to products currently available to both parents and their children such as toys, games, books, videos, websites and educational products.  Each is reviewed on a number of factors including price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness and instruction.

According to the National Parenting Center, “This (Kaplan Test Prep) SAT prep program is so comprehensive that parents could not believe what they were able to give their pre-SAT child for a fraction of the cost of traditional prep classes. There are various learning sessions and videos that help to reinforce the material. These are followed up with tests so that you and your child can monitor your progress.  Testers told us that the videos feel like you are learning from a teacher and the quizzes are actually something they looked forward to, eager to demonstrate their understanding and grasp of the lesson.”

“We are thrilled to earn the Seal of Approval from parents, as it recognizes our continuing efforts to provide the most effective, high-quality test prep resources available and to help parents be involved in their children’s academic progress,” said Justin Serrano, president of K-12 and college prep programs, Kaplan Test Prep.  “Kaplan Test Prep’s SAT on Demand, which is integrated into all of our SAT courses, is a result of our efforts to leverage advances in technology, a growing body of research on instructional best practices, and feedback from thousands of students and parents to create a product that enables students to achieve the scores they need to get into the schools of their choice.”

The NPC Seal of Approval follows on the heels of another prestigious recognition, which saw Kaplan’s SAT On Demand course cited as the top high school “Test Tool Website” in ComputED’s 2011 Education Software Review Awards (EDDIE Awards).  EDDIE winners were selected from around the world and judged on academic content, potential for broad classroom use, technical merit, subject approach and management system.

Kaplan’s comprehensive and interactive SAT On Demand course allows students to go at their own pace and on their own schedule with a personalized path through the curriculum, available 24/7.  It is powered by Kaplan’s exclusive Smart Track^TM system, which analyzes student performance and prescribes a customized learning plan.  Kaplan’s SAT On Demand integrates focused content review, test-taking strategies, and the practice students need to achieve their target SAT scores.  It includes: a custom study plan based on their diagnostic performance; two full-length SAT practice tests; over 50 hours of engaging video instruction on every tested topic on the SAT; step-by-step problem solving exercises; and 1,000+ practice problems.  The course also features Smart Reports™, which is essential in keeping both students and parents up-to-date on progress with performance reporting right down to the question level.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. PSAT/NMSQT is a trademark jointly owned by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which were not involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this product. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with Kaplan.

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Distinguir los Hechos Reales de la Ficción Ayudará a los Estudiantes y a Sus Padres a Navegar Mejor la Estresante Búsqueda de Ayuda Financiera

Contacto de prensa: Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538 

New York, NY (12 de enero de 2012) – Para los más de dos millones de estudiantes que quieren entrar a la universidad, una de las preocupaciones prioritarias siempre es la de cómo pagar los gastos, especialmente en épocas de problemas económicos. La competencia para la codiciada ayuda financiera sigue siendo tan ardua como el proceso mismo de solicitar admisión a la universidad, por lo que es imprescindible que tanto los solicitantes como sus padres sepan bien cuáles son las verdades y cuáles son los mitos sobre este proceso. Éstos son los mitos más comunes acerca de la búsqueda de ayuda financiera, seguidos de consejos para padres y estudiantes:

• Mito #1: “No voy a conseguir nada de dinero de FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) porque mis padres ganan demasiado dinero, así que no vale la pena solicitar.” Enfoque equivocado. Cada año, billones de dólares de FAFSA – incluyendo Pell Grants, oportunidades de trabajo-estudio, préstamos federales de Stafford, entre otros – son asignados a millones de estudiantes de distintos niveles económicos. Si bien es cierto que esta ayuda está basada en la necesidad y los estudiantes de bajos recursos son los más beneficiados, los estudiantes provenientes de distintas situaciones financieras pueden recibir ayuda. Sin embargo, como se trata de un sistema de asignación por orden de llegada, es importante solicitar temprano – antes de que se acaben los fondos. Las solicitudes se abrieron al comienzo de este mes y pueden completarse online en  http://www.fafsa.ed.gov (toma aproximadamente 1 hora). Nuestro consejo: Todos deben solicitar y todos deben hacerlo temprano. Entregar una solicitud de FAFSA no garantiza que recibirán ayuda financiera, pero no entregarla significa definitivamente no recibir ayuda. No hay nada que perder y existe la posibilidad de mucho por ganar.
• Mito #2: “La Universidad de mis sueños me ofreció un paquete de ayuda financiera, pero no es suficiente. Supongo que tendré que conformarme con otra universidad.” Esto no es así necesariamente. A diferencia de lo que ofrece FAFSA, que no es negociable, los paquetes de ayuda financiera otorgados directamente por las universidades pueden considerarse ofertas preliminares, no ofertas cerradas. Como esa ayuda significa que la universidad ya aceptó al estudiante, es muy probable que estén dispuestos a querer negociar y llegar a un acuerdo. Nuestro consejo: Aprender el arte de la negociación. Convence a la universidad de que eres un estudiante imprescindible para ellos, o de que la situación financiera de tu familia empeoró, para conseguir más ayuda. Lo peor que puede pasar es que digan que no.
• Mito #3: “Soy un estudiante más o menos promedio. Las becas son sólo para los estudiantes con los mejores records académicos.”  No es cierto. No es imprescindible ser un estudiante con un 4.0, ni haber alcanzado un puntaje perfecto de 2400 en el SAT o de 36 en el ACT – ¡aunque claro que eso ayuda! Becas para estudiantes zurdos, para personas con el apellido Gatlin, para mujeres que miden más de 5.10 pies, para personas que miden menos de 4.1 pies, para cazadores de patos – éstas son sólo algunas de las miles de becas desconocidas que están disponibles para los estudiantes que no tienen el mejor record académico de la clase. Nuestro consejo: Visita la oficina de asesoramiento de tu escuela y visita sitios como Findaid.com para ver todas las opciones disponibles. De hecho, puedes empezar a recolectar dinero de becas desde tu primer año. Cuanto más dinero tengas acumulado al momento de recibir las cartas de aceptación, mayor será la cantidad de opciones que te sirvan, ya que tu habilidad de pagar será menos problemática.

“Hoy en día, la mayoría de los solicitantes y sus padres no pueden pensar en ir a la universidad sin pensar en cómo harán para pagarla. Es cierto que las matrículas siguen aumentando, pero la buena noticia es que estando bien informados y actuando estratégicamente, los solicitantes pueden aumentar sus chances de conseguir buenos paquetes de ayuda financiera, incluso cuando piensan que no están calificados para recibirla”, dice Jieun Choe, la directora ejecutiva de admisiones universitarias y programas de K-12 de Kaplan Test Prep.

El miércoles 18 de enero, desde las 8:00 PM hasta las 9:00 PM EST, Kaplan Test Prep llevará a cabo un evento virtual gratuito en vivo: “Pagar la Universidad: la búsqueda de asistencia financiera”, en el que los padres pueden aprender de los expertos algunas estrategias para disminuir los costos de la universidad. Pueden registrase en www.kaptest.com/espanol.

Datos sobre los costos de la universidad:

• En 2011-2012, en promedio, las universidades públicas con programas de 4 años cuestan $8,244 de matrícula y tarifas para estudiantes del mismo estado. Para los estudiantes full-time que vienen de otros estados, el costo de estas universidades es de $12,526.
• Las universidades privadas y sin fines de lucro con programas de 4 años cuestan un promedio de $28,500 por año de matrícula y tarifas.
• En el año académico más reciente, el promedio de ayuda financiera para estudiantes pregraduos full-time fue de casi $12,500, incluyendo más de $6,500 en dinero que no es necesario devolver.

Para obtener más información, o para acordar una entrevista en español sobre el proceso de solicitud de ayuda financiera, contáctense con Russell Schaffer al: 212.453.7538 o por email a russell.schaffer@kaplan.com.  Los estudiantes y sus padres pueden encontrar estrategias adicionales para la búsqueda de ayuda financiera en www.kaptest.com/collegefinancialaid y www.youtube.com/KaplanSATACT.

Sobre Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) es un destacado proveedor de servicios educativos y profesionales para individuos, escuelas y negocios. Establecido en 1938, Kaplan es el líder global en la industria de la preparación para exámenes oficiales. Con un extenso menú de opciones virtuales y una selección completa de libros, Kaplan ofrece preparación para más de 90 exámenes estandarizados, incluidos los exámenes de ingreso a la escuela secundaria, la universidad, los estudios de postgrado, además de los exámenes para licencias profesionales de abogados, médicos y enfermeras. Kaplan también ofrece clases particulares y servicios de consulta para solicitudes a estudios graduados.

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Separating Fact from Fiction Will Help Students and their Parents
Better Navigate the Financial Aid Frenzy

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (January 9, 2012) – For two million-plus college applicants, how to pay for college is always top-of- mind – particularly during today’s tough economic times.  Competition for much-coveted financial aid remains as fierce as the college admissions process itself, so it’s imperative that applicants and their parents know fact from fiction.  Below are three common myths about the college financial process, followed by advice for students and their parents.

• Myth #1: “I won’t get any FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) money because my parents earn too much, so there’s no point in applying.”  Wrong approach.  Billions of dollars from FAFSA – which includes everything from Pell Grants, to work-study opportunities, to Federal Stafford Loans, and more – are awarded to millions of students of all economic backgrounds.  While it is needs-based and lower income students may benefit the most, students from varying financial situations can receive aid.  However, since this is also a first come, first serve source, apply early – before the funding runs out. Applications just opened earlier this month and can be completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov in about an hour or so.  Our advice: Everyone should apply, and apply early.  Submitting a FAFSA doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get college financial aid, but not submitting one guarantees you won’t.  You have nothing to lose and the potential to gain.
• Myth #2: “My dream school offered me a financial aid package, but it wasn’t enough.  I guess I’ll have to attend a different college.”  Not necessarily.  Unlike FAFSA offers, which are non-negotiable, financial aid packages awarded directly by colleges can be considered first offers, not final offers.  Since they’ve already accepted you, they more than likely will work with you. Our advice: Learn the art of negotiation. Tell the college why you are a “must have” student or how your family’s financial situation may have changed to warrant more aid.  The worst they can say is no.
• Myth #3: “I’m sort of an average student.  Scholarships are just for students with the best academic records.”  Not so.  You don’t necessarily have to be a 4.0 student or have achieved a perfect 2400 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT – though that helps too!  Left-handed students; individuals with the surname Gatlin; women who are over 5’10″; anybody under 4’10”; and duck callers – these are just some of the thousands of little-known scholarships available for students who are not necessarily at the head of the class. Our advice:  Visit your school’s guidance office and sites like Finaid.com to see what’s out there. You can actually start banking scholarship money as early as freshman year. The more money you have by the time acceptance letters come, the more options you’ll have since your ability to pay will be less of an issue.

“Most applicants and their parents cannot think about college today without thinking about how to pay for it.  With college tuition continuing to rise, the good news is that by being informed and acting strategically, applicants can increase their chances of securing strong financial aid packages, even if they don’t think they qualify or are eligible,” said Jieun Choe, executive director of college admissions and K-12 programs, Kaplan Test Prep.

On Sunday, January 29, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM EST, Kaplan Test Prep will hold a live webinar, “21 Ways to Pay Less for College – Scholarships, Financial Aid & Saving Strategies,” where students and their parents can  learn from experts how to lower the cost of college.  To register, visit www.kaptest.com/saveforcollege.

Facts about college costs:

• In 2011-12, on average, public four-year colleges charge $8,244 in tuition and fees for in-state students.  For full-time out-of-state students at these institutions the cost is $12,526.
• Private nonprofit four-year colleges charge, on average, $28,500 per year in tuition and fees.
• In the most recent academic year, the average amount of aid for a full-time undergraduate student was almost $12,500 including more than $6,500 in aid that did not have to be paid back.

For more information or to arrange an interview on the college financial aid process, please contact Russell Schaffer at: 212.453.7538 or russell.schaffer@kaplan.com.  Students and their parents can find additional strategies on the college financial aid process at www.kaptest.com/collegefinancialaid and www.youtube.com/KaplanSATACT.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Recent College Admissions-Related Events at the Knicks’ Poetry Slam and
College Fair Help Better Inform and Prepare Applicants and their Families

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (November 21, 2011) – Continuing its mission to help as many students as possible succeed in the college admissions process, Kaplan Test Prep has teamed up with the New York Knicks by helping local students reach their target scores on the SAT, teaching them how to navigate the financial aid process, and showing them how to put their best foot forward in admissions.

At the Knicks’ Poetry Slam Competition and College Fair on October 10, attended by thousands of aspiring college students and their parents from across the tri-state area, Kaplan Test Prep led three well-attended workshops: “Paying for College Without Breaking the Bank,” “SAT vs ACT: Which test should you take?” and “How to Impress a College Admissions Officer.”  And during the spring and fall, Kaplan Test Prep will be providing its full full-length SAT Complete course to dozens of students who were selected by the Knicks organization.  Each Kaplan SAT course includes 6 comprehensive, 3-hour class sessions with personalized instruction, guided group work, independent practice, and activities designed keep the classroom experience dynamic and engaging.  The course also features Smart Reports™, which is essential in keeping both students and parents up-to-date on progress with performance reporting right down to the question level.

“Kaplan Test Prep is pleased to partner with the New York Knicks and Urban Word as part of our continuing efforts to make test prep and admissions know-how available to as many students and their families as possible,” said Justin Serrano, president, K-12 and college prep program, Kaplan Test Prep.  “Students who are well-informed about all aspects of the admissions process, from how to score high on the SAT and ACT to how to pay for school, make the most successful college applicants, so we encourage all high school juniors and seniors to attend our other year-round series of events.”

For a list of onsite and live, online Kaplan Test Prep college admissions events, including free practice tests, visit www.kaptest.com/college.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

About Urban Word

Founded on the belief that teenagers can and must speak for themselves, Urban Word NYC™ (UW) has been at the forefront of the youth spoken word, poetry and hip-hop movements in New York City since 1999. UrbanWord NYC presents literary arts education and youth development programs in the areas of creative writing, journalism, college prep, literature and hip-hop. UW provides FREE, safe and uncensored writing workshops to teens year round, and hosts the Annual NYC Teen Poetry Slam, NY Knicks Poetry Slam, local and national youth slams, festivals, reading series, open mics, and more. UW works directly with 15,000 teens per year in New York City alone, and as a steering committee member of the National Youth Spoken Word Coalition, has partner programs in 45 cities. UW also has a vigorous community educator and teacher training series which links inquiry-based classroom practices with the most progressive academic trends in student-centered pedagogy.

Urban Word NYC believes that free self-expression – matured in an enhanced critical literacy environment – improves self confidence and strengthens educational achievement for NYC’s inner city youth. We promote active literacy, critical thought, and positive social dialogue across boundaries of age, race, class, gender, culture, and sexuality. Our many workshops are designed to enhance critical thinking skills, leadership, and to ignite a personal commitment to growth and learning which leads to heightened in-school performance, and greater interest in pursuing higher education.

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Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (November 18, 2011) – Reflecting advances in science, behavioral impact on health, and a diversifying population, the MCAT is scheduled to introduce a host of changes in 2015 designed to better prepare tomorrow’s doctors – and the data shows most medical school admissions officers support the recommended changes. The recommendations were finalized in November and will be voted on by the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Board of Directors in February 2012.

According to Kaplan Test Prep’s 2011 survey of medical school admissions officers*, 73% say the recommended changes, which include the addition of behavioral and social sciences, advanced science content, and expanded critical thinking, will better prepare students for the medical school experience.

However, two-thirds (67%) of medical school admissions officers surveyed also say it’s necessary for colleges to revise their pre-med curricula to cover the exam’s additional content to adequately prepare test takers – and only a narrow majority – 52% – think they have enough time to make the necessary course revisions before the first round of new MCATs in 2015.

“Today’s medicine includes scientific advances that didn’t exist a generation ago, so the MCAT is evolving to be more relevant for the next generation of doctors, which impacts thousands of current college freshmen and sophomores who plan to take the exam in 2015 and beyond,” said Amjed Saffarini, executive director of pre-health programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “This puts pressure on undergraduate pre-med programs to quickly ensure their curricula cover the expanded MCAT content, which includes a host of new topics: cellular biology, biochemistry, research and statistics, psychology and sociology topics. The changes will make for a better test, but it will also be harder.”

Kaplan’s survey results come on the heels of the November national meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the organization that administers the MCAT, where members received the final recommended changes to the exam. This represented the research crest of an 8 year effort started in 2008 during which an AAMC-appointed committee conducted extensive due diligence with undergraduate and medical school faculty, administrators, residents, and medical students. (For more on the changes, click here.) To make room for all the additional content, the 2015 MCAT will be 115 minutes longer than the current exam, taking an exam that is 5 ½ hours long to one that will be over 7 hours long.

Saffarini, who attended the AAMC’s November meeting, added that beginning in January 2013, MCAT takers will see the addition of an un-scored experimental section that will include the new content, including biochemistry, at the end of the exam. “For many takers who have not taken these advanced sciences prior to taking the MCAT, and have not adequately prepared for the new content, the additional content of the un-scored experimental section is akin to having a French section added to the end of the exam.”

Other survey results from Kaplan Test Prep’s 2011 survey of medical school admissions officers:

• MCAT Remains Critical to Admissions: 43% of medical school admissions officers said the MCAT is the most important admissions factor. An applicant’s undergraduate GPA placed second at 28%, followed by relevant experience at 19%, and the interview at 9%.
• The Interview Process: While 82% of medical schools say they use the traditional interview process where applicants meet face-to-face with just a few officials for lengthier periods of time. This is in contrast to the 6% who say they use the newer Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) process, where applicants are interviewed and assessed by many officials for shorter periods of time.

In 2010, 42,742 aspiring physicians applied to medical school, a slight increase over 2009. Of those who applied, about 43% were accepted. According to unpublished data shared at the AAMC annual meeting, this trend continued throughout 2011, which has already seen an all-time high in the number of first-time applicants.

For more information about Kaplan’s survey on the medical school admissions landscape and the upcoming MCAT changes, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or212.453.7538. Pre-med students will also find a host of resources at www.KaplanMCAT.com.

*The survey was conducted by phone in July and August 2011 and included responses from 69 of the nation’s 135 Association of American Medical Colleges-accredited medical schools.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

Two Industry Leaders Combine their Education Solutions to Offer a Complete
Approach to College Readiness

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Press Contact Kaplan K12 Learning Services: Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538

Press Contact K¹²:  Jeff Kwitowski, jkwitowski@k12.com, 703.483.7281

New York, NY (November 15, 2011) – Kaplan K12 Learning Services, which partners with elementary, middle and high schools to measurably propel student achievement and K¹², a leading provider of online K12 educational curriculum, have partnered to offer a complete portfolio of college preparation solutions.  Kaplan K12 Learning Services has a strong record of achievement in helping schools and districts implement college readiness solutions, focusing on improved student performance on the SAT and ACT college entrance exams and state assessments.   K¹²‘s portfolio of innovative and high quality instructional and curriculum offerings includes credit recovery solutions that help students stay on track for graduation, serving 63,000 course enrollments in the last year.  Together, Kaplan and K¹² bring nearly 90 years of experience delivering successful results to schools and students.

“K¹²’s suite of products is a perfect fit for Kaplan’s comprehensive college readiness solutions. In particular, K¹²’s Aventa Credit Recovery program is uniquely designed to help students recover the credits needed to graduate from high school, with additional audio, ELL support and a phone hotline staffed by subject matter expert instructors. Our partnership creates the right combination of courses, assessments, and test preparation needed to maximize a student’s opportunity to graduate, enter college and succeed,” said Justin Serrano, president, Kaplan K12 Learning Services.

“Adding Kaplan’s renowned test readiness solutions to our suite of credit recovery offerings allows us to offer a holistic college readiness portfolio of products and services to our school, district, and state partners,” said John Olsen, executive vice President of operations at K¹².  “By working together, we can help educators overcome key challenges with at-risk students, providing those students with the tools needed to be successful in preparing for college.

About Kaplan K12 Learning Services

Kaplan K12 Learning Services (http://www.kaplank12.com), a unit of Kaplan Test Prep (http://www.kaptest.com), partners with schools to measurably propel student achievement. Kaplan K12 offers state test readiness programs to help students meet and exceed state standards, and college preparation solutions that support students as they prepare for college entrance exams and the admissions process. Its solutions also provide teachers with robust Kaplan K12 resources and professional development support to impact achievement in their classrooms. Kaplan Test Prep is a division of Kaplan Inc. (http://www.kaplan.com), a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

About K¹²

K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), a technology-based education company, is the largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school in the U.S. K¹² provides its curriculum and academic services to public and private online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K¹² has provided over 2 million courses – core subjects, AP(R), world languages, credit recovery, and electives – to more than 200,000 students worldwide. Over 90 percent of parents surveyed are satisfied with the K¹² program and agree that their children have benefited academically with K¹². Students graduating from K¹² (R) virtual schools have been accepted to hundreds of higher education institutions including many of the nation’s top-ranked colleges and universities. K¹² is accredited through AdvancED, the world’s largest education community. More information about K¹²’s solutions for schools and districts can be found at www.k12.com/educators.

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La iniciativa tiene como objetivo romper la barrera del idioma para ayudar a los padres cuyo primer idioma es el español a involucrarse más en los planes universitarios de sus hijos

Nota para los Redactores: Kaplan es una subsidiaria de The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

Nueva York, NY (8 de noviembre de 2011) – En el marco de los esfuerzos continuados de Kaplan Test Prep para hacer que la mayor cantidad de estudiantes y padres tengan acceso a información sobre cómo prepararse para los  exámenes de ingreso y sobre el proceso de solicitud a la universidad, la compañía presenta una serie de eventos virtuales en español para ayudar a padres de origen hispánico a involucrarse en los planes de sus hijos para entrar a la universidad. Además, Kaplan inauguró recientemente una página web en español, kaptest.com/espanol, que en el futuro incluirá recursos gratuitos para padres y estudiantes sobre preparación para el SAT, ACT y PSAT, un calendario para planificar las solicitudes a las universidades y muchos recursos más.

Los seminarios inaugurales en español de Kaplan Test Prep sobre el ingreso a la universidad para padres incluyen:

• Ayudar su hijo con el proceso de solicitud a la universidad, el martes 15 de noviembre a las 9:00 PM EST: Este evento virtual e interactivo dura una hora y resumirá información sobre cómo los padres pueden colaborar con sus hijos en el proceso de solicitud a la universidad.   Entre otros consejos: se sugiere que los padres dejen que los hijos sean quienes guíen el proceso.
• Pagando por la universidad: asegurando asistencia financiera, el miércoles 30 de noviembre a las 9:00 PM EST: Hoy en día, no es posible pensar en asistir a la universidad sin pensar en cómo cubrir los gastos. Este evento virtual y interactivo, que dura una hora, se encargará de que los padres conozcan la FAFSA y resumirá los diferentes tipos de asistencia financiera.

Aquellos padres que se registren en www.kaptest.com/espanol también recibirán enlaces para grabaciones de los eventos y descuentos en una variedad de cursos completos de Kaplan, incluidos SAT®, ACT® o PSAT® Complete y On Demand.

“A pesar de que Kaplan Test Prep ha mantenido una relación fuerte con la comunidad hispánica a través de nuestras asociaciones con distritos escolares, grupos comunitarios y organizaciones de apoyo como La Asociación Hispana de Universidades (HACU), esta última extensión a padres hispanohablantes será especialmente beneficiosa para padres cuyos hijos no sólo son estadounidenses de primera generación, sino también la primera generación de aspirantes a la universidad,” dijo Justin Serrano, presidente de K-12 y college prep, Kaplan Test Prep.  “Los padres informados pueden ser los promotores educativos más eficientes para un candidato universitario.  Estos dos eventos virtuales gratuitos, donde los padres pueden hacer preguntas y compartir sus experiencias con otros padres, ofrecerán a los asistentes los fundamentos necesarios para convertirse en participantes constructivos y más activos en el proceso de solicitud a la universidad.”

Según un estudio publicado por el Pew Hispanic Center en agosto de 2011, en este momento hay 1.8 millones de hispanos registrados en universidades en los Estados Unidos—un aumento del 24% con respecto al año pasado.  Como resultado, hoy en día los jóvenes hispanos son la minoría mas importante en los campus universitarios en el país.

Serrano añade que en los próximos meses habrá más eventos virtuales en vivo en español para padres, en los que se usará la tecnología de Classroom Anywhere™ de Kaplan.  “Estos eventos inaugurales y la página web son parte de nuestro compromiso a largo plazo para crear mejor acceso a más oportunidades educativas para estudiantes hispanos.  Esperamos que tantos padres como sea posible participen en esta conversación critica sobre el futuro de sus hijos.”

Sobre Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com), una división de Kaplan, Inc., es un destacado proveedor de servicios educativos y profesionales para individuos, escuelas y negocios. Establecido en 1938, Kaplan es el líder global en la industria de la preparación para exámenes oficiales. Con un extenso menú de opciones virtuales y una selección completa de libros, Kaplan ofrece preparación para más de 90 exámenes estandarizados, incluidos los exámenes de ingreso a la escuela secundaria, la universidad, los estudios de postgrado, además de los exámenes para licencias profesionales.  Kaplan también ofrece clases particulares y servicios de consulta para solicitudes a estudios graduados.

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Initiative Aims to Break the Language Barrier to Help Parents Whose First Language is Spanish Become More Involved in Children’s College Plans 

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (November 7, 2011) – Reflecting Kaplan Test Prep’s continuing efforts to make test prep and admissions information available to as many students and parents as possible, the company is launching a series of live, online events in Spanish to help Hispanic parents become stronger partners in their children’s college planning.  Additionally, Kaplan recently launched a Spanish-language webpage, www.kaptest.com/espanol, which will come to include free parent and student resources on everything from SAT, ACT and PSAT prep to a college admissions planning timeline.

Kaplan Test Prep’s inaugural college admissions seminars for parents en español includes:

• Ayudar su Hijo con el Proceso de Solicitud a la Universidad (How to Help Your Child Get into College,) Tuesday, November 15, 9:00 PM EST: The one hour, live interactive seminar will share information with parents on how to be active, constructive partners in the college admissions process.  Among the pieces of advice: parents should let their child drive the process.
• Pagando por la Universidad: Asegurando Asistencia Financiera (Paying for College: A Guide to Getting Financial Aid,) Wednesday, November 30, 9:00 PM EST: You can’t think about going to college today without thinking about how to pay for it.  The 60-minute live, online event will introduce parents to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid,) which is the largest source of financial aid, and explain how the scholarship process works.

Parents who register at www.kaptest.com/espanol will also receive links to videos of the seminars post-events and discounts on a variety of Kaplan’s comprehensive and On Demand SAT®, ACT ® and PSAT® courses.

“While Kaplan Test Prep has long maintained a strong relationship with the Hispanic community through our partnerships with school districts, community groups and advocacy organizations like the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU,) this latest outreach to Spanish-speaking parents will be especially helpful for those whose children may not only be first generation Americans, but also first generation college applicants,” said Justin Serrano, president of K-12 and  college prep, Kaplan Test Prep.  “Informed parents can be a college applicant’s most effective educational advocates.  These two live, online workshops, where parents can ask questions and share experiences with one another, will provide attendees with the fundamentals necessary to become constructive, more active participants in the college admissions process.”

According to a study released by the Pew Hispanic Center in August 2011, there are currently 1.8 million Hispanics enrolled in colleges across the United States – a 24% jump from the previous year.   As a result of this increase, young Hispanics are now the largest minority on the nation’s college campuses.

Serrano adds that parents can expect more Spanish-language live, online events using Kaplan’s Classroom Anywhere technology in the months ahead.  “These launch events and website are part of our long-term commitment to widen the door of educational opportunity for Hispanic students.  We hope that as many parents as possible will be a part of this critically important conversation about their children’s futures.”

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.   Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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41% of Law School Admissions Officers Google Applicants – compared to 20%
of College Admissions Officers and 27% of Business School Admissions Officers

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (October 24, 2011) – According to Kaplan Test Prep’s 2011 surveys of admissions officers at the top law schools, business schools and colleges across the U.S., those responsible for helping to produce tomorrow’s lawyers are by far the most likely to check out their prospective students’ digital trails.  According to Kaplan’s data*, 41% of law school admissions officers said they have Googled an applicant to learn more about them, while 37% have checked out an applicant on Facebook or other social networking site.  This compares with 20% of college admissions officers and 27% of business school admissions officers who have Googled an applicant.  For these populations, less than a quarter (24% of college admissions officers and 22% of business school admissions officers) have visited an applicant’s Facebook page.

Additionally, not only do law schools have the highest prevalence of admissions officers checking applicants’ digital trails, but also the highest prevalence of discovery of content damaging to applicants.  Nearly a third of admissions officers who researched an applicant online – 32% – said they discovered something that negatively impacted an applicant’s admissions chances.   In comparison, only 12% of college admission officers and 14% of business school admissions officers found something online that negatively impacted an applicant’s admissions chances.

“These findings make sense in context with what we consistently hear from law school admissions officers, which is that while admissions is based on high LSAT scores, strong GPAs and compelling personal statements, an overarching theme to the entire application is whether an applicant is able to exercise good judgment,”  said Jeff Thomas, director of pre-law programs, Kaplan Test Prep.  “Clearly, an applicant’s digital trail can be an indicator of whether or not he or she possesses this quality.”

Thomas notes, “Despite jokes and negative stereotyping of lawyers, the reality is that the legal community takes ethics among its members very seriously.  You not only have to be accepted to a state bar to practice law, but once you are admitted, unethical behavior can lead to your disbarment, stripping you of your ability to practice.  Not many other professions have that kind of enforceable code of conduct, so it’s natural that law schools screen more stringently and more often.”

In a separate survey of 869 Kaplan Test Prep students who took the October LSAT, 77% objected to having their online personae included as part of the admissions process (although only 15% said that there is something in their personal digital footprint that might negatively affect their application.)  Interestingly, the same percentage – 77% – also said that as future lawyers they should be held to a higher ethical standard than other professionals.

Other survey results from Kaplan Test Prep’s 2011 survey of law school admissions officers:

• No in-state Admissions Advantage:  85% of admissions officers said that applicants who reside in the state where their law school is located have no advantage over non-resident applicants.
• Financial Aid: 30% said that the level of financial aid for students increased over the previous year; 10% said the amount has increased; 44% said the amount stayed the same.
• Class Size: 38% report they decreased the size of its incoming 2011 class over the previous year. 8% said they increased it; 51% say they left it the same.

For more information about Kaplan Test Prep’s survey on the law school admissions landscape, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.

*The survey was conducted by phone in July and August 2011 and included responses from 128 of the nation’s 200 American Bar Association-accredited law schools.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.   Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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