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Thanks to a groundbreaking statewide initiative, SIUE students now have access to a powerful academic advantage including unlimited free Kaplan testing preparation.

Offered through the Prepare for Illinois’ Future Powered by Kaplan’s All Access License™ and administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), this program is designed to support students as they prepare for graduate school entrance exams, licensure, and credentialing.

Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, emphasized that through this benefit, these tools “help prepare students to take the next step in their career journey after graduation.”

With more than 40 courses available—including GRE®, LSAT®, MCAT®, GMAT®, NCLEX-RN®--students are equipped to succeed in competitive post-graduate pathways without the financial burden.

For SIUE student Janel Straub, the Kaplan offering has been a game-changer in her journey toward graduate school.

“I didn’t want to pay for study resources, so I decided to check it out.”

“What really stood out to me were the practice exams. They helped me understand what the actual GRE would be like, so I was less nervous on exam day,” she said. “I’ve seen an improvement in my score from the baseline test to the actual GRE.”

Beyond test performance, the Kaplan prep gave her peace of mind. “It increased my readiness and made me feel prepared. Plus, it was very easy to get started by just signing up with my SIUE email,” said Straub.

Her experience reflects the broader impact envisioned by Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, Associate Provost at SIUE, who described the initiative as a “game changer for our students, providing top-tier resources that empowers students to study smarter and perform with confidence.”

Ibroscheva added, “By expanding access to high-quality test preparation, the program also helps close equity gaps, ensuring that all students regardless of background would have the tools they need to succeed.”

Straub’s confidence was evident. When asked if she would recommend Kaplan to others, she said, “Absolutely. It’s free, it’s helpful, and it saves you money for grad school, which can be expensive. I’d tell other students the material helps you get a better score and prepares you for the exam.”

To achieve the kind of success Straub experienced, including improved scores, increased confidence, and greater exam readiness, students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Enrollment is easy and only requires an SIUE email address. Explore all available courses and get started today at go.kaplan.com/illinois.

PHOTO:  SIUE students study on campus