How Kaplan’s All Access License® Helped Turn Medical School Dreams into Reality

When Brett Simon talks about his path to medical school, his story isn’t defined by a single moment, it’s shaped by a series of experiences rooted in tenacity, curiosity, and a desire to serve others. From moving across continents as a teenager, to finding inspiration in a doctor who helped him feel at home in a new country, to balancing EMT work, schoolwork, and MCAT® prep, Brett’s journey reflects the reality many students with big dreams face today. Luckily for him, as a student at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Brett was able to take full advantage of Kaplan’s All Access License program, providing him with free access to high-quality MCAT prep resources.

Finding Belonging and a Calling

Brett was born in the United Kingdom, spent his childhood living in South Africa, and ultimately moved to Chicago with his parents and brother as a young teenager. The transition wasn’t easy. “I felt quite alienated and sort of not where I should be when I first moved,” Brett shared. An unlikely friend, one of the first people who made him feel comfortable in his new environment was his pediatrician, who, like Brett, had immigrated to the United States. “It wasn’t even about the medical aspect at this point,” Brett explained. “He was able to make me comfortable being a little bit different, but also taught me how I could integrate myself into the U.S. and have a great life here.”

That connection planted an early seed. As Brett progressed through school, he took a liking to biology and chemistry. When he later had the chance to shadow that same physician, his path became clear. “I was completely set that I would be a doctor one day,” recalled Brett. 

Influenced by mentors, he learned to think broadly about what a medical career could look like and to pursue what genuinely excites him. “Instead of just focusing on checking off boxes for your activities, do what you enjoy,” his pediatrician advised. That mindset still guides Brett today.

A Passion for Service

At UIC, Brett chose to major in general biology, minor in chemistry, and also pursue Spanish, driven by a love of languages and cultural connection. He has served as a teaching assistant for Spanish language-learning courses, tutored organic chemistry, completed research at the UIC College of Medicine, and spent the past year working as an EMT in Chicago. He’s also recently been hired by Kaplan as a part-time MCAT tutor. 

Combining his love of science and serving the community, one recent experience stands out as particularly formative. On his first day as an EMT, Brett was unexpectedly placed in a situation where he became the primary communicator for a psychiatric patient who spoke Spanish.

“For about a 40-minute ride, I was keeping him entertained and sort of grounded,” Brett recalled. “It was the first time I felt true responsibility with a patient, and the first time I realized how even just talking to someone can make a difference in their life.” Small moments like this confirmed not only that Brett wanted to become a physician, but also the kind of physician he hopes to be—one who is compassionate, communicative, and deeply human.

Question: Can you walk us through your experience using Kaplan’s All Access License for your MCAT prep?

The MCAT Barrier—and a Breakthrough

Like many pre-med students, Brett knew that MCAT prep would be one of the most expensive and intimidating steps in his journey. Because of that, he was already considering saving up to purchase a prep course on his own. Then, one day in March of 2025 an interesting email appeared in his inbox. It said that all Illinois public university students would receive free access to Kaplan test prep as part of a new initiative with ISAC called “Prepare for Illinois’ Future powered by Kaplan’s All Access License.”

“I remember seeing the email and almost not allowing myself to get happy,” Brett said. “I didn’t know if it fully included the MCAT.” When he realized it did, the magnitude of the opportunity set in. “Some part of me realized that I had saved almost $3,000. That was incredible.” Later that night, Brett and his pre-med peers excitedly discussed what this opportunity meant for them. For many, especially first-generation students and students from immigrant backgrounds, this kind of resource had previously felt out of reach. At UIC, where there is a large population of first-generation and underserved students, the impact was immediate and profound.

Question: You had an impressive 17 point increase, starting at 506 and achieving a 523 on the MCAT. Do you credit that to Kaplan’s prep course?

Making MCAT Progress, From 506 to 523

Brett began his MCAT journey with a diagnostic score of 506. After months of structured, self-paced study using the MCAT test prep course available through the All Access License program, he increased his score to a 523. That score helped solidify his competitiveness as a medical school applicant, but the story doesn’t end there. Today, Brett is also a part-time MCAT tutor for Kaplan. “I’ve kind of gone full circle,” he said. “I owe a great deal of my success to Kaplan, and now I get to help other students like Kaplan helped me.” For someone who has always been drawn to serving others, it’s a natural extension of his goals. 

For students who are dreaming big, but not sure how they’ll afford the next step, his journey is proof that access can be the difference between imagining a future and building one.

Open doors of opportunity for your students with Kaplan’s All Access License.