Official List of LSAT Courses
I've contact the major LSAT prep companies to get more information about their courses. Most were extremely helpful, especially if the contact person was a redditor.
Some companies even gave us discounts! (Manhattan LSAT and the Princeton Review)
Choosing an LSAT course is a big decision, so I hope that this list is helpful.
Note that a course isn't necessary - self study is a very good option if you have the discipline. Likewise, it's hard to say which course is best. A lot depends the instructor.
Here are some good signs when choosing a course:
- The company focusses mainly on the LSAT.
- The instructor has good reviews
- The company has published strategy guides that have good reviews
- The company uses real LSAT questions both for homework and in class.
- The company only hires instructors who score in the 99th or 98th percentile.
- The company pays it's instructors high salaries (they get the best that way).
note: A high score doesn't guarantee the instructor is good. It's a necessary condition, not a sufficient condition. High instructor salaries are a good sign because they attract instructors who are good at the LSAT AND teaching.
If you've taken a class with any of these companies, you can help make this list better by leaving comments below.
###Big City vs. Rest Of The Country
If you live in a major city, you're in luck. All of these companies will offer courses. You should go with one of the companies that specializes in the LSAT.
If you're in a smaller center, your only options may be Princeton Review and Kaplan. Find out what you can about the instructor - they may still offer a good course.
In Canada? Check out the Canadian LSAT Course list. Most of the companies on this list are in Canada too, but only in the big cities.
###Companies that Specialize in the LSAT
Price: $1350 --> $1215 with Reddit Discount
Instructor Percentile: 99th
Instructor Salary: $100/hr
Live Classroom Hours: 36 + 12 hours of proctored exams
I've been impressed whenever I've contacted Manhattan, and I think they're a great option for LSAT prep. They even were nice enough to give Reddit a discount code!
I spoke with Cory at Manhattan LSAT, who gave me most of this info.
Hiring is extremely selective (I didn't get hired). 99th percentile score + excellent teaching skills. There's a downside to this high pay: classes are shorter than average, only 36 hours long.
But, class size is small (~10 in most areas), so you get more 1-on-1 time and active participation with the rest of the class.
Manhattan has a structured homework curriculum set up. Each class you'll be assigned between 8-10 and 25-32 hours, depending on whether you do the minimum or the extra homework.
So the trade-off is excellent teaching, small classes and structured homework vs. lower hours.
I think it's a good trade. Manhattan has the best GMAT courses in the industry, and they follow the same structure.
To add extra time, you also get live online review sessions, and twelve online tutoring sessions. Cory said most people don't take full advantage of this, as the homework keeps them so busy!
Use Reddit2012 for a $135 discount (10%).
###PowerScore
Price: $1295
Instructor Percentile: 99th
Instructor Salary: $25-50, higher in some markets
Live Classroom Hours: 64 + 16 hours of proctored exams
Powerscore is a very good option. They are similar to Testmasters. The founders of Powerscore and Testmasters used to be partners, but split apart.
You can get a good idea of their techniques by reading their guides to the LSAT, know as the "Bibles". E.g. The logical reasoning bible.
They hire only 99th percentile instructors, and pay them $25-$50 an hour.
However, I spoke with a powerscore hiring manager who said they pay higher rates in big city markets. They told me it's very hard to find instructors who are 1. 99th percentile 2. Able to teach, and so they are very focussed on retaining good instructors.
They have courses in more areas than most of the LSAT specialized companies. They also use plenty of written materials, which I feel is an advantage over Testmasters.
Powerscore has a few courses apart from the main course. Here's their full list of offerings.
###Testmasters
Price: $1450
Instructor Percentile: 98th
Instructor Salary: $30-$40
Live Classroom Hours: 68 + 12 hours of proctored exams
I used to work for Testmasters. They have a solid curriculum, and the instructors are all in the 98th percentile. They pay $40 an hour in most major cities, and $30 an hour elsewhere.
It's an oral culture, so if you want written materials, you won't get many. They use official questions, and explain them in class, but not much is written down.
###Blueprint LSAT
Price: $1299
Instructor Percentile: 98th
Instructor Salary: $100 per hour
Live Classroom Hours: 88 + 24 hours of proctored exams
Average Class Size 30-40
Blueprint teaches the LSAT exclusively, and pay 100$ an hour for permanent instructors. They require teachers to score above 170, which is 98th percentile.
For what it's worth, they have the best designed website of any LSAT company.
I spoke with Matt at Blueprint, and got a very good impression of the company. Like Powerscore, they are an offshoot of Testmasters, and like Powerscore, they also write more down than Testmasters.
Classes are usually 30-40 students, though sometimes as low as 10.
Blueprint also has an online video course for $800.
###Companies That Do Not Specialize In The LSAT
These companies teach many tests, and have lower standards. But you should still check out their local instructor; they may be excellent. These courses may be the only option in your area.
###Princeton Review
Price: $1449 --> 1349 with Reddit Discount (Hyperlearning Course)
Instructor Percentile: 98th
Instructor Salary: $25-$100/hr
Live Classroom Hours: 84 + 21 hours of proctored exams
Class Size 10-30 students
Discount Code: REDDITLSAT100 for live courses. REDDITLSAT50 for LSAT online (recorded video)
I spoke with Magna at Princeton Review (PR). She was a redditor, and gave me a really good overview. If there are no LSAT specialized courses in your area, I think Princeton Review is the best option.
PR even gave us a discount code for $100 off their courses! Use REDDITLSAT100.
This review is for "Hyperlearning", their main course. Some of their other courses are taught by instructors with lower percentiles and lower salaries. I would avoid those if you can.
PR only uses real materials in their classes, unlike in their published books. They have a full curriculum + 6 proctored exams.
You also get access to extra video lessons + drills online.
They have a flexible schedule. If another local class is running, you can sit in on it.
###Kaplan
Price:
Instructor Percentile:
Instructor Salary:
Live Classroom Hours:
Discount Code:
(Kaplan hasn't gotten back to me with information. So I'm leaving my original info up for now, and will complete this later)
Kaplan's course offerings are also confusing. They have three main courses, ranging from $550 to $1100. The $1100 course is equivalent to the courses above, it has 100 hours of class time.
The "LSAT Advanced" is an interesting option, as it is limited to those who score above 158 on the first try.
Price: $1100.
I couldn't find any salary information for Kaplan. According to this local ad, they only require a 90th percentile score.
Conclusion
There is no "best" LSAT class that everyone should take. So much depends on the instructor. The factors I named are indicators of instructor quality, but only on average. Do your homework, and check the reputation of local instructors.
Posted May 30, 2012, 3:11 AM UTC · edited