What to Consider When Choosing a LSAT Prep Course

Though some students choose to self-study for the LSAT, there are many benefits in taking a LSAT prep course.  But what is the difference between each course and the companies that offer them? Here are some of the major considerations you should think about when researching and deciding on the LSAT prep course:

1. Real LSAT Questions. Make sure the company you choose offers real LSAT questions.  Some companies will “create” their own questions to teach you the concepts, but a good LSAT Prep Company will provide the equivalent of  10 real practice LSAT exams to use throughout your course. The test questions may be provided in the LSAT test format (categorized by Logical Reasoning, Logic Games, and Reading Comprehension) or divided into the question types (such as Sufficient/Necessary Conditions).  Check the Prep Company’s website to make sure the materials used in the courses have licensed LSAT questions.
2. Timed Mock LSATs.  LSAT prep courses will provided a way for you to track your progress. The best way to do this, however, is through taking a fully-timed simulated LSAT test. Some courses will ask you to take the test as “homework” to discuss at the next class, but this decreases the accuracy of your progress if you do not take the LSAT under timed conditions.  Classes that have built-in multiple timed LSAT practice exams are the most accurate in tracking your improvement.
3. Live Course or Online Course.  Though online courses are convenient and less expensive, they also tend to be less effective than live courses.  In a live course, you have the ability to raise your hand and get an immediate response to your questions.  The nature of online courses makes it more likely that you will need to email you instructor after a session to get to the bottom of your confusion. Further, there is less one-on-one time with the instructor. Check the Test Prep Company’s website to figure out what type of class offering they have.
   
4. Instructor rating. Some test prep companies require only a 80th percentile score (160s) and others require 99th (170s).  Some instructors have not even taken the LSAT or attended law school!  Be aware of the different requirements and check the Test Prep Company’s website to ensure the Instructor has scored in the range you are hoping to achieve.
5. Student support. It is extremely important to see what resources are available beside the in-class sessions.  Does the Instructor have office hours after class?  Is a phone number provided, or just an email?  Some prep companies will also give you free access to supplemental materials with extended explanations if you are struggling in a certain area.

Other considerations are: class size, repeat policy, and student reviews (or a successful track record).

If you are still unsure if a LSAT prep course is for you, please stop by the Advising Office and check out our library of LSAT Prep Books.  Our library has a plethora of materials to familiarize you with the LSAT and help you decide if a prep course is right for you.

Prep Companies USC students have used in the past:
Blueprint:  www.blueprintprep.com
Kaplan:  www.kaptest.com
Princeton Review:  www.princetonreview.com/law/testprep
TestMasters:  www.testmasters.net
Get Prepped:  www.getprepped.com
PowerScore:  www.powerscore.com
ScoreItUp:  www.scoreitup.com
FoxLSAT: https://www.foxlsat.com/