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Monday, April 21st
As a test prep giant, Kaplan sells preparatory courses and materials for every academic placement test out there, the LSAT included. Size does not always equate to quality. So, how do Kaplan's LSAT offerings stack up to others in the market?
Expansive LSAT offerings
Kaplan offers four primary LSAT prep plans.
More expensive than competitors
While Kaplan offers a wide variety of plans, they are uniformly expensive. When broken down monthly, their "live-online” option is approximately $110 per month more expensive than our top pick. That being said, their one-on-one tutoring services are slightly less expensive than our highest-ranked LSAT test prep service.
Refund if you score below your baseline
While Kaplan undoubtedly offers a robust study plan, keep in mind that if you are looking at Kaplan's base independent study and online-class plans, you are likely to find a comparable product for much cheaper. Even though Kaplan's "Higher Score Guarantee” allows you to receive a refund or a "free reactivation” of your account if you didn't score higher than your baseline, they are still much more expensive than competitors on all metrics except private tutoring.
High reviews, bad reputation
Kaplan has very high reviews on review sites that are known to accept subscriptions from businesses to strategically hide poor reviews. They are, however, infamous on messaging boards dedicated to LSAT prep. From what we could find, common complaints often cite the poor quality of Kaplan's base study materials (with counterintuitive study advice for the LSAT), and highly variable quality of teachers and online tutors. Overall, participants critique Kaplan's prices for a product that was not guaranteed to be high quality.
Best for tutoring, overpriced on the rest
If you are looking for reasonably priced in-person or private tutors, Kaplan would likely be a good choice for you. However, as the price of Kaplan's base and classroom plans are significantly more expensive than competitors, and testimony from LSAT study boards as to Kaplan's quality is decidedly mixed, we recommend that if you are looking for an independent or affordable online course, you look elsewhere than Kaplan.
Online LSAT test prep courses have gained immense popularity among aspiring law school students, and for good reason. These courses offer a wide range of benefits that can significantly enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
One of the most notable benefits of online LSAT test prep courses is the flexibility they offer. Unlike traditional in-person classes, online courses allow you to study at your own pace and on your own schedule. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have to juggle multiple responsibilities such as work, family, or other commitments. With online courses, you can access the study materials and lectures whenever and wherever it is convenient for you, making it easier to fit LSAT preparation into your busy life.
Another advantage of online LSAT test prep courses is the access to high-quality study materials and resources. These courses are typically developed by experienced LSAT instructors and educational experts who have a deep understanding of the LSAT test format and content. As a result, online courses often provide comprehensive study guides, practice questions, and mock exams that closely mirror the actual LSAT. This abundance of resources allows you to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the test structure, question types, and timing, which enables you to develop effective strategies to tackle each section of the LSAT.
Online LSAT test prep courses often incorporate interactive learning elements. These can include video lectures, live webinars, discussion forums, and interactive quizzes that engage you actively in the learning process. These interactive features can enhance your understanding of the material and promote better retention of key concepts. Additionally, many online courses offer personalized feedback and performance tracking, enabling you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and focus your efforts on areas that require improvement. This individualized approach to learning can be highly effective in maximizing your LSAT score.
The best LSAT test prep course for you is going to depend on what you're looking for. Whether it's independent test-prep, heavily structured classes, or one-on-one tutoring, the options are certainly diverse, and can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, test-prep companies will capitalize on the high stakes and high pressure of the LSAT to push you into a pricey purchase, which certainly doesn't help your stress level when facing the LSAT.
While the LSAT is critical, and can determine the fate of your applications to prestigious law schools, do not let that rush you into a purchase or otherwise cloud your judgment. Before you start your LSAT prep service search, here are some things to keep in mind:
Unfortunately, there are hordes of companies that dangle LSAT success behind horrendously expensive services. That's where we come in. Here at Top Consumer Reviews, we've done the research for you. While the LSAT process is a pain, our curated list of the best (and the rest) of test prep services will help you decide which one suits your needs and your budget.
Select any 2 LSAT Test Prep Courses to compare them head to head