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Thursday, March 20th
Not specializing in any one particular test, the Princeton Review is a well-known test-prep company with offerings in the GRE, the MCAT, the LSAT, and any other acronym you can think of. So, as a generalist test-prep company, how does the Princeton Review compare to competitors specifically on the LSAT?
Misleading, overwhelming website design
Right off the bat, we were displeased with the Princeton Review's overwhelming user interface. With hideously loud colors, a disgustingly busy user interface, a countdown timer for "$600 dollars off holiday sale”, and a disingenuous "pay $399 today” over every single button to purchase an online course (of which there are dozens), the Princeton Reviews' modus operandi appears to be that they bombard their customers with a gauntlet of annoying colors and "limited time” sales, thereby overwhelming them into a purchase.
Low cost self-paced prep, expensive (and intensive) classes
With that out of the way, their offerings are alright.
While The Princeton Review offers high-priced classes promising score improvements, their tutor/teacher LSAT requirements are actually lower than their less-pricey competitors (for example, several rivals only hire 99th percentile LSAT scorers for their classrooms and tutors).
Unscrupulously designed refund "guarantee”
The Princeton Review also has - quite frankly - disappointing refund practices. While they state that they have a "165+ guarantee”, if you do not complete every single module or piece of homework assigned by the Princeton Review and attend every class, then you do not qualify for a refund. In addition, you are not eligible for a refund unless you come to the course having previously scored at least a 158. Coupled with the fact that - according to user reviews on LSAT dedicated study forums - they flood their students with reams of unhelpful and at times outdated modules whose mere volume makes it difficult to complete, their "guarantee” has many requirements and may not be as guaranteed as it seems.
Mixed customer reviews
Customer testimony on Princeton Review is decidedly mixed: they have quite good general reviews on a major review site, and an "A-” from the Better Business Bureau, but simultaneously are infamous in LSAT dedicated study forums for their high prices, unhelpful/overwhelming course structure, and lower LSAT requirements for tutors and teachers.
An okay product, but there are better out there
While the Princeton Review may offer comprehensive class structures, their overwhelming site design and advertisements, their infamy on LSAT discussion boards, and their lower tutor requirements all suggest that you would be better served by their more reasonably-priced competitors. While not bad, the Princeton Review is outclassed across every metric by competitors on both price and quality. In short, we recommend a company that at the very least has fewer restrictions on their supposed guarantees.
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