Has anyone taken the Princeton Review LSAT prep course? if so, was it help full?

[JurisDad]

I definitely think there are systemic differences in LSAT prep methods, but most students won't understand those differences until they get somewhat deeper in the process, and by then they have already seen too much to easily "unlearn" it. That's why due diligence up front is essential. That way later on you will be comfortable with your prep choice, whatever it may be, even if you are having a bit of a struggle at times.

How does one best determine the difference between the actual techniques each of the prep companies teach (not just the "features"-- # of hours, cost, etc.)? Like you said, it seems one would have to actually go through the program to truly understand. Can someone provide a few key questions relating to technique/methodology to ask the prep company reps?

[LSAT Eliminator]

How does one best determine the difference between the actual techniques each of the prep companies teach (not just the "features"-- # of hours, cost, etc.)? Like you said, it seems one would have to actually go through the program to truly understand. Can someone provide a few key questions relating to technique/methodology to ask the prep company reps?

Ahhh, you could write a book about all the differences between courses. The fast method boils down to three different ways to determine: read any publications put out by the company in question; call the company and talk to their reps; or scour the boards for discussions by students about which methods worked for them and which company they liked best. Are any of those foolproof? No, although reading the publications put out is probably the most reliable.

The issue is a tough one, but after you look around, to some extent you have to go with the company you feel best about and who treats you the best during the process.

[Anne]

How does one best determine the difference between the actual techniques each of the prep companies teach (not just the "features"-- # of hours, cost, etc.)? Like you said, it seems one would have to actually go through the program to truly understand. Can someone provide a few key questions relating to technique/methodology to ask the prep company reps?

You can also ask and see if they have a sample class that you can either sit in or view. I know that there are companies out there that have recorded versions of their classes that you can view online, or that may let you sit in on a currently-ongoing class to see if you like the method of teaching. Like Eliminator said, nothing's foolproof, but try to get your hands on as much real teaching info as you can to make the best decision possible.

[John]

One difficulty is that for Kaplan and TPR the materials in class don't really represent the materials they publish; the big companies are much more concerned about you not taking their class if you know all their "secrets." On the other hand, the Powerscore class materials look pretty much just like the Powerscore Bibles, which is a good thing for LG. Ultimately I think you'd rather decide based on the quality of the teachers. See if you can nail down who would teach your class; if they won't give you this info (the big companies may not), move on down the road.

John
Next Step Test Prep

[EarlCat]

One difficulty is that for Kaplan and TPR the materials in class don't really represent the materials they publish; the big companies are much more concerned about you not taking their class if you know all their "secrets."

I don't think anyone is "hiding" their "secrets," because there aren't really any (and if there were, the cat's out of the bag).  One thing is that these companies make deals with publishers who, after the initial publication of a book, have a lot of control about what can be changed from year to year.  So what happens is the in-class stuff that the prep company controls is able to evolve, but the retail stuff, which the publisher controls, doesn't.  You end up with out-of-date stuff on the shelves.  In addition, the retail stuff is often written by different people than are developing the in-class stuff.  

The other issue is the sheer expense of producing (i.e. licensing) material for retail books.  Retail books tend to either use fake questions (which are cheaper in the long run), or they use a sparse number of real questions (which often isn't adequate to make all the teaching points that one would make in a class).  For classes, a lot of that $1000+ you pay goes to licensing the 5,000+ questions, which is just not feasible for retail sales.

Next Step Test Prep

Say that five times fast.

[EarlCat]

You can also ask and see if they have a sample class that you can either sit in or view.

This is great.  Or simply talk to the instructor--if you don't learn something new in 15 minutes, move on.  If the company won't let you do either of these things, they're hiding something.

[LSAT Eliminator]

This is great.  Or simply talk to the instructor--if you don't learn something new in 15 minutes, move on.  If the company won't let you do either of these things, they're hiding something.

I'll second this as well. If you really want to know if the company is on their toes, ask to speak to a teacher. If they hedge or tell you one is unavailable, ask to have one call you. If they refuse, run for the hills! Any company that won't let you talk to a teacher beforehand is sketchy. they should want you to talk to anyone who can help you make their decision if they really believe in their product.

[widespreadLSATpanic]

You can also ask and see if they have a sample class that you can either sit in or view. I know that there are companies out there that have recorded versions of their classes that you can view online, or that may let you sit in on a currently-ongoing class to see if you like the method of teaching. Like Eliminator said, nothing's foolproof, but try to get your hands on as much real teaching info as you can to make the best decision possible.

 
I didn't take Princeton Review, I took Powerscore, but one of the things that sold me on it was the free trial they have online. I think it's basically the first lesson, so you can get a taste of the style. They do a good job of breaking things down to simple, easy to understand pieces and show you the most efficient way to do things, not just how to do it. It was surprising to me how much of factor timing is on the test...35 mins. is not a lot of time!

[EarlCat]

I didn't take Princeton Review, I took Powerscore, but one of the things that sold me on it was the free trial they have online. I think it's basically the first lesson, so you can get a taste of the style. They do a good job of breaking things down to simple, easy to understand pieces and show you the most efficient way to do things, not just how to do it. It was surprising to me how much of factor timing is on the test...35 mins. is not a lot of time!

That's cool, but I still want to see the actual instructor in action.

[surreylsattutor]

Hi;

There is a caveat to multiple methods. Some test prep. programs teach you a very specific approach, and (noting I am a tutor) many of my clients who have these programs have difficulties breaking free from their specific method. The LSAT is also a test of flexibility, adaptation and creative thinking. I personally found Powerscore provided the most intuitive, common-sense based approach.

Check out my blog at http://shockalingam.blogspot.com/