Aiming for a spot in your dream law school? You’ll first need to succeed in the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which requires the right study materials.
In our Best LSAT Prep Courses article, we’ll guide you through five of the top options available to you, as well as explore the pros and cons of each to help you choose the course that aligns best with your needs.
Recommended: Interested in getting started? We recommend Kaplan’s LSAT preparation courses, which come with over 200 quizzes and practice tests, one-on-one tutoring, and interactive online lessons.
The 5 Best LSAT Prep Courses
In the table below, you’ll find a brief overview of the key features of each of the top LSAT prep courses.
Best LSAT Prep Courses | Top Features |
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Kaplan 4.8/5 | Best Overall Course
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The Princeton Review 4.4/5 | Best for Practice Material
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LSAT Max 4.1/5 |
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Khan Academy 3.8/5 |
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Magoosh 3.6/5 |
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1. Kaplan: Best Overall Course
When it comes to preparing for this challenging exam, Kaplan’s LSAT prep courses take our top spot. This established standardized test prep company offers a range of online courses for the LSAT that use a teaching framework suitable for students of all learning styles.
Kaplan offers these courses at a variety of different price points and even includes the option for up to 40 hours of private tutoring for those seeking a more structured approach.
Kaplan Pros
- Diverse Instruction Methods: Kaplan’s courses offer a number of resources that cater to all learning preferences — whether you prefer self-directed study or a more interactive and guided environment. This includes on-demand, in-person, and live online classes as well as access to nearly 200 hours of extra lessons and exercises through Kaplan’s LSAT Channel
- Best for Live Online Prep: Recognized for its excellent live online classes, Kaplan offers flexibility, high-quality instruction, and comprehensive support that’s accessible from any location. Its students also can choose to take up to 40 hours of additional one-on-one tutoring alongside the basic online classes if they need more tailored guidance
- Flexible Scheduling: Frequent class starting times and varied duration options allow students to pick schedules that fit their needs. You can attend classes once, twice, or three times a week on subscriptions that last either four, six, or 12 months — a great set of options for working professionals or busy students
- Proven Track Record: Kaplan has decades of experience in preparing students for the LSAT, consistently producing high-scoring test takers by using a blend of classic teaching methods and modern resources. Its 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot and many positive testimonials prove this still rings true today
Kaplan Cons
- Limited Flexibility in Subscription Length: Students must commit to a specific subscription duration up front, which may not suit those who’re uncertain about the amount of preparation time they’ll need
- Books Not Included: Despite its courses costing at least $799, Kaplan doesn’t include its LSAT Prep Plus book in its course subscriptions. That means students must make an additional purchase to access comprehensive prep materials
Final Overview
Overall, we believe Kaplan’s long history of providing tailored courses positions it as a leading choice for any candidate preparing for the LSAT.
While its offerings may pose challenges for students who prefer more flexible subscription options or who want access to more foundational material (e.g., the Kaplan LSAT Prep Plus book), Kaplan earned the top spot on this list due to its array of teaching methods, vast wealth of resources, and proven track record.
Recommended Course
Interested in getting started? We recommend Kaplan’s LSAT preparation courses, which come with more than 200 quizzes and practice tests, one-on-one tutoring, and interactive online lessons.
If you’d like more information, check out our Kaplan LSAT Review article.
2. The Princeton Review: Best for Practice Material
The Princeton Review is another highly regarded provider of LSAT prep courses, which earned it the number two spot in our list.
Its catalog of options cater to a diverse range of learning needs and goals — whether you decide to go for the highly acclaimed LSAT 165+ program or a more budget-friendly, self-paced course.
The Princeton Review Pros
- Comprehensive Resources: These courses provide a wealth of preparation materials, including 150 hours of recorded lectures and classes, more than 1,800 pages of LSAT study resources, and all previously released exam papers. Students can supplement their learning with individual tutoring sessions from LSAT experts
- Customized Study Plans: Each student receives a personalized study plan with the self-paced option, ensuring focused and efficient preparation for the exam. The Immersion 165+ course also offers an intensive experience with 145 hours of live teaching, which is ideal for students seeking a more guided approach to their preparation
- Guaranteed Score Improvement: Alongside the LSAT 165+ course, The Princeton Review includes a guarantee that students will obtain a score of 165 or higher
- Extensive Live Instruction: These courses offer up to 145 hours of live teaching, which students can sample before enrolling. Experienced instructors — top LSAT scorers themselves — lead most classes to ensure the classes are insightful, engaging, and personalized
- One-Year Access to PrepPlus: Regardless of the chosen course, students get a year of access to the LSAC’s official LSAT prep materials
The Princeton Review Cons
- High Price Tag: While comprehensive and reliable, The Princeton Review’s courses are some of the most expensive on our list with prices that range from $799 to $3,999
- You Need to Read the Fine Print: Score improvement guarantees for the highly intensive Immersion 165+ course only apply if you meet certain conditions, such as attending all scheduled classes, taking all required mock exams on time, and finishing all mandatory homework
Final Overview
The Princeton Review’s LSAT prep courses offer a reliable and successful curriculum, engaging video lessons, top-notch instructors, and a comprehensive set of study materials. However, these courses are relatively expensive and, despite their quality content, might not be as interactive as some other options in the market.
3. LSATMax
LSATMax’s courses made our list due to this provider’s extensive suite of resources and unique approach to teaching.
Featuring more than 400 hours of recorded lectures and 90 preparatory tests taught by instructors who achieved scores in the 99th percentile on their own exams, LSATMax’s three courses represent a good option when preparing for the LSAT.
LSATMax Pros
- Innovative Course Structure: LSATMax designed its courses with a highly effective and fresh approach to teaching LSAT material. In addition to providing four textbooks, 100 hours of video instruction, and analysis of your weaknesses, LSATMax also offers Instagram live feeds during office hours for interactive learning and immediate clarification of any doubts
- Exceptional Digital Platform: LSATMax’s digital platform offers an outstanding user experience, making learning both efficient and engaging. The accompanying mobile app also allows for offline studying, delivering unparalleled convenience by ensuring students have constant access to their study materials
- Flexible Subscription Options: To accommodate various budgets and schedules, LSATMax offers a range of packages that cost $249 to $995 and can last either 60 days, 180 days, or a year. This allows students to find a package that best suits their preparation needs
- Score-Improvement Guarantee: LSATMax is so confident in the effectiveness of its teaching approach that it offers a money-back guarantee with its courses. If your LSAT score doesn’t improve after completing an LSATMax course, you can receive a refund
LSATMax Cons
- No Live Classes: Unlike many of the other providers on this list, none of LSATMax’s three courses offer any live classes for students. This can be a significant drawback if you prefer a more structured, interactive learning environment with real-time feedback and the opportunity to engage directly with instructors and peers
- No LSAT Question Explanations: Despite its wealth of resources, you’ll find very few explanations of LSAT practice test questions in any of LSATMax’s courses outside of the Q&A sessions. This can make it quite challenging for some learners to grasp the nuances of complex LSAT problems or to fully understand the reasoning behind correct answers
Final Overview
LSATMax presents an innovative and digitally advanced approach to LSAT preparation with its effective course structure, engaging digital platform, flexible subscription options, and a generous score-improvement guarantee. However, the absence of live classes and limited explanations for practice LSAT questions could pose challenges for students who prefer interactive learning and detailed problem-solving guidance.
4. Khan Academy
With a mission to make education available to everyone online, Khan Academy offers a completely free LSAT preparation program it created in partnership with the LSAC — the creators of the LSAT.
It’s a great option for those on a tight budget, providing access to an extensive collection of authentic practice questions from actual exams, timed practice tests, instructional videos, and learning strategies and tips.
Khan Academy Pros
- Wide Range of Valuable Resources: Khan Academy offers a wide range of different LSAT preparation materials, including easy-to-understand video lessons and articles to cover LSAT fundamentals, timed practice tests to help build endurance and familiarity with the test format, and practice questions drawn directly from past LSATs to help you focus on your mistakes
- LSAC Partnership: Because Khan Academy developed its LSAT resources in collaboration with the LSAC, they’re high-quality, comprehensive, and actually reflective of what you’ll encounter during the LSAT
- No Cost Involved: These free prep courses are a huge plus for students on a tight budget. They also open up opportunities for a wider range of aspiring law students rather than just those who can afford the other fee-based courses on this list
- Personalized Study Plans: After students complete a diagnostic test to identify their strengths and weaknesses, Khan Academy provides them with a custom study schedule based on their results. This allows students to streamline their efforts by focusing specifically on the areas where they need the most improvement
Khan Academy Cons
- Lack of Personalized Instruction: You won’t have any access to tutors or live instruction with this free course — a potential drawback for students seeking more direct support
- Self-Service Approach: Unlike the other entries on this list, Khan Academy’s course doesn’t contain any scheduled classes or regular check-ins with an instructor. That means students will need self-motivation and discipline because this provider offers limited guidance and no structured support
Final Overview
Khan Academy’s LSAT prep course stands out as a valuable resource — especially for those on a tight budget. It offers a wide array of high-quality materials and personalized study plans in partnership with the LSAC.
However, this course’s effectiveness will hinge on the learner’s self-motivation and discipline because Khan Academy lacks personalized instruction and instead takes a general self-service approach.
5. Magoosh
In the last 10 years, Magoosh has established itself as a top choice for on-demand preparation for the LSAT and many other standardized tests.
Given the quality of its study resources, its user feedback, and its overall value, Magoosh’s LSAT courses earned the fifth spot on our list. This provider represents a solid option for students on a budget.
Magoosh Pros
- Comprehensive Prep Options: Magoosh caters to the diverse learning preferences of its students with two distinctive courses. Its Premium program is designed for students looking for a self-study approach while its Live + Premium course, which has 16 hours of live instruction, suits those seeking more direct support
- Quality Resources: With a Premium subscription, students get year-long access to a vast library of video lessons, more than 7,000 official LSAT questions, Logic Game explanations, and customized homework
- Improvement Guarantee: Magoosh backs its courses with a guarantee that all students will see at least a five-point increase in their LSAT score. If you’re not satisfied with its courses, you also can obtain a full refund within seven days of purchase
- Accessible Pricing: At an average price of less than $25 per month, Magoosh offers students some of the highest-quality LSAT study materials — including video lessons, practice questions, and tests — at one of the most affordable prices in the industry
Magoosh Cons
- No In-Person Tutoring: These courses lack options for face-to-face tutoring support, which can be a drawback for students who may benefit from direct interaction and personalized guidance. The lack of this option may affect learners who prefer a more hands-on approach or need individual attention to grasp complex LSAT concepts
- Limited Practice Questions: While Magoosh does offer a substantial number of practice questions, it falls short when compared to the larger question banks of most other LSAT prep providers on this list
Final Overview
Magoosh stands out as a versatile and affordable LSAT prep option by offering comprehensive self-study and live instruction courses tailored to different learning styles. With a wide range of quality resources, including a vast library of video lessons and thousands of official LSAT questions, it promises a notable score-improvement guarantee.
However, Magoosh’s lack of in-person tutoring and a relatively smaller pool of practice questions compared to other providers might limit its appeal for students seeking more personalized support or extensive practice material. Despite these drawbacks, Magoosh’s affordability and quality make it a strong contender in LSAT preparation.
Best LSAT Prep Courses FAQ
What LSAT prep course is the best?
The best LSAT course will vary for each individual. Popular choices include Kaplan for comprehensive resources and live options, Magoosh for affordable, flexible online learning, and Khan Academy for free, quality materials. For a more detailed look at our top recommendations, check out our Best LSAT Prep Courses article.
What is the best way to prepare for the LSAT?
The best way to approach LSAT prep typically involves a combination of studying official materials, practicing with real past exam questions, and taking practice tests. It’s also beneficial to follow a structured study plan and, if possible, seek guidance from a prep course or tutor.
Is it worth paying for a LSAT prep course?
Paying for a full LSAT prep course can be worthwhile if you need structured guidance, comprehensive materials, and practice tests. These LSAT prep programs often provide strategies and insights that self-study might miss. However, it’ll depend on your learning style and budget. Free resources like those from Khan Academy also can prove effective.
What is the average LSAT score without prep?
The average LSAT score without prep is typically far lower than those of test takers who complete some form of advance study. The median LSAT score is around 150, but, without prep, scores often fall below this. Prep courses and self-study are widely considered essential due to the difficult nature of the LSAT. For more information about this exam, see our What is the LSAT article.