LSAT Instructor Jobs... Forum

[polevaulter]

Hello all and here is my story...

This is my first time posting and I'm scheduled to take the June LSAT. Right now my diagnostic is a 165 and I have around 15 weeks till my actual exam. I bought Powerscore books (the LR and LG Bibles) and I also purchased a ton of old LSAT's to practice with. I am an older student and I will be 34 when I enter law school (Fall of 2012).

Right now I am working a crappy job at a non-profit and making hardly any money--It's one of those jobs that looks "good" on a resume and thats about it...I'm literally just floating month-to-month. I only plan on continuing to work there until I get my June LSAT score back...with hopes to get a job with a test prep company pay off some of my debt (before I plan to enter law school in 2012).

I'm in credit card debt (please don't judge me on that). I owe around $10K on my cards and I figure I can pay that off before school starts. What are my chances of getting a decent paying job with a prep company and to pay these bills off? I plan on working real hard these next 15 weeks in order to push my score over 170+.

Any advice you could give me would give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. I just feel very stuck right now with my bills and need to do something to get myself out of this horrible mess.

P.S. I some previous teaching experience from my past...if that helps at all with the prep companies.

[pupshaw]

My purely anecdotal understanding is that you generally need 173+ to get jobs with prep companies.

[BrianOz1]

Some jobs require scores as low as 90% percentile. FWIW I recently was hired with a 170.

[jeremysen]

Testmasters, Blueprint, Manhattan LSAT, Powerscore, Kaplan, Princeton Review

Kaplan & Princeton Review have the lowest score requirements so if you don't get 172 (99%), then recruit there first.


GL

[polevaulter]

Brian Oz and Cereal Dan...

If you don't mind me asking, how much money did they offer you? Thank you again

[Verity]

Most reputable test prep companies want 99th percentile (172+), and that's no easy task. If I were you, I'd think about finding a different sort of job in the meantime. If your test comes back at least 170, then you might consider it again.

[polevaulter]

Jeremy,

Let's say I get over 172 (crossing my fingers)...what kind of money can I make with the others?

[polevaulter]

Most reputable test prep companies want 99th percentile (172+), and that's no easy task. If I were you, I'd think about finding a different sort of job in the meantime. If your test comes back at least 170, then you might consider it again.

I have tried to find other work elsewhere and I'm having a very difficult time--especially with the economy --as is everybody else out there. I have also considered doing retail management jobs, but I am very limited in what I can do because of a serious back injury (that required surgery)...and you know most retail jobs involve manual labor--even for their managers.

[jeremysen]

Manhattan LSAT (100/hr) - requires prior teaching exp

Testmasters (50/hr)

Blueprint (60/hr)

Powerscore (25/hr) - prep time paid

Princeton Review (15/hr) - though it's likely higher pay for their hyperlearning class

Kaplan (20-30/hr)



Keep in mind these are all starting salaries (with the exception of Manhattan), and there is some leeway (Location, additional tutoring pay, pay raise, etc.)

Info is available on websites (except PR & Kaplan, and Manhattan's is mentioned in their blog)


Im not an instructor, but I hear it's like..2 rounds of interviews and some intense training.

[polevaulter]

Powerscore doesn't sound too bad...especially with them paying your prep time.

[jbriggs]

I've taught for 2 and am a current instructor, and one thing to keep in mind is that it isn't really as simple as instant money- those hourly dollar amounts are pretty good and your training should be paid in some way, but for their LSAT stuff you wouldn't have your score back until July and then you'd have to either teach where you attend LS or take a year off as they're not going to hire you for some short timespan. Then you need to get the hours, and you would be the newest LSAT instructor so it would figure that you'd be last in line for new tutoring (formally or informally) and classes are assigned in advance so their might be a lag before the first available class.

One idea not mentioned here re: Kaplan is they have the low score requirement so you could do that and then score-qualify to teach SAT, GRE, GMAT, whatevery you feel like. They allow their teachers to cross train, I know an MCAT instructor who took an old GMAT under Kaplan conditions, in a Kaplan facility, got the requisite 90th percentile then started teaching that- so you could get lots of hrs on lots (relative) of subjects if willing to try that approach.

Good luck on the test

[polevaulter]

I've taught for 2 and am a current instructor, and one thing to keep in mind is that it isn't really as simple as instant money- those hourly dollar amounts are pretty good and your training should be paid in some way, but for their LSAT stuff you wouldn't have your score back until July and then you'd have to either teach where you attend LS or take a year off as they're not going to hire you for some short timespan. Then you need to get the hours, and you would be the newest LSAT instructor so it would figure that you'd be last in line for new tutoring (formally or informally) and classes are assigned in advance so their might be a lag before the first available class.

One idea not mentioned here re: Kaplan is they have the low score requirement so you could do that and then score-qualify to teach SAT, GRE, GMAT, whatevery you feel like. They allow their teachers to cross train, I know an MCAT instructor who took an old GMAT under Kaplan conditions, in a Kaplan facility, got the requisite 90th percentile then started teaching that- so you could get lots of hrs on lots (relative) of subjects if willing to try that approach.

Good luck on the test

I was planning on getting my LSAT score back at the end of June and then applying to the test prep companies. If all works out, I plan on working for them a solid year before school starts...as I need money to pay off my CC Debts.

P.S. How many hours are you working and how much are you making at this? Thanks again.

[edgarfigaro]

I've taught for 2 and am a current instructor, and one thing to keep in mind is that it isn't really as simple as instant money- those hourly dollar amounts are pretty good and your training should be paid in some way, but for their LSAT stuff you wouldn't have your score back until July and then you'd have to either teach where you attend LS or take a year off as they're not going to hire you for some short timespan. Then you need to get the hours, and you would be the newest LSAT instructor so it would figure that you'd be last in line for new tutoring (formally or informally) and classes are assigned in advance so their might be a lag before the first available class.

One idea not mentioned here re: Kaplan is they have the low score requirement so you could do that and then score-qualify to teach SAT, GRE, GMAT, whatevery you feel like. They allow their teachers to cross train, I know an MCAT instructor who took an old GMAT under Kaplan conditions, in a Kaplan facility, got the requisite 90th percentile then started teaching that- so you could get lots of hrs on lots (relative) of subjects if willing to try that approach.

Good luck on the test

I was planning on getting my LSAT score back at the end of June and then applying to the test prep companies. If all works out, I plan on working for them a solid year before school starts...as I need money to pay off my CC Debts.

P.S. How many hours are you working and how much are you making at this? Thanks again.

Just so you know, I took the October test, applied with Kaplan the day I got my score, and am just now training. I'll be lucky to get 2 courses under my belt before law school. Don't look at it as the solution to your money woes, more like just an additional stream of revenue.

[polevaulter]

I've taught for 2 and am a current instructor, and one thing to keep in mind is that it isn't really as simple as instant money- those hourly dollar amounts are pretty good and your training should be paid in some way, but for their LSAT stuff you wouldn't have your score back until July and then you'd have to either teach where you attend LS or take a year off as they're not going to hire you for some short timespan. Then you need to get the hours, and you would be the newest LSAT instructor so it would figure that you'd be last in line for new tutoring (formally or informally) and classes are assigned in advance so their might be a lag before the first available class.

One idea not mentioned here re: Kaplan is they have the low score requirement so you could do that and then score-qualify to teach SAT, GRE, GMAT, whatevery you feel like. They allow their teachers to cross train, I know an MCAT instructor who took an old GMAT under Kaplan conditions, in a Kaplan facility, got the requisite 90th percentile then started teaching that- so you could get lots of hrs on lots (relative) of subjects if willing to try that approach.

Good luck on the test

I was planning on getting my LSAT score back at the end of June and then applying to the test prep companies. If all works out, I plan on working for them a solid year before school starts...as I need money to pay off my CC Debts.

P.S. How many hours are you working and how much are you making at this? Thanks again.

Just so you know, I took the October test, applied with Kaplan the day I got my score, and am just now training. I'll be lucky to get 2 courses under my belt before law school. Don't look at it as the solution to your money woes, more like just an additional stream of revenue.

That makes things sound even more depressing...I can't believe it took that long to start your training. Maybe I will just apply to the companies and in the meantime, I can try to freelance it and go out on my own.

[jbriggs]

Sorry for misunderstanding your timeline, I think it is definitely a good idea for the year, and while I'm sure you don't need any more motivation to do very well on the LSAT, the 99th percentile score will really open things up- if scoring in 165 range now that is doable (not easy, just possible). The above poster discussed Kaplan, which as I understand (no expert) is hurting in the LSAT realm- I know of multiple firsthand accounts of classes cancelled due to no registrants for Kaplan LSAT in my area (major metropolitan)- that is a major warning sign, though I'm only aware of that in my one region. Since it is not a big moneymaker for them their corporate emphasis is elsewhere, and it shows, to students, to teachers, and to their admin staff. Also, don't get too caught up in "will they pay for my prep time", it sounds great to hear that you'll get $10 an hr or whatever for out of class work but once you've taught once you don't need to use that/you'll look silly trying to continue billing bunches of those hrs. The two factors are, what are you paid an hr for teaching/tutoring, and how many hrs can you get. I teach/tutor around a 9-6 type of job-it helps that my boss is supportive, allowing me to leave at 1 last week to tutor for example. Tutoring seems to be a fairly steady flowing deal at the company I'm at though I've only been here a couple of months so not sure if its the norm. I would say that if you wanted to make more than $1,000 a month, you want to be at one of the companies that does not employ many teachers and pays well, so the ones that require that 99th percentile score.
Lastly, an FYI, the companies that I know of will have a non compete clause of some kind, I mention this because with 1 yr, you probably want to pick the right company the first time to avoid having to try to switch.

Hope this helps

[polevaulter]

Sorry for misunderstanding your timeline, I think it is definitely a good idea for the year, and while I'm sure you don't need any more motivation to do very well on the LSAT, the 99th percentile score will really open things up- if scoring in 165 range now that is doable (not easy, just possible). The above poster discussed Kaplan, which as I understand (no expert) is hurting in the LSAT realm- I know of multiple firsthand accounts of classes cancelled due to no registrants for Kaplan LSAT in my area (major metropolitan)- that is a major warning sign, though I'm only aware of that in my one region. Since it is not a big moneymaker for them their corporate emphasis is elsewhere, and it shows, to students, to teachers, and to their admin staff. Also, don't get too caught up in "will they pay for my prep time", it sounds great to hear that you'll get $10 an hr or whatever for out of class work but once you've taught once you don't need to use that/you'll look silly trying to continue billing bunches of those hrs. The two factors are, what are you paid an hr for teaching/tutoring, and how many hrs can you get. I teach/tutor around a 9-6 type of job-it helps that my boss is supportive, allowing me to leave at 1 last week to tutor for example. Tutoring seems to be a fairly steady flowing deal at the company I'm at though I've only been here a couple of months so not sure if its the norm. I would say that if you wanted to make more than $1,000 a month, you want to be at one of the companies that does not employ many teachers and pays well, so the ones that require that 99th percentile score.
Lastly, an FYI, the companies that I know of will have a non compete clause of some kind, I mention this because with 1 yr, you probably want to pick the right company the first time to avoid having to try to switch.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the reply..it did help. This gives me the motivation to shoot for the 99.9% percentile. PM me and let me know which company you work for (if you want to)...sounds like your company is a good one. Thank you again!

[suspicious android]

Don't put all your eggs in one basket, and don't count on getting hired. The LSAT's already high pressure enough just when dealing with law school admissions, but if you're also counting on it to get you a job that's a lot to handle. My boss says only about 20% of candidates get past the initial interview.

Anyway, it depends a lot on your market, company and timing. Some companies just won't be hiring this June in your market, if they've already got enough LSAT tutors. Others might be desperate. You might try getting a job with Kaplan right now if you can get close to a 170 on a preptest. They might hire you if your local branch is hurting for instructors, they don't always require instructors to take an actual LSAT. Now, they also may pay you less than half what other companies do, but since you won't be able to start with them until July at best, it might be worthwhile.

Also, unless you teach multiple tests (GRE, GMAT, etc.) for Kaplan or PR, you might have a tough time getting enough hours, depending on your market. Not many people get 30+ hours per week, at least not at first.

That being said, it can be a really, really great job.

[jeremysen]

Agree with suspicious android on recruiting for Kaplan first. If you are able to study and teach the LSAT, that's pretty good exercise, but only do this if you really think you can handle working & studying on your own time.

Oh and getting teaching experience is a plus when you later apply for the higher paying spots with other companies.

[polevaulter]

Don't put all your eggs in one basket, and don't count on getting hired. The LSAT's already high pressure enough just when dealing with law school admissions, but if you're also counting on it to get you a job that's a lot to handle. My boss says only about 20% of candidates get past the initial interview.

Anyway, it depends a lot on your market, company and timing. Some companies just won't be hiring this June in your market, if they've already got enough LSAT tutors. Others might be desperate. You might try getting a job with Kaplan right now if you can get close to a 170 on a preptest. They might hire you if your local branch is hurting for instructors, they don't always require instructors to take an actual LSAT. Now, they also may pay you less than half what other companies do, but since you won't be able to start with them until July at best, it might be worthwhile.

Also, unless you teach multiple tests (GRE, GMAT, etc.) for Kaplan or PR, you might have a tough time getting enough hours, depending on your market. Not many people get 30+ hours per week, at least not at first.

That being said, it can be a really, really great job.

Maybe I will just have to try and advertise on my own if things don't work out with a test company. I also doubt a company is going to hire me to teach GRE, MCAT or GMAT, etc. This is because I have never taken any of those other exams.

I am just really screwed b/c of the area where I live and there are no jobs...believe me I have tried. You can't get anything over $10/hr where I live and it most of the jobs are for flipping burgers or working a cash register. Nothing even remotely professional.

[polevaulter]

Agree with suspicious android on recruiting for Kaplan first. If you are able to study and teach the LSAT, that's pretty good exercise, but only do this if you really think you can handle working & studying on your own time.

Oh and getting teaching experience is a plus when you later apply for the higher paying spots with other companies.

I'll definitely give Kaplan a shot when the time comes. Even though I think their prep books and teach methods are horrible (I've flipped through them at Barnes & Noble). I also already have classroom teaching experience from several years ago--it wasn't for a prep company, but it was in a school system.

[bearsfan1]

Agree with suspicious android on recruiting for Kaplan first. If you are able to study and teach the LSAT, that's pretty good exercise, but only do this if you really think you can handle working & studying on your own time.

Oh and getting teaching experience is a plus when you later apply for the higher paying spots with other companies.

I'll definitely give Kaplan a shot when the time comes. Even though I think their prep books and teach methods are horrible (I've flipped through them at Barnes & Noble). I also already have classroom teaching experience from several years ago--it wasn't for a prep company, but it was in a school system.

That's like saying you want to be a soldier, but you're against ever going to war.

[polevaulter]

Not everyone likes the company that they work for (or how it might function)...but we all do need money to live and sometimes we have to do whatever it takes to pay the bills.

[BrianOz1]

Polevaulter- I am going to make $23/hour, $8.10 for prep time. Does anyone know how this paid prep time works? Do I just report my hours to them?

[suspicious android]

Polevaulter- I am going to make $23/hour, $8.10 for prep time. Does anyone know how this paid prep time works? Do I just report my hours to them?

Wouldn't your employer be the one to ask about this?

[BrianOz1]

Just signed the offer today. Was unaware that prep time was compensated. I have training this weekend. I'm sure I'll find out then, but if anyone has prior experience on how it generally works, I'd be curious to know.