What option to choose Forum

[Hat.trick]

I took one of Kaplans free proctored diagnostics without ever seeing an LSAT question and scored a 163. I got to meet the instructor who had a 99% approval rating, 5+ years of experience, scored in the 99th percentile, and seemed like a cool guy. however, after reading all the kaplan-bashing on TLS im not sure if i should take this course as opposed to another company or self study. I want to score 172+ and intend to do a shitload of practice tests and buy the bibles to supplement any course i take. what you you do?

[objection_your_honor]

That's a solid diagnostic. Self study to 172+.

[magickware]

163 on your first diagnostic?

Self-study and get PS Bibles and the MLSAT books. You have no need for classes. Just read the stickies at the top and make sure you're not starting blind on your studying.

[jk148706]

I took one of Kaplans free proctored diagnostics without ever seeing an LSAT question and scored a 163. I got to meet the instructor who had a 99% approval rating, 5+ years of experience, scored in the 99th percentile, and seemed like a cool guy. however, after reading all the kaplan-bashing on TLS im not sure if i should take this course as opposed to another company or self study. I want to score 172+ and intend to do a shitload of practice tests and buy the bibles to supplement any course i take. what you you do?

Is there a website that shows when/where these proctored exams are ??

[mvonh001]

What about a credited prep company? Like BP or MLSAT? Or Velocity online?

[Jeffort]

Is there a website that shows when/where these proctored exams are ??

For free proctored test offers you need to check with the companies in your area to see if any are offering one near where you are. Kaplan typically offers free proctored diagnostic tests in major market areas such as big major cities across the country several times a year. When and where varies by location, but over the last few years they have been offering one on the same day as the real test for some administrations. Manhattan has also offered free practice test events in the past in some cities, and so have other companies.

You really just need to call around or search the web. Calling around would probably be faster and easier than searching all over the web. Try Kaplan first since they offer them the most and in the most different locations, given that they are big and like to waste lots of $$ on excessive marketing since they have more $$ to blow than the smaller companies.

You can also look at schedules for prep courses offered in your area to find one that starts soon. The first day of pretty much every prep course is a proctored diagnostic. Some companies will let you sit in and take the diagnostic even if you are not enrolled, some will not. If you say you are thinking about enrolling in their class and want to sit in and take the test, they will probably let you stay and do it, but that depends on the company.

[Mr. Lahey]

Didn't read before voting. Self study IMO unless you're like me and rack disciprine.
I took the powerscore course and it was identical to the LR/LG bibles, just more material and instruction obviously.

[Dr. Dre]

Do self-study

Buy the Manhattan LSAT bundles

come back and thank Dr. Dre

[Micdiddy]

Definitely self studying and a healthy dose of TLS will improve your score dramatically. IF you have tons of money (a course will not hinder your score whatsoever, it just might not be worth the money) then take any of the big 4 (PS, MLSAT, TM, BP) and just know that you should study independently along with the class. NEVER take a class and assume "now I'm going to skate my way to a 180!" Classes are merely supplements, not substitutes, for rigorous self-studying.

[Archangel]

I took one of Kaplans free proctored diagnostics without ever seeing an LSAT question and scored a 163. I got to meet the instructor who had a 99% approval rating, 5+ years of experience, scored in the 99th percentile, and seemed like a cool guy. however, after reading all the kaplan-bashing on TLS im not sure if i should take this course as opposed to another company or self study. I want to score 172+ and intend to do a shitload of practice tests and buy the bibles to supplement any course i take. what you you do?

Is there a website that shows when/where these proctored exams are ??

http://www.kaptest.com/LSAT/LSAT-Prep/free-events.html

[Dr. Dre]

the big 4 (PS, MLSAT, TM, BP)

Actually it's the big 3 (PS, MLSAT, BP).

There's a reason people say TTTesTTTmasTTTers

Classes are merely supplements, not substitutes, for rigorous self-studying.

1 fucking 80!