Kaplan vs Power Score Forum

[denislav12]

Hi,

I am new here, and I have a question. Which prep rpgram is better Power Score vs Kaplan?

Thank you

[Chadbertwick]

I am towards the end of my cycle now as I have taken my LSAT already and gotten most of my acceptances back, but I can certainly take a moment to empathize with anyone going through the difficult process of prepping for the LSAT. Personally I had an LSAT Prep horror story, which I won't delve into much detail here. However, through my research I found PowerScore to be better than Kaplan. I would recommend that you take Testmasters though, as I found it to be the best. Be careful that you take the course offered on Testmasters180.com not Testmasters.com. They are two different companies, and the latter is running a scam based on the success of the first!!! (I found that out the hard way) Good luck!

[utilitarianjac]

I would not spend any money on such programs. Buy a book with some old tests and do those. If you feel the need for someone to tell you how to take a test (as if you haven't learned in over 15 years of education), then buy an LSAT book. It's much cheaper and probably just as effective.

[aguyingeorgia]

I'd disagree with the above poster about a class not being useful.

In truth it all depends on you, but if you are the type of person who can benefit from some 1-on-1 instruction, a time commitment, practicing timed tests, and in general like the classroom experience....

Well then a class if for you. Powerscore and Testmasters are basically the same in my opinion.

Kaplan isn't worth the money to me.

Whether you take a course or not, make sure you get the new Powerscore bibles. They are a great starting point.

And, just a sidenote, any class won't make you a superstar. You are going to have to put in time outside of the class. A class can just be another helpful tool.

[Chadbertwick]

ditto to the Powerscore Bible comment!

[toast]

If you're set on taking a class, and these two are your options, then choose PowerScore. Kaplan is pretty dreadful, as I understand. I took a PowerScore class and didn't think it had much of an effect on my score, especially since I had already read the Bibles and worked through a lot of old tests, but if you really need help getting a strategy going, I can see how PowerScore would aid you.

Whatever you do, though, remember to do a lot of self-assessment, and work through as many old tests as you can.

[wtracing]

I took a Powerscore weekend course and wish I would have been able to take a full length course (not available within 4 hours of my location) had to drive to Dallas for the weekend course in fact. I thought the weekend course was mainly for those not grasping the simple concepts although I certainly did learn some good stuff during the weekend, plus its 16 hours of intense practice at any rate. I improved 6 points from 155-161. Was practice testing in the upper 160's so was pretty bummed about my final score but thats life. Roommate went from 160-172 using the same weekend course and intensely studied the LG bible and LR bibles from Powerscore. I studied them just about as hard, obviously not same results. I think it varies per person. I'd say we're roughly equivalent in intelligence.

The LSAT is a learnable test and your ability to improve banks on you learning the subtle things of this test. I am kind of a big picture guy and you really have to read carefully and look at details. If you're detail oriented already, that might help.

Long story short, I believe in test-prep. Ideally the test should maybe measure intelligence that cannot be learned, but since it does, you need to take advantage of that.

I hear great things about Testmasters too. I'd avoid Kaplan. Friend who got a 172 now teaches there, hates the methods (I do too after reading their books) Its just not effecient. Thats my two cents, sorry to ramble on so long.

[RATRATRAT]

[RATRATRAT]

[oomk]

power score logic games bible is the best 60 dollars i have ever spent. so worth the money. also i hear kaplan sucks. do not, whatever you do, do princeton review.

[RATRATRAT]

Well, you didn't hear that from me. Because I said it didn't.

And why not Princeton Review? Lots of times people offer explanations for things.

[mystfan1]

I don't know about Powerscore or Testmasters, but I took the four month long Kaplan class and my diagnostic was a 148 in February. In June on test day I scored a 164 so I think Kaplan was really worth the investment to me. I had a great instructor and tons of time to devote to it. So that's my two cents about it. Go Kaplan!

[jpin22]

with kaplan it seems hit or miss based on who the professor is, but from what i have gathered you should take powerscore or testmasters180.com not testmasters.com ... Im taking testmasters180 in april and that coupled with alot of self study should do the trick.

[aspiringlawyer]

I haven't even taken Powerscore, but I recommend it because Kaplan is HORRIBLE. You MIGHT get a decent instructor, but it's really a gamble. I thought the methods in Kaplan were NOT good at all...they teach REALLY slowly, seems like they target kids who are aiming for 150. Do NOT take Kaplan. Biggest waste of $1,000 ever.

[aguyingeorgia]

From the horse's mouth...

Kaplan tries, from what I have heard from people who work for them, to get a student into the 160-165 range. If a student is already scoring in the 160's, the goal is to get them in the 165-168 range.

I have no stats to back this up, but I would be willing to bet your life on the fact that Powerscore students have a much higher improvement (based on where they start) versus Kaplan. I would seriously bet your life on it.