Best Prep Company Forum

[pwnyc127]

This is my third time taking the LSAT, I'm aiming for 165+. First time around I used some BS company that was free, second time I used powerscore books and a powerscore tutor, this time I'm considering maybe using Steve Schwartz's lsat blog online or powerscore self study or manhattan prep self study. I don't want to do a traditional class, I'm open to on demand online courses, self prep books, or anything I can do on my own time. I'm good at RC and LR, LG needs work. Suggestions?

[bizzybone1313]

A lot of TLS'ers like to mix and match their LG methods. I use Manhattan + PS for all three sections. Manhattan does have a lot of good methods for LG, RC and especially LR. Their books are worth your time. The worst thing you can do is keep using the same methods from one company and expect different results.

[pwnyc127]

Looking specifically at companies for LG self study program now. I've already done powerscore, like their methods, however I need additional help.

[Pneumonia]

best LG self study is Pithypike's: drill by type.

[pwnyc127]

best LG self study is Pithypike's: drill by type.

Can't find that. Could you post the link?

[Clearly]

Velocity was great. 164->176. A LOT of self study and mixing books, manhattan for RC guide, velocity for games all day.

[Clearly]

Velocity was great. 164->176. A LOT of self study and mixing books, manhattan for RC guide, velocity for games all day.

I'd agree with this, my love for velocity is without equal, but if you read the LR Bible first the Velocity online lessons become a string of "Ohhhhhh" moments where shit you didnt understand before start to make sense.

Also for games, they are without equal. If you cant go -2 with Velocity, then you're probably never going to be good at games.

Yeah that was my worst section and velocity made it my best. Highly recommend.

[Pneumonia]

best LG self study is Pithypike's: drill by type.

Can't find that. Could you post the link?

It is currently the thread directly below this one in the "LSAT prep" forum. Lots of good stuff in that thread. Basically he recommends that you get a hold of all the games from PT 1-40, make three copies of each, and then go through them by type until you've mastered each type. I and other posters have found this method extremely beneficial. Wormfather is a pretty big apologist for Velocity, but from what I can tell his enthusiasm is at least somewhat warranted. Suffice to say that it's certainly possible to get to -0 using PS/Manhattan and drilling, but if that's not your cup of tea Velocity is pretty credited.

[Balthy]

Another vote here for Velocity. It's more advanced than other resources and sometimes doesn't explain things as thoroughly as possible, but I think it's exactly what most of us here on TLS want. Great price too.

[Dr. Dre]

This is my vote for Velocity.

The lower scores are after my PowerScore Course, the higher one is after Velocity.

Pretty impressive your 162 —> 170 in ~2 months

[NoodleyOne]

I prefer Manhattan for LR/RC, but my LG method was largely Powerscore with some tweaking. I didn't give Manhattan LG much of a go because I was crushing it during my retake, but I hear good things.

[pwnyc127]

To you guys that are advocating for Velocity...Are the books sufficient or go for the full course?

[mvonh001]

SO velocity over Blueprint?? Online vs. In person?

[Borg]

I thought Blueprint was excellent - materials are very good, and the instructors they hire are screened for personality and teaching ability so the classes aren't boring.

[mvonh001]

so which would you recommend for someone who wants to score above 170 and is currently pting at ~163

[Clearly]

What sections are hurting you?

[mvonh001]

LR and RC, but mainly LR (because there are 2 of them). I'm good with games usually -1 with the occasional -2 and -0


Also, to note, that velocity will be for June test date, while blueprint would have to be after June test date before October test date (Assuming i dont do a well for June as id like to for June)

[Clearly]

Honestly, I think blueprint is what you're looking for. LR isn't as easy to improve on as LG, and certainly doesn't have as many "aha!" moments, but it's very possible to pick up a lot of points there. I will say this, as a student who has been exactly where you are, it's a challenge to pick up those points from mid 160's to 170+, but it's very possible. Thats the point where the curve really starts to bite hard.

[Gamine]

Worm, I have to say that you're such an inspiration!!!!!

[FlanAl]

A lot of TLS'ers like to mix and match their LG methods. I use Manhattan + PS for all three sections. Manhattan does have a lot of good methods for LG, RC and especially LR. Their books are worth your time. The worst thing you can do is keep using the same methods from one company and expect different results.

this

[pwnyc127]

What is the gold standard when it comes to test explanations? I learn better by analyzing wrong answers, identifying weaknesses, and then studying that area. I've been watching the Velocity videos, but I'm not impressed (nothing I didn't already figure out on my own). Powerscore doesn't have explanations for the newer tests, which I am using to prep.

[Pneumonia]

@pwnyc127 the Manhattan forums are always good.

[LSAT Blog]

What is the gold standard when it comes to test explanations? I learn better by analyzing wrong answers, identifying weaknesses, and then studying that area. I've been watching the Velocity videos, but I'm not impressed (nothing I didn't already figure out on my own). Powerscore doesn't have explanations for the newer tests, which I am using to prep.

Have you tried watching my free Logic Games video explanations?

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/p/lsat-pre ... tml#videos


I also have low-cost written explanations for LG, LR, and RC here:

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/p/best-lsa ... logicgames

[pwnyc127]

What is the gold standard when it comes to test explanations? I learn better by analyzing wrong answers, identifying weaknesses, and then studying that area. I've been watching the Velocity videos, but I'm not impressed (nothing I didn't already figure out on my own). Powerscore doesn't have explanations for the newer tests, which I am using to prep.

Have you tried watching my free Logic Games video explanations?

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/p/lsat-pre ... tml#videos


I also have low-cost written explanations for LG, LR, and RC here:

http://lsatblog.blogspot.com/p/best-lsa ... logicgames

Yeah man your stuff is awesome for the most part. Sometimes I do things differently than you do to arrive at the same answer and my way makes more sense to me than the way you explain it though. Where's 65-68?

[Tekrul]

I can't help but endorse Stratus prep. Especially if you're in NYC and can take their live classes.

I used them and, being the type to go 110%, also used all the power score bibles. Stratus preps class was so far superior to the bibles in delivery, demonstration, and instruction. Worth every penny to have it taught to you by their instructors.

And while I did not have to take advantage of it, their free repeat will be extremely useful for repeat test takers.