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LSATMax vs Blueprint LSAT
Our detailed, side-by-side comparison of the LSAT prep courses from Blueprint and LSATMax
LSATMax and Blueprint are similar in a lot of ways, including comparable price points, prep books, and lesson plans – but they also possess significant differences if you know where to look. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we cover how these two LSAT prep courses stack up, what types of learners would be best served by each, and which one our experts pick as the overall winner.
To help frame this side-by-side comparison, we’ve broken down our thoughts based on where we think each company wins in terms of LSAT study materials and features. Below is our full analysis of how these LSAT prep packages stack up across the major categories, starting with where Blueprint wins first.
Video Lessons
This is a category where Blueprint absolutely crushes it. Their video-based lessons are by far and away the best in LSAT prep. They’re engaging, dynamic, and packed with awesome visuals like cartoons and diagrams.
This is honestly what Blueprint is best known for. They’ve clearly sunk a ton of money into producing the highest quality videos in LSAT prep.
Blueprint provides the best video lessons in LSAT prep
On the flip side, LSATMax takes a different tact with their video instruction. They utilize a slideshow-style approach where the instructor voices their lesson aloud while drawing notes on a slide onscreen in various colors of ink.
LSATMax’s videos aren’t bad and the content is definitely there, but they don’t come anywhere close to touching Blueprint.
Live LSAT Classes
This is a pretty open and shut case for Blueprint (pardon the legal pun). And that’s because LSATMax simply doesn’t provide live classes – online or in-person.
This is in opposition to Blueprint, who offers some of the better live classes we’ve taken. Princeton Review’s live classes might be a touch better (we love their instructors), but Blueprint’s are definitely right up there.
Their instructors are solid and the class lesson plans are effective. So if you’re the type of student that needs the accountability and commitment that comes with a regular class schedule, or just wants a deeper learning experience in a live setting where you can ask questions, go Blueprint.
Overall Curriculum & Course Structure
Not only does Blueprint’s LSAT curriculum get the edge over LSATMax, but likely against all other competitors too. The content and structure of their coursework is truly first-rate.
Blueprint’s prep material is smartly bundled into digestible learning modules, which build from the foundational concepts up to the most complex topics.
We loved Blueprint’s bite-sized learning modules
In addition, the instruction is top-notch, with well-explained lessons and actionable strategies.
Now, this isn’t to imply we don’t like LSATMax’s curriculum. We actually like it a lot – finding it to be a close second to Blueprint in the LSAT prep space as a whole.
But the comprehensiveness and intelligent organization of Blueprint’s study plan is simply too good.
LSAT Prep Books
This is a pretty tight category to call, but ultimately our team gives the nod to Blueprint when it comes to LSAT prep books. Both companies ship you a set of hard copy, printed textbooks when you sign up, and they both do roughly the same thing.
Both sets of books track with and supplement the online lessons (and live classes in Blueprint’s case), as well as provide separate assigned reading and practice problems.
It is a little odd to me that LSATMax, who bills itself as an ultra-modern, mobile/digital first test prep company uses old school LSAT textbooks like these, but nonetheless, they’re pretty dang good.
But in the end, Blueprint’s get the slight edge with their thorough and thoughtful approach. They’re detailed, well-written and we like the key point callouts.
Both LSATMax and Blueprint each provide money back score increase promises – meaning if you don’t get a higher score on the LSAT after using either prep course, you get your cash back.
However, Blueprint also offers a 170+ Course, which as you might guess, guarantees you a score of at least 170 on the LSAT. Therefore, if you’re goal is an elite score on the LSAT and admission to a top tier law school, then Blueprint technically takes this category.
Now that you know the areas in which Blueprint beats LSATMax, let’s turn the tables and cover the main advantages of using LSATMax for your LSAT prep needs.
Practice Questions & Problem Explanations
Just to set the stage for this breakdown, every LSAT prep company uses the same practice material. They all license their questions and tests from LSAC, the makers of the exam. That way you get to practice on real, official LSAT material.
Honestly, for the $99 cost, LSAT prep companies would be crazy not to do this. This means Blueprint and LSATMax are on an even playing field when it comes to the quality of their practice material, and it is the problem explanations that make all the difference. And in our team’s collective opinion, LSATMax edges out Blueprint.
LSATMax’s practice problem explanations get the edge
To be clear, we like Blueprint’s problem explanations, but almost felt they were TOO detailed at times. Between the frequent video breakdowns and thorough text explanations, sometimes we got bogged down in too much detail when working problems.
By comparison, LSATMax’s explanations are about perfect. They strike a nice combination of detail and conciseness, and we loved their plain English use of language.
LSATMax Is More Affordable
The topic of pricing is a difficult category to judge between these courses, mainly because it depends on the type of prep you’re looking for. If you’re looking for live classes, that obviously rules out LSATMax – and since Blueprint is the only game in town, they win.
But more likely, if you’re after an on demand, self-paced course, it depends. And that’s because each company offers a range of packages. Blueprint offers 3-month, 6-month and 12-month options, as well as a pay-as-you-go monthly subscription package for around $300/month.
On the other hand, LSATMax offers 60-day, 180-day and 365-day packages. The full retail prices of all these packages are fairly comparable, being in the $600 to $1,500 range; however, on average LSATMax is a smidge cheaper.
However, Blueprint counters this with more frequent and aggressive discounts and special promotions. So there are a lot of moving parts to judge here, but on the whole, we see LSATMax as a slightly more affordable LSAT prep option.
While our team was very high on the sleek and modern design of Blueprint’s course, LSATMax wins this category for one major reason: their mobile app.
To put it simply, LSATMax’s mobile app is awesome. In fact, as an aside here, the company actually started years ago as a standalone prep app.
Today, however, their digital program is accessible across any device, at any time, all in the same format.
LSATMax offers one of the cleanest and most intuitive digital platforms
This means you can trade off seamlessly between studying on your computer at home, on your phone on the way to class, and on your tablet while laying by the pool after school.
You get access to all of your content in one easy-to-use platform that we were crazy about. It’s modern and perfect for busy students on the go.
Though this is a tight race, our team ultimately dubs Blueprint the winner in this head-to-head battle of LSAT prep companies.
While we like LSATMax’s smart, modern approach to prep, thoughtful problem explanations, and reasonable price points, Blueprint just provides the better overall course from top to bottom.
It’s not a large disparity, but between Blueprint’s insanely good video lessons, rock solid curriculum structure, insightful prep books, and live classes (if you go that route), this course is just on another level. Our team absolutely loves the Blueprint course and think it should work well most any student, particularly those that learn visually.
FAQ
Which LSAT prep course is better, Blueprint or LSATMax?
After a thorough review of each course and side-by-side breakdown, our team believes Blueprint offers a better LSAT prep course than LSATMax – though not by much.
Do LSATMax or Blueprint have score increase guarantees?
Both LSATMax and Blueprint each offer higher score guarantees. This means if you don’t get a better score after using their course, you get your money back.
Which LSAT prep is cheaper, LSATMax or Blueprint?
Both companies offer prep packages ranging widely in price and access period. While LSATMax offers slightly cheaper rates, Blueprint combats this with more frequent and steeper discounts.
