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LSATMax vs Princeton Review LSAT
Our full, detail-packed comparison of the LSAT prep courses from Princeton Review and LSATMax
Given the importance of your LSAT score to your law school applications, students always fret about getting their LSAT prep choice right. And one of the most common decision points is whether to go with LSATMax or Princeton Review. LSATMax is the new age prep company with cutting edge tech and an efficient curriculum, while Princeton is that old school tried and true formula. So which one do you go with? We answer just that question in this side-by-side comparison.
To most effectively compare these two LSAT courses head-to-head, we’ve broken out our analysis based on the major categories we see each company winning. Let’s start with LSATMax.
Overall Curriculum & Coursework
This is somewhat of a tough decision for our team, as both companies provide pretty different approaches to LSAT prep, but ultimately, we prefer LSATMax’s curriculum to Princeton Review’s.
Obviously the proof is in the pudding when it comes to effectiveness for Princeton, as evidenced by their decades of student success stories, but LSATMax has crafted a more efficient and streamlined approach through their study plan.
Their coursework isn’t as heavy-handed and focuses on high-yield strategies and tactics, while Princeton’s curriculum is almost too comprehensive. When combined with a top-notch digital platform, the streamlined and efficient study plan from LSATMax is one of the best in the space.
Pricing & Course Options
This is somewhat of a difficult category to measure, as the two companies provide pretty different offerings.
For example, all of LSATMax’s course options are on demand and self-paced, whereas Princeton only offers one self-paced option.
The rest of Princeton’s packages boast live online class sessions and some premium score guarantees, making them more expensive. When comparing straight self-paced courses, the companies are about equal in terms of pricing.
The most popular LSATMax offerings range from around $600 to $900, while Princeton’s lone self-paced package falls right in the middle at around $800.
However, although the price points seem similar, we feel that the LSATMax packages just offer more. With Princeton, their self-paced course is their bottom rung, barebones package and they try to push you into their more premium packages.
This is comparison to LSATMax, who focuses on self-paced courses – because after all, that’s their bread and butter. As such, we just see LSATMax offering more bang for your buck at these comparable price points. Plus, LSATMax offers an hour of free tutoring with their packages.
LSAT Practice Problem Explanations
A lot of students trying to pick a prep course don’t know that every LSAT provider uses the same practice questions and materials. And that’s because LSAC, the makers of the exam, license previously used, official test questions to any company who wants to pay the licensing fee (or have their students pay for it).
As such, the quality of practice questions is the same across the board.
LSATMax’s practice material and answer solutions are some of the best in LSAT prep
The difference maker is the text explanations that accompany the problems, which each company must craft themselves.
And just being honest, this is the most important part anyway, as it’s where the real learning takes place. And in our team’s opinion, LSATMax provides the better answer solutions.
Their analysis is insightful and deep, and provides actionable takeaways. That’s not to say Princeton’s explanations are bad – we just don’t like them as much (same story with Kaplan).
Digital Platform & User Experience
Without a shadow of a doubt, LSATMax’s digital platform blows Princeton Review’s out of the water. But this shouldn’t be surprising, as this is one of LSATMax’s biggest selling points and marketing claims.
They focus a lot of their efforts on designing a digital interface that is clean, modern and meant to make studying across your devices seamless.
A look at the Princeton Review LSAT lesson plan
This is how they’re trying to change the old school LSAT prep game. And honestly, we’re all in on it. While Princeton Review’s interface is serviceable and what you would expect, LSATMax’s is next level.
It’s sleek, intuitive and you can sense they’ve really invested in it. And in my opinion at least, this is more than just aesthetics – it’s actually a value add, as it makes your studies more efficient.
Now that you have a good idea of what LSATMax brings to the table, let’s flip the script and talk about the reasons you may want to with Princeton Review to help you prepare for the LSAT exam.
Video Lessons
Both LSATMax and Princeton Review actually offer pretty similar video-based lessons. The format is the same with a digital whiteboard showing a problem or key concept, and the instructor verbalizing their lesson while making notes onscreen.
It’s a fairly basic approach to video lectures, but also effective and lends itself well to LSAT prep.
A look at LSATMax’s video lessons
However, despite the similarities in format and delivery, we actually prefer the Princeton Review video lessons. Not only is the overall picture quality and the graphics better, but we also like the more dynamic format (the Kaplan LSAT lessons are also pretty good).
Many of the video lessons will break to hit you with an interactive question or drill, before resuming the lesson on the topic at hand. Overall, we just found them to be more engaging and contain slightly better content.
Live LSAT Classes
This is a pretty easy category to dub a winner as Princeton Review provides live classes with a set schedule, while LSATMax does not. Many of you reading this may not care one bit, because you already know this about LSATMax and really only want a comparison of the self-paced courses.
But for those of you that are looking for more regular class sessions in a group setting to keep you accountable and committed in your LSAT prep, Princeton isn’t just your preferred choice here, it’s your only choice. I’d also just note that Princeton’s live classes are pretty good (Blueprint’s LSAT classes are excellent as well).
LSAT Prep Books
Although LSATMax provides some solid printed prep books (which as an aside, is surprising given their digital-first approach), Princeton Review’s books are simply too good.
If you’re a text-based learner, these are arguably some the best in LSAT prep.
A sample Princeton LSAT practice question
Not only are they filled with helpful and analytical content, but we loved the way they’re organized. They primarily track the online coursework and study plan, and also supplement the curriculum with assigned readings, extra practice work and cool callout boxes that highlight key points.
They are very useful and a great resource, particularly for those students that like having a physical study tool.
Score Increase Guarantees
To set the stage, both companies provide a higher score guarantee. In other words, get a higher score on the LSAT after taking their course, or get your money back.
Now, the one caveat here is that Princeton Review offers a course option called the LSAT 165+, which as its name implies, guarantees you a score of 165 or greater.
However, the thing that isn’t spelled out in the bold print is that you need a minimum starting score of at least 158 to get that 165 promise. You can’t start with a 152 on your diagnostic test and expect them to guarantee you a 165.
In that case, you’re only promised a +7 point score increase. Still a nice insurance policy, but it’s also pricey, as the 165+ course costs around $2,000. Due to those limitations and price point, we call this category a tie.
Verdict: LSATMax Or Princeton Review For LSAT Prep?
Overall Win: LSATMax. Though this is a close competition between two highly-rated LSAT prep courses, our team ultimately prefers LSATMax to Princeton Review – UNLESS you’re a student in need of the benefits of live class instruction.
In that case, we’d obviously recommend Princeton Review given their high quality and helpful live class sessions. But assuming you only desire a self-paced, on demand study program, LSATMax is the preferable option in our team’s opinion.
Their curriculum is more efficient and streamlined, while still being packed with actionable strategies and smart insights.
We do like Princeton Review’s video lessons and prep books, but LSATMax’s strong practice problem explanations, stellar digital platform, and high-impact lessons win the day. We just think they offer the better all-around LSAT course.
Which LSAT prep course is better, Princeton Review or LSATMax?
After thoroughly reviewing each LSAT prep course, our team prefers LSATMax to Princeton Review. Both courses rate out highly, but LSATMax just checks the box in more categories.
Will LSATMax or Princeton Review help me get a better LSAT score?
While we see LSATMax as the slightly more effective prep course, we do think both courses are useful and can help you achieve a higher score. Both companies offer a number of strengths.
Which LSAT prep is cheaper, Princeton Review or LSATMax?
On average, LSATMax’s prep courses are cheaper than Princeton Review’s offerings. That said, Princeton Review does run frequent, aggressive sales, so make sure to check for discounts.
