The Best LSAT Prep Options

Self Study:
(Watch this video to make sure this is really the option for you.)
WHO: The naturally brilliant standardized test taker and the self-disciplined student.
WHAT: Being responsible for choosing your own study materials, setting your own study schedule, and evaluating your own performance.
WHEN: Start at least 3-4 months ahead of the LSAT.
HOW: A schedule available from LSAT Blog: Ace The LSAT and advice from Lawschooli.com.
WHY? No $$ to spend on LSAT prep.

Online Prep:
WHO: The quasi-disciplined student who likes to be taught on his/her own schedule, doesn’t need face-time with a teacher, and is technologically savvy.
WHAT: Signing in at times that are convenient for you; regular Internet access; having someone choose what you should do when, but making sure you do the homework and practice tests; and being accountable to yourself for using all of the materials available to you.
WHEN: Start at least 3-4 months ahead of the LSAT.
HOW: For $800 you get all the books, tests, online explanations, and video instructions for Manhattan Prep’s LSAT Interact Program.
For a dollar less, you can have Blueprint the Movie, which is the Blueprint LSAT class broken up into chapters.

LSAT In-Class Prep Course:
WHO: You need to put your butt in a chair and be sociable with other people. You need to be able to ask questions.
WHAT: Hours in a classroom with an instructor and other nervous LSAT students, with companies bragging about the # of hours you spend in that classroom and the # of hours of homework they assign.
WHEN: Starting about 3 months before the LSAT, leaving about a month for you to prepare on your own after the course.
HOW: Offered by major test prep companies and specialty LSAT companies, many of which are local and offered by a particularly beloved instructor, usually ranging in price from $1,000-2500. Just don’t fall for the weekend crash course as your main source of prep just because it’s cheap.
WHY? You would benefit from discipline and face-time (real face-time, not iPhone FaceTime).

LSAT Tutor:
WHO: Working one-on-one with a tutor who specializes in the LSAT, working either online or in-person. The benefits of getting a tutor who meets online is access to better teachers who may not live near you, and not having to commute to your tutoring session. But you’ve got to have the budget for it and know that this is how you learn best. It’s also good for people who have already reached a high level of performance on the LSAT and want to improve, just as it’s a good option for those with learning difficulties/disabilities.
WHAT: Most places have either a 10 or 20 hour package of tutoring sessions, so you can focus either on certain areas/questions that have been causing you problems, or overall LSAT preparation and strategy. A good tutor should be able to evaluate your performance and tell you what is tripping you up and how you can gain points in each section of the test.
WHEN: Usually meeting weekly or bi-weekly, starting 3-4 months before the LSAT, or as an add-on to a more complete prep program, especially for people who have already taken the LSAT once or twice.
HOW: NextStep Test Prep, Manhattan LSAT, and Fox Test Prep, to name a few.
WHY? Individualized attention and on your schedule.