LSAT Preparation Online

Online LSAT Courses and Tutoring

Most test prep companies now offer at least some of their LSAT courses and individual tutoring programs in an online format. Generally speaking, these offerings can be just as effective as their on-site or in-person counterparts, but it's worth taking some time to understand the potential advantages and disadvantages before making your decision.

Advantages

In terms of content, there is no difference between online and in-person courses or tutoring sessions. Students who choose an online preparation option receive the same rigorous course syllabi, the same comprehensive course materials, and the same experienced instructors as those who prepare for the LSAT with in-person courses or tutoring programs. 

When you prepare for the LSAT through online courses or tutoring, you can learn in the comfort of your own home, your place of business, or even your university. Location doesn't matter, and you can access your class or tutoring session from anywhere with an internet connection, offering optimal flexibility and allowing you to learn at times that work best for you and your schedule. 

There is also no travel involved when you enroll in an online LSAT prep course or tutoring plan, which saves you time, the stress of a commute, and potentially having to pay for parking or meals on the go. 

Online courses or tutoring plans are often cheaper than in-person learning options, since test prep companies don't have to rent classroom space. When these savings are passed on to students, online prep can be significantly less expensive than in-person options. 

In-person classes or tutoring sessions may take place in locations without a good internet connection or access to various types of technology. With online classes or tutoring sessions, videos and other useful teaching aids can easily be embedded and/or shared to deepen your knowledge of a topic.

Additionally, while you are certainly encouraged to attend online classes live, if something comes up and you are unable to do so, you can watch the class later at your convenience. You can also rewatch classes as many times as it takes for you to fully understand the concepts being discussed.

Disadvantages

Online prep is not without its disadvantages. There is always the possibility of technical problems at either end, which could delay when you're able to learn about a specific topic, or require changing your schedule to watch a class at a later time instead of participating live.

You may also discover that the interactions you have online with your instructor and fellow classmates are different than when learning in-person. There's no spontaneous going out for a meal or drinks with classmates after a virtual lesson, and there may be less of a sense of camaraderie. 

Additionally, learning at home can be challenging, as you may find yourself distracted by the TV, your cellphone, or the people who live with you. This can make it difficult to concentrate and focus on mastering complex topics.

Even with these potential disadvantages, many learners still choose to pursue online preparation. They find that any challenges that arise are offset by the convenience, economy, and results provided by online LSAT study options.

Online Study Materials from the LSAC Website

The LSAC website (www.lsac.org) features an entire section devoted to LSAT prep. Included are an online study program from Khan Academy, a series of brief LSAC videos on general LSAT prep and specific sectional prep, and practice tests in English and Spanish, all provided free of charge. The website's prep section also offers links through which students can purchase official LSAT books in hard copy or eBook format.

While these materials are incredibly useful, we advise test takers to use them to support, rather than replace, formal instruction. There is no substitute for a high-quality LSAT prep program taught by a qualified LSAT educator.

Researching the LSAT and Related Issues Online Through Required Disclosures

It's not difficult for students to learn much of what they need to know about the LSAT and related law school issues through online resources. Law schools are required by the American Bar Association to publish data on their admitted students, including employment outcomes, GPA, and test scores. The latter two data points appear in a document called the "Standard 509 Information Report," which lists these numbers at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles for the most recent class. The Standard 509 also includes information about enrollment, degrees awarded, tuition and fees, scholarships, and attrition. Employment Summary Reports show the percentage of recent graduates employed in various categories (e.g. full-time or part-time) and types of legal positions, such as law firms and clerkships. Both reports are easy to find on law school websites, and are worth reading as you decide the programs to which you will ultimately apply.

LSAC's Law School Admission Calculator

LSAC closely tracks law school admission statistics and publishes the information via an admission calculator, available here. By entering a specific GPA and LSAT score, students can learn the odds of acceptance to most ABA-accredited law schools for an applicant with that profile.

Using the calculator shows, for example, that a candidate with a 3.5 undergraduate GPA and a 160 LSAT score would have at least a 90% chance of admission to the University of Idaho School of Law, a 44% chance of being accepted at the University of Houston Law Center, and a 10% chance of admission to Columbia University School of Law.

Prospective law students can also use the admission calculator to closely scrutinize specific institutions and use the information to set target LSAT scores. Unlike an undergraduate GPA, LSAT scores can be improved and aren't set in stone until after you have completed the exam. Using a 3.5 GPA and the elite University of Michigan Law School as an example, we see that the acceptance odds top out at 12% for a 160 LSAT score, 20% for a 165, 34% for a 170, and 56% for a 175.

Choosing the Best Online LSAT Prep

Students preparing for the LSAT should carefully weigh several factors when deciding whether to pursue online LSAT prep. Set aside some time and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you prefer to learn through passive or active learning? Passive learning is instructor-centered and involves receiving information by listening to lectures, reading textbooks, or watching videos. Active learning, on the other hand, is student-centered and involves engaging with information through discussion, analysis, and the hands-on application of knowledge.

   Online learning may at times involve more passive learning opportunities than active ones, which means that students will need to exercise self-discipline and self-management to engage with the material in ways that promote comprehension and recall.

2. Do you enjoy technology, or do you find it distracting? Some people prefer books and pencils to computer screens and web videos. Neither approach to learning is wrong; what matters is finding the approach that works best for you.

3. How self-motivated are you? Online prep options tend to work very well for self-motivated students who enjoy checking things off their to-do list. If you excel at creating and sticking to schedules and have no trouble focusing on a task when you're by yourself, online learning is likely a great choice for you.

   If, however, you learn better when you have to leave your house and be at a certain location at a certain time, online learning might not be as effective for you. Some people learn better when an instructor is physically present and keeping everyone on track. These types of learners may also pay more attention during in-person courses due to the subtle pressure of learning in the company of others.

4. Where do you learn best? Some people learn very well in their home, while others find home learning too challenging, as they easily become distracted by tasks like the laundry that need to be completed, or more enjoyable activities such as using social media or watching TV. Online test prep options are best for people who can learn complex material while in a more familiar and comfortable location than a classroom.
5. Finally, do you have easy access to an on-site LSAT learning center? If not, then it's possible practical considerations have already made the decision for you.

Regardless of whether you prepare for the LSAT via online or in-person prep options, what matters is finding the approach that works best for you, and results in you achieving your highest score possible.