In the six months or so that we’ve been around, lawschooli.com has become the internet’s most trusted sources for LSAT prep advice. Our thanks go to you, our readers, for all the great feedback. We love hearing when we’ve been helpful, so thanks a lot!
To kick off the New Year, we wanted to show you the best new, current, and up-to-date LSAT products that we’ve seen this year.
This is the stuff that can be considered truly innovative and cutting-edge, and that will help you out the most in 2014. Congratulations to the makers of these products for putting together such great material. There a lot of junk out there that is all sales and advertising, but no substance. Instead of giving you more junk, the people who made this stuff are helping LSAT prep students get real high-quality, valuable resources, and we applaud that.
Think of this as the lawschooli.com awards for excellence in LSAT prep!
Without further ado, here are the best recent LSAT prep books, courses, explanations etc. for 2014.
This is a logic games only offering, but it’s second to none. This brand new book came out this year and we’ve been raving about it ever since. I’m going to say this wins the “Best LSAT Logic Games Book of 2014” award because it’s so accessible and comprehensive. Don’t make the mistake of learning logic games without either this or the next book on the list. Both are top notch, but The Blueprint for Logic Games is arguably an easier, more fun read.
Blueprint has been around for a long time and I think some of the older companies tend to stagnate a bit, but Blueprint has certainly bucked this trend with this offering. If you want to see our full review, check it out here.
We won’t waste a lot of breath pumping this one up. If you’ve been with us at all in the last six months, you know that this is our all around favorite resource for learning logic games. The previous edition was starting to look a little dated, but they brought it fully up to speed in 2013 and it roundly deserves it’s spot on this list. Read our full review here.
A lot of people search around and see that this book and the previous one tend to be the most recommended by high scoring LSATers for studying logic games techniques. So how do you choose? Well, as we pointed out above, you don’t have to. However, taking a look at their techniques for approaching games might help you pick the approach that looks most natural to you. Read our post on Basic Linear Games Techniques to get an idea of how they each handle linear (ordering) games. That can be a good way to decide since it’s pretty fundamental.
The title ‘Disrespecting The LSAT’ kind of tips you off that this isn’t a regular LSAT book, and it’s not. This is a completely different approach to LSAT logical reasoning problems wherein the author, Nathan Fox, teaches you how to destroy LSAT problems by example. The book takes you through tons and tons (and tons) of real LSAT LR questions with him so you learn by osmosis. After a read through, you should much better able to copy the approach of a high-scoring LSAT expert.
I highly recommend this for anyone who is struggling and thinks that “they just aren’t an LR type thinker.” I hear that from readers a lot who seem ready to give up on mastering this section, and please, before you throw in the towel, try ‘Disrespecting The LSAT’. Fox’s book will effectively show you that these problems simply aren’t as hard as you are making them out to be. It’s a huge confidence booster and an innovative approach.
For this one, we have to give the award to our own stuff. That’s because we went out and made the effort to craft the first truly great schedule for LSAT self-studiers. This is built on what we did to score in the 170s, using the best LSAT prep resources available: The Powerscore Bibles. It’s the only schedule that tells you exactly when to do what, including:
carefully curated drills and lesson plans using real LSAT questions (sold separately)
detailed instructions on how to learn timing, review LSAT questions, and more.
Additional support! We’ll be releasing webinars to give you extra help along the way.
It used to be that all the good LSAT explanations out there were sold as a package with the LSAT prep test. This was a tough deal if you had already bought the prep tests in question, because you have to pay for the test again to get explanations (any time you buy something that has real LSAT questions, you have to pay big licensing fees to LSAC, the makers of the test).
With his Hacking The LSAT explanations, Graeme Blake, a professional LSAT tutor (and 177 scorer, just like Josh!) has done a tremendous amount of work to publish high quality LSAT explanations that come separate from the test. They do what all good LSAT explanations should, which is to bring you right inside the head of a high scorer and show you how to copy their successful strategies. What’s better, Graeme has done one for almost every single LSAT prep test.
Great work from Graeme on these. They should be a huge help to LSAT self-studiers in 2014.
Affiliate Disclosure
Just a head’s up: we get no money from any LSAT company to make these recommendations. We are completely independent and these opinions are based on just our expertise as LSAT prep gurus and former LSAT teachers.
We do receive a commission if you click on these amazon links and end up buying the products. By buying through us, you support the work we are doing, which is to try to provide high quality, unbiased advice to potential law students. We thank you deeply for your support and readership. 2013 was a great year for us and we look forward to providing more LSAT advice in the coming year.
As always, we are here to answer you questions. If you want to know about any prep resource that you are considering, let us know in the comments and we’ll tell you whats up. We keep abreast of just about everything going on in the LSAT prep world so we’ll likely know. Happy 2014!
hey, have you heard of the Zerlux Cash Code (search google)? They are giving away this awesome free ebook that teaches you how to make money with paid surveys. I am already getting my first check in the mail! They even give a list of the most trustworthy companies!
What’s your analysis of the Manhattan LR book relative to ‘Disrespecting the LSAT?’ I’ve read coupling MLSAT’s LR book with The LSAT Trainer is a reliable and effective way to approach LR. How would substituting ‘Disrespecting the LSAT’ make a difference?
I work FT, have a mortgage, a baby and a spouse. I’ve been self studying, for obvious reasons, with Blueprint online materials, which I have loved, since June but am worried that I am not retaining enough of the concepts, defitinitions,etc. I have moved my test taking date back once already and feel that I really need to be on a set schedule. I think studying this material would be conducive to a “groundhog’s day” routine. What would you suggest for a December 2014 test date?
I found Powerscore’s logical reasoning methods to be too mechanical and the book not very helpful. Their logic games is decent except for pure sequencing and some grouping strategies. I skimmed their RC and it is also too mechanical.
I’m surprised you haven’t listed any of the Manhattan strategy guides which are not only better written but their methods more intuitive and flexible.
I’ve literally spent 3-4 hours reading your site and I love it. Now I am confused as to study for 3 Months or take 4-6 months. Time is not an issue and now which books do I use? The new books or the old list that you recommend? Please provide some guidance.
I am having the same problem as Jules. I have used Blueprint’s LG book and loved their style. However, i wanted to supplement with an Online course, and i can not decide between 7Sage and Blueprint. Both courses have amazing reviews, though Blueprint is about $250 more. If anyone has taken the Blueprint Online class and has some opinions on it, that would be very helpful..
I’m just getting started with the LSAT (haven’t even taken a diagnostic yet) so I’ve been doing research into prep books and classes. I’ve already ordered the PowerScore Logic Games Bible too, and I want to take an online class. I know that it would be more effective for me than purely self-study and I can’t decide between 7Sage and Blueprint for it.
It seems like you think highly of both but is there one you’d recommend over the other in terms of clarity/depth of explanations, organization, and overall effectiveness? Both seem great (and reasonably priced compared to the $1000+ ones) so I’m having a hard time deciding. I’ve watched some of the sample videos from each and played around a bit. If anyone else has any opinions, please weigh in! Thanks!
I’m not familiar yet with Blueprint’s online course so I don’t want to recommend 7sage’s online course to the exclusion of the blueprint course (though I do straight up recommend it, it’s rock solid).
I’m contacting them so I can take a thorough look at it. That said, I do know blueprint’s strategies well, and they are very good (second to none). If their pedagogy is as good as that in the blueprint LG book, i’m guessing it will be a great course.
I’ll get back to you when I have reviewed BPs stuff.
I bought the three Power Score Bibles, but I’m curious how to integrate these other books, like the Blue Print one? Do you recommend using them together at the same time, or more like finishing one then starting another on the same topic? Also, how do you recommend studying different topics? For example, should I spend a few weeks on games, then LR, then a few on RC or stagger them even within the same week? Games are my biggest obstacle, so I know I need to spend the most time there, but I’m just not sure how best to approach this as efficiently as possible. Any info you can give on how to split up my time among the different topics and books would be really helpful.
I have to comment on the first item of this list–The LSAT Trainer is moreso a beautifully written guide than it is a prep book. The best advantage that any LSAT taker has from here on out is this brand new resource that’s levels ahead of its competitors in a number of unique ways. It brought so much peace and clarity to my studies that I wrote a pretty extensive amazon review in hopes of showing my appreciation to Mike Kim’s brainchild–and here I am again. This is an important resource for those who wish to do well! And thank you Josh and Evan for a wonderful blog and for mentioning The LSAT Trainer.
If anyone else would like to share their experiences with these books, please do so. I think it would be helpful to your fellow LSATers to get a perspective from someone who is in the prep process themselves.
Also, if someone feels that a resource has been unfairly omitted from this list, please say so in the comments.
I’ve bought all the powerscore prep material. Seriously, all of it. But the 7sage program looks really great. Would you recommend that online course over the powerscore books?
Allie, I wouldn’t say that I recommend it over the PS books. The powerscore books are exactly what Josh and I and a ton of other takers have used to get 170+ scores. There should be nothing wrong with just using those.
The question is more whether you want to do completely self-directed study as you would with the books or whether you want to be more guided through having a course. Also, self-study is obviously the cheaper option (though not by much after you’ve bought all the preptests, many of which 7sage will provide).
18 Comments
hey, have you heard of the Zerlux Cash Code (search google)? They are giving away this awesome free ebook that teaches you how to make money with paid surveys. I am already getting my first check in the mail! They even give a list of the most trustworthy companies!
Lot of smarts in that potngsi!
What’s your analysis of the Manhattan LR book relative to ‘Disrespecting the LSAT?’ I’ve read coupling MLSAT’s LR book with The LSAT Trainer is a reliable and effective way to approach LR. How would substituting ‘Disrespecting the LSAT’ make a difference?
I work FT, have a mortgage, a baby and a spouse. I’ve been self studying, for obvious reasons, with Blueprint online materials, which I have loved, since June but am worried that I am not retaining enough of the concepts, defitinitions,etc. I have moved my test taking date back once already and feel that I really need to be on a set schedule. I think studying this material would be conducive to a “groundhog’s day” routine. What would you suggest for a December 2014 test date?
I found Powerscore’s logical reasoning methods to be too mechanical and the book not very helpful. Their logic games is decent except for pure sequencing and some grouping strategies. I skimmed their RC and it is also too mechanical.
I’m surprised you haven’t listed any of the Manhattan strategy guides which are not only better written but their methods more intuitive and flexible.
I’ve literally spent 3-4 hours reading your site and I love it. Now I am confused as to study for 3 Months or take 4-6 months. Time is not an issue and now which books do I use? The new books or the old list that you recommend? Please provide some guidance.
I am having the same problem as Jules. I have used Blueprint’s LG book and loved their style. However, i wanted to supplement with an Online course, and i can not decide between 7Sage and Blueprint. Both courses have amazing reviews, though Blueprint is about $250 more. If anyone has taken the Blueprint Online class and has some opinions on it, that would be very helpful..
Thanks!
Thanks Christian. I’ll have that post up soon!
Hi guys,
I’m just getting started with the LSAT (haven’t even taken a diagnostic yet) so I’ve been doing research into prep books and classes. I’ve already ordered the PowerScore Logic Games Bible too, and I want to take an online class. I know that it would be more effective for me than purely self-study and I can’t decide between 7Sage and Blueprint for it.
It seems like you think highly of both but is there one you’d recommend over the other in terms of clarity/depth of explanations, organization, and overall effectiveness? Both seem great (and reasonably priced compared to the $1000+ ones) so I’m having a hard time deciding. I’ve watched some of the sample videos from each and played around a bit. If anyone else has any opinions, please weigh in! Thanks!
Jules,
I’m not familiar yet with Blueprint’s online course so I don’t want to recommend 7sage’s online course to the exclusion of the blueprint course (though I do straight up recommend it, it’s rock solid).
I’m contacting them so I can take a thorough look at it. That said, I do know blueprint’s strategies well, and they are very good (second to none). If their pedagogy is as good as that in the blueprint LG book, i’m guessing it will be a great course.
I’ll get back to you when I have reviewed BPs stuff.
Thanks Evan, I look forward to hearing what you think!
Hi guys,
I bought the three Power Score Bibles, but I’m curious how to integrate these other books, like the Blue Print one? Do you recommend using them together at the same time, or more like finishing one then starting another on the same topic? Also, how do you recommend studying different topics? For example, should I spend a few weeks on games, then LR, then a few on RC or stagger them even within the same week? Games are my biggest obstacle, so I know I need to spend the most time there, but I’m just not sure how best to approach this as efficiently as possible. Any info you can give on how to split up my time among the different topics and books would be really helpful.
Thanks!
Mike
Hey Mike,
A couple other people have asked a similar question so I’m going to turn the answer into a full post. I’ll definitely link it here.
I have to comment on the first item of this list–The LSAT Trainer is moreso a beautifully written guide than it is a prep book. The best advantage that any LSAT taker has from here on out is this brand new resource that’s levels ahead of its competitors in a number of unique ways. It brought so much peace and clarity to my studies that I wrote a pretty extensive amazon review in hopes of showing my appreciation to Mike Kim’s brainchild–and here I am again. This is an important resource for those who wish to do well! And thank you Josh and Evan for a wonderful blog and for mentioning The LSAT Trainer.
No problem Kymberly, and thanks for the input!
If anyone else would like to share their experiences with these books, please do so. I think it would be helpful to your fellow LSATers to get a perspective from someone who is in the prep process themselves.
Also, if someone feels that a resource has been unfairly omitted from this list, please say so in the comments.
I’ve bought all the powerscore prep material. Seriously, all of it. But the 7sage program looks really great. Would you recommend that online course over the powerscore books?
Allie, I wouldn’t say that I recommend it over the PS books. The powerscore books are exactly what Josh and I and a ton of other takers have used to get 170+ scores. There should be nothing wrong with just using those.
The question is more whether you want to do completely self-directed study as you would with the books or whether you want to be more guided through having a course. Also, self-study is obviously the cheaper option (though not by much after you’ve bought all the preptests, many of which 7sage will provide).
We’ve got a longer discussion about this choice on our post ‘Getting Started On The LSAT‘
Thanks, Evan. This helps