Choosing an LSAT prep program in 2025 feels a little like shopping for toothpaste:
every option claims to be “the best,” the labels all look the same, and eventually you start wondering if you should’ve just become a dentist.
The LSAT itself has changed in recent years—no more Logic Games, new testing environments, more emphasis on dense reading, cleaner arguments, and the mental stamina of handling two full LR sections. And because of the upward shift in LSAT medians, the quality of your prep plan matters more now than it did even a few years ago.
So how do you actually pick a program that fits you—your personality, your schedule, your budget, and your score goals?
Let’s break it down in a real, honest way.
1. Decide How Much Structure You Actually Need
Some students love a rigid schedule:
“Tell me where to be, give me assignments, I will obey.”
Others want to move at their own pace.
And then there are people who swear they’ll self-study, buy a bunch of books… and never open them.
Be honest with yourself:
- If you need accountability, a class or ongoing program is usually best.
- If you’re self-motivated and disciplined, tutoring or a carefully planned self-study path might work.
- If you’re somewhere in the middle (which is most people), a structured class with room for personal attention hits the sweet spot.
2. Look for Programs That Teach Skills, Not Just Throw Practice Tests at You
This is a big one.
A lot of commercial programs pride themselves on giving you “thousands of questions” and a library of practice exams. That sounds impressive… until you realize that LSAT improvement comes from analysis, not consumption.
What you should look for:
- Instructors who actually break down arguments and RC passages
- Someone who explains why you got a question wrong
- Time built in for discussion rather than a firehose of examples
- A curriculum updated for the no-Games LSAT (this is surprisingly not universal yet)
If you see a course syllabus that’s basically “do PrepTest 1, then PrepTest 2…” run.
3. Pay Attention to How Often You Can Meet or Ask Questions
Most LSAT classes stick to once or twice a week.
That’s fine for casual improvement, but not great if you really want momentum.
One of the biggest predictors of score improvement is simply:
How often you’re actually engaging with LSAT material.
Not planning to study.
Actually doing it.
That’s one of the reasons Kingston Prep runs an ongoing, rolling small-group class four nights a week, two hours per night. It creates a rhythm. The LSAT becomes part of your weekly routine, and studying no longer feels like starting from scratch every Sunday.
But even if you’re comparing other programs, look for consistent contact time. Once a week rarely cuts it unless you’re already in the 170s and tightening the screws.
4. Consider Your Timeline (and Flexibility)
If you’re 3–4 months out, you need:
- Regular practice
- Regular feedback
- A structure you don’t have to reinvent every week
If you’re further out, you want:
- A program you can drop into and stay with
- A teacher who’s available for questions outside class
- A plan that doesn’t force you into a rigid start date
Rolling classes are especially useful here—you don’t have to wait for a new cohort to begin or get stuck in a rushed six-week crash course.
5. Make Sure You Can Actually Talk to the Instructor
This one sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised.
Some big-name programs barely let you interact with the instructor running the lesson. You submit questions into a void, and hope someone—eventually—emails you back.
A good LSAT class should give you:
- Direct access to the instructor
- The ability to ask questions during or after class
- Personalized feedback when you’re stuck
- A human being who knows your name and your goals
At Kingston Prep, students can message their instructor anytime. Not in a “we’re your therapist now” way—just actual, normal communication. You should look for that in any program you consider.
6. Evaluate the Cost the Right Way (Not Just the Price Tag)
Some programs look fancy but offer very little actual contact.
Some look affordable but are basically glorified YouTube playlists.
The real value comes from:
- Frequency of live instruction
- Quality of the teacher
- Amount of personal feedback
- How well the program matches your needs
- Whether you’ll actually stick with it
For example:
A rolling, four-nights-a-week small group class with unlimited communication at $500/month is a totally different experience than a once-a-week lecture for the same price.
Focus less on what the course costs, and more on what staying consistent is worth to you.
So… What’s the “Right” Program?
The right LSAT prep program is the one that:
- You’ll actually attend
- Gives you regular, meaningful interaction
- Teaches skills instead of rushing through material
- Matches the new LSAT format
- Fits your timeline and your learning style
- Doesn’t treat you like student #246 in a spreadsheet
If you thrive on structure and want consistent support, Kingston’s rolling class can be a great fit—you can join anytime, get feedback as often as you need it, and build serious momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
If you prefer something else, that’s totally fine—just use this checklist to avoid wasting time on programs that won’t move the needle.