How to Know If Group Prep or 1:1 Tutoring Is Better for You

lsat study

One of the first decisions every LSAT student faces is:

“Should I take a group class or hire a private tutor?”

Both options have their strengths—but choosing the right one depends on your learning style, schedule, and goals. Understanding the trade-offs can save you time, money, and frustration.

1. Group Classes: Structured, Social, and Cost-Effective

Group prep offers:

  • Built-in schedule: Consistent sessions 2–4 nights per week
  • Peer motivation: Studying alongside others keeps you accountable
  • Exposure to diverse strategies: See how different students approach the same questions
  • Cost efficiency: More affordable than 1:1 tutoring

Who thrives in group classes:

  • Students who benefit from external accountability
  • Those who like collaborative problem-solving
  • Learners who are self-motivated but need structure
  • Students looking for ongoing skill reinforcement

Programs like Kingston Prep’s rolling 4-night-a-week, 2-hour small-group class are designed to maximize these advantages, combining structure with personal attention.

2. 1:1 Tutoring: Personalized, Flexible, and Focused

1:1 tutoring offers:

  • Custom pacing: Spend more time on weak areas without waiting for the group
  • Direct feedback: Every mistake is addressed immediately
  • Tailored strategy: Lessons built specifically around your strengths, weaknesses, and goals
  • Flexible scheduling: Sessions can fit around your unique calendar

Who thrives in 1:1 tutoring:

  • Students with specific, targeted weaknesses
  • Those who need direct guidance to improve quickly
  • Students who may struggle with group dynamics or distractions
  • Learners who prefer highly personalized instruction

3. Consider Your Learning Style

Ask yourself:

  • Do you stay motivated in a group setting, or do you get lost in the crowd?
  • Do you need direct, frequent correction on mistakes, or can you self-correct with instructor guidance?
  • Do you thrive with structured routines, or do you prefer a more flexible, individualized pace?

Your answers will often point clearly to group classes, 1:1 tutoring, or even a hybrid approach.

4. The Hybrid Advantage: Combining Structure With Personal Attention

Some students find that small-group classes with personalized support offer the best of both worlds:

  • Structured schedule and peer interaction for consistency
  • Instructor access for questions, clarification, and feedback
  • Opportunities to practice strategies in a collaborative environment
  • Ongoing reinforcement without the cost of full 1:1 tutoring

Kingston Prep’s small-group LSAT class is designed exactly for this hybrid approach:

  • Four nights per week, 2-hour sessions
  • Small groups that allow individual attention
  • Rolling enrollment, so you can start and continue as needed
  • Instructor support and open communication outside class

It provides enough structure, accountability, and feedback to drive real improvement while keeping the social and collaborative benefits of a group environment.

5. Cost vs. Benefit Considerations

  • Group Classes: Typically lower cost, moderate pace, strong consistency
  • 1:1 Tutoring: Higher cost, maximum personalization, faster improvement if used efficiently
  • Hybrid/Small-Group Programs: Moderate cost, structured schedule, ongoing guidance, personal attention

Choose the format that aligns with your budget, schedule, and learning goals. Often, the difference in cost is outweighed by the improvement in scores and confidence from a well-structured, ongoing program.

Bottom Line

Neither group classes nor 1:1 tutoring is universally “better.” The best choice depends on your:

  • Learning style
  • Accountability needs
  • Weak points
  • Scheduling constraints
  • Budget

For many students, small-group programs with personal instructor support hit the sweet spot. Kingston Prep’s rolling, 4-nights-per-week small-group class combines structure, repetition, and individualized attention—allowing you to get the accountability and feedback of a private tutor while still benefiting from group learning dynamics.

The key is consistent, guided practice—whatever format helps you stay on track and steadily improve.