Testmasters Class for the LSAT ?

Question

I am trying to take an LSAT course to improve my LSAT score. I heard from a friend about "Testmasters", and how it was a good class. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about their expierence with the program? Plus, there are two different sites,www.testmasters180.com and www.testmasters.com. I think the 180 one is the real site, anyone know?

Answer 1

go for testmasters or powerscore.in the end, it really narrows down to who and how the teacher is... and the important thing is that they use REAL LSAT questions.

testmasters180 is the real one.

Answer 2

(Bias warning - I teach for Kaplan)
1) Testmasters' claim to fame is that the guy who started the company has aced a few LSATs himself. He did so after teaching for Kaplan. I guess that does prove something...
2) The company advertises teachers who've scored highly on the LSAT, which is great, but the training these teachers go through consists of one phone call. Does a good score make one a good teacher?
3) Testmasters classes are based on repetition, which may be a good idea for some, but it is also closely related to Einstein's definition of insanity. There is no standardized strategy, no explanations to the questions provided.
4) Because the company is relatively small, very few classes are offered per testing "season". Thus the classes are huge, and there is no flexibility of schedule, nor opportunities to make up a missed class.
5) Finally, Testmasters offers no guarantee. In fact, they proudly declare that less than 50% of their students pay the $500 repeat fee to take the class a second time, and only about 2% of the students will pay another $500 to take the class a third time.

In case you're wondering, here's my basis for comparisons:
1) Kaplan is the oldest and most respected test prep company in the world. I believe last year our research budget exceeded the revenues of Testmasters.
2) Our teachers must not only score in the 90%, but also go through a rigorous selection process, and at least 40 hours of training before they set foot in a classroom. They are then continuously evaluated by the students and other Kaplan teachers. Kaplan teachers are not just great test takers; they are also great teachers.
3) Our classes offer you standardized methods for the standardized question types you'll see on *your* LSAT. Of course you still get 5100 previously released LSAT questions, but you also get explanations, so you know what type of questions they are, their difficulty ratings, how the Kaplan method applied to get you the answer faster, and why the wrong answers are wrong.
4) Each Kaplan center offers 4 or more classes per "season", with a variety of schedules available. We stand by you when you travel - a Kaplan student is welcome to study in any Kaplan center in the USA. And, most importantly, our classes are small. I can tell you exactly the strengths and weaknesess of each of my students, which means I don't waste time drilling someone on his/her strong points and can focus on helping each student with his/her weakness.
5) Last, but not least, Kaplan offers the most comprehensive guarantee in the industry. If you want to repeat a class - because you postponed your test or because you want more points still - it is free. And if your score doesn't go up, we'll give you your money back - this happens less than 2% of the time.

I won't get into our Q-rater, office hours, "stratosphere" workshops, homework hotline, private tutoring options etc, but believe me, there is SO much more to test preparation than Testmasters has to offer!
I apologize if this was more than you wanted to know (or sounded a bit like a rant), but it amazes me how many people dish out hundreds of dollars for a sub-par program when there are so many better options out there. Don't take my word for it, do your research. Then call 1-800-KapTest and let us help you get your score.

Lighty
Master Teacher
San Jose Kaplan

p.s. in case you haven't heard, LSAT is changing in June 2007 to include "Comparative Reading". Consider taking the February test to keep your options open.

Answer 3

Testmasters 180