You're staring at a logical reasoning question about dinosaur fossils or a logic game involving six musicians and three stages. Your head hurts. Law school isn't just a dream anymore; it’s a looming deadline, and the LSAT is the massive, jagged gatekeeper standing in your way. You’ve probably heard of the Princeton Review LSAT prep course. It’s everywhere. It's the "big name." But big names don't always mean big points, and honestly, choosing a prep course feels like a high-stakes gamble when you're looking at a $1,500 to $2,000 price tag.
The truth? The LSAT is a weird test. It doesn't care how much you know about the law. It cares about how you think. That’s why people get so obsessed with these courses.
The Reality of the 165+ Guarantee
Let’s talk about that "165+ Guaranteed" marketing lure that the Princeton Review LSAT prep course hangs over your head. It sounds incredible. A 165 puts you in the 90th percentile, which is basically the golden ticket for mid-to-high-tier law schools. If you’re starting with a diagnostic score of 150, that’s a 15-point jump. That is huge.
But there’s a catch. There's always a catch.
To qualify for that guarantee, you have to do every single assignment. Every practice test. Every drill. It’s an insane amount of work. We’re talking about 150+ hours of prep. If you miss one session or skip a handful of practice questions, the guarantee is toast. It’s a great motivator, sure, but don't buy the course thinking it’s a magic wand. It’s more like a personal trainer who will scream at you to do one more rep—you still have to lift the weights.
What You Actually Get Inside the Course
The Princeton Review LSAT prep course is heavy on structure. If you’re the kind of person who buys a gym membership and never goes, you probably need the "LiveOnline" or "In-Person" version. They use a proprietary system they call the "Pacing Strategy." Basically, it teaches you which questions to prioritize and which ones to skip so you don't run out of time and panic.
They provide a mountain of materials:
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- Access to every single released LSAT PrepTest (which is essential).
- Their own textbooks that break down "Logic Games" (Analytical Reasoning), "Logical Reasoning," and "Reading Comprehension."
- An online portal with "Advantage Sessions" and drills.
The logic games section is where most students see the quickest gains. The Princeton Review uses a specific diagramming method. Some people love it because it’s rigid and repeatable. Others find it a bit clunky compared to the more fluid methods used by boutique competitors like 7Sage or LSAT Demon. It’s really about how your brain handles symbols.
The Instructor Variable
This is the part that most reviews gloss over. Your experience with a Princeton Review LSAT prep course depends almost entirely on who is standing at the front of the room—or the webcam. The company has strict hiring standards, sure. Instructors usually have to score in the top percentiles themselves.
However, being a genius at the LSAT doesn’t always make someone a genius at teaching the LSAT. I’ve seen instructors who can explain a "Flaw in the Reasoning" question five different ways until it clicks. I’ve also heard of instructors who just read off the slides. If you're going the live route, try to find out who is teaching your specific cohort and look for reviews. It matters.
The "Hard" Truth About Self-Paced vs. Live Classes
If you have zero discipline, do not buy the self-paced version. It's cheaper, yes. But the LSAT is a marathon of boredom and frustration. Without a schedule, those books will just gather dust on your desk while you scroll TikTok.
The LiveOnline version is the sweet spot for most. You get the interaction, you can ask "why is C wrong and D right?" in real-time, and you get a set schedule. But it’s exhausting. Most classes are three hours long. After two hours of "Conditional Logic," your brain will feel like it’s been through a blender.
Comparing the Cost to the Competition
Let's be real: Princeton Review is expensive. You're paying for the brand name and the massive infrastructure.
- Kaplan: Usually in the same price bracket, very similar "corporate" feel.
- Blueprint: More visual, lots of animations, slightly more "fun" (if the LSAT can be fun).
- 7Sage: Much cheaper, digital-focused, incredible for logic games, but requires way more self-drive.
- TestMasters: Founded by Robin Singh (who holds the world record for perfect scores). Extremely rigorous.
The Princeton Review LSAT prep course sits right in the middle. It’s the safe choice. It’s the IBM of test prep. No one ever got fired for buying IBM, and no one ever failed the LSAT because they took Princeton Review. It’s a solid, well-vetted curriculum that covers all the bases.
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The Logic Games "Problem"
Wait, did you hear? The LSAT is changing. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) decided to remove the Analytical Reasoning section—better known as Logic Games—starting in August 2024.
This is a massive shift.
If you’re taking the test after that date, the Princeton Review LSAT prep course materials have had to pivot hard. They’ve replaced the focus on "ordering and grouping" with more "Logical Reasoning." This actually makes the test harder for some people because Logic Games was the one section you could "game" and get a perfect score on with enough practice. Logical Reasoning is more nuanced. It’s about language, tone, and subtle shifts in meaning. Make sure the version of the course you're buying is the updated one. Don't buy a used 2023 book from a friend; it’s basically a paperweight now.
Is the "165+ Course" Better Than the "Fundamentals"?
Princeton Review offers different tiers. The "165+ Course" is their flagship. It’s more expensive because it includes more hours and focuses on the "killer" questions—the ones that separate the 160s from the 170s.
If you are already scoring a 155 on your practice tests, the Fundamentals course will be a waste of your time. You’ll spend hours learning stuff you already know. Go for the 165+. But if you’re starting at a 140, the 165+ course might move too fast. It’s like trying to learn calculus before you’ve mastered algebra. Be honest with yourself about where you are.
Real Student Feedback: The Good and the Bad
I spoke with a few law students who used the Princeton Review LSAT prep course last year. One, Sarah, said the pacing was what saved her. She was a procrastinator. Having a class every Tuesday and Thursday forced her to stay on track. She went from a 148 to a 161. Not quite a 165, but enough to get into her top choice with a scholarship.
On the flip side, another student named Mike felt the "shortcuts" taught in the course didn't work when the questions got really complex. He felt like the strategies were a bit "cookie-cutter." He eventually switched to a private tutor to iron out his specific weaknesses in "Reading Comprehension."
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This highlights a key point: a mass-market course is designed for the average student. If you have a very specific "blind spot"—like you’re a pro at logic but struggle with dense academic prose—a big course might not give you the surgical precision you need.
The Digital Platform and User Experience
Since the LSAT is now a digital test (taken on a computer at a center or at home), the prep platform matters. The Princeton Review portal mimics the actual LSAC interface. This is vital. You need to get used to highlighting, flagging questions, and the countdown timer staring you in the face.
Their "DrillEngine" uses AI to serve you questions based on your performance. If you keep missing "Strengthen" questions, it will feed you more of them. It's a smart way to study. Instead of just doing random sets, you’re attacking your weaknesses.
Actionable Steps for Your LSAT Journey
Don't just whip out your credit card yet. The Princeton Review LSAT prep course is a commitment of time as much as money.
- Take a cold diagnostic test. Go to the LSAC website and take a free practice test under timed conditions. Don't study for it. Just see where you stand.
- Identify your gap. If your diagnostic is a 145 and you need a 160, you need a full-scale course. If you’re at a 158 and just need a little nudge, maybe just buy a book or a specialized online module.
- Check the schedule. The LiveOnline classes have specific dates. If your work schedule is crazy, the "Live" aspect will become a burden rather than a benefit.
- Look for the sales. Princeton Review almost always has a "code" or a seasonal sale. Never pay full retail. Seriously. Check their site during holidays or end-of-month.
- Commit to the "Deep Work." If you buy this course, clear your social calendar. The LSAT is a test of stamina. You need to be doing at least 10–15 hours of prep a week minimum to see real movement.
The LSAT is a beatable test. It’s not an IQ test; it’s a "how much can you tolerate this specific type of torture" test. The Princeton Review gives you the map, the compass, and a heavy-duty flashlight. But you still have to walk the path. If you want a structured, proven system and you're willing to do the grueling work required by the 165+ guarantee, it's one of the most reliable options out there.
Focus on your "weakest link" section first. For most, that's the one where you feel the most "lost" while reading the stimulus. Drill that until it feels boring. Boredom is actually a sign of mastery on the LSAT. When you stop being confused and start being annoyed that the test is repeating the same logical fallacies, you're ready.