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Manhattan Prep: Is Their LSAT Course Good? I Actually Used It & This Is What I Found.
Manhattan Prep is by far one of the best LSAT prep companies out there. To help you determine if this is the course for you, I’ll discuss its history, pros and cons, course packages, rating, and ideal candidates.
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History of Manhattan Prep
Manhattan Prep was founded by Zeke Vanderhoek, a Yale graduate who believed in the power of effective teachers. The company offers services for multiple college entrance exams and graduate-level standardized tests.
All instructors at Manhattan Prep scored in the 99th percentile in the subject of their course.
Manhattan Prep’s LSAT prep, overall, is of unparalleled quality. If you were to combine the best qualities of competing LSAT prep companies, Manhattan Prep is what you would get.
Their self-paced online course is affordable and effective. It also provides enough materials for you to properly supplement your studies if need be. Their online and in-person live courses are taught by high-level instructors who teach using top-quality materials and proven methods. Their one-on-one tutoring is expensive, like many other companies, but will surely get the lucky few who can afford it the score that they dreamed of.
They even offer their LSAT Crunch-Time package for students looking for a last-minute boost in their score.
Basically, Manhattan Prep has an effective program for all types of students and for all types of budgets.
An Overview of Manhattan Prep’s Online Course
Manhattan Prep’s online LSAT course teaches students about the test from the perspective of the test writers. It explains each section, what each of these sections tests, and the differences in approach between average test takers and people who score at an elite level. To do this, the course uses interactive online videos delivered by an effective and clear instructor.
For reading comprehension, the Manhattan Prep emphasis is put on the “why” behind each passage. This is an effective strategy for isolating argument positions as well as the author’s motivations. I endorse and support this tactic.
In Logic Games, the creators of this course clearly distinguish the different types of games and give you effective methods for diagramming each game. It’s nothing revolutionary, it’s actually just the same diagramming that most top test prep companies use- but it works. And for the questions, Manhattan Prep teaches, again, effective methods that have proven results.
And finally, Manhattan’s logical reasoning approach merges both formal logic and intuitive reasoning methods. Consequently, this allows the curriculum to help student’s, no matter their natural logical ability. The lessons are easy to follow and adequately prepare students for this section.
Pros of Manhattan Prep
1. A variety of packages
Manhattan Prep LSAT offers a variety of different packages that cater to the different needs of students, as well as different budgets.
The self-paced online Interact Course is affordable compared to equivalent online products such as 7sage while providing similar quality materials. Also, the online or in-person Live Course, compared to competitors like TestMasters, is affordable, while providing an equal or better product.
One differentiating product Manhattan Prep offers is their LSAT Crunch Time, which is a brief course “tips and tricks” type of study tool that is good for last-minute improvements.
2. Elite level instructors
For me, what sets MR apart from other LSAT prep courses is the quality of their instructors. To be considered to teach the LSAT for Manhattan prep, you must have scored a 173 or above (the 99th percentile) on an official LSAT.
This level of instructor is compared to TestMasters’ strict 98th percentile official score requirement for instructors, and Kaplan’s loose 90th percentile unofficial score requirement.
For live instructions and especially one-on-one tutoring, having such a qualified instructor is a huge advantage.
3. High-quality, high-quantity materials
For the majority of Manhattan Prep’s LSAT packages, you will be given their 3 LSAT prep textbooks, 20 recent LSAT exams, and access to all released LSAT exams.
If you’ve heard me say this before, I apologize, but I can’t overstate this point: using REAL LSAT questions and tests is the most important part of your studies.
Manhattan checks this box and goes above and beyond by providing access to more material than most people will use.
4. Effective strategies and methods
Not only does Manhattan provide the right amount and kinds of materials, but the strategies and methods they teach are also proven and effective.
You won’t be taught gimmicks or quick tips but a demonstrably supported method for approaching the LSAT. Bottom line: it works.
Cons of Manhattan’s LSAT Prep Course
1. The possibility of getting a bad instructor
Similar to other large LSAT Prep companies, there is a chance that you will be paired with an inadequate instructor or an instructor that you simply don’t get along with.
While this risk is minimized by Manhattan’s highly selective hiring process, it can also be remedied by contacting corporate if you run into an issue or by enrolling in the online course instead.
2. Live courses may be unavailable if you don’t live in a big city
The only other problem with Manhattan Prep is that their live classes aren’t available everywhere, and only tend to be held in bigger cities.
So, if you want to be in a classroom with your instructor, that may not be an option in your area.
Manhattan Prep Course Packages
Interact
Cost: $600 for entire package, $375 for individual sections
Materials Provided:
- 60+ hours of interactive video lessons
- Access to online labs, question explanations, and LSAT forums
- Manhattan Core Curriculum textbooks for RC, LR, and LG
- 20 Recent Prep Tests
- Online access to every released LSAT
- LSAT Navigator (analyzes results)
Live
Cost: $1399
Materials Provided:
- 60+ hours of interactive video lessons
- Priority access to LSAT forums
- Access to online labs and all question explanations
- Manhattan Core Curriculum textbooks for RC, LR, and LG
- 20 Recent Prep Tests
- Online access to every released LSAT
- LSAT Navigator (analyzes results)
LSAT Crunch Time
Cost: $49 per section
Materials Provided:
- Section specific cheat sheet
- Section outline
- LSAT overview
25 Hour Private Tutoring Package
Cost: $5625
Materials Provided: all books and resources
20 Hour Private Tutoring Package
Cost: $4600
Materials Provided: all books and resources
15 Hour Private Tutoring Package
Cost: $3525
Materials Provided: all books and resources
10 Hour Private Tutoring Package
Cost: $2450
Materials Provided: all books and resources
5 Hour Private Tutoring Package
Cost: $1250
Materials Provided: none
Hourly Rate Private Tutoring Package
Cost: $255 an hour (2-hour minimum)
Materials Provided: none
Manhattan Prep Rating
Having used this course, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Ideal Candidates for Manhattan’s LSAT Course
So, who should use this course?
However, the better question is “who shouldn’t use it?”
The only people I would recommend to avoid Manhattan Prep are students who either scored 165 or above on their cold diagnostic. If you’re scoring at that level, I recommend you first try self-studying to further improve your score and only resort to paying for instructions if you’re unsatisfied with your results. Consequently, you could check out these other LSAT prep options.
Manhattan Prep will be an effective and worthwhile investment for anyone trying to improve his or her LSAT score who is not already scoring at a high level.
If you’re a student who wants a self-paced study plan, the Interact Course will give you everything you need. If you want the structure of a traditional class, the Live Course will satisfy you.
Manhattan Prep is a top-notch LSAT prep company.
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About the Author John Wilson Booth
John Wilson Booth grew up in Alabama and attended the University of Alabama. He moved to Salt Lake City after graduation and began studying for the LSAT. His cold diagnostic score was a 154 and he self-studied to a 171. Now, he works as a writer as he decides which law school to attend.
