Kaplan vs Princeton Review LSAT: Which Course is Worth $1,799?

Kaplan vs Princeton Review LSAT: Which Course is Worth $1,799?

Kaplan and Princeton Review are the two biggest names in test prep, and their LSAT courses are priced identically at $1,799. Both offer comprehensive prep with live instruction, practice tests, and study materials. But they take very different approaches to teaching the LSAT. Kaplan focuses on systematic strategies and drills, while Princeton Review emphasizes adaptive learning and personalized feedback. Which approach works better depends on your learning style and target score.

Quick Comparison

Feature | Kaplan LSAT | Princeton Review LSAT Price | $1,799 | $1,799 Format | Live online + on-demand | Live online + on-demand Practice Tests | 70+ full-length | 60+ full-length Live Class Hours | 36 hours | 30 hours Score Guarantee | Yes (conditions apply) | Yes (conditions apply) Best For | Systematic learners | Adaptive learners

Content Quality: Different Teaching Philosophies

Kaplan LSAT uses a highly structured approach built around their proprietary Kaplan Method for each LSAT section. You learn specific strategies for Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and the new format (Logic Games were removed in August 2024). The content is organized into systematic drills that build skills progressively. Kaplan assumes you need structure and repetition to master LSAT patterns.

Princeton Review LSAT takes a more adaptive approach. Their platform identifies your weak areas and adjusts the curriculum to focus on what you need most. Content delivery is more flexible, allowing you to skip ahead if you already understand a concept or dive deeper into challenging topics. Princeton Review assumes you learn best when the material adapts to your current skill level.

Winner: Kaplan for students who want structure and systematic progression. Princeton Review for students who want personalized, adaptive learning.

Live Instruction: Quantity vs Quality

Kaplan LSAT provides 36 hours of live online instruction, which is 6 hours more than Princeton Review. Classes are taught by instructors who scored in the 90th percentile or higher on the LSAT. The live sessions focus on teaching the Kaplan Method and working through practice problems together. You can ask questions in real-time and get immediate feedback.

Princeton Review LSAT offers 30 hours of live online instruction. Their instructors also scored in the 90th percentile or higher. The live sessions are more interactive and discussion-based, with smaller class sizes (typically 12-15 students vs Kaplan 20-25). Princeton Review prioritizes quality of interaction over quantity of hours.

Winner: Kaplan for total hours. Princeton Review for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention.

Practice Materials: Kaplan Wins on Volume

Kaplan LSAT provides 70+ full-length practice tests, which is the most in the industry. These include all official LSAC PrepTests plus Kaplan proprietary tests. The sheer volume of practice material means you will never run out of questions to work through. Kaplan also includes thousands of additional practice questions organized by question type.

Princeton Review LSAT offers 60+ full-length practice tests, which is still excellent but 10 fewer than Kaplan. Their practice materials emphasize quality over quantity, with detailed explanations for every question and adaptive drills that adjust difficulty based on your performance.

Both courses include official LSAC PrepTests, which are the gold standard for LSAT practice.

Winner: Kaplan for volume. Princeton Review for adaptive difficulty and detailed explanations.

Score Guarantees: Nearly Identical

Both Kaplan and Princeton Review offer score increase guarantees, but the terms are nearly identical. You must attend all live sessions, complete all assignments, and take all practice tests to qualify. If you do not improve your score, you can retake the course for free or get a partial refund.

The guarantees are marketing tools more than meaningful differentiators. Both companies make it difficult to qualify for refunds by requiring perfect attendance and completion.

Winner: Tie. Both offer similar guarantees with similar conditions.

Price and Value: Identical Pricing, Different Value Propositions

Both courses cost $1,799, so price is not a differentiator. The question is which course delivers better value for that price.

Kaplan gives you more hours of live instruction (36 vs 30) and more practice tests (70+ vs 60+). If you value quantity and systematic structure, Kaplan delivers more for your money.

Princeton Review gives you smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and adaptive learning technology. If you value quality of interaction and personalized feedback, Princeton Review delivers better value.

Winner: Depends on whether you prioritize quantity (Kaplan) or quality (Princeton Review).

Who Should Choose Kaplan LSAT?

You want the most practice tests available (70+). You prefer systematic, structured learning. You want more hours of live instruction (36 hours). You learn best through repetition and drills. You are comfortable in larger class sizes (20-25 students). You want the Kaplan brand name and reputation.

Who Should Choose Princeton Review LSAT?

You prefer smaller class sizes (12-15 students). You want adaptive learning that adjusts to your skill level. You value personalized attention and feedback. You learn best when material is tailored to your needs. You want more interactive, discussion-based classes. You prefer quality over quantity in practice materials.

The Bottom Line

Both Kaplan and Princeton Review are excellent LSAT prep courses worth the $1,799 investment. You cannot go wrong with either one. The choice comes down to learning style: do you want systematic structure and maximum practice volume (Kaplan), or adaptive learning with personalized attention (Princeton Review)?

If you are disciplined and want to work through as many practice tests as possible, Kaplan is the better choice. If you want a more personalized experience with smaller classes and adaptive technology, Princeton Review is the better choice.

Both courses can get you to 170+ if you put in the work. The question is which teaching philosophy resonates with you.

Related reading: See our Wizeprep vs Kaplan LSAT comparison.