Known for its storied history in addition to being the center of the U.S. government, Washington is a hub of national culture. With many top attractions like the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art, there’s no shortage of things for tourists and residents to see.
Nevertheless, Washington suffers from an inordinately high crime rate. At 60 crimes per one thousand residents, citizens experience a one in 17 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime. In order to maintain civic order, it’s crucial for the city to be supported by a dedicated team of passionate lawyers.
Lawyers in Washington earn an average base salary of $129,025, which is 20% above the national average. While many of us might clamor to pull in those numbers, only a select few are prepared to perform a lawyer’s tasks day in and day out. Lawyers are required to possess a relentless work ethic — each case that lands on their desk brings its own abstractions, and even the smallest mistake can form devastating consequences. Aside from an unwavering sense of perseverance, all lawyers must also come equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of the law acquired through years of tough training.
With top-notch institutions like George Washington University Law School and UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, there are a number of options for future law students to consider. Becoming a lawyer is a noble endeavor, and many challenges lie along the way.
The LSAT serves as a significant checkpoint separating students from the law schools they wish to attend. Since this exam is such a major consideration in law school admissions departments, many students choose to participate in LSAT tutoring programs to help sharpen their minds leading up to the big exam.
Working with a tutor is a great way to maximize your chances of success, but finding the right one is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best LSAT tutors in Washington.
What to look for when choosing an LSAT Tutor
Working with the right LSAT tutor can make the difference between your acceptance into — or rejection from — law school. However, finding the right tutor amid the sea of options is a task in itself. When selecting your tutor, keep the following key points in mind.
Expertise
You’ll definitely want to choose a tutor with a background of personal success and experience with the LSAT. The amount of expertise needed varies based on your goals; students who plan on attending an average law school don’t require the same level of aid as those who must achieve a score of 175 or more that would land them at Harvard. Choose your tutor based on your needs, and don’t consider anyone without adequate experience in taking and teaching the LSAT.
Teaching Skills
Some tutors are LSAT geniuses who have scored in the 99th percentile, but they don’t have much success or experience with teaching. While it’s important to work with an instructor that’s intimately familiar with the exam, it’s equally important to find someone who can relay core LSAT concepts and techniques in a way that you can easily understand.
Materials
As crucial as expertise and teaching skills are, they won’t amount to much if your tutor works with unofficial LSAT prep material. The LSAT is a carefully built test that isn’t easy for even the best test writers to simulate, so working with mock problems found online won’t be of much value. When selecting your tutor, be sure to ask if they have access to comprehensive instruction manuals and workbooks designed to teach LSAT concepts systematically, along with an adequate volume of official LSAT practice questions.
Online vs In-Person LSAT Tutors
Before we go through our recommended tutors, it’s important to determine whether you’re better suited to online or in-person sessions. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and drawbacks of each format.
Online Tutoring
The online learning format has taken significant leaps since its relatively recent founding. These days, a good online tutoring program will pair you with some of the best names in the LSAT prep industry, and you’ll be able to attend your sessions from the comfort of your own home. This option is much more affordable than the in-person alternative, and it offers 24/7 support through a variety of media so you can get all your important questions answered.
The one drawback of online tutoring is that it lacks a personalized approach since it’s likely that you’ll never meet your tutor face to face. If you’re looking for a more hands-on method of preparing for the LSAT, an in-person tutoring program might be your best bet. However, independent learners on busy schedules will certainly find all they need in a good online tutoring program.
In-person Tutoring
By taking an in-person tutoring program, you’ll be personally acquainted with your instructor, allowing you to form a close bond with them as they help get you ready for the LSAT. While in session, you’ll be able to get answers to all your questions as they arise, which is quite valuable. If you’re taking your tutoring lessons in a group format, you’ll be able to meet other future law students, allowing you to form a study group leading up to the LSAT.
Unfortunately, in-person tutoring programs are widely viewed as inconvenient compared to the online alternative. This option requires you to commute to a physical venue on a regular basis, which isn’t feasible for students balancing hectic schedules. It also costs quite a bit more than the online option, so only those with considerable play in their budgets will be eligible to enroll.
Pros of an Online Course
Pros of an In-Person Course
Total freedom to schedule your LSAT prep at your own pace Instructors provide on-hand guidance to help keep you on the right path Test materials and other valuable resources are available at any time Opportunity to meet and interact with fellow law students Much less expensive than in-person courses Personalized study plan to help you tackle problem areasThe Best LSAT Exam Tutors in Washington
LSATMax Tutors
The team at LSATMax Tutors comprises some of the best instructors in the legal prep industry, which puts future law students in very good hands. Whether it’s your first time taking the LSAT or you’re giving the exam another shot, you’ll find a number of course options that can help grant you an edge. Sessions are available via phone or video conferencing, and you’ll be able to plan your study schedule based on your availability. LSATMax prices their course options with the average student’s budget in mind, so there’s no barrier to entry here.
Cost: Depends on hours ($133/hour cheapest package)
Location: Online only (video or phone conference)
Financing: Yes (via Affirm)
Qualifications: 99th percentile on the LSAT
Link: https://testmaxprep.com/lsat/tutoring
Odyssey Test Prep
Odyssey Test Prep might not operate on the scale that some of the larger entities in this list do, but they still bring some impressive qualifications to the table. Their team has helped hundreds of students get into some of the best law schools in the country, including Harvard, Columbia, NYU and more. Rather than applying a “one size fits all” approach, their tutors offer personalized instruction that suits your learning style. Visit their webpage to book a free strategy session.
Cost: Contact for pricing
Location: Washington, D.C. or online
Financing: No
Qualifications: All tutors have passed the LSAT
Link: https://odysseytestprep.com/locations/washington-dc-lsat-tutor/
Brian
Brian, a recent law school grad, brings both recent first-hand knowledge of the LSAT and a few years of experience working in the field to the table for any of his LSAT tutorial students. He has a deep love for teaching, and knows exactly what it takes to get you to achieve an LSAT score as high as he did—and impressive 169.
Cost: Contact for pricing
Location: Washington, D.C.
Financing: No
Qualifications: 169 on his LSAT, J.D. University of Memphis School of Law
Link: https://www.varsitytutors.com/tutors/878226650
Jennifer
Jennifer, a current law student, knows exactly what it takes to ace difficult standardized tests, having scored within the 99th percentile on both the SAT and the LSAT. She also worked as a teaching assistant while at Duke University, so she’s shown that she’s able to pass along her vast expertise. She focuses on giving students the tools they need to go above and beyond her assistance, enabling them to achieve the highest of scores.
Cost: Contact for pricing
Location: Washington, D.C.
Financing: No
Qualifications: 173 on her LSAT, current law student
Link: https://www.dcmetrolsatprep.com/
Brian
Brian, a recent law school grad, brings both recent first-hand knowledge of the LSAT and a few years of experience working in the field to the table for any of his LSAT tutorial students. He has a deep love for teaching, and knows exactly what it takes to get you to achieve an LSAT score as high as he did—and impressive 169.
Cost: Contact for pricing
Location: Washington, D.C.
Financing: No
Qualifications: 169 on his LSAT, J.D. University of Memphis School of Law
Link: https://www.varsitytutors.com/tutors/878226650
Princeton Review
Whether you plan on taking tutoring sessions online or in-person, Princeton Review has you covered. Aside from their world-class guidance, Princeton Review offers students exclusive printed LSAT materials to practice with — a valuable resource that the company has spent years crafting. On top of all that, they also guarantee a higher score for students retaking the exam or they’ll refund the tuition cost. Visit their webpage to get connected with an expert tutor matched to your goals.
Cost: $167-$180/hour
Location: Washington, D.C. or online
Financing: No
Qualifications: All tutors have passed the LSAT
Link: https://www.princetonreview.com/law/lsat-tutoring-course