How does Binary Solution compare to other forms of preparation?
Binary Solution is unlike any other course or book on the LSAT, because we offer a complete AND general solution to the LSAT. All other methods provide piecemeal solutions to the LSAT, so they always approach the exam by (1) classifying the questions according to ‘difficulty’ and (2) providing methods for the ‘accessible' questions, while ignoring the ‘killer’ questions. Skipping difficult questions then becomes the cornerstone of their method. In order to decide which questions should be skipped, these methods introduce arbitrary classifications, and ask students to rank LSAT questions while taking the LSAT. That idea is impossible even in theory—because the time it takes to evaluate a question usually exceeds the time it takes to solve it. Thus, most competing approaches are as distracting as they are helpful. In contrast, we focus on the simple and the correct- never asking you to multiply steps to arrive at an answer.
Since we can offer a total solution, we never ask you to skip a question. We also do not expect you to rank LSAT exercises according to difficulty while you are taking the test. We train you for every question, and if you falter on a particular question we advise that you skip the question and return to it. The goal is to answer the maximum number of questions correctly within the time constraints.
We also do not require you to classify the questions before you solve them. Since the trigger for a solution happens at the level of the word, you are taught to adjust your approach while reading the question. This prevents you from pausing during your solution and wasting valuable "deciding" on an approach. The LSAT measures legal reasoning and the approach to its questions should be logical, intuitive and fairly consistent. Proof that the LSAT measures a single thought process is provided by its scale-- all three of its sections feed into one score- so they must be measuring similar skills!
Binary Solution communicates all of its method through a single text, while other courses use numerous books to communicate fewer ideas. In addition to their convoluted multi-book presentation, competing methods can even lower scores by suggesting approaches with a high failure rate. The problem with their explanations to specific LSAT questions is that they cannot be applied to the entire body of LSATs. Meanwhile, Binary builds an understanding of the exam that begins with a particular question and develops into a general solution. A single, well-constructed Casebook is all we need to present the theory behind the construction of any LSAT.
It is no coincidence that both the form and the content of the Binary Solution resembles a law school class—we had no choice but to build a law school course because the LSAT is measuring some of the skills required by law school. So, while our students build their LSAT scores they are also erecting a foundation for the study and practice of law. We are the only LSAT course that is recommended by law school deans as an introduction to the law school curriculum.
The in-class experience we offer is unique because:
- All of our classes are taught, at least in part, by our course author who has been teaching and developing Binary Solution since 1991. All other teachers have been trained by the author and are alumni of the course who received exceptionally high marks on the LSAT and as teachers.
- All of our classes use tablet computers to deliver course materials. Every class utilizes a digital projector to demonstrate real-time solutions.
- Class are recorded and the digital notes are posted so that students can review live classes
As a practical matter, we offer:
- More hours of instruction and more in-class testing than any other program.
- Students are not limited to a single course calendar, but can draw from any course we offer within a particular testing term. This Flex-Schedule which allows students to repeat or substitute classes and take additional In-Class Tests.
- Retake program which gives students an opportunity to attend a second semester of the course without incurring an additional registration fee.
Although we acknowledge that many LSAT authors and instructors offer valuable pieces of advice on the LSAT we believe that both the form and the content of Binary Solution are superior to any other course of study. The value of our program has been acknowledged by many members of the legal community. In academic circles, we are widely considered to be the gold standard of LSAT preparation and we have always enjoyed excellent university relations. Binary Solution began as a research project and continues to view research as its primary purpose. Our theoretical model of the LSAT is so powerful, that we have been able to predict the path of the LSAT for almost two decades!
