How Helpful Are Prep Courses?

Okay, so now that I decided I am taking the LSAT at the end of spring semester, I am debating whether I should or should not take a prep course. If I decide to take a prep course, I am definitely taking a challenging and rigorous course--which means more money.The cost of prep courses can range anywhere from $500 to roughly $3000. So please plan early if you are thinking of taking a prep course, so that you won't end up like me, trying to decide at the last minute.I think I will definitely take the course because my LSAT will help determine which law school I will attend so I will take the course even if it means spending thousands of dollars.

Earlier I was browsing Kaplan.com and princetonreview.com for a list of prep courses they offer. These are two websites I recommend because they have a several different courses that fit different learning styles. A few students at my school have taken prep courses by Kaplan and they said it was very helpful. Both Kaplan and Princeton offer the following courses: online courses, private tutoring, and classroom courses. In addition, Kaplan offers a summer intensive course, a classroom advanced course, and a classroom extreme course.On the websites, they both provide a brief description of each course. Kaplan has a box in the corner that allows a representative to call you and it definitely works because a representative called me 5 minutes later. I recommend taking one of their free events before deciding to take a course; both offer courses with free practice tests and strategies along with other areas you may need assistance with such as writing a personal statement and deciding which law school is good for you. I plan to take a practice course later this month and will post an update. If you have taken a prep course, which one? Did you find it helpful? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank the course? How important do you think it is for prospective law students to take the exam?