LSATMax & BarMax are test-prep platforms focused on law exams: LSATMax for the LSAT and BarMax for various bar exams. Both were created by TestMax, a company run by Harvard Law alumni. They sell mobile and online courses, video lessons, real practice questions, and tutoring for these exams. This article compares LSATMax & BarMax to other options, helping students/parents make informed choices (especially versus broad tutoring services).
LSATMax & BarMax Reviews and Testimonials
- Trustpilot: LSATMax & BarMax have 664 reviews on Trustpilot with an average rating of 4.7/5. Reviews here are mostly positive. Students and graduates praise the clear, well-structured lessons and helpful practice questions. Many say the material is effective and the tutors supportive. A few reviews note minor issues (like app glitches or cost) but these are rare – 84% of Trustpilot reviews are 5-star. Overall, Trustpilot feedback emphasizes good instructor quality and real exam content as big pluses.
- App Store (LSATMax) / App Store (BarMax): Both apps have excellent ratings. LSATMax’s iOS app is rated ~4.7/5 with over 3,200 reviews, and BarMax’s app is about 4.8/5 with 2,300+ ratings. App store reviews often mention that the courses are concise yet thorough. Users like the unlimited real questions and the ease of learning on mobile. Some Apple/Google reviews point out minor content layout issues, but overwhelmingly students say the apps helped improve their scores. (The high star ratings indicate strong satisfaction with quality and convenience.)
- Reddit (forums): On Reddit, opinions are mixed. Some LSAT students strongly criticize LSATMax as “overpriced” or ineffective – one wrote “STAY AWAY… LSATMax is one of the worst prep courses, they don’t give full explanations”. Others say parts of LSATMax helped, especially the Logic Games tutor and app. For BarMax, Reddit posts also conflict: one user called it “the worst” with “fake” pass guarantees, while another thanked BarMax for its real questions and “lower price” that helped them pass. In short, independent forum feedback includes both enthusiastic success stories and critical accounts. These mixed comments focus on value and support quality, but do not claim the companies are scams.
- Company Website: The LSATMax/BarMax sites themselves show dozens of success stories. Students describe big score jumps (some +30+ points) and praise the materials and tutors by name. Testimonials highlight affordability (“I paid much less than friends”) and convenience. No negative comments are shown on these pages (only star ratings and quotes). These on-site reviews naturally emphasize the positives of the courses.
Is LSATMax & BarMax legit? Yes. All the review platforms consistently treat LSATMax/BarMax as real, functioning companies with mostly satisfied customers. The high Trustpilot and app ratings indicate many users got what they paid for. The occasional complaints (e.g. a Reddit user calling the refund guarantee “fake”) speak to quality concerns, not fraud. No sources suggest LSATMax/BarMax is a scam; they are widely used and recognized.
Summary: Overall, LSATMax & BarMax get strong positive reviews for content quality and user experience. Many students report significant score gains and praise the mobile app and real exam questions. Critics mostly cite high cost or some missing explanations, but these are a minority. In sum, these platforms are well-regarded and legitimate, with feedback that they work for many, though they may not be perfect.
LSATMax & BarMax Pricing
Pricing Range
LSATMax course packages range from about USD 895 for a 6-month plan to USD 1,495 for lifetime access. They also offer monthly subscriptions: typically ~$199–$249 per month. BarMax’s full bar exam review courses cost ~USD 1,895 (for the Uniform Bar or California Bar course). An optional MBE-only supplement is about $899.99. In general, LSATMax’s courses are under $1,500 and BarMax’s main course is under $2,000, both in USD. These prices are lower than some competitors (BarMax’s $1895 vs Barbri’s ~$2,500).
Each platform includes different offerings: LSATMax’s fee covers video lessons, practice tests, and some tutoring hours. BarMax’s price includes lectures, real MBE/essay questions, performance tests, and **unlimited** writing feedback sessions. Both have no extra commission fees – what you pay is what you get, aside from chosen add-ons. For example, LSATMax offers private tutoring packages (e.g. 16 hours of LSAT tutoring for ~$2,799) and BarMax sells hour-by-hour tutoring (~$250/hr).
What students say about pricing
Students often remark that LSATMax/BarMax are not the cheapest options. On forums, some call LSATMax “overpriced” and a waste compared to free self-study. Others say it’s “fine, albeit pricey”, noting it’s within the usual range for paid prep courses. BarMax’s cost (~$1.9K) is generally seen as good value against big-brand courses (Kaplan/BarBri charge ~$2,400). In sum, pricing is higher than doing it yourself or cheap tutors, but lower than top-tier bar programs. Many students feel the prices are justified by access to real licensed questions and instructor help (something free resources can’t provide).
Hidden costs
There are a few extra fees to know. For LSATMax, you must also buy LSAC’s LawHub advantage subscription (~$120) to use the official prep tests, and that cost is non-refundable. LSATMax itself has no registration fee and no cancellation charge if you pay month-to-month (you can cancel anytime by email). For BarMax, it’s not a subscription: once you pay in full, you own the course and cannot cancel or get a prorated refund. BarMax offers some free items (e.g. free MPRE content with no deposit), but any physical materials are optional add-ons.
How their pricing works
Both companies accept standard payment (credit card) and also 0% financing through Affirm. With Affirm, LSATMax payments can be as low as ~$42/month, and BarMax payments as low as ~$75-$106/month depending on course. LSATMax honors LSAC fee waivers: qualifying students get the course free (via a Fee Waiver Scholarship). BarMax has a public-interest/military scholarship reducing the price to ~$1,248. Both sites run occasional promos (for example, referral codes give $100 off) and students watch for sales around LSAT/bar schedules.
Free Trial
Yes. LSATMax offers a free trial (no credit card needed). New users can try parts of the LSAT course for free to see the format. BarMax likewise has a “risk-free” signup: you can register and unlock the first Civil Procedure module and the MPRE prep at no cost. These let students sample content before purchasing.
Refund policy
Both platforms have strong guarantees. LSATMax has a Higher-Score Guarantee: if your LSAT score does not rise after using their course, you can request a full refund of the course fee (excluding third-party fees). BarMax guarantees you will pass the bar or get a refund. These guarantees are clearly stated on their sites. In practice, users report mixed success: one Redditor claimed BarMax did not honor the refund promise (“guarantee is fake”), while other users say the companies did provide refunds under those conditions. No patterns of scams have been reported – most complaints are about service quality or refunds taking time.
LSATMax & BarMax Alternatives
Students may consider alternatives if LSATMax/BarMax aren’t the perfect fit. The main reason is subject focus or teaching style: LSATMax/BarMax cover only law exams, so a student needing other subjects or general tutoring would look elsewhere. Also, some may prefer live classes or lower prices. Below are popular alternatives:
BarBri (Bar review)
Pros: BarBri is the traditional leader in bar prep and covers every detail of the exam, with many live lectures and extensive printed materials. It includes a wealth of practice problems and has large national resources. It also has in-person class options (though also online). Cons: BarBri is more expensive (around USD 2,495–2,895) and its courses are more rigid and bulky than BarMax’s streamlined mobile format. BarBri can be slower-paced. Tutors quality can be high, but personal attention is limited in huge classes. Overall, BarBri offers broad support but for a higher price and less flexibility than BarMax.
7Sage (LSAT prep)
Pros: 7Sage is an affordable LSAT-only program emphasizing logic games training. It costs about USD 69/month for their main plan (much cheaper than LSATMax’s packages). It provides detailed explanations, a large community forum, and unlimited access. Many students love its thorough logic games strategies. Cons: 7Sage has no one-on-one tutoring by default, and no built-in LSAC-licensed outline (you still need LawHub to use official tests). It also has fewer official LSAT questions (it uses past exams only up to the last released). In comparison, LSATMax includes personal tutoring hours and official tests licensed fully. So 7Sage wins on price and community help, LSATMax on official content and direct instructor support.
My Engineering Buddy
Pros: My Engineering Buddy (MEB) offers 1:1 tutoring in a wide range of STEM subjects. Its tutors are experts in engineering, math, science, and coding, so it covers topics LSATMax/BarMax do not. MEB pricing is typically lower for technical help, and it provides very personalized attention for each student’s curriculum. Students often like MEB’s flexible scheduling and practical learning style. Cons: MEB is not focused on LSAT/Bar subjects at all, so it won’t help with those exams. Its platform is also simpler (mainly video calls and whiteboards) and does not have built-in official test banks. For purely bar or LSAT prep, MEB lacks specialized content. But for advanced academic tutoring in STEM fields, MEB excels.
Kaplan (Bar review)
Pros: Kaplan offers both in-person and online bar prep. Its courses have detailed curricula and multiple study options (in-person, live online, on-demand). Kaplan’s live classes mean more direct interaction, and it provides many practice questions. Cons: Kaplan’s bar course is pricey (~USD 2,399 for in-person) and not as affordable as BarMax. Feedback from students often notes Kaplan’s materials can be heavy and lecture-based (less mobile-friendly). Tutor/student contact is lower. Compared to BarMax, Kaplan is a bigger, more traditional program: it may give a lot of resources, but at a high cost and with less personalization. BarMax claims similar coverage at lower cost, so those wanting flexibility often prefer BarMax.
Themis (Bar review)
Pros: Themis is another major bar prep with flexible online options and a pass guarantee. It often has good promotions and a user-friendly platform. Cons: Its pricing can be mid-high (~$2,295), and like other big companies, it doesn’t emphasize mobile apps or free content. Themis’s teaching style is lecture-heavy (video classes and outlines). Compared to BarMax, Themis is more conventional and costly. Some students find BarMax’s straightforward app and focus on real questions to be simpler and more cost-effective.
How it Works?
For Students
Students begin by creating an account on the LSATMax or BarMax website/app. They can start with a free trial or choose a package and pay online. After enrolling, students log into the platform’s dashboard on their computer or mobile device. On LSATMax, the app and online portal provide video lessons, practice tests, and chat boards. Students can post questions to tutors or join daily live classes in areas like logic games. On BarMax, all lectures and questions are available on-demand in the app or browser. Students use message boards to ask instructors about specific questions.
There is no fixed schedule for self-study courses: students study at their own pace. If students bought private tutoring, they use an online scheduler or email support to book sessions with a tutor. Otherwise, LSATMax organizes routine live review webinars, while BarMax provides a structured study calendar (with recommended deadlines and essay workshop submissions). In all cases, students have continuous email support available 24/7 from the company, and tutors often respond quickly on the app’s message boards.
For Tutors
To become a tutor on LSATMax or BarMax, candidates apply through the TestMax careers site. Tutors must meet strict criteria: for LSATMax, only those who scored in the 99th percentile on the LSAT are considered; for BarMax, tutors must have passed the bar exam in their subject area. Prospective tutors submit resumes and recommendations online. Selected tutors are paid employees, not freelancers – they start at around $50 per hour. The schedule is flexible (typically 5–20 hours/week) and tutors can work from anywhere with internet. If you qualify, you can apply via TestMax’s site (see the “Tutors” or “Careers” page on testmaxprep.com).
FAQs
Can tutors set their own fees? No. LSATMax/BarMax hires tutors at a fixed rate ($50/hr starting), so tutors do not set prices for students.
How much can tutors earn? Tutors start around USD 50 per hour. Experienced or senior tutors may earn more, but the standard is set by the company.
How many hours of work can a tutor get? It varies. TestMax aims for flexible part-time work – tutors often work 5–20 hours per week on average, depending on student demand and availability. So roughly 20–80 hours per month in a typical schedule.
Is it easy to get students? As an employee-based platform, tutors do not independently advertise. The company assigns students to tutors. Available work depends on overall student enrollment. (Reviews suggest top tutors get more requests, but new tutors may need to establish themselves.) Tutors are generally employees rather than independent, so finding students isn’t “self-marketing” as in freelance sites.
Tips to get more students: On LSATMax/BarMax, being active on company forums and helpful in live sessions can help. Since all tutors follow company guidelines, success often comes from strong teaching skills rather than self-promotion.
What do tutors like about LSATMax/BarMax? Employees often praise the flexible schedule and quality of the platform. One Glassdoor review calls it a “great company, great product” and highlights work-life balance. They mention the support and mission as positives.
What do tutors not like? Some tutors cite drawbacks like management turnover or changing pay structures. For example, one reviewer warned to “stay far away” citing instability. Occasionally tutors feel pressure to work long hours. Feedback often points to organizational issues rather than the tutoring itself.
Company Information
Founding year and background: TestMax (the company behind LSATMax & BarMax) was founded around 2009–2011. Two Harvard Law graduates, Jason Loewy and Mehran Ebadolahi, launched LSATMax in 2009 and later BarMax in 2010. They saw a need for affordable, technology-driven exam prep. The company is headquartered in Venice (Los Angeles), California.
Founders: LSATMax/BarMax were created by Jason Loewy and Mehran Ebadolahi, both Harvard Law alumni. They envisioned using mobile apps to disrupt expensive traditional prep courses. (The founders still guide company strategy via TestMax, Inc.)
Mission and vision: TestMax’s mission is to use modern technology to replace costly, inefficient courses with high-quality prep at a fraction of the price. As their site says: “TestMax is revolutionizing the test prep industry by providing high-quality content at a fraction of the cost”. For BarMax specifically, the mission is to “democratize bar prep” through tech, offering great courses for much less than traditional $4,000 prep fees. This echoes for LSATMax as well: affordable, accessible, student-centered prep.
Scale of operation: TestMax is relatively small (about 11–50 employees) but serves a global user base. They report serving thousands of students (e.g. over 125K bar exam students). The primary market is the US (all 50 states), but many international students also use BarMax (exam systems are similar in Canada and other UBE jurisdictions). Their popular states include California and New York (BarMax posts 79% first-time pass rate in CA vs 68% state average, for example). LSATMax is used by US and Canadian pre-law students worldwide. TestMax does not publicize total tutor count, but it actively recruits nationwide.
Services: LSATMax & BarMax offer comprehensive test-prep courses and tutoring. Services include on-demand video lessons, official practice tests, analytics, and 24/7 support. BarMax also provides supplemental products like MBE question banks, essay grading, and hardcopy notebooks. LSATMax similarly offers everything needed to raise an LSAT score (lessons, homework, tests). Both brands include personal tutoring as a paid add-on, plus free MPRE/LSAT materials.
Subjects offered: LSATMax covers all LSAT sections: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games), and Reading Comprehension. BarMax covers all bar exam subjects: the 200 Multiple-Choice questions (MBE) on topics like Contracts, Torts, Civ Pro, Evidence, etc. (see BarMax FAQ), plus essay subjects and the MPRE. BarMax also offers a separate MPRE review and a Baby Bar (FYLSE) course. Together, they target law admission and bar exams only.
Unique features:
- **Official exam content:** They use only real, licensed questions. LSATMax includes all LSAC prep tests (1–95), and BarMax uses NCBE-supplied questions for MBE and essays. This promise of “real questions, not made-up” is key. Reviews confirm that practice feels realistic to the actual exams.
- **Mobile-first platform:** Both have top-rated mobile apps (LSATMax at ~4.8/5, BarMax at 4.8/5) with features like offline access. TestMax touts this as a major advantage over older courses. Students like studying on phones/tablets anytime.
- **Study support:** They offer 24/7 email support and interactive Q&A. For example, every question in the course has a message board for instructor help. Live online classes or workshops are included (LSATMax has daily webinars; BarMax has essay grading sessions).
- **Guarantees and pricing:** They advertise money-back guarantees (if targets not met), and they highlight affordable pricing (BarMax claims “highest pass rates – all for just $1895”). Financing options (0% Affirm) and scholarships (LSAC fee-waiver, public-interest) are also emphasized.
- **Transparent outcomes:** BarMax publicizes its pass rates (e.g. 79% first-time in CA), which supports their “we succeed when you do” claim. Students often mention these stats positively.
Drawbacks
- **Cost concerns:** Many reviews say it’s relatively expensive, especially for LSATMax. For instance, one student on Reddit warned LSATMax was “overpriced”. For BarMax, while cheaper than Barbri, nearly $1900 is still a big fee. Some feel it doesn’t include as much hand-holding as pricier packages.
- **Content issues:** A few users found missing explanations or outdated formatting in the materials. One reviewer noted that some later LSAT sections had typos and incomplete answers. This suggests their content update process lags official changes at times.
- **Guarantee skepticism:** Although they promise refunds if you don’t succeed, at least one user claimed the BarMax pass guarantee wasn’t honored. Students should carefully read the fine print (e.g. returning materials as required).
- **Narrow focus:** They only teach law school admissions and bar prep. If you need help in any other subject (math, science, business, etc.), LSATMax/BarMax offer nothing. No science, no humanities, etc. This is fine for their niche, but limits their usefulness for a typical college student beyond these tests.
- **Market reputation:** Some tutors/employees warn of a tough work environment or management changes, suggesting possible organizational issues. While not about the tutoring service directly, it hints that internal turnover could impact student experience (though evidence is anecdotal).
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) specializes in STEM and math tutoring, not law exams. For advanced classes (engineering, physics, advanced calculus, coding, etc.), MEB offers expertise that LSATMax/BarMax don’t. Students needing help in those technical areas will find MEB’s tutors usually more qualified for their problems. In terms of pricing, MEB typically has lower hourly rates for STEM subjects. MEB is known for very personalized service – for example, students often mention one-on-one attention and clear explanations for tough concepts. In contrast, LSATMax/BarMax shine if you specifically need LSAT or bar exam prep. Put simply: if your challenge is a complex engineering or math problem, MEB’s tutors are likely a better fit. If it’s a standardized law exam, LSATMax/BarMax have the specialized content you need.
Customer Support and Policies
LSATMax and BarMax both advertise strong support. LSATMax offers 24/7 email support and weekday phone support. BarMax similarly provides 24/7 email plus live Q&A on every question. Response times are generally fast; many students note that instructors often answer forum questions within hours. In our view, both companies are responsive by standard tutoring-service measures. MEB also offers tutor support and email chat, often praising its quick turnaround (e.g. MEB advertises fast email feedback within an hour). Because MEB has a smaller student base, they sometimes provide more personalized responses. Overall, all platforms are reachable online; none have been reported as unresponsive.
Regarding refunds and guarantees: LSATMax has a clear score-improvement guarantee; BarMax has a pass guarantee. My Engineering Buddy usually offers a satisfaction guarantee (students can often request a different tutor or a credit if unhappy). In practice, LSATMax/BarMax users have gotten refunds under the stated policies, but as noted a few alleged difficulty. In comparison, MEB’s refund policies (if any) are case-by-case. If anything, MEB’s simpler model means you pay per session and can stop anytime, minimizing risk.
Global Reach and Localization
LSATMax & BarMax are designed for a global (mostly English-speaking) audience, but their content is US-centric. The LSAT is mainly taken by students in North America, and BarMax focuses on US bar exams.
Both platforms are available online and can be used from anywhere in the world. But all their materials – videos, forums, and support – are only in English. They do not offer support in other languages or region-specific content.
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) also teaches in English but directly supports students in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and UAE. MEB offers help in many subjects, including engineering, which makes it more useful for general academic needs.
While all platforms work globally, MEB may appeal to students needing broader academic help in STEM fields, not just law.
LSATMax/BarMax’s Future Plans
One key subtopic is AI. LSATMax’s team has studied AI: a company blog tested ChatGPT as an LSAT tutor. They found AI could give decent general tips, but not personalized strategies. As of 2025, TestMax has not launched a public AI-powered product, but their exploration suggests they’re aware of the technology. It’s possible future updates may include AI features (e.g. smarter analytics or adaptive questions), but no official announcement is visible. Beyond AI, TestMax has added new products (like GREMax prep) and upgraded platforms. For example, they partner with financing (Affirm) for affordability. They also plan to expand content (recently added more states and courses). In press, TestMax emphasizes continued focus on mobile tech and affordability. We did not find specific upcoming features announced beyond that general strategy.
FAQs About LSATMax & BarMax
How does LSATMax & BarMax compare to My Engineering Buddy? LSATMax/BarMax focus only on LSAT and Bar exam prep (law-related); MEB covers STEM and general subjects. If you need help in engineering/math, MEB tutors likely have more relevant expertise. For LSAT/bar exam content, LSATMax/BarMax offer specialized courses that MEB does not. In short, they serve different needs.
What are LSATMax and BarMax? LSATMax is a comprehensive LSAT prep course (video lessons, practice tests, tutoring) designed by Harvard Law alumni. BarMax is a bar exam review course for US state bar exams and the MPRE, offering real practice questions and grading. Both are mobile apps with study materials.
Who owns LSATMax/BarMax? Both are owned by TestMax, Inc., a company founded by Harvard Law graduates Jason Loewy and Mehran Ebadolahi. They operate out of California and also publish other courses (1L law, GRE).
Do LSATMax questions use real LSAT content? Yes. LSATMax contains every available official LSAT question (Prep Tests 1–94). You won’t find made-up questions in its lessons. This ensures practice matches the real exam, a fact the company emphasizes.
Is there a pass/score guarantee? Yes. LSATMax offers a Higher-Score Guarantee: if your LSAT score doesn’t increase, you can request a refund of the course fee. BarMax promises a refund if you fail the bar (the “pass guarantee”). These guarantees have conditions, but they are real policies listed on the sites.
How much are the courses? LSATMax courses range from about USD 895 to 1,495 (depending on duration). BarMax’s comprehensive review is about USD 1,895 (for UBE or CA bar). Discounts or scholarships (for military/public interest or LSAC fee-waiver students) can reduce these prices significantly.
Are LSATMax/BarMax online only? Yes. Both are entirely online/mobile. LSATMax materials are accessed via their app or website (or in print if requested). BarMax is fully app-based on iOS/Android and web. There are no in-person classes; support is via online chat, phone, and email.
Can I use these courses globally? Yes, as long as you understand English. LSATMax covers the LSAT (used in US/Canada), and BarMax covers US state bar exams. You can study from anywhere, but content is tailored to those jurisdictions. Non-US students can use LSATMax (for US law school admissions) or BarMax (for uniform bar exams) but won’t find help for, say, the UK bar or Indian exams.
Conclusion
LSATMax & BarMax offer high-quality, official-content study systems with strong reported outcomes (e.g. real practice questions and high pass rates). Their strengths are convenience, comprehensive tech-based content, and guarantees. Weaknesses include cost and a limited scope (only law exams). While LSATMax/BarMax are excellent for law test prep, My Engineering Buddy is a good alternative when you need advanced STEM tutoring or homework help. MEB can provide more personalized one-on-one attention in subjects like math or engineering at competitive prices. In short, if your goal is acing the LSAT or Bar, LSATMax/BarMax are top choices; but for complex engineering or math classes, MEB is worth considering as the specialized alternative.
