# Burton Method Research Intel

> **How this works:** Current week's in-depth intel lives at the top. Each week, I compress the previous week into 1-3 sentences and move it to the archive at the bottom. Reference this file when asked about competitor moves, EdTech trends, or strategic action items.

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## 📊 Current Week Intel (Week of Jan 20-26, 2026)

### 🚨 CRITICAL: LSAC Format Change
**Reading Comp removed comparative passages** in January 2026 administration. Confirmed by Blueprint and PowerScore.
- **Impact:** Any RC curriculum teaching comparative passage strategy is now outdated
- **Opportunity:** First to fully adapt = trust signal to students

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### Competitor Movements

**7Sage**
- Full site redesign launched (better analytics, cleaner UI)
- **NEW FREE FEATURE:** Application tracker showing interview/accept/reject/waitlist outcomes
- $10,000 giveaway promotion tied to tracker
- Heavy ABA 509 report coverage
- ADHD accommodations content series + 1L survival guides
- **Strategic read:** Pushing hard into admissions territory, not just LSAT. Creates stickiness + data network effects.

**LSAT Demon**
- **"Ugly Mode"** (Jan 19) — transforms interface to match exact official LSAT layout
- Tuition Roll Call on scholarship estimator — visualizes what students actually paid
- Veteran outreach program with dedicated liaison
- **Strategic read:** Daily podcast creates parasocial relationships. Demon is personality-driven; Burton is methodology-driven. Different lanes.

**PowerScore**
- **Dave Killoran departed** (HUGE personnel change)
- Jon Denning continuing solo, covering January LSAT chaos extensively
- Crystal Ball webinars still running
- **Strategic read:** Industry veteran leaving creates uncertainty. Watch for quality/content changes.

**Blueprint**
- First to report RC comparative passages removal
- Non-traditional student content (LSAT at 30/40/50+)
- Score plateau breakthrough guides
- 2025-26 admissions cycle predictions
- **Strategic read:** Solid content machine, "fun" brand positioning.

**Kaplan**
- $200 off all LSAT prep **extended through Jan 26** (expires TODAY)
- Applies to On Demand, Live Online, In Person, and Standard Tutoring
- Bar prep also discounted ($750 off through Feb 27)
- New 2026 edition book with "99th percentile instructor videos"
- **Strategic read:** Mass-market, price-conscious positioning continues. Heavy discounting signals competitive pressure.

**Magoosh**
- Updated for post-Logic Games LSAT
- Budget positioning continues
- LSAC remote proctoring option coverage

**LSAC (Official)**
- February 2026 scheduling opened Jan 20
- January registration closed; score release Jan 28
- Mainland China testing unavailable for Jan 2026
- Reminder to disable grammar-checking programs for Argumentative Writing

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### EdTech Trends (Week of Jan 25)

| Story | Score | Key Insight |
|-------|-------|-------------|
| AI Can Deepen Learning | 8/10 | AI mistakes spark deeper learning; productive friction > shortcuts |
| Beyond Memorization: Redefining Rigor | 8/10 | LSAT-relevant: adaptability + critical thinking > memorization |
| Teaching Machines to Spot Human Errors | 7/10 | Eedi Labs predicting student misconceptions; human-in-the-loop AI tutoring |
| Learning As Addictive As TikTok? | 7/10 | Dopamine science for engagement; make progress feel attainable |
| What Students Want From Edtech | 6/10 | UX research: clarity > gimmicks; meaningful gamification only |

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### 📌 Identified Action Items

1. **URGENT:** Update RC content to remove/deprioritize comparative passage strategy
2. **Content opportunity:** Blog post "What the RC Changes Mean for Your Score" — be fast, be definitive
3. **Positioning clarity:** 7Sage → admissions features, Demon → personality, Burton → systematic methodology that transcends format changes
4. **Product opportunity:** Consider "productive friction" AI features that make students think, not just answer
5. **Watch:** PowerScore post-Killoran quality — potential talent acquisition or market share opportunity

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## 📚 Previous Weeks Archive

*(No previous weeks yet — this section will grow as weeks pass)*