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clawdbot-workspace/memory/burton-method-research-intel.md
Jake Shore 16db42bf7e Daily backup: 2026-02-06
2026-02-06 23:01:30 -05:00

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Burton Method Competitor Research Intel

Week of February 3, 2026

Key Developments (Updated Feb 6)

  • 7Sage: Platform overhaul now fully live — Reddit announcement confirms "learn by doing" philosophy with flexible curriculum letting students skip lessons and jump straight to drills. Classic site maintained through 2026. Trust erosion continues from March drilling reversal + direction uncertainty. New site has better analytics, shorter explanations. Positioning shift from structured to self-directed.
  • PowerScore: Brand fracture confirmed. Killoran departure official, Denning solo. NEW: 2025-2026 Bible Trilogy now includes Law School Admissions Bible written with Spivey Consulting — full-funnel strategy expansion beyond test prep. Active podcast covering Jan 2026 LSAT challenges ("four intense days of turmoil"). Free webinars continue as retention play.
  • LSAT Demon: Steady state. Daily podcast Ep 542+. New "Tuition Roll Call" feature in Scholarship Estimator (509 data viz). Live classes running. No core product innovation.
  • Blueprint: Published strong article on Jan 2026 RC comparative passage removal. Practice exams updated with tablet mode. Continuing SEO commodity play ("Top Law Schools in [State]").
  • Kaplan: $200 off promo EXTENDED AGAIN — now running Feb 3-10 (code FEB150 = $150 off). Aggressive timing to capture February LSAT enrollments. Marketing "170+ or 10-point increase" guarantee. Note: "#1 Rated" claim via TestPrepInsight is Kaplan affiliate (disclosed). Pure discount play continues with zero product innovation.
  • Magoosh: Still asleep. Updated lessons/schedules (boilerplate). Free prep for LSAC fee waiver recipients. No innovation.
  • Hey Future Lawyer: Ben Parker back after ~2 week illness. Podcast on 2026 being "most chaotic cycle ever." Anti-corporate "prep is junk food" positioning continues.
  • LSAC: Feb LSAT is TODAY (Feb 6-7). NALP published major market analysis: law firm recruiting hitting lowest levels since 2012-2020. Median 2L summer offers at all-time low. Class of 2028 is largest entering class in 13 years. OCI declared dead. AI uncertainty dampening firm hiring. Scores release Feb 25. April 2026 dates: Apr 9-11 (reg deadline Feb 26). Applicant surge: up 33%, applications up 27%.
  • AdeptLR: AI-first adaptive drilling expanding question bank. Now includes PrepTests 1-18, 21, 23, 101-159, A, Feb 1997. Still LR + RC only. Monitor for curriculum expansion.
  • Jenova AI: New entrant — marketing AI LSAT tutor with mobile app, citing "10+ point improvements." Citing same market stats (33% applicant increase, 28 schools requiring 170+). AI-tutor space heating up.

Top Action Items

  1. URGENT: Deploy retake campaign NOW — February LSAT is today/tomorrow. Retake ads + content should go live by Monday targeting score-disappointed students
  2. Leverage NALP "winter is coming" data — Create content: tightening legal job market = LSAT scores matter more than ever. Fear-based messaging is powerful and timely.
  3. Counter Kaplan's $150 promo (expires Feb 10) — Match with limited-time offer or create comparison content (discount ≠ outcomes)
  4. Feb 7-25 limbo content — Post-LSAT content for score-anxious students
  5. Target PowerScore refugees — Brand fracture + Barbri energy = displaced students
  6. 7Sage self-directed pivot — Position Burton Method's guided methodology vs. their "figure it out yourself" drill-first approach
  7. AI tutor positioning — Jenova AI entering market; Burton Method should decide: incorporate AI tools or double down on human expertise differentiation
  8. PowerScore admissions expansion — Evaluate: compete on admissions guidance or partner? Spivey collab raises credibility bar

Previous Weeks (Compressed)

Week of February 2, 2026

  • 7Sage announced drilling transition for March 1 (later reversed). PowerScore brand fracture deepening with Denning solo. LSAT Demon content machine, no product changes. Blueprint SEO play. Kaplan $200 off promo supposedly expired. Magoosh dormant. Hey Future Lawyer active on applicant surge. LSAC Feb dates Feb 6-7. AdeptLR monitoring as AI-first drilling competitor.

Previous Weeks (Compressed)

Week of February 1, 2026

  • Market exploding: applicants up 33%, LSAT registrations up 22%, Feb 2026 tracking 20-25% above prior year. Drivers: political climate, weak job market, format changes. LSAC using all-new content due to stolen test concerns. RC comparative reading no longer guaranteed (permanent Jan 2026 change).

Week of January 26, 2026

  • PowerScore: Dave Killoran departed — "former CEO/Director." Jon Denning solo. Brand significantly weakened. 7Sage: full platform redesign with drill-first philosophy, weekly data blog, tutor scaling. LSAT Demon: pricing stable ($0/$95/$195/$295/mo), Smart Drilling + Ask Button + LawHub Import, quick on RC coverage. Blueprint: practice exams updated with tablet mode for digital LSAT, strong SEO. Kaplan: 2026 Premium Prep book, $200 off promo, 170+/10-point guarantee. Magoosh: quiet, budget positioning. Hey Future Lawyer: anti-corporate podcast, scholarship-focused, free sessions. LSAC: Feb 2026 scheduling open, remote proctoring continues. AdeptLR spotted: AI-first adaptive drilling, PhD algorithm, 52% faster LR claim.