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clawdbot-workspace/memory/burton-method-research-intel.md
Jake Shore b0464e42f2 Daily backup: 2026-02-01
2026-02-01 23:00:31 -05:00

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Burton Method Competitor Research Intel

Week of February 1, 2026

Market Landscape

  • Applications up 33% YoY for 2025-2026 cycle (LSAC data)
  • LSAT registrations up 22%, Feb 2026 test tracking 20-25% above last year (~14K registrations)
  • Drivers: political climate, weak grad job market (5.3% unemployment, 41% underemployment), LSAT format changes, reapplicants
  • LSAC using "virtually all new test content" due to stolen test concerns
  • RC comparative reading no longer guaranteed (permanent change from Jan 2026)

Key Competitor Movements

  • PowerScore: Dave Killoran DEPARTED — now "former CEO/Director." Jon Denning solo on podcast. Brand significantly weakened. BIGGEST OPENING.
  • 7Sage: Full admissions platform expansion. Weekly data-driven blog (LSAC volume tracking). Tutoring program scaling. Two posts/week cadence.
  • LSAT Demon: Pricing stable ($0/$95/$195/$295/mo). Smart Drilling, Ask Button, LawHub Import. Quick on Jan 2026 RC coverage.
  • Blueprint: Practice exams updated with tablet mode to match 2026 digital LSAT interface. Strong SEO play on admissions cycle analysis.
  • Kaplan: New 2026 Premium Prep book. $200 off promo. 170+/10-point guarantee. Corporate playbook, slow innovation.
  • Magoosh: Quiet quarter. Budget positioning (1/4 price). No major updates. Coasting.
  • Hey Future Lawyer: "LSAT prep is junk food" podcast angle. Anti-corporate, scholarship-focused. Free sessions. Closest competitor in spirit.
  • LSAC: Feb 2026 scheduling open (Feb 6-7 dates). Active "LSAT Inbox" blog. Remote proctoring continues.
  • AdeptLR (emerging): AI-first adaptive drilling with PhD algorithm. Claims 52% faster LR improvement. LawHub import. Free + paid tiers.

Top Strategic Implications

  1. PowerScore vacuum = biggest competitive opening in years (target their students NOW)
  2. LSAC new-content-only policy kills memorization-based prep → position Burton Method as method/thinking-based
  3. AI-adaptive space wide open — race AdeptLR before they own the narrative

Previous Weeks (Compressed)

Week of January 26 - February 1, 2026

  • LSAC silently removed guaranteed comparative reading from RC section on January 2026 LSAT (permanent change)
  • 7Sage launched full platform redesign (drill-first philosophy)
  • LSAT Demon and Blueprint fastest to react with content on RC changes
  • AdeptLR spotted as emerging AI-first competitor
  • 2026 admissions cycle exploding — applicants up 33%, applications up 27%