38 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
38 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
# Burton Method Competitor Research Intel
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## Week of February 1, 2026
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### Market Landscape
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- Applications up 33% YoY for 2025-2026 cycle (LSAC data)
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- LSAT registrations up 22%, Feb 2026 test tracking 20-25% above last year (~14K registrations)
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- Drivers: political climate, weak grad job market (5.3% unemployment, 41% underemployment), LSAT format changes, reapplicants
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- LSAC using "virtually all new test content" due to stolen test concerns
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- RC comparative reading no longer guaranteed (permanent change from Jan 2026)
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### Key Competitor Movements
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- **PowerScore:** Dave Killoran DEPARTED — now "former CEO/Director." Jon Denning solo on podcast. Brand significantly weakened. BIGGEST OPENING.
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- **7Sage:** Full admissions platform expansion. Weekly data-driven blog (LSAC volume tracking). Tutoring program scaling. Two posts/week cadence.
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- **LSAT Demon:** Pricing stable ($0/$95/$195/$295/mo). Smart Drilling, Ask Button, LawHub Import. Quick on Jan 2026 RC coverage.
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- **Blueprint:** Practice exams updated with tablet mode to match 2026 digital LSAT interface. Strong SEO play on admissions cycle analysis.
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- **Kaplan:** New 2026 Premium Prep book. $200 off promo. 170+/10-point guarantee. Corporate playbook, slow innovation.
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- **Magoosh:** Quiet quarter. Budget positioning (1/4 price). No major updates. Coasting.
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- **Hey Future Lawyer:** "LSAT prep is junk food" podcast angle. Anti-corporate, scholarship-focused. Free sessions. Closest competitor in spirit.
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- **LSAC:** Feb 2026 scheduling open (Feb 6-7 dates). Active "LSAT Inbox" blog. Remote proctoring continues.
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- **AdeptLR (emerging):** AI-first adaptive drilling with PhD algorithm. Claims 52% faster LR improvement. LawHub import. Free + paid tiers.
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### Top Strategic Implications
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1. PowerScore vacuum = biggest competitive opening in years (target their students NOW)
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2. LSAC new-content-only policy kills memorization-based prep → position Burton Method as method/thinking-based
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3. AI-adaptive space wide open — race AdeptLR before they own the narrative
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---
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## Previous Weeks (Compressed)
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### Week of January 26 - February 1, 2026
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- LSAC silently removed guaranteed comparative reading from RC section on January 2026 LSAT (permanent change)
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- 7Sage launched full platform redesign (drill-first philosophy)
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- LSAT Demon and Blueprint fastest to react with content on RC changes
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- AdeptLR spotted as emerging AI-first competitor
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- 2026 admissions cycle exploding — applicants up 33%, applications up 27%
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