I cannot express strongly enough how pleased I am with the LSAT prep instruction I have received from Testing for the Public. I have benefited greatly from the focused strategy of teaching why the right answers are right. This has improved my performance as each question during an actual test must be answered within very limited time constraints. Testing for the Public uses only LSAT tests and practice tests are done under timed conditions.
The unconditional repeat policy is real. In fact, students are wholeheartedly encouraged to return as often as necessary. I have taken the course three times and was always welcomed back. Actually, I attended parts of three different sessions. As an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley with two young children and a part-time job, it is very easy for me to run into competing time commitments and I was forced to miss some classes in each session. This has never been an issue as the repeat policy is unquestionably honored and I am able to get in as much test prep as I feel that I need before I take the LSAT.
The classes are small and the atmosphere is unpretentious but serious about the task of preparing students for their best performance on the LSAT.
Meredith M. -- 3/31/2012
For me this was a great fit, classes were offered at convenient times, and the price was more than fair, considering you can retake it at any time and the instructor will take the time to explain answers to you if you don't understand.
I appreciate his acknowledgment that the tests favor people who grew up speaking Anglo languages. he makes a point to explain the keys that native English speakers have when it comes to guessing the meaning of all the ridiculous words on that test
In this class, like anything in life, you get out what you put in. Its important to go into the whole thing understanding that you don't have the key to crack the GRE code, and willing to explore some of David's methods. They may seem kooky, but his methods are well researched and they work! But at the end of the day, like anything, if you don't study, you will probably get crappy results.
Anyway, I would encourage anyone who wants to take a GRE class to leave what they think they know about tests at the door, give his methods an honest try, and study for the test.
He's a math guy and I believe that he is honestly committed to making test taking skills available to as many people as he can without going broke. Give this guy a try, he’s smart and he wants you to succeed.
Brandi G. -- 8/6/2010
I just finished this GRE prep course offered by Dave White.
Dave was an outstanding teacher and really knows his material. He has compiled over 40 old GRE tests and found a way to really beat this exam.
His strategies were presented well, and easy to learn. I tested them out on a few practice tests offered by ETS (Real GRE exams) and they really work!
I'm also taking another GRE prep course offered by Princeton review and I have to say that I prefer the testing for the public's course.
The Princeton review offers no REAL exam questions but just ones they came up with that try to mimic what is actually on the GRE Exam.
Dave takes REAL questions, all form previous GRE exams and gives you the skills on how to beat this test (that is certainly not about knowing the material but knowing how to pick the right answers from the wrong ones).
You can save a LOT of time using these strategies in combination with your brain.
This class offered more hours than other courses and was HALF the price.
-you can also attend the course more than once (if needed).
My only warning is that to those that are looking for a math or English tutor and are in serious need of learning the basics- this is NOT the class for you.
You need to know some math and some English to get by. This course teaches you the strategies to use on the problems when you can (which is actually a good majority.)
Glad i took the course and can't wait to smash the GRE with my new skills! -Thanks DAVE! Y.
Lily Y. -- 2/19/2011
I first took David's Testing for the Public course a few months after a Testmasters course. I just didn't quite feel ready for the LSAT, and I signed up for TFP on a recommendation. Since I have the experience, I can probably give a few comparisons to Testmasters. Instead of the 15 different "question types" (ex: 4F vs. 5 F, sufficient v necessary), David goes through the logic of the types of questions, which felt more intuitive. The system is not based on memorizing "strategy," but rather learning to keep a reasonable, and in-the-test-writers'-shoe s mindset. There are question "groups" in this class, but they are separated more logically such as, "what are the test writers' goal with this type of question" and "try to spot the same type of wrong answers." (The point of the last one is to say that if answer choice #A is wrong for X reason, then answer choice #B would be wrong if it also uses X reason). It may sound confusing but it's a huge time saver. David also provides only real LSAT practice questions, and begins practice tests from the beginning.
On my actual test day, I was able to put some of David's LSAT tricks to the test, although this wasn't really my ideal forum to test this out. In class, we would do some exercises about how to quickly eliminate question types if you were pressed for time on the exam. To my chagrin, I was in this exact situation on the June 2008 Logic Games section (anyone remember the dinosaurs question....because it sucked). Anyways, I was in the middle of my 3rd game when the 5 minute time was called. I probably spent about 30 seconds just panicking. Then I realized I had to move really fast. I blazed through the rest of Game #3, making educated guesses about the answers based solely on "reading the question," and then proceeded to do this with Game #4 as well. I perhaps skimmed the rules for Game #4, but had no time to actually work anything out. I barely finished bubbling in my answer sheet before time was called.
I went through the rest of the test thinking I would somehow have to prop up my Games score, because I was sure it was going to be my weakest section. To my complete surprise when I received my results, I only missed 3 questions on the Games section. So, my point is, although I would not wish running out of time to anyone, David's strategies really pulled me through when I had to finish two games in 5 minutes.
Personally I would recommend taking 2-3 courses for the LSAT. David has a free repeat policy, and taking a few months to prep for the LSAT is the norm these days. It is not a hard test, but it stresses you out, and the more you spend prepping, the more used to the style you become. Just to give some background, I scored in the 98th percentile, and I currently attend a T25 law school.
Virginia C. -- 7/29/2010
Yes, I've taken other test prep companies (ummm Kaplan) and picked up a few books here and there for my LSAT. However, if you are like me with a short attention span and refuse to give in to this test, you must take this course. This course teaches you obvious techniques and I almost didn't want to write the review to give away the secret.
I will note that this course is extremely beneficial if you have taken another prep course, because you are able to compare the techniques and understand why they were wasting your time. This test is not about understanding all the details vs. getting that damn number to get into that dream school.
In addition, there is a 100% free repeat policy (regardless if you improved your diagnostic score). David also uses only real lsac questions and prep materials.
Now, this course is not glamorous and there are no extra gimmicks and marketing brochures, but this is the real deal in terms of content. Please don't expect free stress balls with the test companies logos and other crappy supplies. There is no official building with study space (he uses mostly university rooms). So, go to a coffee shop!!!
Pros:
1) Content, Content, Content
2) Instructors (They actually give a damn about you which is ironic- not that this is needed, but this was kind of nice)
3), So when I call the office, the instructor picks up!!
4) Locations (Usually on campus or is centrally located)
5) Take as many courses as you want (hopefully, you will only need 1 though)
6) Socratic Method and Cold Calling you in class until you get it! LOVE LOVE THIS...
7) Price (almost half the price of others). Regardless, I still would have paid for it (even if it was just as expensive as Kaplan). In the end, what's another 600-1000 to your law school bills? Seriously...
8) For reading comp, the technique is reading less! And I am strong in games, but he makes you anticipate the answers before choosing the technique (and you don't need to draw out all the limited options- waste of time/space). I mean I get done games with time to spare.
Cons
1) No homework/study guide (so, you need to be a little more self-directed/organized- I mean just get with the program if you plan on going to law school (at some point no one is going to hold your hand)
2) No online materials/syllabus (bummer, but you can pick up other stuff to supplement) For the GRE, I know there are many online presentation stuff, etc.
3) I do wish the course was longer (in duration), but I think he changed his class to reflect the needs.
4) Sometimes, I think it is annoying that there are so many random drop-ins (previous test-prep people) as a 1st timer since they did a lot of the problems before. However, it didn't bug me once I got to know all the random drop-ins and the technique doesn't call for a set group of individuals. But please people, bring your materials to class.
Now, this class is like getting authentic Chinese or Italian food from the Mom and Pop chefs on price and quality vs. P.F. Chang or Olive Garden. Seriously, dislike. All and all, I'm really grateful for the course and the time/energy he puts into his research. Go check out a free strategy session now before you sign up.
P.S. I don't give 5 stars, but this is as good as it gets.
Kristen M. -- 9/13/2011
David White has an obvious passion for helping people and addressing injustice, which was clear from the first class I took with him. He trained at Harvard Law and has been asked numerous times to testify against ETS on the various biases of standardized tests, still perceived by many as gateway to The Good Life.
David's enthusiasm and generosity never ceased to amaze me as I took full advantage of his free repeat policy, randomly dropping in on various class locations for a refresher after work (and in large part to motivate myself and be around other people studying for the test). This year I'm in grad school at my top choice school; UC Berkeley. David truly cares for his students and wants to see them succeed. Thank you, David! a P.
Teresita P. -- 10/20/2011
If you look up EFFECTIVE & PRACTICAL in the dictionary, you will see the TESTING FOR THE PUBLIC LOGO beside both words.
I recently took Testing for the Public LSAT course in Berkeley. It significantly improve not only my score but also my confidence. The sessions are not boring despite the fact they are 4-hour long every time. 240 minutes will pass in a snap and at the end of each session you'll learn a new technique that will help you crack LSAT GAMES, LOGICAL REASONING and READING COMPREHENSION.
Furthermore, TESTING FOR THE PUBLIC is not after student's money. You will definitely get your money's worth. The fee includes LSAC published materials, detailed explanation of answers for the GAMES (neatly compiled), a strategy and technique book and even a famous highlighter (which, by the way, you could bring with you on the test day itself)!
True that the instructor is soft-spoken but he is open to questions. It's up to you to clarify things with him. (Take it from me who just migrated here in the US and still adjusting to the American Slang!) Dave is open to questions. He wouldn't judge you based on your queries. His success in instructing standardized tests isn't so much from his Harvard training but more so from his sole intentions of helping people get good scores to get them to good schools!
Testing for the Public has to be one of the best things I ever spent my hard-earned money on!!!M.
Nisha M. -- 7/26/2011
If you're looking for the no nonsense, cut to the chase, secret sauce of cracking the GRE, then do come here. Dave's classes are insightful, initially mind boggling (just hear him out on the psycho-drama of the 'nerds' who frame the test) but totally worth it. This is not your regular crash course in the GRE, so you will need to do all the grinding work - practicing math, wondering how you forgot 8th grade algebra, staring at strange words you've only heard rattle off from Dicken's novels - and top that with a bi-weekly class from Dave. I suggest doing it closer to the exam date, since his methods are ALL about strategy and less about content. Prepare for the GRE 70% and then use his strategies to fill in the blanks.
He gives out practice material which is interesting since it's all test questions from the last couple of years. I got a really high score in Quant, thanks to his strategies (it helps he comes up with weird rhymes to remember them) - and I'm someone who hasn't done good ol' math since 10th grade. Verbal was pretty good too (none of the words I read from those damned lists showed up) but I did use his strategies in the reading comprehension section - and I got some real toughies!
Classes are in USF Daly City..well connected by the Muni. Grab your snack at the nearby Trader Joe's (if you're like me, I nosh & study) and head to a 4 hour class. I can't say much about the new revised GRE, but his methods were close to spot-on for the old GRE administrated before Aug '11.
