LSAT vs. GRE: Which Exam Is Right for You?
Institutions may subject the learner to a standardized test entry-level test when applying for any graduate-level program or law school. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are scrupulous exams that will help you build a solid application to your dream law school or of your choice. In this article, law school and college admission consulting expert will provide insights to help you understand and choose between LSAT and GRE.
Comprehensive LSAT Overview
As the name suggests, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) tests the skills necessary for a law degree student. It is integral in law school admission. LSAT has six sections, 35 minutes each. They include:
Reading Comprehension: Assess your ability to read and understand complex and long-form materials.
2 Logical Reasoning Sections (Logic games): Measure your ability to divulge and critically evaluate a topic and complete arguments.
Analytical Reasoning: Assess your ability to comprehend structured relationships and make conclusions.
Variable Section: This section validates new test questions for future use.
Writing Sample: Tests your ability to create and support an argument based on facts and express the arguments in English.
Some sections in the LSAT are unscored. However, you should approach all the sections as if they were scored to maintain consistent scores in all sections. All the scores add up to a range between 120-180. Most law schools have capped the minimum entry score above 150. If your score is less than that, you might need to do a retake.
Merits of Taking the LSAT
These are the advantages of taking the LSAT:
Accepted by All Law Schools
LSAT is the standardized test for law admissions. There has yet to be a likelihood of law schools scrapping the LSAT as an admission requirement, although its usage has been flexible. Other law schools accept the GRE, but the LSAT will allow you to apply to law schools that don't.
High Scores Increase Admission Chances
LSAT scores can influence your admissions decisions (although you should not weigh on only your LSAT!). A good LSAT score can also make up for a frail GPA.
Demerits of Taking the LSAT
These are the drawbacks of the LSAT:
Limited Exam Opportunities
The LSAT dates are not flexible to accommodate many retakes. You can only make another attempt when it is offered next. You might find your application falling between a period when the exam date isn't available.
Challenging to Study
Most students find the LSAT more challenging to understand than other entry exams. You might need to find a good LSAT tutor to help you navigate the coursework. There are no shortcuts to pass the test.
Comprehensive GRE Overview
The Graduate Record Exam tests a broader range of skills than the LSAT. It is used to assess the potential for succeeding in various programs. The GRE has three sections with 2-4 subsections each. The test period is 3 hours 45 minutes. The sections include:
Analytical Writing Sections: Measure your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and consciously while using ideas and reasoning.
Quantitative Section: Measure your knowledge of basic math, quantitative comparison, and data interpretation.
Verbal Section: Assess your reading comprehension and vocabulary-in-context
The score range in the quantitative and verbal sections is 130-170, while the writing section is between 1-6. You should consider a retake if you score below 150 in the verbal and quantitative sections or below 3.5 in the writing section.
Colleges have their minimum score requirement on the GRE. They also have different scores on each section depending on your program.
Merits of Taking the GRE
These are the advantages of taking the GRE:
Applicable to a Wider Program Choice
When unsure about taking a law career path, GRE provides flexibility in your choice of programs. Most programs prefer the GRE considering that LSAT only applies to law programs. Only medicine is an exception with GRE.
Your Best Score is Your Latest Score
You can preview your scores right after an exam. That applies to verbal and quantitative sections only. You can immediately decide whether to send them to the schools you are applying to. Unlike the LSAT, the schools do not see your previous attempts.
Easier to Navigate
Unlike the LSAT, the coursework needed to excel in the GRE is straightforward. You might not need a tutor with a self-guided study framework (although we suggest it for your best chances).
Available Throughout
Unlike the LSAT, you can schedule a test within your timelines. There are also many testing facilities to choose from.
Demerits of Taking the GRE
These are the drawbacks of the GRE.
Not Applicable to All Law Schools
The list of law schools that accept the GRE is not all-inclusive. Your dream law school might not be on the list. The law schools that take both tests might overlook your GRE and focus on your LSAT score.
Limited Retake Opportunities
You must wait for 21 days to make another attempt on the GRE. You also have five attempts annually. However, the failed attempts will not be significant to your record.
Final Thoughts
When taking a path in law, the LSAT has a bigger weight than the GRE. However, GRE is versatile, especially when undecided on your career path. If you have a previous LSAT attempt, you must set it straight because the score will be reported to the law schools you apply. At the end of the day, choosing between the LSAT and GRE is a personal decision influenced by strengths and aspirations.
We’re always here to help you on your journey to becoming a lawyer! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@smontgomeryconsulting.com!