The GRE Vs. LSAT debate rages on as top-tier colleges increasingly show interest in both exams for admission into law school. A finding by Forbes shows that 105 high-profile schools globally, including Yale, Columbia, and Harvard, offer prospective law students a chance to take either exam. This gradual shift in policy follows the decision by the American Bar Association (ABA) to permit law schools to accept the GRE instead of the LSAT. Our exam experts will dive into this raging debate, showing you the differences between these two exams: What they entail, how they compare, and which suits your academic journey.
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination, (GRE), is an aptitude test by students looking to pursue various graduate programs. Initially, schools across the U.S. accepted the GRE as an admission test to business, humanities, and social science programs. Popular programs universally taking the GRE as an admission test include MBA, M. E.D., MS, and M.A. However, some schools have recently embraced the GRE VS. LSAT, while some colleges accept both.
What is LSAT?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an aptitude test taken by prospective law students to determine their ability to perform in the actual law school. It is a critical rite of passage as it assesses the applicant’s readiness for the J.D. (Juris Doctor) programs. This test captures four fundamental pillars: reading and comprehension, the ability to analyze arguments, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. It provides a level field for comparing applicants from diverse backgrounds, especially those pursuing undergraduate majors, with varying grading systems.
GRE VS. LSAT : How Do They Compare?
GRE and LSAT differed initially based on their purposes. LSAT was a universal standardized test for admission into J.D. Conversely, GRE was a standardized test for admission into business, humanity, and social science programs. However, with more schools accepting the GRE as an aptitude test for law, the comparison boils down to three main areas:
Content GRE VS. LSAT Dynamics
LSAT primarily comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a legal writing sample. The MCQs cover three sub-content areas: Reading and Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning. The writing sample and the experimental section are unscored.
GRE comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and an analytical writing section. The analytical writing section assesses the applicants’ essay writing proficiency. The MCQs cover two main sub-sections: quantitative reasoning (mainly math) and verbal reasoning.
GRE Vs. LSAT: The Scoring Mechanism
The LSAT has 99-102 questions scored from 120 to 180. To get the average score (160), applicants must get 75% of the 102 questions right. However, the beauty of LSAT is that there are no passing scores. Learners can also retake the exam five times over a lifetime.
GRE has 66-230 questions, depending on the program. This exam is starts from 130-170. The average GRE score is 157 for the quantitative reasoning section and 151 for the verbal reasoning. A 150 requires learners to get around 20-40 questions right. Like the LSAT, applicants can retake the GRE five times over a lifetime. However, applicants can only apply for the exam once every 21 days.
GRE Vs. LSAT: Exam Duration
According to LSAC, the LSAT takes approximately 3 hours. LSAT comprises four test sections that take 35 minutes each. Learners are given a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections. This aptitude test is designed such that examinees invest more time completing each section.
The GRE is a 3-hour-45-minute-long exam. The analytical writing section consists of two subsections. Each sub-section takes 30 minutes. The verbal reasoning section consists of two subsections. Each takes 20 minutes. There is a 10-minute intermission between the second and the third section. The quantitative reasoning section consists of 2 sub-sections. Each takes 35 minutes. Applicants have the additional research section (usually unscored). They may be given extra time to answer the research section. The timeline for the last quarter depends on the school administering the GRE.
GRE Vs. LSAT : Which One Should I Choose for My Law School?
GRE and LSAT both have a fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Thus, an applicant’s choice boils down to personal preferences, circumstances, goals, strengths, and weaknesses. However, our experts prefer the LSAT over the GRE for the following reasons:
All Law Schools Accept the LSAT
Even after the ABA’s decision, all law schools across the U.S. and countries like Canada still accept LSAT as the standard admission test. Conversely, some law schools do not accept the GRE, limiting students who desire to take the exam.
Additionally, LSAT is considered a more traditional and culturally accepted way into a law school. It comes with a reputation not easily attainable by the more non-traditional GRE.
LSAT Assess More Specific Skills
The core skills tested in LSAT include logical reasoning, critical thinking, and reading and comprehension. All these competencies relate to the subjects of law and legal studies.
Readily Available Practice Tests
The LSAT has been around for decades. Hence, students can easily access preparation materials like practice tests, notes, and video tutorials. Learners can also access many forums with legal practitioners ready to offer helpful guides. At Bestexamhelponline, we are a team of top graduates from top-tier universities across the U.S. Our experts are readily available to guide applicants, avail relevant study materials, and take your exam upon request.
Can You Do My LSAT For Me?
YES! Experts at Bestexamhelponline can take your LSAT, but only when it’s administered as a proctored test. Here is how we will help:
- Copy your LSAT exam details, i.e., the test version, date, and duration, and share them with us. Notify our support about the type of proctoring software used to administer the exam. Discuss and pay for the quoted service fees.
- Support will send you our unique software once you pay the quotation. Download and install it on your computer.
- On the exam date, scan your room and verify the I.D.s. Notify our experts, and we will take it from there.
- Keep your face in view for the webcam as we answer the questions remotely. You can find a way to keep yourself busy.
- After submitting the paper, our session ends.
Choosing Between GRE VS. LSAT : The Bottom-Line
The GRE Vs. LSAT debate confirms that LSAT is technically and culturally suitable for law school students. It tests the fundamental principles that resonate with the legal practice. If you need help with LSAT, contact our support, and we will connect you with one of our experts for 1-on-1 consultation.
