Are you trying to decide whether you should take the LSAT or the SAT? Typically, students use one of these exam scores as part of their graduate school applications in addition to their transcripts and any essay requirements.
If you’re stuck on which one to take, our GRE vs. LSAT: Comparison and Conversion Guide should make your choice clear. Below, we’ll tell you which test is considered easier by most people, how the two are similar and different, and how to determine which exam is right for you.
GRE: Is It Easier Than the LSAT?
Usually, the most important determining factor when choosing between theLSAT and the GRE is the requirements or preference of the school you’re interested in.
Many schools require one or the other, while some may accept either. If you can provide your score from either graduate school entrance exam, you also need to know how each of these tests is different, so you can determine which one you feel the most comfortable taking.
People ask if the GRE is easier than the LSAT, and the answer is — it depends. Before you make your final call, let’s explore the similarities and differences between them in our GRE vs. LSAT: Comparison & Conversion Guide.
If you want to know How Long Is The GRE, check out our article here.
LSAT and GRE Similarities
These two exams have a lot in common, believe it or not. Here are the most striking similarities
Reading Comprehension
For example, both of these tests include a portion that tests your skills in the department of reading comprehension. You’ll also find logical reasoning questions on both tests, just in different places.
For the GRE, they are separated into their own section. On the LSAT, they’re bundled in with the reading comprehension questions.
Writing
Another comparison that a lot of graduate students like to make is that both of these exams also have a writing portion. Every test taker must complete an essay guided by the exam’s directions, there’s no getting out of that.
Vocabulary
Further, both the LSAT and GRE will test your vocabulary. For the GRE, this verbal section stands on its own, but it resembles many of the logical reasoning questions found bundled in the LSAT logical reasoning portion.
LSAT and GRE Differences
Now that we’ve gotten the similarities out of the way, it’s time to compare differences. You’ll notice there are far more differences than there are similarities; pay attention. These are what distinguish the two from each other and will determine which test you end up taking.
Essay Requirements
The first point of difference is the essay portion. The GRE requires two essays, while the LSAT only requires one. The LSAT also does not score the essay, but includes it for colleges to consider during their admissions.
Those who feel more confident in their writing abilities may prefer the GRE while those more inclined to reasoning may lean toward the LSAT.
You can refer to our post here on How Long Should GRE Essays Be for more information.
Math
Next, is the issue of math. On the GRE, there is a whole section dedicated to math questions. The LSAT does not test for math at all.
Standardized vs. Personalized
To make the two tests even more different, the LSAT is a standardized test while the GRE is a personalized test, with questions based on your answers to your early answers on the exam. In this sense, the higher you perform on each section in the beginning, the more challenging the answers will become in the latter portion of the exam.
If you’re going for ultra-high achievement and want to push yourself, this might make the GRE a more worthy challenge.
Other Differences
Here are some more differences between the two tests:
- LSAT includes more logical questions not typically used on standardized tests
- Students may take the GRE any time at certain test sites, while the LSAT is typically offered once per quarter
- You can only take the LSAT a maximum of three times per year, while the GRE is more flexible in allowing 5 attempts per year as long as each test is taken no more than 21 days after the last
- You can use your highest GRE score to apply for graduate schools, but all graduate schools you are applying to will be alerted of each LSAT attempt
- Most law school students take the LSAT, due to its strong focus on logic and reasoning while the GRE is used by a wide variety of majors
Want to know if you can bring a calculator on the GRE? Then see our post on Can You Use A Calculator On The GRE here.
Which Exam Should I Take? GRE vs. LSAT
Before you choose one or the other, you first need to see what your preferred schools require. Only then can you make your decision. Otherwise, the school typically makes it for you.
Only you can decide which exam is best to take based on your career plans. Use the points listed above, particularly the differences, to determine which test will showcase your skills best and apply the most to your major.
You can visit our post on How Many Times Can You Take The GRE here as well for more detailed explanation on retaking the GRE.
Conversion for GRE to LSAT
If you need to convert your GRE score to a comparable LSAT score, you can look at your GRE Reasoning and Quantitative Score to calculate what your predicted LSAT total score would be.
While this conversion trick is helpful, it’s not perfect, so don’t expect total accuracy. Every conversion comes along with a +/- 5 point margin of potential error. It is also important to know How Long Does it Take to Get & Send GRE Scores.
Wondering how hard the GRE is? See our post here on How Hard Is The GRE.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not sure where your career path will take you, it’s generally good advice to take the GRE, since it applies to a wide variety of disciplines. If you’re not strong when it comes to math, or you feel confident that you want to go into the legal field, the LSAT may be your preferred choice.
Know that this decision, whatever it may be, is personal to you. Take the time to understand both tests and make the right decision for you. You can always come back to our GRE vs. LSAT: Comparison & Conversion Guide to highlight the differences if you’re struggling to make a pick.