As of 2017, Harvard Law School has started accepting GRE in addition to LSAT for admissions into their J.D. programs. Since then, many other law schools have jumped on board.
This announcement has subsequently arisen the question, is GRE easier than LSAT?
This question carries quite a bit of importance because if one test is easier than the other, why sabotage your admission chances when you can take the easier test. To answer this, let’s first take a brief look at what these tests are.
In this Article
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE is an adaptive test that students have to take for their admission into graduate school, primarily in the US. The body in charge of the test is called Educational Testing Service or ETS.
GRE comprises of three parts, namely, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
The test has a scoring range of 260-340. The score is calculated by adding the quantitative and verbal scores each having a range of 130-170. The score for each of these sections is calculated in 1-point increments. The math and verbal sections have a total of 100 questions.
Analytical writing is scored separately on a scale of 0-6, 0.5-point increments.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
LSAT is a paper-based test used exclusively for admission to law schools, primarily in the USA. In it also available in a computer-based format in certain locations. The body that administers the test is called The Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Unlike the GRE, LSAT is a purely verbal test with NO math sections. It has five sections, namely, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Variable Section, and Writing Sample.
The test is scored on a scale of 120 to 180. Typically, there are 100 or 101 questions.
LSAT also uses a score conversion chart to maintain consistency between scores from tests taken at different times. As the test may differ in “logical difficulty” across time, the scoring conversion chart is adjusted accordingly to male similar LSAT scores from different tests mean the same thing.
Is GRE easier than LSAT?
Well, it depends on whether you are good at math or not. As already discussed, the GRE is different from LSAT in that it has a math section, whereas LSAT is 100% verbal.
No Math on LSAT
If math is not your strong suit, then there is no point in wasting time, money, and effort by taking the GRE. Instead, it would help if you prepared for the LSAT.
However, if you have a strong math understanding and your plan to apply to multiple programs, other than law, then GRE is of great use. You would only have to take one test, so your efforts are better spent preparing for the GRE.
LSAT verbal is slightly harder
As for the verbal section, there is almost a 75% overlap between the LSAT and the GRE format. Both include reading passages and logical reasoning.
The overlapping part of the two exams is nearly the same in difficulty level. So, that can’t be the deciding factor.
However, LSAT has no vocabulary but for GRE you have to learn around 1000 words, which can be challenging for some.
There is no analytical reasoning (logic games) section on the GRE, which tends to be a difficult section on the LSAT. I personally hate these logic games (check out the sample) but I know a lot of people who love solving them.
The GRE equally weighs math and English. So, if you are really bad at English then you can at least do something about your score if you take the GRE.
Nonetheless, the overall verbal difficulty for both the tests is almost the same.
Paper-based LSAT Vs Computer-based GRE
Also keep in mind that GRE is a computer-based test, whereas LSAT is mostly offered as a paper-based exam. Depending on which medium you are more comfortable with may also impact your score.
As for the availability, GRE is available for registration multiple times each week, whereas LSAT is only available seven times each year.
If you reside outside Canada or the USA, you should check to see if your country has LSAT test centers. If not, then you pretty much have no choice but to take GRE.
The bottom line
In conclusion, there is no objective answer as to which test is easier than the other. It all comes down to personal abilities.
In my personal view, though:
- if you are good at Math, go for GRE.
- if you are good at both, still go for GRE.
- if you ain’t good at either, even then go with GRE.
- only do LSAT if you are really really fond of English
It is often misconstrued that since the LSAT doesn’t require you to memorize fancy vocabulary, it must be easier than the GRE.
However, LSAT tests you on your ability to solve “logic games” on the analytical reasoning section, which is missing on the GRE. If you are good at applying formulas to mathematical questions but fall behind in logic-based questions, GRE might be easier for you.
You should research both tests and see which one suits you best based on your background. In general, Arts and Humanities majors are likely to find LSAT more suitable because of their lack of math prowess.
Try out these sample tests to get a flavor of what each of these tests is like:
LSAT sample exam