GRE vs. LSAT | Key differences you must know!

The GRE is a graduate-level standardized test, whereas the LSAT is an entry test to law school. Most universities will accept your GRE score to determine your eligibility for graduate studies. Conversely, the LSAT is used globally as an entrance exam for law schools. Read the blog to learn about GRE vs. LSAT.

What is the difference between the GRE and the LSATs?

The accompanying GRE vs. LSAT chart will look at some significant components of both exams, showing the key differences between the LSAT and GRE.

Particulars	GRE	LSAT
Total Students Appeared in 2021	Around 2 lakhs	Around 1 lakh
Frequency	5 times	4 times
Scoring Range	260-340	120-180
Computer-adaptive	Yes	Yes
Total Time	3 hours & 45 minutes	Around 3 hours
Validity	5 Years	5 Years
Total No of Questions	MCQs – 80Unscored Research Section – 20	MCQ – 101
Exam Fee	213 USD	180 USD

Although the LSAT and GRE are two different types of exams, they differ in some ways. It is difficult to determine whether the GRE is more difficult to pass than the LSAT for admission. We have provided a list of many aspects to compare the two exams-

• Criteria for eligibility

You must finish your 10+2 education with at least 45% marks in a relevant stream to apply for the LSAT exam. If you intend to accept admission to a graduate school, you must have a bachelor’s with at least 45% marks.

In contrast, you do not need to meet specific eligibility criteria for the GRE. Students who have obtained their bachelor’s degree and want to apply for graduate programs can take the exam. If you want to know if the LSAT is harder than the GRE, you can look at the exam patterns for both examinations.

• Exam structure

If you want to know which is easier, the GRE vs. LSAT? You can figure this out by simply glancing at their exam pattern. Analytical reasoning, reading ability, and logical reasoning are the four sections of the LSAT exam paper. Logical reasoning is divided into two pieces, logical 1 and logical 2, with equal time allocated to solve each section. The examination pattern is as follows-

Sections	Total Questions	Time Allotted For Each Section
Analytical Reasoning	23	35 Minutes
Logical Reasoning 1	22	35 Minutes
Logical Reasoning 2	23	35 Minutes
Reading Comprehension	24	35 Minutes

• Exam charges

For Indian applicants, the GRE General test application price is 228 USD 18,880.63 INR, and the GRE Subject test application fee is 150 USD 12,300 INR. On the other hand, the LSAT exam has a minimal application fee of 180 USD, which is approximately 13,960 INR for an Indian applicant. Also, you must pay an additional charge if you wish to postpone or modify the exam location.

• Range of scoring

The LSAT exam paper is divided into four portions that can be combined to yield a score ranging from 120 to 180. If you score less than 150 on the exam, you should retake it. A score of 150 to 160 is considered average. An above 170 is remarkable and will get you into a good law school.

Looking at the GRE test scoring range, the verbal reasoning and quantitative sections vary from 130 to 170 with 1-point increments. Analytical writing is an essay-based test with a score range of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. A GRE score of 163 to 170 in the verbal and quantitative sections, with a writing score of 5.0 or higher, is considered the optimum GRE score for admission.

• Number of attempts

In the GRE, you will have the chance to take the GRE General test once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. This condition also applies if you have rejected your previous GRE results. The LSAT, on the other hand, has a limit on the number of attempts. You can only apply for the LSAT test four times each year.

• Acceptance

Around 500,000 students take the GRE to get admission to their selected graduate programs. Several institutions around the world accept GRE results for entrance to graduate programs. Over 1,200 business schools accept GRE results for master’s programs such as the MBA.

Contrarily, the LSAT is primarily for candidates seeking admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, or Australia. A score of 170 or more is generally deemed preferable for admission to elite law schools abroad.

Key takeaways

• If you have already given the LSAT and want to submit the GRE scores, the law colleges will still see your LSAT scores over the GRE score.
• You can also retake the LSAT exam to improve your score rather than taking the GRE examination.
• If you want to study in graduate programs other than law, you should submit your GRE scores instead.

FAQs

Question 1. GRE vs. LSAT, which one is more difficult?

Answer. In terms of difficulty level, many students believe that the LSAT is considered more challenging than the GRE.

Question 2. Do law schools prefer the GRE or the LSAT?

Answer. Most of the law schools in the US prefer LSATs. However, there are certain law colleges that accept GRE scores as well. 

Question 3. How many times per year may I apply for the GRE and LSAT?

Answer. The GRE can be taken five times per year; however, the LSAT can only be taken four times per year.