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Best GRE Prep Book 2018 | Top preparation Material for GRE

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Updated April 22, 2018

What if I told you getting a good GRE score is not a tough task?

It sounds amazing, right?

All you need to do is follow the right GRE prep Material, and you will be able to prepare for GRE exam and get an excellent GRE score.

These GRE Prep Books won’t cost you thousands of dollars. You can get these prep study guides under $100. You can learn from the best GRE Prep Book and score high on your test.

But finding a “Good” GRE book isn’t that easy of a task. That is why I have created a list of the best GRE study material for 2017. After reading all these books carefully and researching, I have shortlisted top books which you can buy right now.

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Kaplan vs. Princeton Review GMAT

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Princeton Review vs Kaplan GMAT Prep Courses

Preparing to take a test can be daunting, and preparing for the Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT) isn’t any different. The GMAT is an examination you need to take in order to get into a graduate management program, such as an MBA. These tests assess skills such as qualitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing.

That’s a mouthful – and it is definitely a lot to prepare for. You’ll want to make sure you have all the materials you need to study and get ready to pass this test. However, everyone learns and studies in different ways. Some people like to write notes, others watch lectures, some use flashcards, and some prefer practice exams. To prepare for the GMAT, you’ll want to choose the best GMAT prep course for you.

Lucky for you, I’m here to show the differences between the Kaplan vs Princeton Review GMAT prep courses, so you can find the right way to prep for the big test – at a cost that is in your price range. Let’s get into it the details!

 

The Princeton Review GMAT Prep Course Review

The Princeton Review GMAT Course Review

The Princeton Review is definitely the most comprehensive of the two courses in question. They make sure their teachers have not only a proven expertise in the format and material for the GMAT, but look for teachers with a sense of humor, to make the process more relatable. Their teachers also go through over 40 hours of training, so you’ll be getting the best GMAT prep teachers out there.

You might notice that it is more expensive than some GMAT prep courses (however, much cheaper than Kaplan), but the Princeton Review GMAT course provides you with the most materials you need to pass the test, such as test questions, practice exams, and online textbooks. Check out more details below.

  1. A Comprehensive Selection of Practice Questions

With over 800 GMAT practice questions, the Princeton Review helps you get used to question format and learn the material to prepare for the exam.

  1. Plenty of Practice Exams

Taking practice GMAT exams is an important part of test-prep. By taking practice exams you get used to how questions are asked, you can find out how long it takes you to take the exam, and you can become a better test-taker all around. Thankfully, the Princeton Review GMAT prep course offers 10 variations of a GMAT practice exam to make sure you are prepared come test day!

  1. Score Improvement Guarantee

If this is your second go-around at the GMAT, you’re likely buying a prep course to improve your scores. Lucky for you, if you did not see a score increase, Princeton Review will offer your money back or a course retake at no charge! Another great thing about the Princeton Review’s satisfaction guarantee is, if you don’t feel prepared going into the exam – the same rules apply! You can either get your money back or a second try at the course at no charge!

  1. Several Course Format Options

Princeton Review recognizes that everyone learns in different ways. Because of this, there are many GMAT prep course options to choose from by Princeton Review.

  • Self-Paced
  • Ultimate LiveOnline
  • Ultimate In Person
  • Private Tutoring Program

While the price increases with each option, it is nice to know that you can learn at your own pace for a fraction of the cost of competitors, like Kaplan.

  1. Online Textbooks

Princeton Review GMAT books are all online, making it easy to test-prep anywhere you’d like. Staying late at the office? Headed to a local library? Travelling? Want to study with a friend? No need to lug your study materials around like you did in college – the Princeton Review books for GMAT prep are ready to go on any screen.

While all these features sound great, I am aware that there are many other GMAT prep courses to choose from, so making a decision can be difficult. Let’s see how the Kaplan GMAT prep course stacks up against Princeton Review.

Learn More About Princeton Review GMAT

 

The Kaplan GMAT Prep Course Review

The Kaplan GMAT prep course has a lot of the same features as the Princeton Review, but it comes with a cost. While the starting price for Princeton Review comes in at $499, you’ll be shelling out $799 for the basic Kaplan GMAT experience. Is it worth it? This course offers a few features that the Princeton Review does not offer – like the Kaplan Official Test Day Experience. This program allows students to take practice GMAT tests at an actual testing facility – an experience unique to only Kaplan. But, how do the other features stack up to the Princeton Review?

  1. A large selection of Practice Questions

While the Princeton Review offers 800 test prep questions, students get a little more room for preparation with the 900 test questions from the Kaplan GMAT prep course offers. That is 100 more chances to prepare yourself for what to expect on exam day!

  1. 9 Practice Exam Variations

While the Kaplan GMAT prep course offers more test prep questions than Princeton Review, you’ll get one less chance at a GMAT practice exam with Kaplan. You might feel like the extra prep questions offset one less practice exam, but for those who aren’t great test-takers this can be a huge hit in their GMAT prep, as practice exams are a fantastic way to prep.

  1. Higher Score Guarantee

Like Princeton Review, Kaplan offers the “Kaplan Higher Score Guarantee.” This ensures an increase in your GMAT score, or your money back (or a second try at the course at no charge – if you’re feeling up to it)! However, there isn’t a mention of if you feel unprepared for the exam after completing the course – something the Princeton Review addresses in their guarantee.

  1. A Variety of Course Formats to Choose From

Similar to the Princeton Review, the Kaplan course comes in several formats.

  • Self-Paced
  • Live Online
  • In Person

But don’t think that the self-paced option is as wallet-friendly as Princeton Review’s. The starting cost for the Kaplan self-paced option is $799. For some, this price can break the bank, and when a degree is already costing you a pretty penny – this definitely is a huge thing to consider.

  1. 2 GMAT Prep Textbooks + More!

One great feature of the Kaplan course is that not only do you get two physical Kaplan GMAT prep books, you will also receive an MBA submission guide to continue to helping you through the process of working to obtain your degree from start to finish.

Learn More About Kaplan GMAT

 

Which GMAT Course Should I Get – Kaplan or Princeton Review?

So, what do you think? To me, it seems like the Princeton Review is a more comprehensive prep course, and it comes at a lower cost. If money isn’t a concern for you, and you want the unique features of the Kaplan prep course (like physical textbooks, the MBA submission guide, 100 extra prep questions, and the Official Test Day Experience) then Kaplan might be the choice for you.

Buy the Kaplan GMAT Course     Buy the Princeton Review GMAT Course

Now that you’ve got the details and compared the courses – it is time to hit the books! Best of luck on your GMAT journey!

Princeton Review vs. Kaplan GRE

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You did it! You decided you want to go to grad school! You’re looking up schools to attend, degree programs, and everything in between. You’re ready to make some decisions, but you realize you have something looming over your head – the GRE.

The GRE is a test that you need to take in order to get into most grad school programs, and your score can affect what programs you can get into. When’s the last time you took a test? For some of you, it may be a few weeks ago. For others, it could be years. Having the right GRE prep course can help you prepare for this big moment with ease.

How do you choose the best GRE prep course for you? I’m here to help!

The Princeton Review GRE prep course is one of my top choices for preparing for the GRE. This course has many in-person, online, and self-paced options to prepare for the GRE on your own time. Students who use The Princeton Review GRE can customize the level of help they need to prepare for the exam by choosing from three levels of tutors – private, master, and premier level.

Aside from choosing a level of tutor, what else does the Princeton Review GRE Prep Course have to offer to students? I’ve broken down all of their course features to help you determine if they’re the right fit for you.

The Princeton Review GRE Course Features

  1. 8 Full-Length Practice Tests

This GRE prep course comes with 8 full-length, computer adaptive practice exams. These courses are ahead of their competitors when it comes to simulated GRE practice tests. Following each practice exam, the student will receive personalized feedback from their instructor. This feedback will include the student’s strengths and weaknesses so the student can easily identify areas they need to improve upon before taking the GRE exam.

  1. GRE Essay Prep

When it comes to GRE writing prep, the Princeton Review is the only self-paced GRE course that offers essay feedback. How great is that? Students can submit their essays through the LiveGrader tool, and they will receive real feedback and a score from experts, including suggestions on how to sharper your GRE essay writing skills to improve your exam scores!

  1. Semi-Private Group Option

Can’t afford a private tutor? That’s no problem for the Princeton Review GRE prep course. This course offers a semi-private, small group option, capped at 4 students. This is a great way to receive personal help from an instructor in person or online, without the costs of a private tutor. This option takes place once or twice a week, for a total of 24 in-class hours in addition to use of the online materials.

  1. Tutor Access Outside of Class

    If you’ve signed up for the “Ultimate” course, you will have access to tutors and instructors outside class hours through many channels including in-person, phone, and email. Choosing the private tutor option students can customize the price of the course based on the expertise and experience of the tutor.

    The Princeton Review GRE Tutoring Options:

    • Private Level Tutors: More than 40 hours of training and instruction time
    • Master Level Tutors: More than 500 hours of tutoring (or relevant work experience) and have instructed students that have superior score improvement
    • Premier Level Tutors: At least 1,000 hours of tutoring (or relevant work experience) and have instructed students who have achieved exceptional results

  2. Adaptology Teaching Method

Finally, I believe that the best part of the Princeton Review GRE prep is the Princeton Review’s Adaptology teaching method. This teaching method allows each program to be tailored specifically to a student’s needs – so you’re preparing exactly the way you need to. Additionally, each live course includes one-on-one practice test reviews with your instructor, allowing you to examine how you did in the practice test and learn from any mistakes you may have made.

GET THE PRINCETON REVIEW

 

So, now that you know all about the Princeton Review GRE prep course, how does it stack up against the rest? In this next section, we’ll take a look at how Princeton Review performs versus the Kaplan GRE course.

Comparing Kaplan vs Princeton Review GRE Courses

When preparing for the GRE, you are going to want to do your research about GRE prep courses. The Kaplan GRE course is another option for preparing for the GRE exam. Let’s look at how it compares to the Princeton Review GRE prep course!

Kaplan GRE Course Features

  1. Many course choices with a “PLUS” tutoring option

    Like the Princeton Review course, the Kaplan GRE course allows you to choose from in-person, live online and self-paced courses to customize your exam preparation experience. Each course comes with an option to add the “Plus” option – but with a cost. This option provides a private coach and additional resources for $400 (or an extra $200 for the self-paced course). This access to the tutor is via email.

    Every option of the Princeton Review prep course comes with access to live instructors, via in-person, phone, and email, aside from the Self-Paced option, and this is included in the price. So if you’re looking for a cost effective option, Princeton Review would be the best choice for you.

  2. A large quantity of study materials

    Kaplan GRE allows you to prepare for the exam with a large quantity of study materials. This course comes with 5,000 GRE practice questions, 7 full-length practice exams, a library of more than 180 hours of content, including GRE textbooks and flashcards.

    While the Princeton Review only provides 3,500 GRE practice questions, it provides students one additional chance, totaling 8 full-length practice exams, to prepare and get real, personalized feedback from instructors. In addition, all of our practice materials will be online, so it is easy to access. This means, if money isn’t an option, Kaplan will provide you with 1,500 more GRE practice questions. But if you’re looking to save some money, Princeton Review is a great trade-off, especially with one more chance at a practice exam.

  3. Guaranteed Score Increase, or Money Back

    If you don’t see improvements in your score after completing the entire Kaplan course, you can be eligible for a full refund of your money. Additionally, if you are not happy with your test results, you can retake the course with no additional charges.

    The Princeton Review course has three guarantees – the Readiness Guarantee, the Satisfaction Guarantee, and the Money-Back Guarantee. If you do not feel prepared for the exam after taking the course, you can repeat the course at no charge. If you are not satisfied with your test results, you can work with Princeton Review for up to a year after the exam.

  4. 4.Official Test Day Experience

    One thing that is unique to Kaplan is the ability to take a practice GRE test at an actual Prometric testing facility. This can help you come to the actual test with a prepared mind – since you’ve already been through this.

GET KAPLAN

 

Which is better – Kaplan vs. Princeton Review GRE?

Although Princeton Review GRE course does not have the unique opportunity of going to a Prometric testing facility, there are plenty of features unique to Princeton Review that sets it apart from its’ competitors, including Kaplan.

Some of The Princeton Review’s unique features have already been covered, like the GRE essay writing prep and feedback! The Princeton Review has a starting price of $199 while the starting price for Kaplan is up to $699.

With that being said, it is clear that for all of the GRE prep materials and practice tests you get, plus the personalized experiences and courses, and even the essay writing, the Princeton Review GRE prep course is a comprehensive course at a great value. However, if money isn’t a factor – you might consider Kaplan’s GRE course for it’s extra prep questions and their official test day experience at a prometric testing facility. For most students, however, I recommend The Princeton Review at all price points.

GET THE PRINCETON REVIEW       GET KAPLAN

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to start preparing. Hit the books (or the online study materials, that is) and prepare yourself for the big test. Wishing you the best of luck on your adventure into grad school!

Best GMAT Prep Courses 2018

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Once you’ve decided to take the GMAT, the next step is to prepare for the test… but where to start? There are many test prep companies that offer study guides, practice questions, and even mobile apps to help you get ready. Not all companies offer the same options in the same price ranges, however, so take some time to compare them. And since studying for the GMAT is stressful enough, we’ve done some of the work for you! Here are some of the most popular GMAT review courses, the programs they offer, and their strengths and weaknesses.

Magoosh (Best Value)

Why should I choose Magoosh GMAT?

At $149, Magoosh is the most economical choice. For less than half of the cost of the other featured review courses, you get access to 800 practice questions, two full practice GMAT exams, and various online resources for a full year. Those resources include video instruction, progress tracking, a course demo, a study plan, a mobile app, and essay grading.

All course books are available online and Magoosh provides email support as well as a forum for those who need a little extra help. The format of the online materials allows test takers to submit questions directly from a help tab on every page, rather than having to log in to a different email program, and the staff has a reputation for being knowledgeable in the subject matter and prompt in their response to questions. Magoosh also guarantees to add 50 points to your total GMAT score.

Additionally, Magoosh offers an option for people who only want to review the Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning sections of the test for $129. This plan for “verbal experts” guarantees an additional three points to your math (Q + IR) score.

What is Magoosh lacking?

In this case, when you pay less, you do get a little bit less. Magoosh offers fewer practice questions and full exams than other GMAT review courses. An extra tutoring and premium package is available for $680 for six hours of one-on-one guidance through video chat, but this price is comparable to the full package of some other review courses. The entire course is self-paced and Magoosh doesn’t offer live support in the form of phone or chat services, so it may not be the best option for test takers who need more structure or individual help.

Is Magoosh right for me?

For self-motivated test takers on a budget or those who want to spread their studying out over a longer time period, Magoosh offers excellent quality and flexibility for a very reasonable price. If you’re recently out of your undergraduate classes and have the study material fresh in your mind, you might not need the high number of practice questions that come with other review courses. However, if you think you’re going to need one-on-one assistance, you might consider spending a bit more for those services.

Learn More About Magoosh GMAT

 

The Princeton Review (Most Comprehensive)

Why should I choose The Princeton Review GMAT?

The Princeton Review offers ten full-length practice exams, more than any other test prep program. With more than 4,000 practice questions, it offers plenty of content for the test taker who wants to spend the maximum amount of time studying. The Review’s website claims that its technology simulates the experience of taking the GMAT better than any other test prep, and personalized score tracking helps you identify which topics you need to study. Unlike other reviews, even the self-paced course offers grader feedback on essay questions.

Several test prep packages are available depending on your studying needs. The self-paced course gives you access to all the practice questions and tests, personalized score reports, and video lessons for $299. The Ultimate LiveOnline packages includes 27 hours of live instruction over the computer for $1,199, and the Ultimate In Person provides the same amount of instruction in classroom for $1,299. Personalized tutoring starts at $1800. All packages come with the Princeton Review Guarantee – if your score doesn’t improve, your tuition will be refunded.

What is The Princeton Review lacking?

While the self-paced option is reasonable, the price for live instruction at $1200-1300 can certainly be prohibitive. Additionally, access to all the online materials only lasts for four months. While this is about average for review courses, it’s a lot of content to get through if your study hours are limited or if you are easily overwhelmed.

Is The Princeton Review right for me?

This test prep is for the hardcore studier and the test taker who needs the most practice. Those who struggle with the essay section will benefit from personalized feedback. Be honest with yourself: are you committed to using all the available resources to improve your GMAT score? Can you make time to get your money’s worth out of this review course? If your answer is yes, then the Princeton Review is the best, most comprehensive way to study for the GMAT.

Learn More About The Princeton Review GMAT

 

Kaplan Test Prep (A Name You Know)

Why should I choose Kaplan Test Prep GMAT?

Similar to the Princeton Review, Kaplan is a well-established name in the field of GMAT test prep that offers an immense amount of practice materials for the test taker. All courses include more than 5,000 practice questions, nine full-length computer adaptive exams, more than 140 hours of online instruction and practice, and two prep books with an MBA admissions guide. Unique to Kaplan is the Official Test Day Experience, in which one of the practice tests is taken at an actual testing facility under real GMAT conditions.

Kaplan also offers PLUS courses – add-ons to their main test review. You can sign up for GMAT Math Foundations for extra videos and practice questions focused on the math sections, or three hours of one-on-one live online coaching. A streaming GMAT Channel offers more than thirty hours of “episodes” on test content, allowing you to pick the topics in which you need the most help. Kaplan’s Higher Score Guarantee allows you to repeat the course or get your money back if your score does not improve on the official test.

What is Kaplan Test Prep lacking?

Simply put: affordability. Kaplan’s materials start at $799 for the self-paced course and quickly increase to $1249 for the live online option and $1449 for the in person option. One-on-one tutoring is available starting at $2799 for 15 hours of live online guidance that includes a personalized study plan.

Is Kaplan Test Prep right for me?

Kaplan offers two things that most other review courses don’t: two physical paper review books and the Official Test Day Experience. If either of those is worth the price to you, then consider it. However, the Princeton Review offers similar content and services for a lower price.

Learn More About Kaplan GMAT

 

The Economist (Superior Support)

Why should I choose The Economist GMAT?

Right on its home page, The Economist promises a 70 point GMAT score improvement guarantee. It also offers a free seven-day trial. The Complete Prep option includes full access to the online courses plus three practice exams, 50 ask-a-tutor questions, four live one-on-one sessions, four opportunities for essay feedback, and a bank of over 5,000 questions. The Premium and Ultimate Prep options add progressively more practice exams, tutor questions, live sessions, and essay markings.

The live video tutoring, built-in opportunities to ask tutor questions, and chat support for its product all mean that The Economist offers a very responsive study course. And not only are the practice tests computer adaptive, but the practice questions are as well, leading to a top-notched personalized learning experience.

What is The Economist lacking?

Similar to Kaplan, The Economist doesn’t offer any low price points. The Complete package costs $799, Premium costs $899, and Ultimate costs $1099. Additionally, the Complete and Premium review courses can only be accessed for three months. And that 70 point improvement guarantee? That only applies to the Premium and Ultimate Packages. For the Complete package, you’re only guaranteed a 50-point improvement.

Is The Economist right for me?

Not quite as comprehensive as the Princeton Review or Kaplan, The Economist nevertheless offers some built-in one-on-one tutoring options at better prices than most other companies save Magoosh. If your test prep needs aren’t quite as comprehensive, but you know you will benefit greatly from some individual instruction, The Economist may be the way to go. Still not sure? Give the seven-day free trial a shot.

Learn More About The Economist GMAT

Target Test Prep (Quantitative Quality)

Why should I choose Target Test Prep GMAT?

Target also offers a trial period, though it’ll set you back $1 for five days of unlimited access to their course materials: more than 500 lessons, more than 3,000 practice problems, and more than 800 HD videos. If you like what you see, there are a variety of preparation options to suit your needs. The $99-a-month Flexible Preparation package allows you to keep studying as long as you need. If you’ve already got a study timeline planned out, the four-month Dedicated Study package is available at $299 and the six-month Maximum Learning package is available at $399. Additional tutoring services are available at $250 per hour.

The FAQ page on Target’s website proudly proclaims that it’s different from other online GMAT prep courses because “it’s GMAT math immersion, plain and simple.” The online program customizes itself as you go, pointing out areas where you need more practice.

What is Target Test Prep lacking?

Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Target only covers the quantitative GMAT section, although it does so in great depth. There are no full-length practice tests to take.

Is Target Test Prep right for me?

This course review company is well-named, because it targets a very specific type of test takers: the kind who are comfortable setting their own pace while brushing up on math – and only math – problems. If that’s you, then you have a good variety of price points and flexible options to choose from. If it’s not, then the five-day trial or $99 for one month option might be a good way to get in some extra math practice, but it’s no substitute for a full GMAT review program.

Learn More About Target Test Prep GMAT

 

Manhattan Prep (A Crammer’s Paradise)

Why should I choose Manhattan Prep?

Like some other review courses, Manhattan offers a self-paced online course as well as live, online or in-person classes. Unlike the others, Manhattan also offers a Math in a Day program, a one-day math workshop with six hours of live instruction and access to materials to brush up on what you’ve learned. For the extreme procrastinator, there’s also the GMAT Boot Camp, packing 35 intensive hours of online or in-person instruction into two weeks, plus 12 hours of practice testing and multiple hours of homework per day.

All courses come with both printed and online study materials. Private tutoring, either in person or online, starts at $255 an hour with a two hour minimum. Some of the online content can be downloaded if streaming isn’t practical. Manhattan’s biggest asset is the sheer number of practice problems available, which it lists in the thousands.

What is Manhattan Prep lacking?

While the Boot Camp option is certainly unique, it’ll set you back $2699 for the online course, and the in-person course isn’t offered outside of New York City and London. Also, while there’s nothing stopping you from taking the course two weeks before the exam itself (if it’s offered in that time frame), you won’t be able to take advantage of the other study materials meant to allow you to practice and review over a longer time period.

Though the self-paced course is more financially reasonable at $599, the live course is at the upper end of that scale at $1399. And unlike most other companies, Manhattan doesn’t offer any kind of score guarantee or refund for any reason.

Is Manhattan Prep right for me?

If you’re in a severe time crunch and money’s not a problem, the GMAT Boot Camp is an option. Similarly, if you’re in a time crunch and just need a math review, the GMAT Math in a Day package might be for you. And if you want the most practice problems out there, Manhattan has you covered.

Learn More About Manhattan Prep GMAT

Take the time to think through what you’re looking for in a course review – comprehensiveness? Individualized instruction? Value for the money? You certainly aren’t in lacking options. Carefully consider your timeline for studying, your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning, and your budget, and pick the GMAT test prep that’s right for you!

Top 6 Online GMAT Courses

Course Strength Price
Magoosh Value for the money $149
The Princeton Review Comprehensiveness $299 – $1,299
Kaplan Test Prep Official Test Day Experience $799 – $1,449
The Economist One-on-one instruction $799 – $1,099
Target Test Prep Focus on Quantitative Reasoning $99 – $399
Manhattan Prep Intensive short-term courses $599 – $2,699

LSAT vs. GRE and the Future of Law School Admissions

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For many years, the law school application process has started with the LSAT.  Administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the LSAT remains the standard for most law school admissions and remains one of the primary law school requirements.

In recent years, however, a growing number of law schools—ranging from the most exclusive to the much less established—have begun accepting the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), an exam which is more commonly associated with applying to MBA and other graduate programs outside of law and medicine.

In 2016, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law became the first to use the GRE. Today, 17 of the more than 200 law schools in the US accept (or soon will accept) the alternative exam.  

The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a nonprofit measurement research organization.

According to ETS, the following law schools accept GRE General Test scores for admission to their J.D. programs.

Law Schools that Accept the GRE General Test:

  • Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School
  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • Columbia Law School (beginning in September 2018)
  • Florida State University College of Law
  • George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • Hamd Bin Khalifa University Law School
  • Harvard Law School
  • John Marshall Law School
  • Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
  • Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law
  • John’s University School of Law
  • Texas A&M University School of Law
  • University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
  • University of Hawai’i at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law
  • Wake Forest University School of Law (beginning in fall 2018)
  • Washington University School of Law (beginning in fall 2018)
  • Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

This list of law schools is likely to grow, as an ABA committee recently recommended eliminating altogether the accreditation standard mandating that schools use a standardized test in admissions, effectively eliminating the LSAT’s status as the only test specifically allowed by the ABA.

If approved by the ABA’s Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar and the ABA’s House of Delegates later this year, this change would open the door for schools nationwide to use the GRE.

Section 503, the existing accreditation rule at issue, allows law schools to admit up to 10 percent of their entering class from among applicants who don’t have an LSAT score so long as they meet certain criteria (such as being an undergraduate at the law school’s home campus or enrolling in a joint degree program). The rule also allows schools to use an alternative test if they can prove that test is “valid and reliable,” in assessing law school performance.

The committee’s recommendation will then go to the ABA’s Council of the Section of Legal Education, where it could be voted on next month. Any changes adopted by the council would then have to go before the ABA’s House of Delegates for final approval.

Standard 503 has been hotly debated since law schools began using the GRE in law school admissions, and uncertainty over the ABA’s position on the GRE has led many law schools to hold on allowing applicants to submit GRE scores.

LSAT vs. GRE

With more law schools accepting the GRE, it is helpful to understand some of the key differences between the GRE and the LSAT to determine which one (or both) to take. As you begin applying to law school, should you opt for LSAT registration or GRE registration?  How difficult is the LSAT compared to the GRE?

It is helpful to first understand what each test covers:

LSAT Structure

According to LSAC, the LSAT consists of:

  • Reading comprehension questions measure the ability to read, with understanding and insight, examples of lengthy and complex materials similar to those commonly encountered in law school.
  • Analytical reasoning questions measure the ability to understand a structure of relationships and to draw logical conclusions about that structure.
  • Logical reasoning questions assess the ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and complete arguments as they occur in ordinary language.

The LSAT is formatted as follows:

  • Five 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions (of which only four are scored).
    • The sections include one reading comprehension section, one analytical reasoning section, two logic reasoning sections, and one unscored section.
  • One unscored, 35-minute writing sample.

GRE Structure

According to ETS, GRE examinees are tested on the following:

  • Verbal Reasoning – Measures ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
  • Quantitative Reasoning – Measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
  • Analytical Writing – Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

For the computer delivered GRE, the exam is broken down as follows:

  • Verbal reasoning – Two 30-minute sections with 20 questions per section.
  • Quantitative Reasoning – Two 35-minute sections with 20 questions per section.
  • Analytical writing – One section with two separate 30-minute writing tasks.

Key Differences Between the LSAT and the GRE

The biggest difference between the LSAT and the GRE is math. Half of the GRE score is based on math abilities. The GRE also tests you on a large amount of vocabulary.

In addition to differences in the materials tested, there are three other major differences between the LSAT and GRE:

  1. The LSAT is paper-based exam, while the GRE is computer based.
  2. The GRE is adaptive, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on your performance.
  3. The LSAT is only offered a few times a year, while the GRE can be taken at any time.

Effect’s of the GRE’s Growing Acceptance

As GRE acceptance by law school admissions continues to grow, it is not surprising that there is some debate over the merits of this trend.

Supporters of the GRE contend that without the LSAT requirement, law schools could experiment with new ways of admitting students and tap into new pools of potential applicants.  With the number of applicants continuing to to be a serious concern for many law schools, this change could be positive as it serves to lower barriers for an applicant. And some argue that the change could open the doors of law schools to more STEM-focused students, which could also affect the composition of law school classes.

On the other hand, many argue that the exam is the gold standard in law school admissions and that it offers the best predictor to schools and to applicants of the likelihood of success on campus. This objection may be overcome if it can be shown that GRE scores do, in fact, rival LSAT scores as a predictor of law school success and bar passage.

LSAT GRE COVERSION TOOL

In its continued effort to attract law schools and law school applicants to consider accepting or taking the GRE, ETS has created a tool to give a rough conversion between GRE scores and LSAT scores. Some point to the large margin of error (± 5-point) as an indicator that that the tests are not commensurable.

However, most agree that the tool is not without its merits, as it is based on the same data behind the national validity study the ETS published last year. Essentially, when you use this tool, you have access to the same information relied on by ETS and the by law schools. In addition, the tool is based on data from roughly 1,600 applicants who took both the LSAT and the GRE. Therefore, you can get a relatively good sense about how you might expect to do on the LSAT if you already know your GRE scores.

The table below provides a few sample combinations of GRE Quantitative and Verbal scores that, according to the ETS conversion tool, would likely yield common target LSAT scores.

LSAT to GRE Conversion Table

GRE Quantitative GRE Verbal LSAT Score (Common Targets)
137 130 135
130 135 135
150 130 140
136 139 140
143 130 145
130 151 145
170 134 150
130 159 150
170 140 155
130 165 155
169 147 160
132 170 160
170 153 165
143 170 165
170 161 171
156 170 171
169 168 176
166 170 176

For a more detailed look at the data behind the tool, see Powerscore’s Score Conversion Matrix, which shows how GRE scores can be converted into LSAT scores (and vice versa).

Whatever test you decide to take, it’s critical that you get the best study materials that can pave the way to your ultimate success. I’ve broken down all the top study options for both the GRE and the LSAT to help you get started. Best of luck!

Best GRE Prep Courses

Best GRE Books

Best LSAT Prep Courses

Best LSAT Books

 

 

2018’s Best GRE prep courses Reviews !! [ $$ Saving ]

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So you’ve decided to take the GRE and set yourself up to get into your dream grad school.

Now for the hard part: passing the test.

There’s a reason why the best schools in the country weigh your GRE test score so heavily—the GRE is hard.

But it’s so worth it. If Admissions sees you’ve done well on the test, they’ll be convinced you’ve got what it takes to live up to their standards.

But what if it didn’t have to be so hard? what if you find the best GRE prep course which skyrockets your Gscore?

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Best LSAT Prep Books | Top Study Guides 2017-18

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I hope you all will agree when I say:

Finding the best LSAT prep book is a difficult task when there are so many textbooks are available.

Well, we all get stuck when it comes to a precise book when there are many preparation books available in the market or the bookstore nowadays.

Choosing a single book is a tough job when you have plenty of options to choose from.

 

        How to choose the best LSAT book “wisely”?

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BEST MCAT Prep Books | Top Study Guide for MCAT 2018-19

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Let’s Face it:

Studying for MCAT exam is difficult.

Especially when there are so many different materials on the market!

So here’s the deal:

In this post, I am going to show you list out some of the best MCAT prep books that are available in the market also I will discuss Key Features, Pros, and Cons of each material so that it will be easy for you to select the right MCAT study guide.

Because once you figure out which MCAT prep books to buy studying for MCAT will be a less stressful task.

And honestly:

You all deserve that.

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CrunchPrep GRE Reviews | Get Extra 70% Off

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CrunchPrep GRE Reviews

The time and resources needed to accomplish good GRE score are usually underrated, and preparation is delayed for too long. In such scenarios even little things matter a lot, like whether to go for face-to- face or online coaching for competitive exam preparation.

With the continuously improving reputation of online learning, it has indeed become one of the most attractive higher education alternatives. Having the flexibility of taking classes online and studying at the time that works best for us is essential. E-learning has to be the greatest revolution in the modern educational system.​

One of the new entry in online education is CrunchPrep, the source for online GRE preparation. The Crunchprep provides hundreds of lessons and thousands of practice questions that cover every topic tested on the GRE. The entire CrunchPrep GRE course content is available online that can be used to study on the go and to make the most of what little extra time you have.

Over 20,000 students have signed up for CrunchPrep courses up to date, and the average GRE score of CrunchPrep students is one of the highest, at 307

Note : If you guys prefer books over online class check out my reviews of GRE prep books.

Here is my experience and detailed review on CrunchPrep GRE:​

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Best GRE Prep App 2018 | Top Applications for GRE preparation

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Best Gre prep App

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Studying for the GRE is a big deal because making a high score on the GRE is an even bigger deal. But instead of only sticking to the big books for GRE prep of old, it’s time to pull out the tablet and open up your app store and download some of the best Gre Prep apps to study for GRE exam.

Between games and challenges, videos and tutoring help sections, it’s easier than ever to get prepared for one of the biggest tests you’ll ever take. And with these apps, the secret to a high score is all down to practice.

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Best SAT Prep Books and Study Guides 2018

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You might think that finding the best SAT prep book is tough when there are so many SAT study materials are available in the market.

Not to worry – We’ve evaluated top SAT study guides from the market and ranked them below in this article.

Getting a good score in SAT exam is easy when you have right preparation material available to you.

That is why we’ve created this list which, contains top SAT books with detailed reviews and pros and cons of each option.

Keep reading to Learn More.

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