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From LSAT to GMAT

by Somerandomguy » Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:06 pm
First of all, I would like to apologize if this is too verbose.

Evidently, I'm a newbie to this website. I recently took the LSAT (Score 163:90%). Now, I'm determined to take the GMAT. My mistake in studying for the LSAT was to to emphasize quantity over quality and not doing adequate research before starting to study. As a result, I lost valuable time because of my ineffective studying approach. I don't want to repeat this mistake.

For those who have taken the LSAT and have/will take the GMAT, can you please answer the following questions?

1) Should I take a GMAT diagnostic to see where I am? (Where to begin?)
2) What books/bibles would break down each section and provide an appropriate strategy?
3) What materials are a must?(Members suggest OG11 and MGMAT)
4) Length of time you studied as compared to the LSAT? (This is relative)
5) How much of an advantage does studying for the LSAT give me on this exam since this is a CAT?
6) Any other comments/suggestions?

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!
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by choad34 » Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:51 pm
I've taken both as well 172 LSAT (93%) and the GMAT 710 (94%)

I'd say

1) Yes, definitely take a diagnostic; the two tests are totally different. It's much easier to gauge where you need work after taking a diagnostic.
2/3) There are lots good books out there (and some awful ones too like REA's GMAT buster), it depends on what you need to work on. Most books like the OG do break it down by sections. Within the verbal/math books, you find different topics/types of questions asked. Other good books include Kaplan's GMAT 800, Manhattan Review's set, Princeton Review's set.
4) I found the LSAT simpler actually. It's mostly because it's logical reasoning vs. memorizing tips/ways to do math problems, etc. I studied much less for the LSAT than for the GMAT (about 2 mos vs. 6 mos) but this would be different depending on how you think. I have a lot more problems doing straightforward questions than reasoning through logic problems.
5) In terms of it being a CAT, at least you're familiar with the (awkward) process of it. Other than that, I can't say it gives too much advantages since the tests are entirely different.
6) I didn't take a course for the LSAT, but I did for the GMAT. It was a quick crash course for one weekend, just to brush up on some stuff. I was already scoring a decent score in my diagnostics and just needed a little push to edge towards 700.

Good luck with your test and have you gone to law school yet?
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by VP_Jim » Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:29 pm
I think that you're probably in good shape for the verbal section. It's been awhile since I took the LSAT, but I think the logical reasoning and reading comp sections are nearly identical to the GMAT.

Quant, of course, is a different story. The advice above is good - take a diagnostic and see where you're at. OG 11 is definitely the "GMAT bible" - I'd recommend getting that, the supplements, and a prep guide from a reputable company.

Hope this helps!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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Thanks.

by Somerandomguy » Tue Oct 28, 2008 11:49 pm
Thanks choad34 and VP_Jim for your advice. I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind. I'd better do a bit more research before I make the leap and take a diag. I don't want to "waste" any valuable study material.

Choad34: No, I'm not in law school yet. I'm currently working on my applications for 2009. And yourself?

VP_Jim: Sorry about not checking your profile first. I'm getting used to this forum and its functions. :oops:
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by lunarpower » Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:28 am
one thing to watch out for is the HUGE differences in the critical reasoning section. both of the exams have CR sections, but the content and question types are radically different.
the lsat CR section features many themes that simply don't show up on the gmat CR section. here are some examples (i don't have any lsat questions in front of me, so i'm going off four-year-old memories here):
* equivocal / differential meanings of the same term (nonexistent on the gmat)
* mimic an argument / find an argument that's structured the same way as the original argument (very rare on the gmat, very common on the lsat)
* formal logic, using contrapositives, deductive logic, etc (essentially nonexistent on the gmat)

in general, the gmat is much more focused on inductive logic - i.e., the type of logic that generalizes from observed patterns or premises, requiring additional assumptions along the way. the lsat, by contrast, is more focused on deductive logic - i.e., mathematically formal logic, from which statements can be deduced with absolute rigor, devoid of additional assumptions or empirical evidence.

if you're a very linear, logical, mathematical type of thinker, you'll probably find the verbal component of the lsat easier. if you're more of an intuitive, inductive thinker, you'll probably find the verbal component of the gmat easier.

the gmat also has MUCH longer sections without any sort of interim or break - 75 minutes apiece, compared to something like 35 minutes (i think; i don't remember exactly) for the lsat sections - so you'll also need a fair amount of additional perseverance.
Ron has been teaching various standardized tests for 20 years.

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by Toph@GMAT_REBOOT » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:47 am
For me, GMAT RC is easier. I found GMAT passages tend to be less convoluted. Another positive is that, a fair amount of the GMAT specific questions highlight the words/section to which they refer. Also, you have more time per question. If you like to diagram your passages though, I could see GMAT RC frustrating you some at first since the exam is on a computer. You can write on your notepad, but it's not the same as underlining words.

While GMAT CR focuses more on certain types of questions, studying for LSAT LR definitely gives you a great head start for GMAT CR.
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by LEMAGICIEN » Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:22 pm
Hey,
Could you provide me with LSAT materials?
I heard somewhere it is a great way to improve VA.
And as I'm a non native, think it should help...
Thank you!
ALEXANDRE N'DJORE
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