Graduate Preparation

LSAT, GMAT, GRE & EA Graduate School Test Prep

Embarking on your graduate school journey means conquering crucial standardized exams like the LSAT for law school, the GRE for diverse graduate and business programs, the GMAT for MBA admissions, or the Executive Assessment (EA) tailored for experienced professionals pursuing Executive MBA programs. These tests are vital stepping stones, designed to evaluate the skills essential for your academic and professional success. Total College Prep specializes in helping you achieve exceptional scores on these critical exams, providing the expert guidance and resources you need to confidently reach your academic goals.

About the LSAT

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test used primarily for admissions to law schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. It is designed to assess skills that are essential for success in law school and, ultimately, in the legal profession.
Purpose of the LSAT:
  • To evaluate critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension—skills crucial for legal education.
  • To provide a standardized measure to compare applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
  • To serve as a predictor of first-year law school performance, often considered alongside GPA and other application materials.

    • LSAT Structure:

    • Logical Reasoning (Arguments):  Analyzes ability to evaluate and critique arguments.
    • Reading Comprehension: Measures ability to read and understand complex texts.
    • Unscored Experimental Section: Used to test new questions (not identified during the test).
    • Writing Sample (LSAT Writing): Required but unscored; sent to law schools to assess argumentative writing.

    Scoring:

    • Scored on a scale of 120–180, with 153 being the approximate average.
    • No penalty for wrong answers.

    Who Requires It:

    • Nearly all ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. require or accept the LSAT.
    • Some schools also accept the GRE, but the LSAT remains the most widely used for entrance.

    GRE Structure:

    • Verbal Reasoning: Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, and critical reasoning.
    • Quantitative Reasoning: Measures basic math skills and ability to reason with numerical data (algebra, geometry, arithmetic, data analysis).
    • Analytical Writing: Two timed essays: Issue Task and Argument Task.
    • Unscored or Research Section: May be included for test development but does not affect your score.

    Scoring:

    • Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
    • Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
    • Analytical Writing: 0–6 (in half-point increments)
    • No penalty for incorrect answers.

    Who Uses It:

    • Graduate schools (Master’s and PhD programs).
    • Business schools (some accept GRE as an alternative to the GMAT).
    • Some law schools (as an alternative to the LSAT).

    About the GRE

    The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admission to graduate and business schools worldwide, particularly in the United States. The GRE is a general test of academic aptitude, used across many disciplines to evaluate a candidate’s potential for success in graduate or professional study. It emphasizes reasoning, problem-solving, and writing skills, not specific subject knowledge.
    Purpose of the GRE:
  • To assess a student’s readiness for graduate-level academic work.
  • To provide a common measure for comparing applicants from different backgrounds and institutions.
  • Used for admissions decisions in a wide range of fields, including sciences, humanities, engineering, business (MBA), and some law schools.

    • About the GMAT

    The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test used primarily for admissions to MBA and other graduate business programs worldwide. The GMAT is a business-focused admissions test that evaluates analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills. It’s widely accepted by MBA and business programs, helping schools assess candidates’ readiness for the rigors of graduate management education.
    Purpose of the GMAT:
  • To assess skills important for success in business and management education.
  • To provide a common, objective measure to compare applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
  • Used by business schools to evaluate applicants’ potential for graduate-level work, especially in MBA programs.

    • GMAT Structure:

      • Quantitative Reasoning: Tests problem-solving and data analysis using basic math (no calculator allowed).
      • Verbal Reasoning: Assesses reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar.
      • Data Insights: Measures ability to interpret and analyze data in various formats (graphs, tables, etc.).

    Note: The GMAT Focus Edition no longer includes the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).

    Scoring (Focus Edition):

    • Total Score: 205–805
    • Based on performance across all three sections.
    • No penalty for incorrect answers.

    Who Uses It:

      • Business schools globally, especially for MBA, Master of Finance, and other management programs.
      • Some dual-degree programs (e.g., JD/MBA) also accept the GMAT.

    Executive Assessment Structure:

    • Integrated Reasoning: Measures ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats (charts, graphs, tables).
    • Verbal Reasoning: Tests grammar, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning.
    • Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses basic math and problem-solving skills (focuses on logic, not advanced math).

    All three sections are 30 minutes each; total test time is 90 minutes.

    Scoring:

    • Total Score: 100–200
    • Average Score: ~150
    • Each section scored 0–20 (contributes to the total score).
    • No penalty for incorrect answers.

    Who Uses It:

    • Accepted by many Executive MBA and flexible MBA programs at top business schools worldwide.
    • Designed for applicants with significant work experience (often 10+ years).

     

    About the EA

    The Executive Assessment (EA) is a graduate business school admissions test designed specifically for experienced professionals applying to Executive MBA (EMBA) and some part-time or flexible MBA programs. The Executive Assessment is a short, practical admissions test tailored for working professionals seeking an EMBA or similar program. It focuses on real-world business skills rather than academic theory, making it a more accessible option for seasoned executives balancing work and school.
      Purpose of the Executive Assessment:
    • To evaluate real-world skills that experienced professionals use regularly: critical thinking, data analysis, and communication.
    • Designed to be a less time-intensive, lower-stakes alternative to the GMAT for mid- to senior-level professionals.
    • Helps business schools assess a candidate’s readiness for the academic challenges of an EMBA or other advanced business program.