<p>Hey all, I'll be entering college for the first time this fall, completely undecided about what I want to major in. I know thinking about GREs, LSATs, and just grad school in general might seem VERY ridiculous, but I think graduate school is definitely something I want to work towards, and law school could be an option too. </p>
<p>The thing is, I remember freaking out over SAT prep and making a bajillion flash cards and vowing to start early with these types of things because I was so stressed. So I was wondering if flash cards or any other non-specific preparation should be done early on, to avoid the "I-wish-I-did-this-earlier!!" regret. (I'm not going to be nerdy and start studying for the GREs just now :) ; I just don't want to be in a panic if/when I do need to take it one day)</p>
<p>Work on your vocabulary. Don't make flash cards right now, just read everything you can get your hands on. I'm taking the GRE and the LSAT (even though I have no particular plans to go to law school) in a year and just started buying the test prep books. One thing that's really obvious is while everyone has their own "ways to beat the test," nothing actually beats knowing the words. The math part isn't that bad... it seems to be basic algebra, geometry, and statistics. You can't really study for the LSAT in terms of knowing material, but you can get books and practice. I wouldn't say you have to worry about any of this right now, but definitely start reading to increase your vocabulary and if you feel the urge to sharpen your logic skills, grab an LSAT prep book and go for it. I don't think it's stupid to start preparing yourself early, and it definitely doesn't hurt! :-)</p>
<p>Oh, and I meant to say that while it won't hurt you to start early, waiting until your Junior year and putting in a concentrated effort then won't hurt you either. So you don't need to stress over it.</p>
<p>I haven't taken the GRE yet, but I think prep. might be necessary. I bought the Barron's book that has a vocab list, math review and practice tests. I don't know if that alone is enough. I don't really know anything about the LSAT, sorry.</p>
<p>I just took the GRE two weeks ago. I started studying around the beginning of June, and used the Barron's book, the Princeton Review book, and the Kaplan book. All of them had their strengths and weaknesses, but I think the Barron's book was most useful for vocab and practice math problems, while the PR book was most useful for strategies.</p>
<p>I agree that test prep is necessary, but I don't think it's necessary to start studying more than a few months in advance. The GREs aren't weighted as heavily in grad school admissions as the SATs are in undergrad, so getting a really stellar score isn't going to get you into your top choice program.</p>
<p>Don't work on your vocabulary! The GRE is undergoing major restructoring, and so far the public knowledge of the new GRE is that memorized vocabulary and geometry are going to be OUT, and soon, and replaced by more logic and passage reading. </p>
<p>These tests change over time - the GRE/LSAT/MCAT of this year may not be the same test it will be when you decide to take it. Focus on the same skills that will help you as an undergraduate - critical thinking, reading, and writing. And don't worry - none of these tests are as bad as everyone makes them out to be!</p>
<p>There are three types of LSAT multiple choice questions: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. In addition, the LSAT has a writing portion.</p>
<p>For more information on law schools, LSATs, admissions, etc. visit <a href="http://www.lsac.org%5B/url%5D">www.lsac.org</a> As a potential law school applicant, LSAC's website will be the most valuable resource.</p>
<p>According to an article, students who do well on their LSATs tend to have good reasoning and writing skills. Students who have taken many classes in philosophy, rhetoric, and English tend to do well on the test as well (especially philosophy majors).</p>