Is the LSAT or the MCAT harder? Most people who have looked at both say the MCAT is harder to prepare for, because it covers a huge amount of science content. The LSAT is harder in a different way: it tests skills, not facts, so you cannot just memorize your way to a high score.
This guide compares the two tests side by side: length, content, scoring, prep time, and what “hard” really means for each.
LSAT vs MCAT at a Glance
| LSAT | MCAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Law school | Medical school |
| Score range | 120 to 180 | 472 to 528 |
| Test length | About 2.5 hours, plus a 50-minute writing task | About 7.5 hours with breaks |
| Sections | 2 Logical Reasoning, 1 Reading Comprehension, 1 unscored section, plus Argumentative Writing | 4 sections: chemistry and physics, critical reading, biology and biochemistry, psychology and sociology |
| Content to memorize | Almost none | A lot of science |
| Main skill tested | Reading closely and reasoning about arguments | Science knowledge plus reasoning |
| Typical prep time | About 2 to 6 months | About 3 to 6 months, after science courses |
| Where you take it | Remote at home or at a test center | Test center |
Why the MCAT Is Usually Called Harder
- Much more content. The MCAT expects you to know biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology.
- Much longer. A 7.5-hour test day is tiring in a way a 2.5-hour LSAT is not.
- Prerequisites. You usually need years of college science before you can even start studying.
Why the LSAT Is Hard in Its Own Way
- No content to lean on. You are tested on how you think. That is harder to cram.
- Tight timing. You get about 1 minute and 20 seconds per Logical Reasoning question.
- Tricky answer choices. Wrong answers are designed to look almost right.
- Big rewards for small gains. A few points can change scholarships by thousands of dollars.
Read more in our honest guide to how hard the LSAT is.
Which Test Is Harder for You?
| If You… | You May Find |
|---|---|
| Love science and memorizing systems | The MCAT more natural |
| Read a lot and like arguing both sides | The LSAT more natural |
| Struggle with timed reading | The LSAT harder at first |
| Have not taken college science | The MCAT much harder |
Comparing Scores
You cannot convert an LSAT score into an MCAT score. They measure different things and have different test takers. Percentiles give a rough sense of standing:
- A 160 LSAT is about the 71st percentile of LSAT test takers.
- A 170 LSAT is about the 94th percentile.
- The average MCAT score is about 500 to 501 out of 528.
See every LSAT score in our LSAT percentile chart.
How About the DAT, GRE, and Bar Exam?
- DAT (dental): like the MCAT, it is heavy on science content. Most find it easier than the MCAT but more content-based than the LSAT.
- GRE: many law schools now accept it. See LSAT or GRE for law school.
- Bar exam: the test you take after law school. It is far longer and content-heavy. See LSAT vs bar exam.
Is the LSAT the Hardest Test?
Not by length or content. But it is one of the hardest tests to improve on quickly, because it rewards habits of careful reading that take time to build. The good news is that almost everyone improves with steady practice. Students often gain 5 to 10 points or more. See how to improve your LSAT score by 10 points.
LSAT vs MCAT FAQ
Can I take both the LSAT and the MCAT?
Yes. Some students consider both law and medicine, or a JD/MD program. Plan for months of separate prep for each.
Which test takes longer to study for?
Usually the MCAT, because of the content. A common LSAT plan is 3 months. See our LSAT study schedule.
Is a high LSAT score rarer than a high MCAT score?
Both are rare at the top. Only about 1 to 2 percent of LSAT scores are 175 or higher.
Thinking about law school? Check where you stand with our free LSAT score calculator.