Law schools are still requiring that candidates take a standardized exam as part of the application process (at least for now). In the past, law school applicants had only one testing option – the LSAT – but a growing number of law schools are now accepting the GRE, too, including those at Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania.(A few, such as the University of Virginia School of Law, even accept the GMAT, but we’ll leave that topic for another time.)
What are the implications for applicants?
Having options is great. An applicant can choose which testing opportunity is right for them. But options also require that you do more research to make sure you understand the implications of your choice. If you are considering taking the GRE rather than the LSAT, you will need to first check whether every program you are applying to accepts the GRE. If not, you’ll have to take the LSAT anyway.
What if you have taken (or want to take) both the LSAT and the GRE?:
If you take (or have taken) both the GRE and the LSAT, law schools differ on whether you must submit both sets of scores. Some require you to submit all scores; others say that you must submit your LSAT score and can (but don’t have to) submit your GRE score.
Regardless of which test you take, be prepared
Study for the test and take it seriously. For better or worse, a higher standardized test score will increase your chances of acceptance, so it is an important aspect of the application and deserves ample attention. Pick a future test date, and make studying for the exam your part-time job. Take practice tests, gauge your test-taking abilities, and prep as necessary. Do not take an official test (for either the GRE or the LSAT) “just to see how you will do.” That test score will be on your permanent record and could then require that you explain it in an addendum. Just “winging” the exam does not show good judgment.
Which test is easier, the LSAT or the GRE? The answer to this question differs from person to person, so you need to figure out what the answer is for you. Practice using real practice tests for both exams, and see how you do on each. This is truly the only way to determine which test is “easier” for you. Only take an official exam when you are ready.
Do your research
How do you know what a competitive GRE score is? Some institutions list their GRE test scores on their Standard 509 Information Report, posted on their website. For example, see Harvard Law School’s (2023) report here to get a sense of its GRE medians. This report will also often contain information about the number of accepted students who took the GRE and the number who took the LSAT. In addition, ETS, the GRE testing site, provides a conversion tool to help applicants determine comparable GRE and LSAT scores. Many admissions committee members will look closely at your GRE percentile score and translate it into the percentile equivalent on the LSAT. You should do the same when attempting to evaluate your competitiveness.
Which exam is better for you and your unique situation?
The short answer is “it depends.” Not everyone would agree with me on this, but I would generally recommend taking the LSAT unless there’s a reason you prefer the GRE. To my mind, there’s a bit more uncertainty when you take the GRE. Some students do have good reasons for applying with the GRE (e.g., they’ve already taken it and have a good score; they tried LSAT prep but couldn’t get the score they wanted, but the GRE comes easier to them; they are applying to a dual-degree program that requires the GRE anyway). And even though I have a slight preference for the LSAT, I’ve worked with plenty of students who applied with the GRE and had great results.
Do you have other questions about these exams or any other aspect of your law school candidacy? Do you need help putting together the various elements of your law school application? Wherever you are in the law school admissions process and whatever you need, our advisors are here to help! Click here for more information on how we can help you get accepted.
Brigitte Suhr spent 15 years traveling the world as an international human rights attorney before beginning a consulting business. After evaluating more than 2,500 applications for UVA Law, Brigitte knows what law schools want in prospective students — and what they’re looking to avoid. Brigitte also consults with foundations and nonprofits on human rights law–related programs and research, covering issues such as justice reform, LGBTQ advocacy, and antislavery initiatives. Want Brigitte to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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