GRE vs. LSAT Which Test to Take for Law School Admissions

For decades, law school applicants had no choice but to take the LSAT for law school admissions. Then, in 2016, the University of Arizona announced that it would permit law school applicants to submit the GRE instead of the LSAT. Harvard Law School followed suit, and today, 47 U.S. law schools accept the GRE. These law schools believe that by accepting both LSAT and GRE scores, they will attract a larger and more diverse applicant pool. Since many students have already taken the GRE, the GRE option will make law school admissions more affordable and accessible to prospective students.   If youre applying to law school, think carefully about your testing options before signing up for either the LSAT or the GRE. Its important to understand the differences between the two tests, as well as the pros and cons of both options in the law school admissions process. LSAT vs. GRE How different are these two exams? One of the most significant differences is accessibility. The GRE can be taken nearly every day of the year, while the LSAT is administered seven times per year. In addition, the GREs content will likely feel familiar for students who took the SAT or ACT, whereas the LSATs logical reasoning and logic games (analytical reasoning) sections are unlike other standardized tests. Here are the most important facts to know: LSAT vs. GRE LSAT GRE Content and Structure 2 35-minute Logical Reasoning sections1 35-minute Reading Comprehension section1 35-minute Analytical Reasoning section1 35-minute unscored experimental section1 35-minute writing section (completed independently after test day) 1 60-minute Analytical Writing section2 30-minute Verbal Reasoning sections2 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections1 30- or 35-minute unscored Verbal or Quantitative section (computer-based test only) When It's Offered 7 times per year Year-round, almost every day of the year Testing Time 3 hours and 35 minutes, with one 15 minute break 3 hours and 45 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break Scoring Total score ranges from 120 to 180 in 1-point increments. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are scored separately. Both range from 130-170 in 1-point increments. Cost and Fees $180 for the test; to send score reports, $185 flat fee and $35 per school $205 for the test; to send score reports, $27 per school Score Validity 5 years 5 years How to Decide Which Test to Take Not sure whether to take the LSAT or the GRE? Here are some factors to consider. Admissions Chances Available data is limited, so the jury is still out on whether taking the GRE helps or hurts your admissions chances. In general, the law schools that do accept both tests agree that the GRE and the LSAT are equally good predictors of your ability to succeed in law school, so you should feel confident applying with either exam. The GRE is still a much less common choice for law school applicants, and students who take the GRE should be sure to demonstrate their commitment to law school in their application. Cost and Accessibility The GRE is offered much more frequently than the LSAT, and it costs slightly less. If youve taken the GRE already for a different program, you can send those scores to law schools without having to take another exam (as long as your GRE score is still valid). Flexibility If youre interested in applying to law school as well as other graduate programs, the GRE is in some ways a more flexible option. You can send it to all the different types of programs youre considering, and you only have to pay (and prep) for one exam. On the other hand, taking the GRE limits the pool of law schools that will accept your application, and you must make sure that you are happy with those law school options. Rules Against Score Substitutions Keep in mind that you cannot substitute the GRE for the LSAT. If youve already taken the LSAT and werent pleased with your score, you cant submit a GRE score in its place. Every law school that accepts both exams explicitly states that if you have taken the LSAT (and your score is still valid), you must report the score. So, if youve already taken the LSAT, and you arent applying to any other types of graduate program, then there is no reason to take the GRE. Law Schools That Accept the GRE American University Washington College of LawBoston University School of LawBrigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law SchoolBrooklyn Law SchoolCalifornia Western School of LawChicago-Kent College of LawColumbia Law SchoolCornell Law SchoolFlorida International University College of LawFlorida State University College of LawGeorge Mason University Antonin Scalia Law SchoolGeorgetown University Law CenterHarvard Law SchoolJohn Marshall Law SchoolMassachusetts School of Law at AndoverNew York University School of LawNorthwestern University Pritzker School of LawPace University Elisabeth Haub School of LawPennsylvania State University — Penn State LawPepperdine School of LawSeattle University School of LawSouthern Methodist University Dedman School of LawSt. Johns University School of LawSuffolk University Law SchoolTexas AM University School of LawUniversity at Buffalo School of LawUniversity of Akron Law SchoolUniversity of Arizona James E. Rogers College of LawUniversity of California, Davis, School of LawUniversity of California, Irvine School of LawUniversity of California, Los Angeles School of LawUniversity of Chicago Law SchoolUniversity of Dayton School of LawUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of LawUniversity of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of LawUniversity of New Hampshire School of LawUniversity of Notre Dame Law SchoolUniversity of Pennsylvania Law SchoolUniversity of Southern California, Gould School of LawUniversity of South Carolina School of LawUniversity of Texas at Austin School of LawUniversity of Virginia School of LawWake Forest University School of LawWashington University School of LawYale Law SchoolYeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law