Do I need to take the LSAT if I have an MBA?

Asked by: Noble Kertzmann  |  Last update: March 18, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (14 votes)

Yes, if you're applying to law school (even for a JD/MBA), you'll generally need to take the LSAT or GRE, as an MBA doesn't automatically waive the requirement; some dual-degree programs might accept the GMAT or waive tests, but most law schools prioritize the LSAT or GRE for assessing legal aptitude, so you'll need one of those scores for law school admission, not just your MBA.

Do you have to take the LSAT if you have a master's degree?

So, the answer is yes and no. Law schools primarily consider your LSAT score and your undergraduate GPA. No, a Master's degree won't help with your LSAC GPA, the one that law school admissions use, because they only add in classes that lead to your first Bachelor's degree.

Do MBA programs take the LSAT?

A number of top MBA programs allow applicants to use an MCAT or LSAT score instead of the GMAT / GRE. The Executive Assessment or EA (essentially a shortened GMAT) is also gaining acceptance.

Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.

What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed to have been very high, likely in the 170-175 range, to gain admission to Harvard Law School with a relatively low undergraduate GPA. Analysts suggest he needed a score in the top percentiles (perhaps 94th-98th) to overcome his lower GPA and secure a spot at the prestigious institution, indicating a strong performance near the perfect 180 score. 

Do I Need a JD and an MBA?

15 related questions found

Did Michelle Obama ever pass a bar exam?

Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the Illinois bar exam, but she failed it on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School before passing it on her second try, later becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois and having a successful legal career before becoming First Lady. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and went on to work in intellectual property law at a firm where she met her husband, Barack Obama.
 

What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?

Elle Woods scored a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, after going from a 143 on a practice test to achieving this near-perfect score by studying intensely for Harvard Law School. Her remarkable score, combined with a 4.0 GPA, secured her admission to Harvard Law.
 

How many times did Kim Kardashian fail her law exam?

Before she could apprentice, instead of attending a traditional law school, Kardashian said she failed the required “baby bar” exam three times. The argument goes that this demonstrates she is not temperamentally or intellectually suited to be a lawyer. (She did pass it on her fourth attempt.)

Who has the highest LSAT score?

Sarah Boyle, a member of The University of Scranton's Class of 2024, scored a perfect 180 on her Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Does passing the baby bar make you a lawyer?

No, passing the California "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Examination or FYLSE) does not make you a lawyer; it's a hurdle for non-traditional law students to continue their studies, allowing them to sit for the actual California Bar Exam, which, along with character and fitness, is required to become a licensed attorney. You must pass the full California Bar Exam, which tests more subjects, and meet other requirements before you can practice law and call yourself a lawyer. 

What disqualifies you from law school?

What disqualifies you from law school often involves dishonesty, serious criminal history (especially crimes of moral turpitude like fraud), significant financial irresponsibility, or academic misconduct, all falling under the "character and fitness" evaluation, though a single minor issue usually isn't a bar if disclosed honestly and explained well; failure to disclose, lying on the application, or misrepresenting facts is often a more significant reason for denial or later disbarment. 

What degree pairs well with MBA?

Some popular combinations include MBA/JD (Law), MBA/MS (Science), MBA/MD (Medicine), MBA/MPP (Public Policy), and MBA/MPH (Public Health). These combinations offer unique opportunities for students to delve into multiple disciplines and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Are they getting rid of the LSAT?

If the House votes to nix Standard 503, the standardized-test requirement won't go away until 2025. So, the LSAT isn't definitely going away, and it's definitely not going away until 2025. (It feels weird to have this discussion without bringing up the most cited reason why the Council voted to remove Standard 503.

How long is law school if you already have a master's?

The typical full-time law school program is three years. Many schools also offer part-time options, which involve a slightly lighter course load each term and stretch the curriculum over four years. There are also dual degree programs that pair a JD with another graduate degree, which can also extend your timeline.

Does an MBA help get into law school?

It will only help your law school application, particularly if it can help you secure a strong recommendation letter or gain valuable experience in research and writing. However, these programs are not going to be enough of a tipping point to justify the investment required solely as a means to get into law school.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?

Indeed, Kim revealed on Nov. 8 that she sadly did not pass the all-important exam, but she wasn't calling it quits, either. "Six years into this law journey, and I'm still all in until I pass the bar," she wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories.

What's the hardest section on the LSAT?

The hardest LSAT sections vary by student, but commonly cited challenges include Logical Reasoning (LR) for its abstract language and nuanced question types (like Parallel Reasoning/Flaw), and Reading Comprehension (RC) due to ingrained reading habits, especially with complex science or legal passages (e.g., Waterbugs, Dworkin). While often feared, Logic Games (LG) (Analytical Reasoning) is generally considered the most learnable and perfectible section, despite tough hybrid or new rule questions. 

What LSAT score will get you a full ride?

To get a full law school scholarship, aim for an LSAT score significantly above the school's median, generally in the mid-160s to 170+ range, especially for higher-ranked schools, as schools use high scores to award significant aid, but remember your GPA and other factors (leadership, experience) matter, with top schools often requiring scores above 170. 

How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?

Michelle Obama took the Illinois Bar Exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, a common experience even for successful lawyers. She initially failed the bar, which was devastating, but she persevered and passed, later working as a lawyer before becoming the First Lady. 

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
 

Does Elle Woods have autism?

No, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde is not officially written as autistic, but many fans interpret her character as having autistic traits, such as intense focus on interests (fashion, law), strong memory, literal thinking, and challenges with social norms, making her a relatable figure for some within the autistic community who see themselves in her journey and focus, even if it's not an official diagnosis.
 

How long is LSAT valid for?

An LSAT (or LSAT-Flex) result is reportable for up to five testing years after the testing year in which the score is earned. For information about how many times a test taker may sit for the LSAT, please see Limits on Repeating the LSAT. LSAT testing years run from July 1 through June 30.

Who turned down the role of Elle in Legally Blonde?

Christina Applegate turned down the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, fearing she would be typecast as a "ditzy blonde" after playing Kelly Bundy on Married... with Children, though she later called it a "stupid move". Other actresses considered or auditioned for the role included Gwyneth Paltrow, Alicia Silverstone, Sienna Guillory, Katherine Heigl, and even Britney Spears was briefly floated.