Does Harvard no longer require LSAT?

Asked by: Gregory Herzog  |  Last update: March 28, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

No, Harvard Law School (HLS) no longer requires the LSAT, but it's not eliminated; applicants must take either the LSAT or the GRE, with no preference for either test, to fulfill the standardized testing requirement for the J.D. program. This change, implemented around 2017, allows applicants to submit scores from either exam, aiming to broaden access by accommodating diverse educational backgrounds.

Is the LSAT no longer required in 2025?

For 2025, the American Bar Association (ABA) allowed individual law schools to apply for variances to become test-optional, meaning some schools could admit up to 100% of their J.D. students without an LSAT or GRE score, though many top schools still prefer or require scores; some schools even offer a JD-Next pathway (like ASU), while the LSAT itself underwent major changes in August 2024 (removing Logic Games), making the test leaner but requiring applicants to adapt to new prep. 

Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?

That said, the question about what the “Kim Kardashian LSAT score” was, or if she even took the LSAT ends in a resounding no. This unconventional choice has sparked conversations about making legal education more accessible and exploring diverse paths in the legal profession.

What was 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. 

Was the Harvard test-optional in 2025?

Test-Optional Ivy League Schools in 2025

Here's an overview of the test-optional policies for Ivy League colleges in 2025: Harvard University: Returning to requiring standardized tests for all future application cycles.

LSAT No Longer Required To Enter Harvard | TIME

44 related questions found

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on his SAT?

Yes, reports indicate that Mark Zuckerberg achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT when he took it, showcasing exceptional academic ability before attending Harvard, where he later famously dropped out to focus on Facebook (now Meta). 

Is 1480 SAT good for Harvard?

A 1480 SAT score is a strong score, but for Harvard, it's slightly below the typical admitted student's range, placing it more as a competitive-to-borderline score where an exceptional overall application is crucial, as Harvard's middle 50% range is often cited as 1480-1580 or even 1500-1580. While not disqualifying, a 1480 might not provide a significant advantage, and some sources suggest aiming for 1500+ for a better chance at top Ivies like Harvard, where scores above 1500 often signal true readiness for their rigorous academics. 

What did Ben Affleck get on his SAT?

Ben Affleck reportedly had a "near-perfect" or "almost perfect" SAT score, rumored to be 1600, on the old 1600-point scale, though the exact score isn't officially confirmed, with sources citing sources like the New York Times on his high aptitude despite poor high school attendance.
 

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 LSAT did Elle Woods get?

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 did Kim lose 16lbs in 3 weeks?

She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.

Who's richer, Taylor Swift or Kim Kardashian?

As of late 2025, Kim Kardashian is generally reported to be richer than Taylor Swift, with her net worth boosted significantly by her SKIMS brand, pushing her fortune to around $1.9 billion, while Swift's wealth is estimated at $1.6 billion, though both are billionaires. Kardashian's business ventures, especially SKIMS' high valuation, have recently placed her ahead, though these figures fluctuate.
 

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's the easiest law school to get into?

The "easiest" law schools to get into generally have higher acceptance rates and lower median LSAT/GPA scores, with schools like Thomas M. Cooley Law School (WMU), Southern University Law Center, Appalachian School of Law, and North Carolina Central University School of Law often listed for accessibility, though factors like LSAT/GPA minimums vary. Always check the latest data for schools like Loyola University New Orleans, University of South Dakota, and New England Law | Boston as rankings shift, but remember that lower-ranked schools often grade on a curve, making academic success challenging regardless of admission. 

Is the LSAT becoming obsolete?

The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the Council's proposed change in February 2023. 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.

Can you become a lawyer without taking the LSAT?

Yes. There are many law schools that don't require the LSAT. In fact, of the 199 ABA-accredited law schools, only 99 require applicants to submit LSAT scores. The other 100 ABA-accredited law schools allow applicants to choose to submit scores from the LSAT or the GRE.

Did Joe Biden pass a bar exam?

Yes, Joe Biden earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968 and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969, indicating he passed the bar exam required for practice, despite graduating in the lower half of his class. 

Did JFK ever pass the bar exam?

Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law in 1989. He then failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third try in July 1990. After failing the exam for a second time, Kennedy vowed that he would continue to take it until he was 95 years old or passed.

What is 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. 

What is Taylor Swift's SAT score?

Taylor Swift's specific SAT score isn't officially confirmed, but rumors and online discussions often mention a high score, with some claiming she scored 1540 out of 1600, placing her in the 99th percentile, while others point out she chose to focus on her music career and didn't attend a traditional college, making her score less publicized. 

What is the IQ of Ben Affleck?

Ben Affleck's IQ is often cited as 154, placing him in the gifted range, though specific figures for celebrities can vary and aren't always officially verified; this high score reflects his intelligence, seen in his successful screenwriting and directing career, including winning an Oscar for Good Will Hunting. 

What was Kobe Bryant's SAT score?

Kobe Bryant scored a 1080 on the SAT, a respectable score that, along with his high grades, would have gained him admission to top colleges like Duke and North Carolina, but he chose to go directly to the NBA from high school instead. His score was out of 1600, and while he didn't attend college, his academics were strong enough to have qualified him.
 

What was Mark Zuckerberg's SAT score?

Mark Zuckerberg reportedly scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT, achieving the maximum score possible on the old 1600-point scale before attending Harvard University. This accomplishment highlights his academic prowess alongside his tech genius, a feat matched by other tech leaders like Bill Gates (1590). 

Can I get into Duke with a 1480 SAT?

Yes, you can get into Duke with a 1480 SAT score, as it's at the lower end (25th percentile) of their middle 50% range for admitted students (typically 1480-1570), but your admission heavily depends on exceptional strength in other areas like GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and rigor of courses, as scores alone aren't enough for this highly selective university. While some get in with lower scores due to outstanding profiles, submitting a score below the 25th percentile can put you at a disadvantage unless balanced by remarkable achievements elsewhere, especially since many successful applicants submit scores within or above the 1480-1570 range.