How similar is the GRE to the LSAT?
Asked by: Jaclyn Kuvalis III | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (17 votes)
Although the GRE® General Test and LSAT use different names for the skill sets they measure, there is actually quite a bit of overlap. The skills measured by the LSAT's Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning section are assessed in the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE® General Test.
Is the GRE harder than the LSAT?
For most test-takers, an elite LSAT® score is much harder to achieve than an elite GRE score. However, certain characteristics – stronger verbal skills and weaker quant skills, for example – might make the GRE a tougher test for you personally.
Do law schools prefer the GRE or LSAT?
Why are so few students admitted to law school with a GRE score? In short, law schools still seem to prefer the LSAT®, for all sorts of reasons.
Can the GRE replace the LSAT?
At the end of 2022, more than 94 accredited law schools were accepting the GRE instead of the LSAT as part of the application for admission. That number may continue to grow should the American Bar Association (ABA) continue to change its testing requirements for law schools.
Is it harder to get into law school with GRE?
Getting into law school with a GRE is not easier or harder. Admission teams assess applicants holistically. If you have a good reason for submitting a GRE score in place of an LSAT score, your chances are the same as everyone else in the applicant pool.
Should I Take the LSAT or GRE for Law School? | GRE vs LSAT
Is 320 a good GRE score for law school?
For top 20 law schools, the median composite GRE score for accepted students runs from 332 to 319. So, a pair of 160's (for a composite score of 320) on the GRE wouldn't put you in a great position for Yale or Harvard, but would be decent for USC or Boston University, for example.
Can I get into Harvard Law with GRE?
Harvard Law School accepts either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). We do not have a preference for either exam. Similarly, a candidate is not considered more committed by taking both exams or disadvantaged by taking the same exam multiple times.
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.
What GRE score do I need for law school?
Therefore, we can conclude from this data that an LSAT score above 170 or GRE score above 328 is considered competitive for the most prestigious law schools in the US.
What is the LSAT score for Harvard Law?
The 1L class at Harvard University has a median LSAT of 174. The 25th percentile LSAT is 171 and the 75th percentile LSAT is 176. The median GPA is 3.93. The 25th percentile GPA is 3.84 and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.99.
Should I take both LSAT and GRE?
Many law schools, Seton Hall included, accept both the LSAT and GRE for consideration, but you should choose one test and stick with it.
Does LSAT have math?
No, the LSAT does not explicitly test math. You may see some questions about percentages in the logical reasoning (arguments) section, and some analytical reasoning questions (i.e., logic games) may resemble math problems, but these questions are designed to test your logical reasoning, not your mathematical knowledge.
What is the hardest part of the GRE?
The most difficult part of the GRE varies from person to person, as it depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. Some may struggle with the vocabulary and reading comprehension in the Verbal Reasoning section, while others may find the Quantitative Reasoning section more challenging.
How hard is it to get a 178 on the LSAT?
The LSAT is scored on a bell curve, ranging from 120 to 180. On recent tests, the hump of the curve has centered around 153. Percentiles vary slightly between tests, but generally around 25% of test-takers score 160 or higher, 5% score 170 or higher, and 1% score 175 or higher. Only one in 1,000 test-takers scores 180.
Is the LSAT one of the hardest exams in the world?
Challenging Test: The LSAT is a highly challenging test requiring strong reasoning, critical thinking, and time management skills. Sections and Skills: It includes Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and an unscored Writing Sample, each testing different essential skills.
Is 317 a good GRE score?
Using this data, we can generally state that anything above 317 is a good GRE score that can put you in good stead for most competitive programs. While a score below 310 can still be good enough for most public universities, it makes you less likely to qualify for the more selective programs.
What is the average GRE score for Harvard Law?
To be comparable, you should aim for a GRE score of at least 165+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections, as well as a strong Analytical Writing score (5.0 or higher would be ideal). Keep in mind that these numbers are just ballpark figures, and each applicant will be evaluated holistically.
Does Duke law accept the GRE?
All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Can I go to law school without LSAT?
While many law schools still require potential students to take the LSAT and submit their scores, there is a growing trend away from this requirement. Today there are several highly respected law schools that no longer require this specific type of test, and more schools are following suit each year.
Is it bad to take the LSAT a lot?
It May Not Be Worth the Extra Effort and Stress
Most students who take the LSAT more than once will typically only score one to two points better on their retake. Because of this, it might not be worth all the extra work that goes into the LSAT.
Why are law schools getting rid of LSAT?
A Wall Street Journal article about the ABA move quoted Leo Martinez, an ABA council member and dean emeritus at University of California, Hastings College of the Law, who said, “In the grand scheme of things, folks of color perform less well on the LSAT than not, and for that reason, I think we are headed in the right ...
What did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?
Elle Woods, a fictional character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Legally Blonde, is known for her remarkable LSAT score—179 out of 180. Portrayed as a stereotypical "valley girl," she embarks on a journey to Harvard Law School in the movie that has since become a cult favorite.
How many times can you take the LSAT?
How many times may I take the LSAT? Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2019). A total of seven times over a lifetime.