Is the GRE or LSAT better for law school?

Asked by: Paxton Auer  |  Last update: July 22, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (70 votes)

The LSAT is a better predictor of success than the GRE
To apply to law school, candidates submit their undergraduate GPA -- but there is no guarantee that a 3.0 or 4.0 from one university is equivalent to the same GPA from another.

Is the LSAT harder than the GRE?

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.

Does Harvard prefer LSAT or 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.

Should I take both the GRE and the LSAT?

If your GRE score is better than your LSAT score, though, and you have the bandwidth to take two tests, there is no reason not to take it and send it along with the LSAT. It can show versatility, and a deep commitment to the process.

Can you take LSAT and GRE for law school?

Quick Facts about Law School Admission & GRE Scores

So you can't take the LSAT and the GRE and then choose which score to submit. If you opt to take the GRE instead of the LSAT, you must direct ETS to submit your GRE score to the university, a separate step outside of the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.

LSAT, GMAT, GRE: Which Test Should You Take for Law School?

45 related questions found

Why take the GRE instead of the LSAT?

The LSAT has difficult logical and analytical reasoning questions; the GRE has math. The GRE is easier to sign up for; the LSAT is more of a known quantity. GRE scores allow you to apply to more graduate programs; LSAT scores allow you to apply to more law schools.

Do law schools like the GRE?

Law schools don't recommend that you take the GRE instead of the LSAT. However, depending on your situation (you already have a strong GRE score, you're more comfortable with GRE content instead of the LSAT, etc.), you could opt to apply with a strong GRE score. Below is a list of law schools that accept GRE scores!

Is the LSAT harder than the MCAT?

If you're an experienced test-taker used to memorizing complex facts and information ahead of time, the MCAT may be a bit easier for you. Meanwhile, the LSAT could be the simpler option for proficient readers and writers with logical, analytical minds.

Is the LSAT outdated?

‍The LSAT isn't going away.

But it won't take effect until 2025. And remember: all we're doing here is removing a requirement to use an admissions test. Law schools don't use the LSAT because they're required to use it! They use it because they find it helpful for making sound admissions decisions.

Does Yale Law School require LSAT or GRE?

We do not have a preference among these standardized tests. However, you may submit score(s) from one standardized test only. If you have a reportable LSAT score, you may not submit a GRE score for consideration. If you choose to apply with the LSAT, you must take the LSAT no later than January 2024.

How hard is a 175 LSAT?

A 175+LSAT test taker will be able to identify specifically what word, idea, or phrase makes an answer choice incorrect. For most questions, there will be multiple problems with each answer choice.

What matters more LSAT or GPA?

Just how important the LSAT relative to other elements of your overall application package varies a little from school to school. However, generally, your LSAT score alone is thought to be anywhere from twice as important as your GPA to four to five times as important!

Is 5 months enough time to study for the LSAT?

If you have other responsibilities and can only dedicate three to four hours a day to the LSAT, you should give yourself five to six months to study. In total, you should study around 300–400 hours for this exam. This amount of time is generally enough to gain a thorough understanding of how to ace the LSAT.

How much time do you need to study for the GRE?

Shah suggests students set aside two to three months for intensive GRE study, or that they spread out their test prep over three to four months.

How long do you need to study for the LSAT?

Determining how many hours you need for LSAT prep

We recommend that most students look to spend 150–300 hours on LSAT prep; that's a healthy range over a two or three-month period at around 20–25 hours per week, which is a standard amount for most students.

What is the LSAT in Canada?

The LSAT is an exam used as part of admission to law schools in the United states, Canada, and many other countries.

Is a 170 LSAT good?

170 score: Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is almost always considered a good score — that means you are in the 2-3% of test-takers.

Can you pass or fail the LSAT?

The LSAT scores range from 120-180, with 120 being the lowest possible score. If you are wondering what a good LSAT Score is, there is no failing or passing score on the LSAT. But your score is more than simply the number of questions you got right or wrong—it's slightly more complicated than that.

Can I get into Harvard with 300 GRE?

Generally, the highest possible GRE Harvard score is 340, and the lowest possible score is 260. According to this, any score above 300 or 300 itself will qualify as a good score to meet Harvard GRE requirements. However, it is imperative to check the GRE score requirements for the university of your choice.

Is 80% good on the GRE?

In general, any score above the 50th percentile can be considered a decent GRE score. Try to aim for a score that's higher than the average of students in your prospective program. Remember to focus on the GRE section that's most relevant to your field of study.

What GPA do you need for GRE?

More than a 3.5 GPA is required for highly viable programmes. What do you mean by GRE? The GRE stands for “Graduate Record Examination.” It is a highly standardized test administered by ETS as a prerequisite for admission to universities across Canada, the United States, and a few other countries.

How does GRE score compared to LSAT?

LSAT and GRE have different Scoring Range

The GRE provides separate scores for quant and verbal, on a scale of 130-170 for each. The LSAT gives a single score on a range of 120-180. The GRE to LSAT conversion tool tries to convert the two GRE scores into a single LSAT score.

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years. ETS will keep your score report on file for five years after you take the test. Since the makers of the GRE consider scores to be valid for five years, schools also accept scores that were originally issued up to five years ago. David Recine is a GRE expert at Magoosh.com.

Does Columbia law accept GRE?

Columbia Law School accepts the LSAT and the GRE as a basis for admission.