Should I take the GRE instead of LSAT?
Asked by: Dr. Chester Yundt | Last update: April 5, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (21 votes)
You should take the GRE instead of the LSAT if you're strong in math/quant and verbal, prefer a general grad school test, or need flexibility for dual degrees, but the LSAT is generally better for pure law school admissions as it's a stronger predictor of success and often preferred by top schools, especially if you excel at logic and reading comprehension without needing math. The best approach is to take practice tests for both to see which better showcases your abilities and yields higher percentile scores, as that's the key factor for admissions.
Is the GRE harder than the LSAT?
Neither the GRE nor the LSAT is universally harder; difficulty is subjective, depending on your strengths, but the LSAT is generally considered more difficult due to its intense focus on complex logical reasoning, especially Logic Games, which few people develop in undergrad, while the GRE tests broader skills like math and vocabulary that some find easier to improve with focused study. If you struggle with logic puzzles, the GRE might be easier, but if you're strong in quant and vocab but weak in nuanced reasoning, the LSAT could be better.
Do law schools prefer GRE or LSAT?
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is the preferred test for law school admissions. Recently, some law schools began using the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), creating a second option for fulfilling the standardized test requirement on law school applications.
Does Harvard prefer LSAT or GRE?
We do not have a preference for either exam.
Similarly, applicants who choose to submit a GRE General Test score (instead of the LSAT) are required to report all valid test scores from the previous five-year period.
What did Obama get on LSAT?
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.
Should I Take the LSAT or GRE for Law School? | GRE vs LSAT
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.
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.
Is 320 a competitive GRE score?
Is 320 a good GRE score? Yes—320 (e.g., 160V/160Q) is competitive at many programs. For top-tier or quant-heavy fields, stronger section balances (e.g., 163–168+ Quant) can help.
Does Yale accept GRE for law school?
Applicants who have taken the GRE can log into their ETS accounts and select Yale Law School as a recipient of GRE results using the school code 4542. Additionally, please ensure that the GRE score report submitted with the application is requested on or after the date you submit your Yale Law School application.
Is GRE waived off for 2025?
For a 2025 GRE fee waiver (reduction), you apply directly to ETS (Educational Testing Service) with proof of financial need (like your FAFSA SAR) or unemployment, using the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form, which gives you 50% off the test fee and access to study materials. University programs also offer separate GRE waivers for their admissions, often requiring a specific form and academic justification.
Is 27 too late for law school?
No, 27 is not too old for law school; in fact, life and work experience gained by that age are often seen as advantages, making you more focused and mature than many younger students, with many older students finding fulfilling careers and succeeding in law school. While the average student might be younger, a significant portion of law students are 30 or older, and your maturity, different perspective, and practicality can strengthen your application and your experience in law school.
What is the top 1% GRE score?
A top 1% GRE score generally means near-perfect scores, around 170 Verbal, 170 Quant, and 5.5-6.0 on Analytical Writing (AWA), placing you above 99% of test-takers, though exact percentiles fluctuate slightly by year, with 169-170 Verbal and 170 Quant often hitting the top percentiles.
Can I use GRE instead of LSAT?
More than half of ABA-accredited law schools now accept the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in addition to the traditional Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for admission to their JD programs. This shift reflects efforts to broaden access to legal education and attract a more diverse range of applicants.
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.
Do law schools favor LSAT over GRE?
The reality is that, for now, schools prefer to see an excellent LSAT® score over an excellent GRE score for two reasons: The LSAT® is a better indication of how a student will fare at law school, and. The LSAT® is a powerful component of law school rankings.
What is a 90% on the GRE?
Total GRE Score: A combined score of 330 or higher (Verbal + Quantitative) will generally place you around the 90th percentile. This total score reflects a strong overall performance, placing you well above average in both sections.
What is the average GRE score for MIT?
MIT GRE scores and an overview of the Institute
If you want to get into MIT, remember to aim for a 160+ overall score. You also need a strong quantitative and verbal section emphasizing your preferred subject area—engineering or science. The average MIT GRE scores required is between 155 and 165.
How to get 330+ in GRE?
101 Powerful Tips to Score 330+ on the GRE
- Get to Know the Test. ...
- Take a Diagnostic Test. ...
- Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses. ...
- Set a Realistic Target Score. ...
- Understand How Much Time You Will Need. ...
- Make Your Own Study Plan. ...
- Review the Basics. ...
- Learn to Balance Your Time.
Does Elle Woods have autism?
No, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde is not officially written as autistic, but many fans and viewers interpret her character as potentially being on the autism spectrum due to exhibiting traits like intense focus on interests (fashion, law), strong memory, attention to detail, literal thinking, and social communication challenges that resonate with autistic experiences, leading to theories that she's "coded autistic" or displays autistic traits.
What's an Ivy League LSAT score?
LSAT Score Ranges for Ivy League Law Schools
To gain admittance to an Ivy League law school, you should score in the 172-175 range. In addition to a stellar LSAT score, many Ivy League law schools also require near-perfect GPAs.
How many LSAT takers get a 180?
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. Remember: These scores are based on actual test-takers, not the population at large.
Did Joe Biden pass his 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.
How many times did Kim Kardashian take the bar exam?
Kim Kardashian has taken the official California Bar Exam once, in July 2025, and did not pass, but she did pass the "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) on her fourth attempt in late 2021 after failing it three times previously, allowing her to proceed to the main exam. She has plans to retake the main bar exam, with opportunities in February 2026 and beyond, as California law allows multiple attempts.
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.