Why is the GRE better than the LSAT?
Asked by: Prof. Freeman D'Amore | Last update: September 26, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)
The GRE offers more flexibility for students than the LSAT. Students are able to take the GRE whenever they want, while the LSAT is only offered a few times a year on specific dates and times. Students may also take the GRE as many times as they'd like in their lifetime but can only take it up to five times a year.
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.
Has anyone gotten into law school with GRE?
Many law schools in the US have started to accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) along with or instead of the LSAT for a variety of reasons, which we'll explore further here. However, most of the law schools in Canada continue to require LSAT scores, and have not adopted the GRE.
Do law schools look down on the GRE?
Do Law Schools Look Down on GRE? While there may have been some initial skepticism about accepting GRE scores in lieu of LSAT scores, many law schools now accept GRE scores and don't view them in a negative light.
What are the pros and cons of the GRE?
Its advantages focus on its use and function, while its disadvantages are the fees, test bias, and prep costs.
LSAT vs. GRE - Which Test Scores Does UCLA Law School Prefer?
Why take GRE instead of LSAT?
The GRE offers more flexibility for students than the LSAT. Students are able to take the GRE whenever they want, while the LSAT is only offered a few times a year on specific dates and times.
Why is the GRE being phased out?
“The decision to eliminate the GRE was based on evidence of bias and structural barriers that we as a school aim to eliminate to ensure that all students have access to high-quality educational programs,” says Sullivan.
Which is harder, GRE or LSAT?
Bottom line: A “good” LSAT® score is harder to achieve than a “good” GRE score for admission to law school.
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.
Why are law schools accepting GRE?
GRE scores are accepted at 100+ law schools because doing so enables schools to attract applicants from a larger, more diverse pool of potential candidates. It also creates more opportunities and reduces barriers for applicants.
Can you submit both GRE and LSAT?
If I take both the GRE and LSAT, am I required to submit my GRE scores? You are not required to submit your GRE score, and you may submit only your LSAT scores if you prefer. Seton Hall Law will automatically receive all LSAT scores through your CAS report. You may, however, submit scores on both tests.
How long does it take to study for GRE?
According to ETS research, most test takers prepare for 1 to 3 months, so try to give yourself at least that amount of time.
What is the average GRE score for Harvard Law?
Median GRE Score
In their most recent admissions cycle, Harvard Law matriculants had a median GRE Quantitative score of 165, a median GRE Verbal score of 167, and a median GRE Writing score of 5.5. Harvard is one of the many law schools that accepts both GRE and LSAT scores.
How hard is it to get a 170 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.
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.
What is the lowest GPA to get into Harvard Law School?
A high GPA is 3.99 and the median is 3.92. There's no lowest GPA but you probably won't get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA. Your GPA still needs to be somewhat competitive with the median GPA. That said, you can get into Harvard Law School even if your GPA is 3.82 or lower.
Is 295 a bad GRE score?
A GRE score average of 290 to 300 can take you to a quality university in the USA, which would surely help you take off your career ladder.
Is a 3.33 GPA good for law school?
A low GPA for law schools will entirely depend on your goals. If your GPA is at or below a school's 25th percentile, your GPA will be considered low for that school. So generally, if you're trying to get into the top schools, a GPA below 3.6 will be considered low.
Do law schools prefer LSAT over GRE?
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.
Is the LSAT outdated?
The final date you can sit for the old LSAT is June 8, 2024. The new LSAT is replacing the old one. So, schools that require or accept LSAT scores will accept scores from the new test. The new LSAT replaces the Analytical Reasoning section (Logic Games) with a second scored Logical Reasoning section.
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.
Which LSAT month is the hardest?
There isn't one specific month that is the easiest or hardest to write the LSAT, and if there was, it would change each year since the students writing the LSAT change each year! The hardest test will be the one you haven't fully prepared for, regardless of the month!
Is Harvard not accepting the GRE?
Are applicants required to submit GRE scores? Submission of GRE test results is optional, as we do not require the GRE examination for consideration for admissions.
What GRE score is required for MIT?
MIT University does not have a strict minimum GRE score requirement. However, competitive applicants typically have scores in the upper percentiles, especially for STEM programs. For example, a score between 165-170 in the Quantitative Reasoning section is common for engineering and computer science applicants.
Do grad schools still want the GRE?
Key Takeaways. A growing number of master's programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. Popular no-GRE master's programs include accounting, computer science, IT, nursing, and psychology. You may have to complete other application requirements like an interview or have a high GPA.