Why take the GRE instead of the LSAT?

Asked by: Ms. Daniela McKenzie  |  Last update: July 19, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (7 votes)

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.

Why is the GRE better than the LSAT?

The Graduate Record Exam, or GRE, is designed to test a broader range of skills than the LSAT. You'll be tested on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

Do law schools prefer GRE over LSAT?

Since law schools will be able to see your LSAT score, and since schools generally prioritize the LSAT over the GRE, it is advisable that you don't take both exams. Although a high GRE score can somewhat mitigate a low LSAT score, law schools are required to report the LSAT scores of their incoming class.

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.

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.

Former Harvard Law School Admission Officer on LSAT vs GRE

29 related questions found

Is the GRE test harder than 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 look down on GRE?

Do Law Schools Accept the GRE Instead of the LSAT? As of November 2021, ABA-accredited law schools can accept GRE scores in lieu of LSAT scores. This decision came after the deciding ABA council voted in favor of accepting the GRE.

Can I get into law school without LSAT and GRE?

Yes, you can. Many law schools in the U.S. (including prestigious ones) don't require the LSAT. However, they require the GRE; exam applicants take to apply to grad school.

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.

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 the LSAT matter anymore?

(Reuters) - The arm of the American Bar Association that accredits U.S. law schools on Friday voted to eliminate the longstanding requirement that schools use the Law School Admission Test or other standardized test when admitting students.

What matters more GPA or LSAT score?

Most law schools tend to give LSAT scores a bit more weight, but some schools care more about grades. The admissions process is inevitably subjective, and some admissions officers might be more forgiving of a gap than others.

What are the pros and cons of GRE exam?

Its advantages focus on its use and function, while its disadvantages are the fees, test bias, and prep costs.

Can I take both LSAT and GRE?

You may opt to submit both LSAT and GRE scores, but you are not required to submit your GRE scores if you have a reportable LSAT score on file.

Is the GRE really that important?

In fact, some studies have shown a correlation between GRE scores and program completion, grade point average, and other important measures of graduate student performance. So, if a graduate program requires GRE scores, you can bet it pays attention to them!

Is a 148 LSAT score bad?

Typical LSAT score ranges include: 120-147 Low. 148-156 Mid. 157-164 High.

Has anyone gotten a 180 on the LSAT?

Getting an LSAT score of 180 or a “perfect score” is extremely rare. According to data published by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), from 2006-2009 of all LSATs administered, approximately 144,000 per year, only 0.1% received a 180.

How similar is the GRE to the LSAT?

The GRE includes math and vocabulary questions, but the LSAT does not. Haynes says that one of the most significant differences between the GRE and the LSAT is that the GRE includes quantitative reasoning sections, which can be challenging for students who have not taken math courses for a while.

What is a good GRE score for law school?

What Is A Good Score on the GRE For Law School? An overall GRE score of about 328, with quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning in the range of 155 - 170, and analytical writing scores of 4.0 is considered a strong result for prestigious law schools.

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.

How long are GRE scores valid for law school?

An LSAT score is considered valid if you earned your score on or after June 1, 2016. Depending on when you took the GRE, the GRE score is valid for five years from the date you took the test or for five years following the year in which you tested.

What is a good score on the GRE?

Generally, a 75th percentile is a pretty good GRE score, and a 90th percentile is an excellent one. Thus, we can say that a score of 318 and above is good, whereas a score of 329 is an excellent one.

What is the most difficult part of the LSAT?

Analytical Reasoning Tips

This is considered one of the most difficult sections of the LSAT because of how abstract it is. Test-takers will be thrown curve balls left and right and have to find a way to keep up.