Crack law admissions with GRE insights and trends

GRE vs. LSAT for law school admission

Key insights

• A recalibrated approach, one that values diverse strengths and reduces barriers, can enrich both legal education and the profession.
• A strong GRE score can serve as a "second credential," helping applicants offset weaknesses and showcase their abilities where it matters most.
• Adaptability and informed strategy are essential as law school admissions policies, technology, and values change rapidly.
• Overemphasis on test scores and conventional backgrounds can overlook valuable talent.

Law school admissions have undergone significant changes in recent years. More schools now accept both the GRE and LSAT, giving applicants more options and new challenges. Traditionally, the LSAT was viewed as the primary test for law school, while the GRE, used across many graduate programs, has become an increasingly attractive option, especially for candidates with diverse academic or professional backgrounds.

Deciding between the GRE and the LSAT requires more than just personal preference. It involves researching admissions policies, understanding current trends, and honestly assessing your strengths as an applicant. Knowing how each test could influence your application is essential for making the best choice.

Rethinking admissions standards

For decades, the LSAT was the primary test for law school admission in the U.S. While it effectively measures analytical abilities, its format, with challenging logic games and fast-paced reading, can put some talented students at a disadvantage, especially those who process information more methodically or come from backgrounds less focused on standardized testing. This is particularly meaningful for English learners, students with learning differences, or individuals from underrepresented communities.

In response, many law schools now consider the GRE. The GRE offers flexible timing, permits the use of calculators on math sections, and covers a broader set of skills. For applicants who find the LSAT’s format restrictive, the GRE may allow them to highlight their strengths more clearly. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has observed that GRE submissions from law school candidates continue to rise as more schools strive to attract a broader and more diverse pool.

By accepting both exams, schools reach applicants who might have been discouraged by old barriers. However, they also face the challenge of fairly weighing different test results when evaluating candidates. This evolution signals a shift toward holistic admissions, evaluating candidates on multiple strengths rather than a single score.

Welcoming a range of testing options helps schools build classes with broader perspectives and talents, enriching classrooms and ultimately the legal profession.

Using the GRE to strengthen your application

While some graduate programs are phasing out test requirements, a high GRE score can still boost your application, particularly if your academic path doesn’t follow traditional patterns. Impressive results on the GRE’s verbal and quantitative sections can make up for weaker transcripts or prove you’re ready for graduate-level work.

Take the GRE verbal section, for example: a strong score here highlights top-tier reading and reasoning skills, crucial for law studies, even if your college grades aren’t outstanding. Admissions teams often use these scores to spot potential beyond what transcripts reveal. In technical or data-focused programs, your GRE quant result can signal readiness for challenging analysis, even if your academic history has limited exposure to math.

For applicants with unconventional backgrounds, international students, or those switching careers, a strong GRE score can be especially helpful. When used thoughtfully, it becomes a valuable “second credential,” showing skills not seen in other parts of your application.

Check the median GRE scores for your target schools and programs as you plan your preparation. This research helps you set clear goals and craft an application strategy that underscores your strengths.

Navigating changing admissions trends

Staying updated on law school admissions trends benefits everyone involved. Recent developments indicate that schools are moving away from a strict reliance on standardized tests. The American Bar Association (ABA) now allows law schools to fill up to 25% of their entering classes without requiring a standardized test, encouraging more holistic reviews that consider personal statements, recommendations, and life experiences alongside scores.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are also gaining attention. Law schools are adjusting their recruitment strategies to attract applicants from a broader range of backgrounds. This shift provides candidates with more opportunities to share their personal stories and highlight strengths that extend beyond academic metrics.

Technology is also reshaping the application process. Tools like digital interviews, online recommendation platforms, and AI-powered screening require clear communication and flexibility. Applicants who embrace these changes are better prepared to succeed.

Being proactive and responsive to new options, whether that’s submitting a GRE score or emphasizing unique personal strengths, can set your application apart. Law schools are also piloting new review methods to attract stronger and more varied cohorts. Adjusting your approach to these trends can benefit both you and the institutions to which you’re applying.

Rethinking application strategies and traditions

Admissions processes are evolving quickly. In the past, standardized tests and a strict definition of “fit” determined who advanced to the next level. Today, more schools recognize that such measures can overlook exceptional candidates and fresh perspectives. For example, MBA programs often prioritize leadership skills, work experience, and resilience, not just test scores.

Top schools, such as Harvard and Chicago Booth, have added narrative essays, recommendation letters, and interviews to their applications, sometimes setting aside test requirements during unusual circumstances. This shift shows that you don’t need a perfect score to catch attention: initiative, adaptability, and strong communication have real value.

Graduate programs are increasingly welcoming candidates with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Varied experiences can spur innovative thinking in the classroom. If your journey is unconventional, use your application to highlight how your background will contribute and what sets your perspective apart.

Practical steps can help: write a focused personal statement, explain any academic gaps or changes in direction, and seek recommendations from individuals who truly understand your abilities. Borrowing strategies from MBA admissions, such as developing a standout “personal brand” or highlighting leadership and resilience, can also make your application memorable.

By placing less emphasis on test scores and traditional ideas of fit, both applicants and schools play a role in building more dynamic and engaging learning communities.

GRE as a strategic alternative to the LSAT

When law schools rely only on the LSAT’s strict timing and reading demands, they may overlook talented applicants whose strengths lie elsewhere. The GRE, particularly its verbal section, gives those candidates another platform to excel. Choosing the GRE can help overcome barriers to the LSAT and appeal to institutions that value diversity and inclusion.

As law schools update admissions policies to attract more nontraditional applicants, think carefully about where the GRE fits in your strategy. Keeping up with policy changes and larger trends empowers you to present yourself in the best light.

The admissions landscape continues to evolve. By questioning old assumptions and considering different pathways, whether you choose the GRE, tell a memorable story, or showcase an unconventional background, you can approach law school applications with clarity and confidence, opening up more opportunities for success.