The changing landscape of law school admissions
Jeff is the founder of Long Island Test Prep. He has been helping students maximize their success since 1991, both in his previous career as a Social Studies Teacher and in his ongoing work guiding thousands of students through the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, and GMAT exams. In recent years, he has found particular enjoyment in helping students make the most of technology to boost their progress. From mastering the fundamentals to conquering the peculiarities of each exam, he enjoys the challenge of helping students find the path to achieving their goals.
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Law school admissions have become more adaptable over the past few years. One major shift is the growing acceptance of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as an alternative to the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Now, applicants can choose between two distinct exams, each measuring different skills. Your decision extends beyond just admissions outcomes; it also impacts how you present your abilities.
Selecting the right exam can significantly impact your level of competitiveness, scholarship opportunities, and ultimately, your law school experience. By examining the differences and strategic opportunities between the GRE and LSAT, you can pick the route that aligns with your strengths and goals.
GRE as a law school admission option
The GRE’s acceptance marks a significant transformation in law school admissions. Once, the LSAT was the sole entry point to U.S. law schools, but now top programs, such as Harvard, Columbia, and Northwestern, also accept GRE scores. This expands possibilities for applicants from various academic and professional fields, including those in engineering or business, who may not have previously considered a career in law.
As of 2024, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) reports that nearly 100 U.S. law schools accept the GRE, a sharp rise since 2017. More than half of American law schools have embraced or plan to embrace this test. Data from schools such as the University of Arizona reveal that students admitted with GRE scores perform just as successfully as their peers admitted with LSAT scores.
However, this broader acceptance creates new decisions for applicants. Not every law school accepts the GRE, and some may do so only for joint-degree applicants. As admissions standards continue to evolve, always verify the requirements for each program you are considering. The LSAT remains the most widely recognized test, particularly for applicants focused strictly on law or targeting a broad array of schools.
Welcoming GRE scores signals a larger shift in legal education, one that values inclusivity and diverse backgrounds. As your choices grow, careful research and honest self-assessment become even more important.
Strategic test selection: Play to your strengths
Choosing between the GRE and LSAT can significantly influence your path to law school. The most effective strategy is to play to your strengths instead of letting an exam’s reputation sway your decision. Begin by taking official, full-length practice tests for each. Percentile scores show how you stack up against other test-takers, and this is the metric admissions committees will focus on.
Each exam has its own focus. The LSAT emphasizes logical reasoning and reading comprehension, demanding strong skills in critical argument analysis. It doesn’t include math. By contrast, the GRE assesses a broader range of abilities, including quantitative reasoning, advanced vocabulary, and analytical writing. If you excel at math or scientific thinking, the GRE may be more comfortable. If you’re adept at interpreting dense writing and dissecting arguments, the LSAT might steer you further.
ETS often reports that students with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, or math tend to outperform humanities majors in the GRE’s quantitative section. Your academic experiences can influence your aptitude for one test over another.
Percentile ranks should guide your choice, since direct score comparisons between the GRE and LSAT aren’t possible. Admissions committees look at how your score compares to other applicants. If your GRE score puts you in the 90th percentile while your LSAT result hits only the 60th, the GRE may be the better way to show your strengths.
Picking the exam that best aligns with your abilities makes you a stronger contender, maximizes your study time, and can make the preparation process less stressful. Taking a data-driven, personalized approach yields better results for both you and schools.
Comparing GRE and LSAT content
Knowing how each test is designed can help you make an informed decision.
The LSAT was built for law school admissions. It focuses entirely on reading comprehension and logical reasoning. There are no math questions. Its reading passages are dense and require sharp analytical skills, mirroring the kinds of thinking law school demands.
The GRE is used for a variety of graduate programs. It assesses verbal reasoning (emphasizing vocabulary and reading comprehension), quantitative reasoning (covering topics such as algebra and geometry), and analytical writing. Students who are comfortable with math or vocabulary-heavy sections may find the GRE more approachable, while those less experienced with quantitative or verbal skills may find that extra studying is required.
Your education plays a role in making the right choice. Philosophy or English majors might find the LSAT more familiar, while engineering or math majors may feel at home with the skills measured by the GRE.
Examining these differences can reveal where your abilities fit and where you are most likely to succeed.
Scholarships, score reporting, and application strategy
Many prospective students ask if submitting GRE scores instead of the LSAT could impact scholarship consideration or overall admission odds. Generally, law schools accepting both exams compare applicants based on percentile ranks and the full strength of each application. Scholarships are typically awarded based on test scores, academic records, and notable achievements.
There isn’t a universal formula for converting GRE scores to LSAT scores. While some online tools offer rough estimates, the two tests are fundamentally different in content and scoring. Always check the score policies and requirements for every law school you’re applying to.
Some students consider taking both exams to widen their options. However, most schools only consider your highest score, and preparing for two challenging tests can be a heavy burden. It’s often more effective to focus your efforts on the test that best aligns with your skill set and objectives.
Target your research to the schools on your list and pick the test that allows you to present your best self as an applicant.
Choose the test that highlights your strengths
Making the decision between the GRE and the LSAT requires clear, thoughtful planning. Both exams require serious commitment (typically 8 to 12 weeks and 100 to 120 hours of preparation). Your top priority should be matching the demands of each test with your own background and skill set.
The GRE assesses both quantitative and verbal skills, as well as analytical writing, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary. The LSAT concentrates on reading and logical reasoning, the very abilities you’ll need in law school.
Research consistently shows that applicants who choose the exam most compatible with their strengths achieve higher scores and enjoy a less stressful admissions process. Review the admissions websites of your selected schools, ensure you know their requirements, and rely on your practice test performance to guide your planning.
The best strategy isn’t to follow popular trends, but to identify the route that truly lets your abilities shine. This mindful preparation sets you apart, ensuring your scores reflect your capabilities and support your ambitions.
Law schools embrace flexibility: Your informed choice matters most
Law school admissions are evolving, with many leading programs now accepting both GRE and LSAT scores. This growing flexibility provides more ways for you to make your application stand out. The most important thing is to make a well-researched, data-driven decision on which test is right for you. Look at your percentile ranks, personal strengths, and preferences rather than relying on tradition or peer choices. Admissions committees work to evaluate applicants fairly, so submitting a GRE score won’t disadvantage you.
As admissions policies continue to evolve, a thoughtful and strategic approach to test selection will serve you well. By matching your exam choice to your strengths, you can take control of your application process and maximize your opportunities.
